I spent a few wonderful days in the state of Kansas (my first visit there!) at a couple of Catechist Rallies, one in each end of the state. Saturday was in Salina on the eastern side of the state and Sunday was in Hoxie on the wesern side of the state. That made for some nice long rides…beautiful! Thanks to everyone for coming out to the catechist rallies…I learned so much from you and I hope […]
Hopefully, if I watch my weight, I won’t become a large catechist, however, this year, I’m going to serve as a type of “catechist-at-large.” Due to a number of commitments, I’m unable to have my own class this year, however, I am going to be doing the following at Most Holy Redeemer in Evergreen Park, IL: Teaching the Roman Missal changes (within the context of teaching about the Mass) to grades 1-8 in two separate presentations in […]
Some time ago, a catechetical leader shared her comments here about the total revamping of the catechetical program at her parish. I invited her to update us which she has done. Some interesting and innovative approaches: Dear Joe, I shared with you how we completely revamped our religious ed. program. You invited me to share more, so “here goes.” I had been a catechist for about 16 years before I became the Director of Faith […]
I had an interesting experience the other night in Minneapolis. I was working with about 200 catechists and had them brainstorming on what they would include in a 1 hour presentation if they had to explain the Catholic faith to a group of non-Catholics. Included in the gathering were about 20 Spanish-speaking catechists for whom a simultaneous translator had been provided (they listened to her translation on headsets…like the United Nations!). When I asked volunteers […]
A great big THANK YOU to the many folks who came out Thursday for catechetical enrichment in the Archdiocese of Minneapolis/St. Paul! About 70 catechetical leaders in the morning and about 200 catechists in the evening! And, WOW, were they energetic and interactive!!! Thanks to all for such a great day and may your catechetical year be filled with blessings! And, to all catchists, a very Happy CATECHETICAL SUNDAY! May this year find you growing […]
I received the most incredible unsolicited endorsement of my book, The Catechist’s Toolbox, from the Archdiocese of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada! The Director of Catechetics and Faith Formation, Judy Vermette, sent me the following. (the prayers she is referring to are the prayers at the end of each chapter). Hi Joe, The Archdiocese of Winnipeg and the Archdiocese of St. Boniface have collaborated to bring your book “The Catechist Toolbox” as the theme for a […]
I received the following from Jennifer about what her class did on 9/11 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the tragedy and to pray for peace. Great job, Jennifer! Joe, I thought you might appreciate what my 8th grade CCD class did on September 11. I’ve copied the email sent to their parents. I’m so proud of them. Thanks, too, for The Catechist’s Toolbox and recent webinar on teaching jr. high classes which have been great […]
While in Cleveland recently, I had a nice conversation with a husband and wife catechist team who catechize children with special needs. I have great admiration for people who dedicate themselves to this challenging yet wonderful ministry. It was the first opportunity I had to tell people personally about a brand new resource designed for catechizing children with special needs. It is the Adaptive First Eucharist Preparation Kit from Loyola Press. I had the privilege of […]
I had a wonderful couple of days in Cleveland, spending Friday with catechetical leaders and Saturday with catechists, as they kick-off their catechetical year. I was impressed and inspired by the level of enthusiasm and dedication. I was also flattered by the appreciation some people have for my books as evidenced by this picture of a catechist who brought her copy of The Catechist’s Toolbox for me to sign. She proudly showed me the tabs […]
The recording of my Webinar, Getting Started as a Catechist – Teaching Adults, is now available! Click here. Of course, ALL of my webinars are available by clicking on the Webinars tab at the top of this page!
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