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Being a Catechist

Talk to Me!

I realized recently that I hadn’t received a comment here on my blog for a while. I chalked it up to folks being busy with end-of-the-year responsibilities and then vacations. However, I brought it to the attention of my IT guy and, sure enough, upon investigation, he found that a security setting had been blocking comments. He assures me that he’s corrected the situation. Sorry if you’ve been trying to leave comments in recent weeks […]

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Comings & Goings

Lovin’ Louisville!

I enjoyed a couple of wonderful days in the Archdiocese of Louisville, KY, with over 100 Catholic school teachers, catechists, and catechetical leaders. We spent Monday looking at catechesis that not only informs  but also transforms (Beyond the Catechist’s Toolbox) and our Catholic identity (Practice Make Catholic). Thanks to all for participating in this summer enrichment!

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Approaches/Techniques

YouTube Videos as Supplemental Resources for Jr Hi and HS Faith Formation

The General Directory for Catechesis states clearly that NO resource, no matter how well-tested or glitzy, “can dispense with the person of the catechist in every phase of the catechetical process.” (156) Some faith formation programs would have you believe that their resources, whether a textbook or a series of DVDs, will do all the work and that all a catechist needs to do is to facilitate the turning of pages in a book or […]

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Books

One Question with Joe Paprocki AND Another Book Review

Several weeks ago, the Publisher of Loyola Press, Fr. Paul Brian Campbell, SJ, sat down with me to ask his “One Question” and he chose to ask about the title of my book, Under the Influence of Jesus. Here’s my reply. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSo0zdOWasw Speaking of my book, Under the Influence of Jesus, here’s another wonderful review by blogger Fran Rossi Szpylczyn who blogs at There Will Be Bread. Thanks Fran!

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Liturgical Seasons & Feasts

Pentecost: A Renewable Source of Abundance

Imagine how you would feel if someone stepped into your life, paid off all of your debts, and set up a line of credit for you to draw from for the rest of your life! I know one thing: I’d like this person’s business card! This scenario may sound far-fetched, but in essence, this is what God has done for us, and this is what we celebrate on Pentecost. God not only relieved us of […]

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Books

Last Stop on My Blog Tour: Joliet Joyce!

You’ve heard of “Joliet Jake” from the Blues Brothers, but have you heard of “Joliet Joyce?” 🙂 Joyce Donahue is the last stop on my blog tour for my book, Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ. Joyce, a Catechetical Associate in the Diocese of Joliet Religious Education Office, writes a wonderful blog at Liturgy and Catechesis Shall Kiss. When it comes to the nuts and bolts of liturgy and catechesis, […]

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Books

My Blog Tour Heads to Downstate Illinois: Jonathan Sullivan

Ah, there’s nothing like traveling through the cornfields of Illinois on my way downstate! My blog tour today takes me to the state capitol of Springfield where Jonathan Sullivan serves as the Diocesan Director of Catechetical Services. Anyone know who the bishop is down there? 😉 I’ve spoken of Jonathan before on my blog and continue to admire him and see him as one of the brightest minds in catechetical ministry in our country today. […]

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Books

Blog Tour 3rd Stop: Marc Cardaronella

Today, the blog tour for my book, Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ, visits catechist extraordinaire, Marc Cardaronella, who aptly describes himself as a “passionate Catholic; evangelical catechist; experimental evangelist; former naval aviator; revert; and wannabe changemaker!” Here is more of how Marc describes himself and his blog: I’m Marc. I work at a Catholic parish in Central Illinois, and I have a passion for evangelization. This is where parish […]

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Art and Music in Catechesis

Using YouTube Videos to Lead Song

One of the techniques that I’ve used with young people to lead them in song, either in a catechetical setting or at a liturgy, is to project a YouTube video with the music and lyrics provided. This works especially well because young people are very visual and are more comfortable with this than with a hymnal or song sheet. Likewise, it is very effective when you don’t have a music minister present to lead song […]

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Books

Blog Tour 2nd Stop: Ignitum Today!

I had to put up with some weather yesterday but other than than, my blog tour is going smoothly! Today, we arrive at Ignitum Today! and a review of my book Under the Influence of Jesus by Editor-in-Chief, J.R. Baldwin. Here is a bit more about J.R. Baldwin: J.R. Baldwin is the Editor-in-chief at Ignitum Today. A former statehouse reporter and nanny, she is one of the three Bright Maidens, and is a regular contributor […]