Sharing Stories Archives - Catechist's Journey

Stories on the Journey: How Did I Get into This?

We’re spending time this summer sharing stories from our experiences as catechists. Today’s topic is, “How Did I Get into This?” Let’s hear your stories about how you came to serve as a catechist or catechetical leader. No two stories are the same, and I’m always amazed at how the Holy Spirit uses so many different techniques to call people into this ministry. Some feel pulled, others feel pushed, while still others feel as though […]

Sharing the Wisdom of Time Through Storytelling: Harry Dudley

Joe Paprocki

As we continue our occasional series of video reflections on Sharing the Wisdom of Time—reflecting on the wisdom learned from our elders—I invite you to enjoy a brief reflection from Harry Dudley, a consultant in leadership development, ministry formation, and curriculum. Harry retired in August, 2019 from his position as Assistant Director for Certification of Ecclesial Ministry in the Secretariat of Catholic Education of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He has had a long […]

Sharing the Wisdom of Time Through Storytelling: Joe Paprocki (That’s Me!)

Joe Paprocki

As we continue our occasional series of video reflections on Sharing the Wisdom of Time—reflecting on the wisdom learned from our elders—I invite you to enjoy a brief reflection from someone who just might be familiar to Catechist’s Journey visitors: me! I had the honor of sharing some reflections about my spiritual director, Maureen Kuhn, who passed away not long before this recording. I hope you find this enriching.

Sharing the Wisdom of Time Through Storytelling: Peggy Weber

Joe Paprocki

As we continue our occasional series of video reflections on Sharing the Wisdom of Time—reflecting on the wisdom learned from our elders—I invite you to enjoy a brief reflection from Peggy Weber, author of Enough as You Are. Peggy is an award-winning journalist and author who has been working at her craft for almost 40 years, primarily with the Catholic press. Peggy reflects on the importance of celebrating the present and the wisdom we can learn […]

Sharing the Wisdom of Time Through Storytelling: Jessica Hernandez

Joe Paprocki

As we continue our series of video reflections on Sharing the Wisdom of Time—reflecting on the wisdom learned from our elders—I invite you to enjoy a brief reflection from Jessica Hernandez, Coordinator for Hispanic Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Des Moines, IA. Born in Mexico City, Jessica came to the United States at the age of seven with her mother in search of a better life. She graduated from Iowa State […]

Sharing the Wisdom of Time Through Storytelling: Ann Menna

Joe Paprocki

Over the years here at Catechist’s Journey, I have emphasized the importance of storytelling in the catechetical ministry. To that end, I am happy to share examples of people sharing their stories inspired by the book, Sharing the Wisdom of Time, which, in turn, inspired the Netflix series, Stories of a Generation with Pope Francis. In this video, Ann Menna, Deputy Secretary of Catechetical Formation for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, shares her reflections on the […]

Becoming a Catechist: Sharing Our Stories

Joe Paprocki

One of the most compelling means of persuasion is storytelling—especially stories from one’s own experience. For that reason, storytelling has a significant role to play in evangelization and catechesis. Often, however, when I speak to catechists about sharing their stories, their initial response is, “But I don’t have a story!” The truth is, however, that all of us have a story to tell; in fact, we have many stories! All we need is a little […]

Pop-Up Catechesis: Sharing Family Stories

Joe Paprocki

Some years before my mom, Veronica, passed away, I videotaped her sharing stories of her life so that we could preserve them. My siblings, children, nieces, and nephews now all have copies of a DVD we call Ronnie’s Story. Family stories are sacred, and they pass along memories, values, and identity. In this episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore the value of sharing family stories, especially from the elderly members of our families. For more information […]

Sharing the Wisdom of Time in Your Parish or School

Celebrating the Wisdom of Elders

Joe Paprocki

Encourage the children, youth, and families in your parish or school to acknowledge, celebrate, and learn from the wisdom of the generations in your community. Download resources inspired by Sharing the Wisdom of Time by Pope Francis and Friends, including: An Intergenerational Event to gather families together to recognize and honor the gifts and wisdom of the generations. Family Prayer Box activity for any classroom. Family Stories and Family Faith, a handout perfect for parents […]

Poll: Growing in Your Skills as a Catechist

Joe Paprocki

With this catechetical year winding down, it’s a good opportunity to stop and assess or evaluate yourself as a catechist. One way to do this is to use the Catechist’s Self-Evaluation that I put together. I encourage you to complete this and to share it in discussion with either a fellow catechist or your catechetical leader. Of course, anyone who knows me and my work, knows that I am a tireless advocate of ongoing formation […]