Newsworthy Archives - Page 2 of 21

Synod on Young People—Learning from Tony Bennett

As the Synod on Young People is taking place in Rome this month, my mind turns to 92-year-old singer Tony Bennett. Why? Over the past several years, this ageless crooner has taken to doing duets with young talent, most notably Lady Gaga (and currently, Dianna Krall, who, though not as young as Lady Gaga, is still nearly 40 years Bennett’s junior!). I’ve used the Tony Bennett-Lady Gaga example on numerous occasions to encourage those of […]

V Encuentro Is Right Around the Corner!

Joe Paprocki

A historic gathering of more than 3,000 Hispanic/Latino ministry leaders and delegates from across the country is about to take place (September 20–23, 2018) in Grapevine, TX: the Fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry known as V Encuentro. This gathering is a key moment in a four-year process of evangelization, mission, and consultation (under the auspices of the USCCB), designed to serve as a catalyst for developing ministries among Hispanics/Latinos in the United States. Delegates […]

NCCL Catechetical Award Winner

Denise Gorss

Congratulations to Joe Paprocki, DMin, on receiving the 2018 NCCL Catechetical Award. Presented by the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of catechesis. Joe is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources. He has authored numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox and his newest title, Living […]

What Is a Mass Mob and How Does It Work?

Joe Paprocki

In today’s world of social media, we often have to learn new vocabulary for various phenomena that occur by way of the digital world. One such phrase is “flash mob,” which refers to a large public gathering organized via social media, at which people “instantly” arrive to perform some unusual or random act and then quickly disperse. Here’s an example of a flash mob performing part of Handel’s Messiah at a mall in Amsterdam. Before […]

Celebrating five years with Pope Francis

Happy Fifth Anniversary Papa Francesco!

Joe Paprocki

I remember just five years ago, sitting at my desk here at Loyola Press, and excitedly watching along with the rest of the world as we were introduced to our new Pope, Francis, who humbly asked us to pray for him. In these five short years, we have come to know this great man as a truly holy follower of Jesus Christ. As a Jesuit ministry, Loyola Press is particularly proud to be associated with our […]

Communicator Award for Loyola Press Eucharist Video

Sacrament Video Wins Award!

Joe Paprocki

In ministry, as in many walks of life, affirmation does not always come easily. That’s why when it does come along, it is really something to celebrate! With that in mind, I am happy to share some good news with you: a video that I wrote and hosted for the God’s Gift: Eucharist program for Loyola Press recently won an award! The Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts announced that the “Sacrament of the Eucharist” […]

I’d Like to Pick Your Brain!

Joe Paprocki

One of my biggest goals with this blog has been and continues to be responding to the most critical needs of catechists. We take great pride here at Catechist’s Journey in remaining in touch with the real issues that affect catechetical ministers day in and day out. With that in mind, I’d like to pick your brain! As I set out to plan the topics I will address in the coming months, I’d like some input from […]

2017 Catholic Press Association Book Awards for Loyola Press

Award-Winning Catholic Books from Loyola Press

Joe Paprocki

I’m excited to announce that my book A Church on the Move: 52 Ways to Get Mission and Mercy in Motion received second-place honors in the Pastoral Ministry category of the 2017 Catholic Press Association Book Awards. The judges said: “This book provides practical, realistic strategies for the clergy, lay leaders and faithful to work at transforming parish life to lead others to an encounter with the transforming grace of Jesus Christ. This is a […]

Giving Something Besides Money for First Communion

Joe Paprocki

I’ve posted about this previously: when it comes to giving a child a gift to commemorate his or her reception of First Holy Communion, I propose that we do better than just putting money in a card! Of course, children are conditioned today to equate receiving money with the highest expression of generosity, and I realize that, by offering them some other gift, they may come to the conclusion that such a giver is “cheap.” Perhaps […]

What Is Hygge and Why Care?

Joe Paprocki

Knowing all too well that I am hopelessly square, some of my younger, hipper, edgier friends and colleagues at Loyola Press keep an eye out for trends among young adults related (if even remotely) to spirituality and faith formation. Recently, my friend Annie alerted me to the growing interest in something called hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), which is a Danish word for the mindset that folks in Denmark strive toward in order to help them cope […]