Easter Archives - Page 6 of 7 - Catechist's Journey

Celebrating the Light of Christ and the Easter Vigil

Recently, I received an e-mail from a fourth-grade catechist, Gail, who hails from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. In it, she shared a very nice idea for making Paschal candles in preparation for the Easter Vigil. Here is how she goes about doing this easy project. Hello Joe, Celebrating the Light of Christ and the Easter Vigil: I have used Pringles (potato chips) cans for my students to make their own version of the Paschal candle. I used […]

Let the Triduum Teach

Joe Paprocki

Any liturgist will tell you that the best way to teach about liturgy is to celebrate richly and robustly. The Triduum, which is only weeks away, is without a doubt the most robust sacramental celebration in our life of worship and, as such, provides an extraordinary opportunity for quality adult faith formation simply by inviting people to play a role in the celebrations. Here are some ideas for how to make that happen. Holy Thursday Evening […]

Preparing for Pentecost

Joe Paprocki

Pentecost Sunday is less than a month away! As we look forward to this wonderful feast, I thought I would share with you an excerpt from my book, Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ, that explores what happened on that first Christian Pentecost! As recorded in Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, the apostles proclaimed the Gospel for the first time on that day. When all was said and done, […]

Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!

Joe Paprocki

I know little about the Greek language, however, when I was in my Doctor of Ministry program, one of my classmates was an Orthodox priest who taught me that their Easter greeting is “Christos Anesti!” which means, “Christ is Risen!” to which the response is “Alithos Anesti!” or “Indeed, He is Risen!” or “Truly, He is Risen!” And so, this Easter, instead of simply wishing you a “Happy Easter,” my greeting to you is, Christ […]

Holy Week and Easter Resources

Joe Paprocki

As we approach Holy Week and then the glorious 50-day celebration of Easter, here are some resources that I’m sure you will find helpful. Holy Week Resources Easter Resources

From Lent to Easter—From Fasting to Feasting (Savoring)

Joe Paprocki

We just finished 40 days of Lent in order to prepare to celebrate 50 days of Easter! During Lent, we practice specific disciplines: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. So how do we “practice” Easter? We certainly don’t give up on praying and almsgiving, although those are colored now more by joyful gratitude than penance. But what does it mean to move from fasting to feasting? Feasting is not to be associated with gluttony. Feasting, for Catholics, […]

Holy Saturday, 2013

Joe Paprocki

Alleluia! He is Risen! Here are pics from the Easter Vigil so beautifully celebrated at St. Julie Billiart Parish in Tinley Park, IL. Awaiting the Vigil in darkness 6 young adults await baptism The lighting of the Easter fire The Exsultet beautifully proclaimed by John Thomas of Liturgy Training Publications Alleluia!!! The Litany of Saints I baptize you… Renewal of baptismal promises White garments Approaching the altar for the first time

Resurrection

Joe Paprocki

Today we celebrate the great feast of the Resurrection. As catechists, we know that Easter is more than one day; it’s a full season. Let us rejoice! Enjoy this year’s Easter reflection from all of us at Loyola Press.

Home Blessing of Easter Foods

Joe Paprocki

For years, my wife and I bless our Easter foods at home: bread which reminds us of the Bread of Life, meats which remind us that Jesus became flesh, dairy foods that remind us of the richness of the Kingdom, herbs and spices that remind us of the flavors of life including bitterness, and wine to symbolize the Holy Spirit! A blessed Easter to all!

Our Triumphant Holy Day!

Joe Paprocki

As we celebrate this sacred Triduum and move into the Easter season, I extend my sincerest best wishes and prayers to all who enjoy the privilege of proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus in the catechetical ministry. Together, on this Easter morning, we sing: Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia! Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! […]