2017 - Page 10 of 26 - Catechist's Journey

Image: Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Lansdowne Drive, London Fields, London E8: mural of the archangel expelling Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, by John Salmon under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Biblical Literacy for Catechists: Adam and Eve

This is the first article in a series about figures in Salvation history and their relevance for catechists. Every catechist should be able to tell the timeline of Salvation history, because it is so important to understanding Jesus, the Bible, and Catholic doctrine. Salvation history is the story of our faith. Familiarity with important characters from this story helps us form a foundation of our belief in Christ. Jesus associated himself with major figures from […]

Little Video Lessons from the Saints

Bob Burnham

A few months ago, a friend of mine told me she was going to use one of the videos I filmed for my book Little Lessons from the Saints at her next RCIA session. “Really?” “Yep. I’m leading a lesson on the communion of saints, so it’s perfect. Besides, I think they would get a kick out of seeing you on video.” “Either that or a good laugh.” “Probably both,” she said. A few days […]

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Baltimore, MD

Feeling Peace on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary

Paul Gallagher

I moved to Maryland on August 14, 1989. I left my home in California to attend grad school at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, and I was so excited to get started on this adventure. As I look back, I’m amazed at my lack of apprehension about leaving my family and friends and flying across the country. Ah, youth. Since I knew I had to find an apartment quickly, I had made a reservation at a […]

Helping Young People Understand Feasts and Holy Days of the Liturgical Year

Joe Paprocki

As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption (August 15), I thought it would be a good opportunity to take a closer look at what holy days are all about and to help young people understand them. A good way to start is to ask young people where they may have gone on vacation and if anyone did any sightseeing at places such as the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, or an art gallery […]

Catechetical Sunday 2017 - Living as Missionary Disciples

Living as Missionary Disciples: Be Careful What You Ask For!

Joe Paprocki

This year’s theme for Catechetical Sunday, September 17, 2017, is “Living as Missionary Disciples.” But just what does it mean to be a missionary disciple? My friend, Vickie Tufano, tells a story (which she attributes to her friend, William Willimon, a professor at Duke University) of a campus minister at a university who received a phone call from an irate parent who was calling to complain that his daughter had chosen to ignore her degree […]

Little Lessons From the Saints: 52 Simple and Surprising Ways to See the Saint in You by Bob Burnham

St. Clare of Assisi and Authenticity

Joe Paprocki

“Some of the wisest words I’ve ever heard about faith came from a teenager,” says Bob Burnham, author of Little Lessons from the Saints. Enjoy the short video below to learn what those wise words were and what they have to do with St. Clare of Assisi, whose feast we celebrate tomorrow. Hint: it has to do with authenticity, which we discussed recently in our Spirituality of the Catechist retreat.

laptop in home office with words: Recruitment Webinar

Catechist Recruitment via Webinar

Kathleen Butler

Like in many parishes, the faith formation department at my parish is challenged to find enough catechists each year. We’ve held meetings and created a webpage with videos, job description, and links to useful resources. We’ve explained our need for catechists (and the benefits of being a catechist) in a family e-newsletter, the parish bulletin, and on Facebook. We’ve posted colorful flyers and asked for volunteers via the parish Twitter account. Whether we write long […]

Spirituality of the Catechist: Online Retreat for Catechists

The Spirituality of the Catechist Retreat Conclusion

Joe Paprocki

This summer we’ve explored six characteristics of the Spirituality of the Catechist in our online retreat. Thank you for your participation and commitment to deepening your own spirituality. Some of you participated silently and others shared openly, and together we share a bond that has brought us here to strengthen one another on this catechetical journey. The retreat posts will remain available for your continued reflection. Feel free to invite others you know in faith […]

Fostering Communication with Parents

Joe Paprocki

As catechists, we want to partner with parents as closely as possible on their child’s faith formation journey, but we are often frustrated with the lack of interaction we have with the parents of those we teach. Recently, I received the following question from a catechist named Susanne: “Any tried and true ways to get information to and from parents of third graders? I find paper notes left behind in class, folders never coming back […]

7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness: What Are You Doing to Maintain Your Spiritual Wellness?

Joe Paprocki

If you’ve been keeping count, you’ll know that we explored 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness this summer. If you missed any of the reflections, catch up using the following links. Who’s Your Court Jester? What Do You Have That Cannot Be Taken Away? Is That Your Final Answer? What’s Your Security Blanket? What Scratches Your Itch? Where Is Your Dream Vacation Spot? What Gives You Heartburn? What are you doing to maintain your spiritual wellness? […]