Being a Catechist Archives - Page 93 of 142

Catechists in Action – Len Astrowski Teaches About the Sacraments of Initiation

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 7th grade catechist Len Astrowski discusses the Sacraments of Initiation with his class. Watch for the following: Len asks if anyone can recall the 3 Sacraments of Initiation a student responds correctly Len joyfully and enthusiastically affirms her correct answer!!! Len reviews other important points from the chapter, explains them in his own words, and asks students to explain their understanding. This is a good example of informal […]

Catechists in Action – Len Astrowski Discusses the Eucharist

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, seventh-grade catechist Len Astrowski leads a discussion on the Eucharist. Watch for the following: Len reviews the main points of the chapter on Eucharist with his students, asking them to identify the main points that were covered. Notice how Len gently pushes the student responding to take his answer further. Len talks about the fast-food phenomenon and uses that to contrast with the importance of the Eucharist. Len […]

Catechists in Action – Len Astrowski Invites 7th Graders to Pray

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 7th grade catechist Len Astrowski prepares his 7th graders for a short prayer experience in the middle of his session on the Resurrection of Jesus. Watch for the following: Len invites the young people to turn to the page with the prayer Len assigns roles for the prayer…this is a crucial step for catechists. Catholics pray communally which means that everyone has a part and their are various […]

Catechists in Action – Meet Len Astrowski!

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, we meet seventh-grade catechist Len Astrowski, the husband of the Director of Religious Education at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Evergreen Park, IL. After leaving Chris Brett’s class, we headed straight over to Len’s class and walked in during the middle of his session. Watch for the following: Len introduces me to his class. (He had my name on the board and alerted the kids to the fact […]

Catechists in Action – What Kids Like About Chris Brett

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, we do something a little different. I interrupted the session to ask the 8th grade students what they like about their catechist, Chris Brett. Watch for the following: Chris jokes about liking his class because 2 guys who cause trouble are absent that night! Kids respond by saying that they like that he doesn’t scream at them, he makes learning fun, he never sends them down to the DRE’s […]

Catechists in Action – Chris Brett Talks About Spiritual Nourishment

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 8th grade catechist Chris Brett talks to his recently confirmed class about spiritual nourishment. Watch for the following: Chris talks about how we need, not only physical food, but also spiritual food Chris asks what we mean by spiritual nourishment The kids offer various good answers about what spiritual nourishment is Chris talks about Scripture as God’s food for us. a phone goes off! Chris doesn’t skip a beat! […]

Catechists in Action – Chris Brett Tells His Students About His Calling to be a Catechist

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 8th grade catechist Chris Brett is discussing with his recently confirmed class about how they can use their gifts to serve the community. Watch for the following: one of the students states, “become a catechist” as one way to use your gifts to serve others Chris asks the kids if they know how much money he makes each week serving as a catechist! 🙂 Chris asks the kids […]

Catechists in Action: How Would You React to the Transfiguration?

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, eighth-grade catechist Chris Brett discusses that Sunday’s Gospel reading of the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus. Watch for the following: Chris reminds them that the Transfiguration is one of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary Chris asks the young people what they think the Apostles were thinking and what they themselves would have thought if they were present at the Transfiguration. Chris has his aide record their […]

Catechists in Action: Chris Brett Reads the Sunday Gospel

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, eighth-grade catechist Chris Brett reads and discusses the Sunday Gospel with his students. Watch for the following: Chris has a key line from Gospel (the story of the Transfiguration) written on the board. Chris tells the students what to listen for and what to do as they hear the passage being read. Chris reads the Gospel passage to the young people. One suggestion that Chris might consider is […]

Catechists in Action – Chris Brett Discusses the 8th Graders’ Confirmation

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 8th grade catechist Chris Brett talks to his students about their recent Confirmation. Watch for the following: Chris asks them about Fr. Matt’s visit the previous week Chris asks about their Confirmation: the bishop’s homily, his vestments, whether everyone showed up, etc. Notice how relaxed and free-flowing the conversation is. Occassionally, Chris needs to “shush” them but it is just a gentle reminder to not all talk at […]