Joe's Comings and Goings Archives - Page 9 of 31

Discussion Questions for Under the Influence of Jesus!

I am very excited to share this news with you: discussion questions for my book, Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ, ARE NOW AVAILABLE! Thanks to my good friend and co-worker, Carrie Freyer, and to the Marketing Department at Loyola Press for designing this resource and making it available for folks! These discussion questions make it possible for small faith groups and book discussion groups to spend some time reflecting […]

Making the Good News Great – for RCIA

Joe Paprocki

I’ve been invited by my friends Nick Wagner and Diana Macalintal over at TeamRCIA to participate in a Webinar on Thursday, August 14, 2014, (2:00p to 3:00p Eastern / 11:00a to 12:00p Pacific) titled An RCIA Guide to Making the Good News Great! I’ll be drawing heavily from my book, Under the Influence of Jesus as we talk about how to communicate the Gospel so that it sounds like great news to those who need […]

Combatting the Drop-Off Mentality, Peoria Style

Joe Paprocki

I enjoyed a wonderful day in the Diocese of Peoria, IL, on Saturday (8/2) with about 175 catechetical ministers and was privileged to deliver the keynote and the closing talk for the day. In between, however, I enjoyed sitting in on some workshops delivered by local catechetical ministers. I really enjoyed participating in a breakout session for catechists of fifth and sixth grade children (since I taught sixth grade last year) that was led by […]

Nice Book Review for Under the Influence of Jesus!

Joe Paprocki

While on vacation, I caught wind of this very nice review of my book, Under the Influence of Jesus. The review was written for CatholicPhilly.com by Eugene J. Fisher, a professor of theology at St. Leo University in Florida. Thanks, Dr. Fisher! Here’s a sample of the review: This book is a spiritual meditation on what it means to be a Christian in one’s daily life. Written on a popular level, it makes use of […]

Under the Influence of Jesus in Brownsville, TX!

Joe Paprocki

Here’s a great big shout out to all the wonderful folks who attended the catechetical conference in the Diocese of Brownsville, TX, this past Saturday. The conference was organized by Mr. Luis Espinoza, the Director of the Office of Catechesis, who chose to use the title of my book, Under the Influence of Jesus, as the theme for the conference. I was honored to deliver the English keynote and two breakout sessions at the conference and […]

Lovin’ Louisville!

Joe Paprocki

I enjoyed a couple of wonderful days in the Archdiocese of Louisville, KY, with over 100 Catholic school teachers, catechists, and catechetical leaders. We spent Monday looking at catechesis that not only informs but also transforms (Beyond the Catechist’s Toolbox) and our Catholic identity (Practice Make Catholic). Thanks to all for participating in this summer enrichment!

One Question with Joe Paprocki AND Another Book Review

Joe Paprocki

Several weeks ago, the Publisher of Loyola Press, Fr. Paul Brian Campbell, SJ, sat down with me to ask his “One Question” and he chose to ask about the title of my book, Under the Influence of Jesus. Here’s my reply. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSo0zdOWasw Speaking of my book, Under the Influence of Jesus, here’s another wonderful review by blogger Fran Rossi Szpylczyn who blogs at There Will Be Bread. Thanks Fran!

Last Stop on My Blog Tour: Joliet Joyce!

Joe Paprocki

You’ve heard of “Joliet Jake” from the Blues Brothers, but have you heard of “Joliet Joyce?” 🙂 Joyce Donahue is the last stop on my blog tour for my book, Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ. Joyce, a Catechetical Associate in the Diocese of Joliet Religious Education Office, writes a wonderful blog at Liturgy and Catechesis Shall Kiss. When it comes to the nuts and bolts of liturgy and catechesis, […]

My Blog Tour Heads to Downstate Illinois: Jonathan Sullivan

Joe Paprocki

Ah, there’s nothing like traveling through the cornfields of Illinois on my way downstate! My blog tour today takes me to the state capitol of Springfield where Jonathan Sullivan serves as the Diocesan Director of Catechetical Services. Anyone know who the bishop is down there? 😉 I’ve spoken of Jonathan before on my blog and continue to admire him and see him as one of the brightest minds in catechetical ministry in our country today. […]

Blog Tour 3rd Stop: Marc Cardaronella

Joe Paprocki

Today, the blog tour for my book, Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ, visits catechist extraordinaire, Marc Cardaronella, who aptly describes himself as a “passionate Catholic; evangelical catechist; experimental evangelist; former naval aviator; revert; and wannabe changemaker!” Here is more of how Marc describes himself and his blog: I’m Marc. I work at a Catholic parish in Central Illinois, and I have a passion for evangelization. This is where parish […]