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.

Catechists in Action – Nick Begins Class with Prayer

Joe Paprocki

As we continue viewing 5th grade catechist Nick Yonto’s session, we now reach the point where class is formally beginning with prayer. Watch for the following: Nick’s aide arrives with the prayer cloth and they re-arrange the prayer table. The children gather around the prayer table for announcements and prayer (remember, I’m not showing children’s faces in order to protect their privacy) The prayer is led over the PA…the children’s responsorial response is printed on […]

Legacy Mural Workshops

Joe Paprocki

While in Green Bay, WI, last week, I met an artist, Connie Greany, who offers a unique way to reach people and allow them to express themselves through ceramic mural creation. The workshops she offers result in a beautiful mosaic created by the participants. She has a brochure (no Web site) that describes the workshops and provides information on scheduling and costs. You can contact Connie at 920-257-8597 or at cgreany@sbcglobal.net. Here are some pics she […]

Thank You, Green Bay!

Joe Paprocki

No, I’m not thanking Green Bay for anything the Packers have done recently! I’m sending my sincere thanks to all the good folks up there who hosted a couple of wonderful catechetical events that they invited me to speak at. On Wednesday, October 26, I spent the evening with about 250 catechists in Appleton, WI, talking about The Catechist’s Toolbox. What an outstanding turnout! The next day, I spent the morning with about 75 catechetical […]

Catechists in Action – Nick Greets His Students

Joe Paprocki

Here’s another brief clip of my visit to catechist Nick Yonto’s 5th grade class that shows him continuing his preparations as the students arrive. Watch as Nick: fills the board with prayer responses, definitions, and directions that he will refer to throughout the session spends a few moments preparing the computer and video screen to show an image of the Last Supper about half way through the class. interacts with students as they arrive, drawing […]

Catechists in Action: Nick Prepares for His Lesson

Joe Paprocki

Welcome to the first segment of Catechists in Action as we watch fifth-grade catechist Nick Yonto prepare for and teach his lesson. In this segment, watch for the following things: Nick arrives 30 minutes before his class begins. Like most catechists, he has had a very busy day, working his full-time job, commuting over an hour to get home, and grabbing a quick bite to eat before flying out the door to get to the […]

Catechists in Action – Get Ready to Meet Nick!

Joe Paprocki

We’re finally ready to show you the video of my visit to Nick’s 5th grade class! Here’ s a little tease and tomorrow, I’ll begin posting segments and commenting on them and inviting you to share your thoughts and experiences.

Thank You Seattle!

Joe Paprocki

I spend a wonderful weekend in Seattle with about 100 catechists looking at A Well Built Faith and The Catechist’s Toolbox. Thanks to all for such a great experience…I was deeply inspired by all of you!

Practice Makes Catholic in Wisconsin Rapids

Joe Paprocki

I enjoyed an evening with about 100 catechists in Wisconsion Rapids, WI, on Wednesday, focusing on Practice Makes Catholic and our Catholic identity. The folks who hosted the event went out of their way to make sure that each table had a unique centerpiece that represented various aspects of Catholic identity. Here’s an example: Thanks to all the folks who came out to spend such an enjoyable evening! BTW, here’s where I stopped for breakfast […]

5000th Comment! Congratulations Jessica!

Joe Paprocki

Congratulations to Jessica Bruchey, Assistant Principal of St. Joseph Catholic School in Winter Haven, FLA, for posting the 5000th comment on Catechist’s Journey recently! I’ll be sending Jessica autographed copies of 5 of my books as a prize! Keep those comments coming folks…we’re well on our way to 6000!

Thank You Jesus – Success Teaching Roman Missal Changes to Children

Joe Paprocki

Last night, I had a surprisingly good experience teaching the Roman Missal changes to ALL of the children in the religious education program at Most Holy Redeemer parish in Evergreen Park, IL, where I serve as a catechist. Here are the details: I did the presentation twice: first session (5:30 – 6:45 pm) for 1st – 4th graders and their parents (about 250 total, kids and parents); 2nd session (7:00 – 8:15 pm) for 5th – […]