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 35 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.

40 Ideas for 40 Days – Lenten Activities: The 7 Last Words of Christ Scripture Search

Joe Paprocki

Today’s Lenten activity is a Scripture search on the Seven Last Words of Christ. More on that in a second. The Seven Last Words of Christ – A Scripture Search Explain that, before dying, many people speak final words that express their feelings and thoughts at that moment. Invite the young people to identify the speakers of these famous last words (fictional and non-fictional): “Et tu, Brute?” (Julius Caesar) “I have been and always will be […]

Los Angeles Religious Education Congress

Joe Paprocki

I spent this past weekend at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress with 30,000 or so of my best friends! As always, it was a great experience. I had the privilege of giving a presentation on The Catechist’s Toolbox to about 500 catechists on Saturday afternoon, followed by a book signing in the exhibit hall. It was a great thrill. Thanks to all the wonderful catechists who came to my workshop on such a beautiful […]

40/40 – Lenten Activities: Operation Rice Bowl and Peace Pole

Joe Paprocki

We continue our “festival” of lenten activities – ideas that catechists can use during these 40 days of Lent. Operation Rice Bowl and Peace Pole Yesterday, I posted about Operation Rice Bowl. No sooner had I done that then I received an email from a good friend, DRE Terry Bergmann, at St. Julian Eymard Parish in Elk Grove Village, IL, telling me about how she has implemented Operation Rice Bowl at her parish and […]

40 Ideas for 40 Days – Lenten Activities: Bury the Alleluia

Joe Paprocki

During these 40 days of Lent, I am offering 40 ideas (activities) to help catechists engage young people around the themes and images of this sacred season. Here is your next Lenten activity: Bury the Alleluia Write the phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder” on the board and ask if anyone can explain what it means. (we miss something or someone the longer we are without it or them) Point out that during the […]

40 Ideas for 40 Days—Lenten Activities: What’s with the Pretzels?

Joe Paprocki

During these 40 days of Lent, I am offering 40 ideas (activities) to help catechists engage young people around the themes and images of this sacred season. Here is your next Lenten activity. What’s with the Pretzels? Ask the children to show a common posture for praying (kneeling or standing with hands folded). Explain that, in the early Church, Christians often prayed with their arms folded across their chests, each hand on the opposite shoulder. […]

40 Ideas for 40 Days—Lenten Activities: Remembering the Lamb

Joe Paprocki

During these 40 days of Lent, I am offering 40 ideas (activities) to help catechists engage young people around the themes and images of this holy season. Here is your next Lenten activity. Remembering the Lamb Explain that we refer to Jesus as the “Lamb of God” not because we want to think of him as cute and cuddly, but because lambs were the animal used in sacrifice for the celebration of Passover. Remind the […]

40 Ideas for 40 Days – Lenten Activities: A Lenten Chain

Joe Paprocki

Catechists of all age groups are always looking for creative Lenten activities. With that in mind, I’m pleased to offer another of 40 Lenten activities (in 40 days) that I hope will be of use to you. Be sure to check back here each day during Lent to find another Lenten activity that you can adapt for your own setting. A Lenten Chain You’ll need purple construction paper, scissors, and tape. Cut the purple construction paper into one-inch […]

40 Ideas for 40 Days—Lenten Activities: Avoiding Temptations

Joe Paprocki

Avoiding Temptations Arrange the young people in pairs and invite them to brainstorm a list of temptations that young people their age can try to avoid during Lent. (Examples: gossiping, calling people names, being lazy, and so on.) Then, have them identify strategies for resisting temptation. (Examples: praying, doing another activity to avoid thinking about the temptation, talking to a parent, teacher, or older friend/relative, and so on.) Have each pair report their ideas to […]

Serving as a Catechist – "One of the Most Rewarding Things I Will Ever Do"

Joe Paprocki

Here’s a wonderful e-mail from a 7th grade catechist who offers some very inspiring words about his vocation. Hello Joe, I stumbled across your website about a month ago when I was really searching for some inspiration for my next class. I am in my first year serving as a catechist for 7th graders. I’ve started out the way so many catechists probably do, teaching their own kids. My son is in 7th grade, thus, […]