Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki
Prayer/Guided Reflections

Pop-Up Catechesis: Praying a Novena

In today’s episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we take a look at the practice of praying a novena and how this Catholic tradition is grounded in Scripture and connects us with the Apostles, Mary, and the Holy Spirit.  For more information about praying a novena, check out the following: First Holy Communion Novena Ascension to Pentecost: The First Novena (free poster and booklet) What Is a Novena? Novenas: Prayers of Intercession and Devotion Waiting for the […]

Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki
Scripture

Pop-Up Catechesis: Getting to Know Your Bible Better

In today’s episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore how to become more familiar with the Bible and how to teach children to get to know the Bible better.  For more information related to getting to know the Bible better, check out the following: Introducing Catholics to the Bible: Free Parent-Child Session The Bible Blueprint: A Catholic’s Guide to Understanding and Embracing God’s Word Seek and Find Bible Loyola Kids Book of Bible Stories

Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki
Prayer/Guided Reflections

Pop-Up Catechesis: Teaching Traditional Prayers

Traditional prayers are like family heirlooms that we pass on from one generation to another. In today’s episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore the practice of teaching traditional prayers to children.  For more information about traditional Catholic prayers, check out the following: Traditional Catholic Prayers Beyond Memorizing Words to Meditating with Traditional Prayers Traditional Prayers: Family Heirlooms Taking Prayers to Heart The Prayer List The Words We Pray Traditional Prayers in ASL Traditional Prayers […]

Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki
Prayer/Guided Reflections

Pop-Up Catechesis: “I’ll Light a Candle for You”

In today’s episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we look at the notion of intercessory prayer (praying for the needs of others) and how, for Catholics, it often involves the outward sign of lighting a candle for the person for whom we are praying. For more information about intercessory prayer, check out the following: Forming Children and Youth for Mass: Intercessory Prayer Drafting Prayers of Intercession Helping Young People Write Intercessions Faithful Uphold the Quiet Tradition of […]

Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki
Prayer/Guided Reflections

Pop-Up Catechesis: Spending Time in Quiet

In today’s Pop-Up Catechesis episode, we explore the value of spending some time in quiet. During this time of sheltering-at-home, the isolation we are experiencing may tempt us to surround ourselves with noise and stimulation. And while it is good to be engaged in activity, let’s not lose sight of the fact that this is an opportunity to cultivate the practice of encountering God’s presence in the quiet. It is especially important for us to […]

Facing New and Uncertain Situations Like Mary: A Family Faith-Sharing Guide
Mary and the Saints

Facing New and Uncertain Situations Like Mary: A Family Faith-Sharing Guide

May is traditionally a time to honor Mary in special ways, such as with May Crowning celebrations. This year, we can look to Mary as a model for facing uncertain times. When faced with the news that she would be the Mother of God, Mary had questions but accepted God’s plan for her with complete trust. Explore Mary’s faith and trust in God with the help of our family faith-sharing guide. Excerpted from 52 Simple […]

Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki
Prayer/Guided Reflections

Pop-Up Catechesis: Praying the Rosary as a Family

In today’s episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we look at the practice of praying the Rosary as a family. Here are some resources to help you get to know the Rosary better: Praying the Rosary Reflecting on Praying the Rosary Rosary Beads Mysteries of the Rosary Marian Resources Praying the Rosary Interactive Tool Mary, Our Mother Plush Figure How to Pray a Family Rosary Pope Francis suggests praying at the end of the Rosary, two prayers […]

Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki
Liturgy and Sacraments

Pop-Up Catechesis: First Eucharist Retreat at Home

With the ongoing pandemic and shelter-in-place restrictions, almost every aspect of our lives has changed, including major events such as graduations, showers, birthday parties, Confirmations, weddings, and First Holy Communions. For many children, a First Eucharist retreat is part of their preparation at the parish. Since the present crisis precludes such gatherings, I offer some suggestions for doing a First Eucharist retreat at home, in today’s episode of Pop-Up Catechesis.  Here are some resources to […]

Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki
Mary and the Saints

Pop-Up Catechesis: Reading Stories of the Saints

In today’s episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore the practice of reading stories of the saints to learn how people throughout the ages have put the Gospel into practice in their everyday lives. For more information about the saints, check out the following: Saints Stories for All Ages Calendar of Saints Stories for All Ages Saints Reflections Saints Coloring Sheets Saints Books

Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki
Mary and the Saints

Pop-Up Catechesis: May Crowning at Home

In this episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we take a look at how to do a simple May Crowning at home. Here are some links to help you in planning your own May Crowning at home. Remember, keep it simple! Don’t think you must include every option. Reflection on the devotion of May Crowning Marian Hymns: “Sing of Mary,” “Hail, Holy Queen,” “Hail Mary: Gentle Woman,” “Bring Flowers of the Rarest,” “Immaculate Mary” Pope Francis’s Prayer […]