Good News from the Substitute Catechist (Who Just Happens to be the DRE!)

Last week, we missed our weekly session with our 6th graders since we were in Los Angeles for the annual Religious Education Congress. When we arrived back home, I received the following message from my DRE, Deb, who, along with another catechist, subbed for my class. I was so pleased and thrilled to get such a good report, especially the part where she explains that the kids were asking for/explaining their regular routine!

Hi Joe,
What a delightful group of kids you have in your class.  It ended up that Laura N. taught the first half of the class, and then I came in for the second half.  The kids were very attentive and made a point to tell me what the typical classroom routines are.  It was cute.  They would tell me what to do before I even had a chance to say what we were going to do.  (Mrs. Breakey, we throw the ball now.  Mrs. Breakey, stand at the door with the holy water.  Mrs. Breakey, it’s sacred space time, right?  etc.)  It was so clear that they truly enjoy all of your classroom routines.
I hope you don’t mind that I mentioned all of this to a couple of other catechists, and suggested that they talk to you about observing your classroom so that they can bring those routines into their classroom with the kids next year for a smooth transition.
I hope you had a good weekend.
See you next week,
Deb
About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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