A Different Kind of “Me Time”

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The next initiative that I’m undertaking in the area of adult faith formation at St. Cajetan Parish in Chicago is an experience titled, A Different Kind of “Me Time.” This is another opportunity designed to reach primarily the parents of the children in the religious education program, and it will take place in tandem with the children’s weekly Tuesday evening session.

Once per month, catechists are invited to take their classes to the church for adoration and benediction, and parents are welcome to attend as well (it is open to the whole parish). The last event we did (a Rosary event) took place the week before the children attended the Living Rosary and our turnout was very low. This time, we are attempting to offer the formation on the same evening as the adoration/benediction experience. Here is the description for the parish bulletin:

A DIFFERENT KIND OF “ME” TIME

Tuesday, February 10

6:00–7:30 p.m.

Experts tell us that it is important for adults, especially parents, to take some time for ourselves. We often refer to this as “Me” time—some time set aside to take adequate care of ourselves. For centuries, Catholics have enjoyed a unique kind of “Me” time—time that is spent alone but not alone; time spent on ourselves, but not for ourselves. This is the experience of Adoration. In a sense, it is time alone, yet we are not alone—we are in the presence of God in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. We are taking time for ourselves, but only so that we can go forth and live as people for others.

Once each month, the children in our religious education program participate in Adoration in church followed by Benediction (prayers of praise followed by a blessing with the Blessed Sacrament). All adults in the parish, and especially parents of children in the religious education program, are invited to learn more about this Different Kind of “ME” Time on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, beginning in Memorial Hall at 6:15 p.m. with pizza and a brief presentation and discussion of Adoration. We’ll end in church by joining the children for Adoration from 7:00–7:15 p.m. and Benediction at 7:15 p.m. All are welcome. If you plan to join us for pizza, please call Deb Breakey at ____________ or e-mail _____________ so we know how much pizza to order.

Say a prayer that we have success drawing parents to participate in this experience. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Image by Simon Antony under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0).

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.

1 Comment

  1. It is interesting to know the result for this accion. I will pray for its success. As catechist I found it very encouraging. Thank’s

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