The current issue of RTJ’s Creative Catechist Magazine features an article that I wrote titled “How We Speak in the Kingdom of God” and describes how First Eucharist is an ideal time to introduce what I call a “language of mystery” to those we teach. Here’s a PDF of the article:
How We Speak in the Kingdom of God – Joe Paprocki article in RTJ’s Creative Catechist Magazine
Encourage families preparing a child to receive First Eucharist with a novena-style prayer to pray at home. Download the First Holy Communion Novena and make copies for parents, instructing them to begin praying 10 days before the day of First Holy Communion. Each day’s prayer time includes parts for children and parents, as well as a suggestion for a family practice for the next day. The text for the novena is from Christ Our Life, […]
I’ve touched on this issue before: the strange tradition we Catholics have of giving children money as a First Holy Communion gift. While a well-intentioned gesture, it makes little sense: “You’ve received the Body of Christ; now go out and buy something for yourself!” Anyway, I’ll get off my soapbox, but not before suggesting an alternative gift idea. I suggest the wonderful Dear Pope Francis book (also available in Spanish) as a most fitting First […]
This is the first of two articles about hosting a retreat for children preparing for their First Holy Communion and their parents. This article covers the preparations, planning, and materials needed for the retreat. An outline for the retreat will be provided in the second article. One of my favorite activities to do with the children is Come to the Table, our First Communion Retreat. This retreat has become an opportunity for family catechesis, when […]
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Hi Joe love the article!
It is so true that God’s language that He speaks to us is silence.
The suggestion of bringing the children to Adoration has been one of mine as well.
What do we do when our catechist teachers for first communion do not know what Adoration is? and this is true.(not a criticism to the amazing things they do).
How do we implement Adoration into a uniform curriculum so that all children in our faith get to experience the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and don’t have to wait til age 34 like me. I bring my whole family to Eucharistic adoration and the calming effects on myself and my family are amazing. I call it our Spiritual Massage.
Pope Benendict has been having brief moments of Eucharistic adoration after his masses so that the whole congregation gets to experience God’s Real Presence. (spending time in the Eucharist for a second really convert and deepen our relationship with God in ways that no priest or man can do.)
thanks for all you do!