Pop-Up Catechesis: A Walk Through the Mass—The Penitential Act

Joe Paprocki Liturgy and Sacraments

Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki

We continue our Pop-Up Catechesis series: A Walk Through the Mass. In this episode, we explore the Penitential Act.

Have you ever been caught with your guard down? I’m referring to those times when people see the “real you,” such as when you run to the supermarket in your sweats and slippers, hair undone, and no makeup, hoping that no one will see you. As embarrassing as that can be, there is also something liberating about it. We no longer have to put on a front for the person who caught us, because now that person has seen us as we really are and (hopefully!) still accepts us.

At Mass, the first thing we do after the Entrance Procession and the Greeting from the priest is let our guard down. We remove any facades that prevent God and others from seeing us as we really are: not perfect people but sinners in need of salvation. In this episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore the Penitential Act and how it opens us up to the grace that comes to us in the Eucharist.

For more information about the Penitential Act, check out the following links:

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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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