Introducing Young Children to the Examen

Joe Paprocki Ignatian Spirituality

The Examen Book printable activities

One of the centerpieces of Ignatian spirituality is the practice of the Daily Examen, a brief prayer exercise to help busy people recognize the presence and movement of God in their daily lives. Many wonderful books have been written to help adults practice this powerful prayer, with A Simple Life-Changing Prayer and Reimagining the Ignatian Examen being among the best.

Previously, I have blogged about teaching young children how to practice the Examen. Now, thankfully, there is a new resource that can help catechists and parents teach young children to pray the Examen. It’s called The Examen Book: Exploring Every Day with God, with simple, thoughtful rhymes by Paul Mitchell and beautiful illustrations by his sister, Katie Broussard. Be sure to check out the book’s accompanying activities, which include a video version of the Examen, printable activities, and an online Examen Scramble.

It’s never too early to begin teaching children how to find God in all things!

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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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