Pop-Up Catechesis: Sharing Generative Stories

Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki

Did you ever notice how we take events or episodes from our lives and turn them into stories that we share with others? Why do we do this? Psychologists explain that we do it, not just to entertain people, but to make sense out of events that would otherwise seem puzzling or random. Such stories can influence our future behavior as well as the behavior of others. For example, if we share a story of a struggle we successfully overcame (a redemptive story), such a story can give us and others the inspiration and hope needed to tackle similar challenges. Such stories are considered “generative.” They generate hope and enable us to nurture and guide others, especially younger people, to a better future. Generative stories are, of course, the opposite of the kinds of stories told by Debbie Downer—stories designed to convince people to throw in the towel. The stories of Scripture and the stories of the saints are generative stories, which is why we need to teach them to our children so that they grow up with a healthy narrative. In this episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore the power of generative stories in building a healthy narrative in which children can grow and flourish.

For more information about the power of generative stories, check out the following links:

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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