Spiritual Growth Archives - Page 13 of 30

Catechetical Sunday 2017 - Living as Missionary Disciples

Living as Missionary Disciples: Be Careful What You Ask For!

This year’s theme for Catechetical Sunday, September 17, 2017, is “Living as Missionary Disciples.” But just what does it mean to be a missionary disciple? My friend, Vickie Tufano, tells a story (which she attributes to her friend, William Willimon, a professor at Duke University) of a campus minister at a university who received a phone call from an irate parent who was calling to complain that his daughter had chosen to ignore her degree […]

Spirituality of the Catechist: Online Retreat for Catechists

The Spirituality of the Catechist Retreat Conclusion

Joe Paprocki

This summer we’ve explored six characteristics of the Spirituality of the Catechist in our online retreat. Thank you for your participation and commitment to deepening your own spirituality. Some of you participated silently and others shared openly, and together we share a bond that has brought us here to strengthen one another on this catechetical journey. The retreat posts will remain available for your continued reflection. Feel free to invite others you know in faith […]

7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness: What Are You Doing to Maintain Your Spiritual Wellness?

Joe Paprocki

If you’ve been keeping count, you’ll know that we explored 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness this summer. If you missed any of the reflections, catch up using the following links. Who’s Your Court Jester? What Do You Have That Cannot Be Taken Away? Is That Your Final Answer? What’s Your Security Blanket? What Scratches Your Itch? Where Is Your Dream Vacation Spot? What Gives You Heartburn? What are you doing to maintain your spiritual wellness? […]

The Magnificat and Devotion to Our Lady

John Gonzalez

This reflection is part of the Spirituality of the Catechist Online Retreat. The parish of Notre Dame in New Hyde Park, New York has a diverse Catholic community united in their strong devotion to the Virgin Mary. The original Italian community has organized two prayer groups devoted to Our Lady; the largest devotional group here is dedicated to Our Lady Queen of Peace. Our Lady of Guadalupe is certainly the most prominent cultural experience for […]

The Spirituality of the Catechist: Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Online Retreat Week 7)

Joe Paprocki

Welcome once more to our online retreat, the Spirituality of the Catechist. This week, we focus on the sixth aspect of a catechist’s spirituality: Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. If you’re just joining us, you can go back and catch up on earlier weeks at any time. If you haven’t already, share some thoughts about the retreat in the comments of any post in the series that inspires you in your vocation as a […]

Kids Need Ignatian Prayer!

Joe Paprocki

Today, being the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about the benefits that Ignatian prayer can bring to young people. According to IgnatianSpirituality.com, Ignatian prayer is imaginative, reflective, and personal—three characteristics that are crucial aspects of the spirituality of children. Imaginative—Children are the masters of imagination! Left to their own devices, children find ways to entertain themselves using their limitless imaginations. But children today, more […]

7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness: What Gives You Heartburn?

Kathleen Butler

Editor’s note: This post is one in a series inspired by Joe Paprocki’s book 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness. In the book, Joe introduces each key with a fun or thought-provoking question. Each Friday we’ll share an excerpt from 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness that poses a question, followed by a response by a catechist or catechetical leader. What gives you heartburn? I’m not talking about the bad kind of heartburn. I know all about that kind of heartburn. […]

Missionary Zeal

Patrice Spirou

This reflection is part of the Spirituality of the Catechist Online Retreat. We were created by God for a very specific reason; God has a unique and important job for each of us: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19–20) As Christians, we all […]

A Prayer for Those Who Have Shared Their Faith—Free Prayer Card

Joe Paprocki

While it’s true that there is a private dimension to our faith, faith comes to us through others first. Maybe you remember your parents teaching you mealtime or bedtime prayers or taking you to participate in a service opportunity. Maybe a favorite teacher or catechist showed you the power of imaginative prayer, invited you to a meaningful communal prayer service, or led an activity that made some aspect of the faith “click” for you. Maybe […]

The Spirituality of the Catechist: A Missionary Zeal (Online Retreat Week 6)

Joe Paprocki

Welcome back to our online retreat, the Spirituality of the Catechist. In this week, we focus on the fifth aspect of a catechist’s spirituality: A Missionary Zeal. If you’re just joining us, you can go back and catch up on earlier weeks at any time. You might also like to return to a previous week to share some thoughts in the comments section. This online retreat house is always open for your questions and insights. […]