Stories from the Field Archives - Page 47 of 61

Catechists in Action – Marge Invites RCIA Team Member to Discuss the Gospel

In this segment of Catechists in Action, Marge Garbacz invites Bernie, one of her RCIA team members to read aloud the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday and then to share some thoughts on it. Watch for the following: Marge clearly announces what is to take place next, the proclamation and discussion of the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday, and then turns it over to Bernie…a nice sharing of responsibility and utilization of the gifts of […]

Catechists in Action – Marge Invites the RCIA Participants to Introduce Themselves

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists In Action, we see Marge Garbacz, DRE at St. Symphorosa parish in Chicago, IL, inviting the RCIA participants (catechists, sponsors, catechumens, candidates) to introduce themselves to us as we prepare to watch segments showing their learning experience. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jg9XhmE4gs

Catechists in Action – Marge Leads Opening Prayer

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, Marge Garbacz welcomes her RCIA participants and invites them to prayer. Watch for the following: Marge greets the participants with great enthusiasm, letting them know how welcome they are and how enthusiastic she is to be spending time with them Marge gives instructions for the prayer and invites the group to pray a prayer written for the parish RCIA process and used over many years at the parish. […]

Catechists In Action – Meet Marge Garbacz, Catechist of Adults

Joe Paprocki

Welcome to the final installment of Catechists in Action, a feature that has enabled us to be a “fly on the wall” of a number of catechists in this past year. In this final installment, we meet Marge Garbacz, Director of Religious Education at St. Symphorosa Parish in Chicago, IL. Among the many hats that Marge wears (including “parish carnival coordinator”!) is the coordinator of the parish RCIA process. Marge has assembled an impressive team […]

Young Adult Ministry in a Box

Joe Paprocki

I recently came across a new resource that looks very interesting for those seeking to improve their young adult ministry. It’s called Young Adult Ministry in a Box and it’s put out by Busted Halo. Take a look.

5th Anniversary Celebration – Guest Blogger #4: Marc Cardaronella

Joe Paprocki

As we continue to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of my blog, The Catechist’s Journey, here is another guest blogger. Marc Cardaronella is the Director of Religious Education for Holy Cross Church in Champaign, IL. In a former life, he was a Naval Aviator but gave that up for a less thrilling and infinitely more satisfying career working for the Church. He has a Master’s Degree in Theology and Christian Ministry with a specialization in Catechetics […]

Catechizing Children with Special Needs

Joe Paprocki

While in Cleveland recently, I had a nice conversation with a husband and wife catechist team who catechize children with special needs. I have great admiration for people who dedicate themselves to this challenging yet wonderful ministry. It was the first opportunity I had to tell people personally about a brand new resource designed for catechizing children with special needs. It is the Adaptive First Eucharist Preparation Kit from Loyola Press. I had the privilege of […]

Last but Not Least…Advice for Catechists of Adults

Joe Paprocki

Adult Catechesis is last on my list of webinars but certainly not least! In fact, the General Directory for Catechesis reminds us that Adult Catechesis is the primary form of catechesis!With that in mind, what advice would you offer to someone who is going to be a catechist of adults (e.g. RCIA, Bible study, adult faith sharing, Adult Confirmation prep, etc)? In particular, how is teaching adults different from teaching children? What learning needs to […]

Teaching Jr High & High School Youth – What’s Your Advice?

Joe Paprocki

Here’s what Bernie has to say about teaching junior high and high school youth: I am starting my sixth year of teaching 7th graders and last year I was surprised to realize how much my students enjoyed a bit of quiet time to encounter God. With their heavy schedules of school, sports, choir, and other extra curriculars, some of these children are constantly on the run. Towards the end of class, I tried to incorporate […]

Advice for Catechists of Intermediate Age Children

Joe Paprocki

Thanks to the folks who shared some excellent advice for catechists of primary age children last week! This week, we turn our attention to those who teach children in grades 4, 5, and 6 – the intermediate grades. What works? What doesn’t work? What approaches are most effective? What skills, techniques, and strategies are needed? Allow me to begin since I taught 4th graders last year! My advice? Don’t “baby” this age group. They have […]