Julianne Stanz, Author at Catechist's Journey

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Catechists as Echoes (Part IV): Echoes of Mercy

This is the final article in a series about the word catechist, which comes from the Greek word, “to echo.” The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy (2015–16) was an opportunity for the Catholic Church—and for each one of us—to reflect on the merciful love of God the Father (Luke 6:36). Holy doors were opened in every diocese throughout the world as symbols of hope, healing, and love to announce the mercy of God, “the beating […]

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Catechists as Echoes (Part III): Echoes of Truth

Julianne Stanz

This article is the third in a series about the word catechist, which comes from the Greek word, “to echo.” “What is truth?” This is a question that we as a culture continually wrestle with; in the last few years, it seems that the truth has been put on trial and found guilty. It is a time when what is presented as true is actually false, and what is false is considered true. Truth seems […]

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Catechists as Echoes (Part II): Echoes of Love

Julianne Stanz

This article is the second in a series about the word catechist, which comes from the Greek word, “to echo.” Choosing a name for a child or yourself is one of the most important choices that we make in life. Behind a name might lie a family story or a connection to a person of influence. A person’s name might have been inspired by an experience or a specific place. We receive a name generally […]

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Catechists as Echoes (Part I): Echoes of Hope

Julianne Stanz

The word catechist comes from the Greek word “to echo.” As catechists, we echo the teachings of the Church. We also echo our own personal relationship with Jesus Christ through our words and deeds. This series of articles will look at the ministry of catechesis through the lens of the word echo. We will explore what it means to be a catechist who echoes hope, love, truth, and mercy. First, we begin with four characteristics […]

Do Young Children Have the Capacity for a Relationship with Jesus?

Julianne Stanz

Enjoy this excerpt from The Catholic Parents’ Survival Guide. Question: Do young children have the capacity for a relationship with Jesus? —Javier and Gloria, parents of one Answer: Yes, children have a very real capacity to understand and develop a relationship with Jesus. Let me share this story with you. When my daughter was 3 years old, she could be a bit of a challenge at Mass. Coming forward to receive Holy Communion, for example, […]

Is It True We Will Live Forever?

Julianne Stanz

One night as I was tucking my youngest son into bed, he sat right up as if he had just connected something in his mind and was having an “aha!” moment. “Mom, Mom, is it true?” he said excitedly. “Is what true?” I asked. “You know how at Mass, Father says to us that if we eat this bread, we will live forever?” With an expectant expression on his small face, he held his chubby […]

Going to Mass with Your Children

Julianne Stanz

Let’s be honest, at one time or another in our lives we may have struggled with getting ourselves or our family to Mass. Whatever the reason, we can always go to Mass with a better attitude. And so what can we do to allow the experience of the Mass to truly be an encounter with Jesus? For more on getting the most out of Mass as a family, read my book, The Catholic Parents’ Survival […]

A Message of Encouragement

Julianne Stanz

Julianne Stanz shares a message of encouragement and thanks for those who minister in Catholic parishes. She says, “Never doubt that you have been called by God to minister at this time in the life of the world. He called you, because he knows that the world needs you and your gifts. Jesus is with you in everything that you do.” Stanz is the author of Start with Jesus: How Everyday Disciples Will Renew the […]

Living the Liturgical Seasons at Home: Easter

Celebrating Easter All Season Long

Julianne Stanz

By our conviction of heart and mind, we can be witnesses to the Resurrection just as Mary Magdalene was, not just at Easter but every day. Here are some simple ways to evangelize and keep our Easter joy all season long! Read. Read the Acts of the Apostles between Easter and Pentecost. Immerse yourself in the excitement of the disciples trying to become the Church community that Jesus intended them to become. Marvel at the […]

Celebrating Holy Week as a Family

Julianne Stanz

Holy Week is a feast for the senses. It is important to mimic the rhythm of what is happening at church in the home. For example, the songs heard in church during this week can be played at home, and the practices that happen at church can be explained to children beforehand. Here are some ways to celebrate the high points of this sacred time. Palm Sunday Turn palms into works of art by creating […]