Being a Catechist Archives - Page 4 of 142

Patrick McGowan, the catechetical leader, addresses the group about family catechesis.

Finding God Family Catechesis Launches Successfully at St. Barnabas Parish

Our first session of Finding God Family Catechesis at St. Barnabas Parish in Chicago launched successfully on Sunday, September 17! As I mentioned in a previous post, I am assisting the parish this year in implementing the Finding God Family Catechesis program. Here is a summary of how things went: I arrived 45 minutes early and found everything in the church hall set up meticulously by the catechetical leader, Patrick McGowan: round tables with white […]

Family Catechesis at St. Barnabas: Looking Forward to Our First Session

Joe Paprocki

I’m eagerly looking forward to the first session of Family Catechesis at St. Barnabas Parish in Chicago on September 17! As I mentioned in a previous post, I will be assisting the Director of Religious Education, Patrick McGowan, and the Pastoral Associate, Deacon Andy Neu, at the monthly gatherings at the parish. The focus of this first session will be simply “An Introduction to Finding God Family Catechesis.” Here are some particulars with regards to […]

Catechetical Sunday 2023: The Role of Invitation in Evangelizing Catechesis

Joe Paprocki

Think of the invitations that you have received in your lifetime—invitations that have made a difference and perhaps even changed your life. It’s possible that an invitation led to a friendship, a new hobby, your present job or career, your significant other, or choosing to live in the part of the world you do. As a catechist, you are most likely serving because of the invitation of another, whether the catechetical leader, the pastor, or […]

I’m Back in the Trenches Again: Family Catechesis at St. Barnabas Parish

Joe Paprocki

Over the years that I’ve been writing this blog, Catechist’s Journey, I have served as a catechist for different age groups: intermediate (fourth and sixth grade) and junior high (eighth grade). I also have enjoyed sharing my experiences with you! Typically, I have posted my plans for upcoming sessions followed by summaries of what really happened. Eventually, my travel commitments made it too difficult to teach a weekly session, and then, of course, the pandemic […]

Poll Question: Who Invited You to Be a Catechist?

Joe Paprocki

Of course, all of us catechists were called by Jesus! However, Jesus most often uses others as his instruments and messengers. With that in mind, I’m curious to see just who Jesus is using these days to call others to serve as catechists. Below, please answer the poll question: Who invited you to be a catechist? Perhaps this will inspire you to invite someone else to serve as a catechist!

choir director leading children in song - Christopher Futcher/ FatCamera/E+/Getty Images

Promoting Catholic Identity, Part 5: An Attitude of Faith and Hope

Darcy Osby

This is the fifth and final article in a series on the five characteristics of Catholic identity and how we can nurture those in our children. In his apostolic exhortation The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis cautions Catholics against becoming “sourpusses” (85). Pessimism and defeatism are not Catholic attitudes. We are people of Easter joy because of our confidence in the Resurrection. Our attitudes are rooted in our identity, so as we help our […]

Promoting Catholic Identity, Part 4: A Reverence for Scripture and Tradition

Darcy Osby

This is the fourth article in a series on the five characteristics of Catholic identity and how we can nurture those in our children. An important part in developing our Catholic identity is fostering a deep appreciation for the source of the knowledge of our faith. The Catholic Church recognizes that God’s Revelation comes to us in two ways: Scripture and Tradition. Many children may not get an experience of Bible passages in context, as […]

teens planting a tree - KidStock/Blend Images/Veer

World Youth Day: What Your Parish Can Do

Joe Paprocki

World Youth Day (WYD) is a gathering of millions of young adults, along with the pope, that takes place over the course of a week every two to four years, each time in a different country. It celebrates youth, demonstrates the universality of the Church, and is a moment of evangelization for the Church. This year, WYD is taking place in Lisbon, Portugal, August 1–6, 2023. WYD presents a great opportunity for your parish to […]

Stories on the Journey: Not Bad, If I May Say So Myself

Joe Paprocki

We’re spending time this summer sharing stories from our own experiences as catechists. This week’s topic is, “Not Bad, If I May Say So Myself.” Let’s hear your stories about a time when you felt that a session you led went particularly well. In all humility, sometimes you just gotta give yourself a pat on the back—and a word of thanks to the Holy Spirit! Share your story here on Catechist’s Journey by typing in the comments section […]

young people on service day collecting plastic bottles - © Leland BobbÈ/Corbis All rights reserved.

Promoting Catholic Identity, Part 3: A Respect for Human Life

Darcy Osby

This is the third article in a series on the five characteristics of Catholic identity and how we can nurture those in our children. We teach children to love and serve others, but do we ever explain why? Service is not just something nice to do; it is an important piece of our Catholic identity. We believe that every human life is sacred, because each person is created and loved by God. Therefore we are […]