Forming a “Sheen Squad” for I.T. Assistance in RE Programs

Fulton Sheen - public domain image via Wikimedia

The New Evangelization calls for presenting the Gospel with a new “ardor, methods, and expression.” I propose a new “expression” that would meet a pressing need in our faith formation programs: the “SHEEN SQUAD” to assist catechists with I.T. needs. It would be composed of teens/young adults who volunteer as aides for religious education programs to help catechists integrate technology into their sessions.

The name, of course, mimicks the well-known “Geek Squad” which offers computer-related services for Best Buy but instead invokes the name of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, who was a pioneer in TV and radio as a vehicle for proclaiming the Gospel.

Members of the Sheen Squad would provide catechists with assistance in using technology in faith formation. They would arrange for the showing of videos, use of the Internet, Skyping, downloading videos and music, using social media, and so on. Most of all, it would provide another opportunity to invite young people to use their gifts in service of the Gospel.

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.

2 Comments

  1. Great idea! We have the students create a “faith tweet” on paper for a lesson – maybe we need to have a web site where we can post it.

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