Visiting Catechists in the Deep South

I just returned from a trip to Alabama and Georgia where I had the pleasure of speaking to/with a couple of groups of DREs and catechists about how to transform religion class into an “experience.” Greetings to all of the wonderful people I met in the Birmingham and Atlanta dioceses! Thanks for your warm southern hospitality and I wish you continued blessings in your ministry! One highlight of my trip was stopping for a bite […]

The Catechist’s Toolbox – Required Reading for College Course

While in Los Angeles for the Religious Education Congress, I met a college instructor, Jack Kelly, PhD. (candidate) who teaches a course titled Christian Religious Education and the Child at St. Joseph’s College in Alberta, Canada. He went out of his way to tell me that he uses my book, The Catechist’s Toolbox for his course! Imagine how thrilled I was to find out!

Los Angeles Religious Education Congress

I spent this past weekend at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress with 30,000 or so of my best friends! As always, it was a great experience. I had the privilege of giving a presentation on The Catechist’s Toolbox to about 500 catechists on Saturday afternoon, followed by a book signing in the exhibit hall. It was a great thrill. Thanks to all the wonderful catechists who came to my workshop on such a beautiful […]

There Are Catechists in Canada!

Of course there are catechists in Canada! It just so happens that I had the privilege of meeting with a number of them over the last few days in Vancouver, British Columbia! I was presenting at the Catholic Educator’s Conference of the Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese. After I unpack my bags, I’ll tell you more about it!

Catechists and the Bible – A Saturday Morning in the Joliet Diocese

I spent this past Saturday morning with about 100 catechists in the Diocese of Joliet (south and west of the Archdiocese of Chicago) focusing on the topic of catechists and the Bible. I was honored to “share the bill” with Bishop Peter Sartain and to meet and speak with so many catechists from so many parishes. After a beautiful morning prayer, I was introduced and spoke about 5 ways to “dramatically increase your students’ Bible […]

Ad Multos Annos, Fr. George Lane, SJ!

Today is Fr. George Lane’s 40th anniversary at Loyola Press, the Jesuit ministry in Chicago where I humbly and proudly serve. Fr. Lane, who has served as President of Loyola Press since 1989, is a true legend in Chicago (and in the publishing business) and especially in the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus. In addition to his amazing tenure at Loyola Press, Fr. Lane is also responsible for coordinating the efforts that saved and […]

An Epiphany "Pilgrimage"

Hi Friends! I wish you a very Happy and Blessed New Year! May 2009 be a year of grace for all of our catechetical efforts! Yesterday, I spent the morning with 15 catechists (and about 5 aides) at Maternity BVM parish in the West Humboldt Park area of Chicago. If the name of that neighborhood rings a bell, it’s the location where the recent movie, Nothing Like the Holidays, was filmed (a very funny movie!). […]

California Dreamin'!

I spent the weekend in northern California and had the privilege of speaking at the Faith Formation Conference sponsored by 5 dioceses, held in Santa Clara. I did 2 presentations – one on introducing kids to the Bible (God’s Library) and one on catechist skills and qualities (The Catechist’s Toolbox). Each workshop had between 150 and 200 participants and we had a wonderful time together! I enjoy meeting so many wonderful catechists from all these […]

Radio Interview

Several weeks ago, I was interviewed by Frank Morock for Catholic Bookmarks Radio (sponsored by the United States Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops) about my book A Well-Built Faith. That interview is now posted on the USCCB web site and the link is provided below. You’re welcome to listen if you have a chance.   Program 845 By ccc@usccb.org (Catholic Communication Campaign) Interview with Joe Paprocki, author of “A Well-Built Faith,” A book to help Catholics […]

Howdy and How ya Doin?

I had a wonderful weekend meeting with about 450 catechists in Chicago (How ya doin?) and Austin, Texas (Howdy!)! At the Chicago Catechetical Conference on Friday, I spoke to a group of about 200 (mostly Catholic school teachers) about 5 steps to dramatically increase their students’ Bible IQ.  I then jumped on a plane and flew to Austin, Texas to do a couple of workshops (about 125 at each one) on the Language of Mystery – […]

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