Articles by Joe Paprocki

About Joe Paprocki

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.

Celebrating 50 Years of my Alma Mater, the Institute for Pastoral Studies

Joe Paprocki

Last Saturday, my wife and I enjoyed a wonderful celebration at Loyola University’s Water Tower Campus here in Chicago as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Institute of Pastoral Studies. I graduated from the IPS in 1984 with a Masters in Pastoral Studies (I’m featured here on their alumni page and I’m also featured on their Books Written by IPS Graduates page). Here’s the summary from the IPS Web site: It was a sold out […]

Recording of Webinar Now Available: A New Catechesis for a New Evangelization

Joe Paprocki

Thanks to the quick work of my colleagues Nick Yonto and Rosemary Lane, the recording of last week’s webinar, A New Catechesis for a New Evangelization is now available!

First Reconciliation Parent Session

Joe Paprocki

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of facilitating the First Reconciliation Parent Meeting at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Evergreen Park, IL, where I served as a catechist for a number of years. I had been the presenter at this meeting several times in the past, however, I was not comfortable just delivering a talk in the church to the parents who sat passively throughout. I worked with the DRE, Lori Kennedy, to create a […]

Actively Waiting for Advent—Free Prayer Packet

Joe Paprocki

We wait at the doctor’s office. We wait in traffic. We wait in line at the coffee shop. We wait our turn. We wait for a sign from God. We wait to be heard. We wait. Advent is waiting, also, but not in the listless, zoned-out way like we might wait at the local coffee shop, nor in the anxious, bored way we might wait at the doctor’s office or in traffic. Advent is active […]

New Contributors to Catechist’s Journey

Joe Paprocki

Last week I announced that we’d be welcoming some new contributors to Catechist’s Journey. Today I’m happy to share with you who these new voices are and a little bit about each of them. Joyce Donahue, MA, MPS, serves as Catechetical Associate in the Diocese of Joliet Religious Education Office. A former parish DRE and liturgy director, she currently volunteers as parish catechist and musician at St. John the Baptist Parish, Joliet, IL. She blogs […]

A Week on the East Coast

Joe Paprocki

I enjoyed a wonderful week on the east coast last week, spending Monday and Tuesday in the Diocese of Wilmington, DE, and Wednesday through Friday on the Jersey Shore with the parish catechetical leaders of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia! Thanks to all for a wonderful time and for your great energy, creativity, and dedication to the catechetical ministry! Here are some pics:

Tell Me What You Think of Catechist’s Journey

Joe Paprocki

Yesterday we announced some upcoming changes to this blog. As we make those changes and settle into another year of faith formation, now’s your chance to share your feedback and ideas. I want to know how Catechist’s Journey can better serve you. Please take a minute and share your thoughts in this brief but important survey. Your honest comments will help the wider catechetical community. Thank you. Click here to take the survey.

New Voices Coming to Catechist’s Journey

Joe Paprocki

It’s hard to believe that in just a few short months we will be celebrating the eighth anniversary of Catechist’s Journey! Along the way, I’ve written over 1850 posts, most focused on my experiences teaching multiple grade levels at two different parishes. A major goal for me has always been to keep things fresh. This year, in perhaps my boldest move yet, I have moved into the world of adult faith formation, seeking to contribute […]

Webinar Reminder

Joe Paprocki

A New Catechesis for the New Evangelization: New Ardor, Methods, and Expression – A Webinar Facilitator: Joe Paprocki, DMin Brought to you by Loyola Press, A Jesuit Ministry Thursday, October 23, 2014 7:00–8:00 p.m. (CT) Click to register! Catechists are at the forefront of the New Evangelization. We are called to “re-propose” the Gospel to the world, relying on an approach that is “new in its ardor, methods, and expression.” (St. John Paul II)In this […]