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 40 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.

Digital Resources for Hispanic Catholics – Discípulos en la Edad Digital

Joe Paprocki

Recently, my very talented friend Adrián Alberto Herrerra, Associate Director for Spanish Language Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, did a presentation in Spanish for the Archdiocese of Hartford, CT, on Discipleship and Digital Media (Discípulos en la Edad Digital). In his presentation, Adrián offered a substantial list of links to Online resources for Hispanic Catholics. He was very generous to share those with me and, with his blessing, I am sharing them with you. ¡Gracias, Adrián! […]

Papal Transition – It’s More About Continuity Than Change

Joe Paprocki

The media’s emphasis during this papal transition is all about change – as if one political party is about to replace the current political party and bring in a whole new agenda. While it is true that the Church is always in need of reform, for Catholics, the transition is more about continuity than it is about change. The white smoke and the words “Habemus Papam” are reassuring words that the Chair of St. Peter […]

Using the Jesus of Nazareth Film to Prepare for Holy Week

Joe Paprocki

The current TV mini-series The Bible is drawing large audiences and mixed reviews from critics. I haven’t watched it yet but plan to tune in especially for the New Testament segments. As always, watch with a critical eye and take note of discrepancies with Scripture (Hollywood likes to embellish!) to point out to those you teach. In the meantime, a film that has withstood the test of time is Franco Zeffirelli’s Jesus of Nazareth. An […]

More Positive Reviews for Beyond the Catechist’s Toolbox!

Joe Paprocki

I am grateful for 2 more very positive reviews of Beyond the Catechist’s Toolbox, from people I highly respect! First, here’s a review from Jonathan Sullivan, the Director of Catechetical Services for the Diocese of Springfield, IL. He is also the chair of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership‘s Technology Committee and host of the Catechetical Leader podcast. Jonathan is one of the finest minds in the country with relation to the effective use of technology […]

Positive Review of Beyond the Catechist’s Toolbox! (Now Available in Spanish!)

Joe Paprocki

I’m always appreciative to learn of a good review of one of my books…here’s one from William O’Leary about my most recent book, Beyond the Catechist’s Toolbox. Thanks William! Book review of Beyond the Catechist’s Toolbox from Catechesis in the Third Millennium By the way, this book is now also available in Spanish!!! Más allá de la caja de herramientas del catequista Catequesis que no solo informa, sino que también transforma Joe Paprocki, […]

Turning Heads…Literally – Use of Video at Reconciliation Prayer Service

Joe Paprocki

Things turned out very nicely with the use of video at our Lenten Reconciliation Prayer Service last evening. As I mentioned in yesterday’s post (Tonight, I’m the Tech Guy!), I coordinated the use of video for 5 different moments of our Lenten Reconciliation Prayer Service last evening, including images of “Stories of Hope” from Operation Rice Bowl, opening and closing songs, a video examination of conscience and a Powerpoint reflection of images of Jesus while children […]

Tonight, I’m the “Tech Guy!” – Lenten Reconciliation Prayer Service

Joe Paprocki

Believe it or not, tonight I play the role of the “tech guy” for the Lenten Reconciliation prayer service taking place in church! I will be on hand for both the early and the late sessions, manning the laptop and LCD projector for the following video elements included in the prayer experience: showing images of people being served by Operation Rice Bowl as their stories are read aloud opening song (video): Hosea – Come Back […]

Last Chance to Register

Joe Paprocki

Remember, if you’re attending the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress this week and want to join us for a conversation about the New Evangelization, RSVP today! I will lead the conversation with a group of catechetical ministers from all over the country as we share our thoughts and insights about the meaning and implications of the New Evangelization. Complimentary coffee & breakfast pastries will be served. When: Friday, February 22, 2013, from 7:30 a.m. – […]

How a Pope is Elected

Joe Paprocki

Here is a very clever animation that explains how a pope is elected at a conclave – from Vatican Insider. Click the title below.

Prayer for the Election of a New Pope

Joe Paprocki

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has provided some resources for prayer during this time of papal transition. In particular, here is a Prayer for Pope Benedict XVI as he approaches his retirement and here is a Prayer for the Election of a New Pope. Likewise, here is a bulletin insert on How a New Pope is Chosen. All 3 of these resources are available in Spanish and are available for purchase in quantities. […]