Greetings from Detroit where I’m spending the morning with the Detroit Society of Catechetical Leaders talking about A Well-Built Faith! Luckily I did not have to miss one of my Monday night sessions with my 8th graders since yesterday, March 1, was Casimir Pulaski Day in Illinois, a state holiday, so we had no class. This coming Sunday is Confirmation and for once, I have the opportunity to actually attend the Confirmation Mass to see my class receive the Sacrament. I’m looking forward to it!
Related Articles
![No Picture](https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/wp-content/themes/mh-magazine/images/placeholder-medium.png)
A Mixed Bag
So last evening’s class was kind of a mixed bag. The main focus was on the “Ten Commandments Two-Minute Drills” that I wrote about yesterday. Here’s the scoop: All ten students were present and in good spirits. During opening prayer, one of the boys prayed for Brian Campbell, Blackhawks’ defenseman, who suffered a broken collar bone and cracked ribs as a result of a vicious hit by Alex Ovechkin on Sunday. I thought that was […]
![No Picture](https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/wp-content/themes/mh-magazine/images/placeholder-medium.png)
Under the Influence in San Antonio, TX!
A great big THANK YOU to all the good folks who participated in the Mid Winter Gathering for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, TX! I get a kick out of that title: mid-winter! It was about 80 degrees today! Anyway, I had the privilege of doing the keynote presentation on my new book, Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ, as well as a workshop on my earlier book, 7 Keys […]
![No Picture](https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/wp-content/themes/mh-magazine/images/placeholder-medium.png)
The Four Pillars of Our Faith: the Creed
This week, I’m featuring short excerpts from my book, A Well-Built Faith, focusing on the 4 pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Here’s a brief look at the first pillar: the Creed. Believing is something that we do, not only with our heads, but with our hearts. The following story illustrates this. A stunt man was thrilling crowds gathered at the Niagara Falls, making his way across a tightrope that stretched from one […]
I just got home after spending the morning at this DSCL event. I really enjoyed this presentation and I walked away with more tools to help me in my ministry. Thank you so much. God Bless
Eileen, thanks! I had a wonderful time with you and the good folks of the Detroit Society of Catechetical Leaders!
Joe:
I attended your presentation with DSCL. You are a very good story teller! Your examples reminded me of my own experiences in sharing with other faith traditions, and reminded me of some wonderful experiences with the Muslim community in the metro Detroit area. We can all learn from one another.
I liked your handy four pillars explanation from the CCC and your H.E.L.P. from the Beatles. Way cool! It is a good discussion image to use with RCIA, children, or any folks who have questions about our Faith as Catholics.
I also appreciated your emphasis on using simplicity to teach Truth and your suggestions of creative ways to share our Catholic identity with parish culture and others outside of our own faith tradition.
Your reminder to all of us that, “prayer is our response to God’s attempt to get our attention” has given me some hope this Lent on my own journey as I encounter the Cross in a big way in my own life.
I picked up your Bible Blueprint book at the DSCL event, and I think it will be a real asset to me in parish ministry and in home schooling my four children.
Best wishes to you in your ministry in the windy city.
Michelle, thanks for your kind words. I remember chatting with you when the morning was over as well as the comments you shared about your experiences with the Muslim community. I really enjoyed my visit to Detroit and was especially aware of the fact that many folks there are struggling either because of the economy or the changes happening in the Diocese or both. It was a privilege to be a part of a strong, positive, and enriching event thanks to the DSCL. I wish you continued success in your ministry, especially in raising/home schooling your 4 children. May your Lenten journey continue to lead you to an ever deepening capacity to celebrate the Risen Christ as Easter!