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.

Boasting about Boston

Joe Paprocki

I had a wonderful day in the Archdiocese of Boston today, meeting with about 60 catechetical leaders for a Being, Knowing, and Doing professional development workshop. Big thanks to Susan Abbott (Director, Office of Religious Education) and Susan Kay (Assistant Director for Catechetical Leadership) for arranging the event and to all the good folks who so enthusiastically participated in this day. Congrats to your Boston Bruins for winning game 7 of their series against the Montreal Canadiens! Enjoy it now […]

This is the Day the Lord Has Made!

Joe Paprocki

Monday evening was my last class of the year with my 4th graders. I’m gonna miss these little guys…they were a very sweet class and we had a good experience together. We began with a closing Mass in church and, for the second year in a row, the organist chose to sing “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad” as the responsorial and for the 2nd year in […]

I Got Mine!

Joe Paprocki

I received my copies of two new and important catechetical resources: the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) and YOUCAT, the new Catechism for Youth. The NABRE includes a newly revised translation of the entire Old Testament (including the Book of Psalms) along with the 1986 edition of the New Testament. YOUCAT is a catechism especially designed for young people, offering a contemporary explanation of the Catholic faith, with a foreward by Pope Benedict XVI. […]

Practice Makes Catholic – Free Webinar

Joe Paprocki

Facilitator: Joe Paprocki, DMin Brought to you by Loyola Press, A Jesuit Ministry Wednesday, May 11, 20117:00 – 8:00 p.m. (CST) [Find out what time this is for you.] Catholicism is a unique way of seeing. As catechists and religion teachers, we impart this way of seeing to others. The Catholic vision is characterized by the following: a sense of sacramentality a commitment to community a respect for the dignity of human life and a […]

Telling the Greatest Story Ever Told

Joe Paprocki

Yesterday was my last teaching class for this year! Next week, we’ll have a closing Mass and then a little time left in class for a small celebration and farewells. I was pleased as punch, then, to have had a wonderful class last night! Here’s the scoop. Seven of my students still needed to complete their final assessment so I had them go over to an empty classroom with my aide Daneen where they completed […]

Practice Makes Catholic Podcast via NCCL

Joe Paprocki

I was privileged to be interviewed for a Catechetical Leader (NCCL) podcast about my new book, Practice Makes Catholic recently. The interview was conducted by Jonathan Sullivan, the Directof of Catechetical Ministries for the Diocese of Springfield, IL. Jonathan is one of the “rising stars” in the catechetical ministry and if you haven’t checked out his blog or his technology webinars, you need to do so! NCCL provides timely and relevant information and support for catechists […]

Holy Week Activity – Looking for Clues in the Good Friday Passion

Joe Paprocki

Here’s what I’ll be doing this evening with my 4th graders: After our opening prayer, I’ll have my aide, Daneen, take those students who have yet to finish their final assessment into the neighboring room so that they can complete the test. Meanwhile, I’ll meet with each of the students who have completed their test to go over their results with them. As I’m meeting with them individually, I’ll have them work on a Holy […]

A Word That Will Rouse Them

Joe Paprocki

May this line from the First Reading for Palm Sunday inspire us as catechists as we enter this HolyWeek and beyond! The Lord has given me a well-trained tongue, that I may know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. (Isaiah 50:4) Lord, grant that we may speak a word that will rouse all who we teach!

Beatification of Pope John Paul II

Joe Paprocki

In just a few weeks (May 1, 2011), the Church will celebrate the Beatification of Pope John Paul II. To celebrate this event, Loyola Press has put together some resources that you’ll want to take a look at. http://www.loyolapress.com/pope-john-paul-ii-1920-2005.htm

Assessment Results…So Far, Not Too Bad

Joe Paprocki

On Monday, I gave my 4th graders an end-of-the-year assessment. Unfortunately, I did not leave enough time for all of them to finish so I will allow some time this coming Monday for the rest of the group to complete the exam. I have no doubt that part of the reason that we had such a robust conversation about the 1o Commandments last Monday was because the kids knew that the more they talked, the […]