Here are a couple of pics from my visit to Newark, NJ, last week, spending a couple of days with about 65 parish catechetical leaders reflecting on the 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness. Thanks, folks, for a great experience!
Here I am, back to the camera, participating in one of the beautiful prayer experiences they put together.
And, here I am, participating in one of the many table discussions we enjoyed.
“It is a proper and grave duty,” reads the Code of Canon Law, “especially of pastors of souls to take care of the catechesis of the Christian people so that the living faith of the faithful becomes manifest and active through doctrinal instruction and the experience of Christian life.” (#773) I may not remember much of my canon law from seminary, but whenever I see the word grave I know it refers to something that […]
“But, really, is there such a thing as a catechist who is not creative? Creativity is what sustains us as catechists.” (Pope Francis at the International Congress on Catechesis, September 27, 2013) Catechists and catechetical leaders have certainly proved themselves to be flexible and creative during this past year and a half of upheaval. Many catechists and catechetical leaders exercised great creativity and “stick-with-it-ness” in reaching out to their students and families with great enthusiasm and […]
Our annual Lenten journey has begun. I don’t know about you, but it seems like I always start this penitential season really well, but then quickly fall into the same old busy-ness of parish life. In fact, for most catechetical leaders, Lent is our busiest time of the year. How do we counter that? First and foremost, we have to make a commitment to prayerfully focus on what the season means. It’s a time to […]
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Joe! We had a tremendous time! Thank you so much for sharing your gifts! We always look forward to your presentations! God bless!
Thanks Geri!
I was a former head catechist in our parish of St. Michael,Matanao, Davao del Sur. Recently I was requested to give formation to the catechists. What i really need now are some topics to consider for Catechists Formation. Could I solicit some of your insights in giving Catechists Formation? I am anticipating for your immediate reply. Thank you very much!
Hi Elena. The first place to check would be with your own diocese to see if they have guidelines for catechist formation. Typically, you would want to cover the 4 pillars of the Catechism: Creed, Sacraments/Liturgy, Morality, and Prayer along with Scripture and catechetical skills. A good resource to begin with is A Well-Built Faith which covers the 4 pillars. Let me know if I can be of more help.
Hi Joe – I am the Coordinator of Faith Formation & our Parish is looking at doing a “book club” on “The Bible Blueprint” in the fall. I downloaded the leaders guide & it shows 9 sessions. What do you recommend as a time frame for each session 90 minutes? Also is it possible to condense it into 8 sessions? If so what would be the best to do, Session 1 & 2 together? Any comments would be greatly appreciated! We did the “Days of Faith” program earlier this year & from that everyone wanted to go further with “The Bible Blueprint” so we are.
Hi Debbie and thanks for using The Bible Blueprint. Yes, I think 90 minutes is a good time frame and combining sessions 1 & 2 should work fine to meet your scheduling needs. Be flexible and adapt as needed! Thanks and good luck!