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.
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Approaches/Techniques

Preparing for a Year of Faith – Online Retreat and Webinar!

Joe Paprocki

As you know by now, we will be celebrating a Year of Faith beginning this October, 2012, through November, 2013. I’m happy to announce that I will be offering 2 very important opportunities to prepare for the Year of Faith in the coming months. Online Summer Retreat: Preparing for a Year of Faith – Beginning Monday, July 30, 2012 (on the eve of the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola!), I will be offering an […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Marge Concludes RCIA Session with Prayer

Joe Paprocki

In this final segment of Catechists in Action, Marge Garbacz leads her RCIA group in a concluding prayer and musical meditation. Watch for the following: Marge introduces the concluding prayer and connects it with the theme of human dignity. Marge  directs the participants to their parts in the prayer and goes over the flow of the prayer so that everyone knows what is happening, how, and when. Marge introduces the musical meditation, Love Never Fails […]

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Newsworthy

Catechetical Sunday – September 16, 2012

Joe Paprocki

I see that the theme for Catechetical Sunday this year is “Catechists and Teachers as Agents of the New Evangelization.” While not exactly one of the more poetically-phrased themes, it nonetheless touches on a crucial aspect of catechesis: the relationship between catechesis and evangelization. Be sure to take a look at the various resources available at USCCB.com.

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Newsworthy

Searchable Online Version of the Catechism – Every Catechist Should Add This to Your Favorites!

Joe Paprocki

At long last, the U.S. bishops have introduced a searchable online version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the USCCB Website. Thanks to my friend Joyce Donahue for “breaking the story” and sharing it on Facebook so that we can spread the word. Every catechist should add this to your “Favorites” in your browser for quick reference when you are looking for clarification on a Church teaching.

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Joe's Comings and Goings

My 2 Minutes of Fame – The Damen Award Video

Joe Paprocki

I mentioned in a previous post that I was honored to receive the Damen Award on behalf of the Institute for Pastoral Studies of Loyola University of Chicago at their annual Founders Dinner earlier this month. When my moment in the spotlight came, I was seated on stage with my fellow awardees in front of a huge screen showing a video that highlighted each of us for about 2 minutes. The funny thing was, however, […]

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Catechist Recruitment

Positive Approach to Recruiting Catechists

Joe Paprocki

In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve had an outpouring of response here on Catechist’s Journey to a plea for help from a catechetical leader named Barbara that I posted the other day! Thanks so much to everyone for offering such good advice, not only for Barbara’s benefit, but for all of us. In particular, I wanted to highlight a response from Mary Ann in which she not only provides some advice but also shares some examples […]

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Catechetical Leaders

A Call for HELP!!!

Joe Paprocki

I received the following email from a volunteer catechetical leader named Barbara who is in need of our help and support. Please offer your suggestions by leaving a comment at the end of this post (click be”Leave a Reply”). Thanks! Hi Joe:I am DRE in a very small parish in the Diocese of Allentown, PA. We have approx 100 children in CCD. The parents are lackadaisical at best regarding their children’s faith formation.We hold CCD […]