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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Len Astrowski Talks About His Vocation as a Catechist

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 7th grade catechist Len Astrowski talks about what he likes about his students and what it means to him to be a catechist. Watch for the following: Len talks about the great job his kids do of settling in to his class after a long day at school Len says that he really doesn’t have discipline problems with this group other than a little talking here and there […]

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7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness

What Are YOU Doing to Maintain Your Spiritual Wellness?

In last night’s Webinar on The 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness (if you missed it, a recording will be available here on my blog within a few days), I began by asking what folks are doing to maintain their spiritual wellness before I added my suggestions. Here’s a sampling of what folks are doing (I love the variety!)   What are YOU doing to maintain your spiritual wellness? Daily mass Daily prayer active participation in […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Len Astrowski Invites 7th Graders to Pray

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 7th grade catechist Len Astrowski prepares his 7th graders for a short prayer experience in the middle of his session on the Resurrection of Jesus. Watch for the following: Len invites the young people to turn to the page with the prayer Len assigns roles for the prayer…this is a crucial step for catechists. Catholics pray communally which means that everyone has a part and their are various […]

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Books

Practice Makes Catholic – Finalist for “Excellence in Publishing Awards”

I’m very proud to announce that my book, Practice Makes Catholic is a finalist for the Excellence in Publishing Awards given by the Association of Catholic Pubishers in the category of Resources for Ministry. I’m honored to receive such consideration and am very proud of this book which is being used by so many people in parish ministry, especially in the areas of catechist formation, RCIA, and general adult formation. I’m also proud to be […]

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Easter

Our Triumphant Holy Day!

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! […]

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View Past Webinars

Please note, we do NOT issue certificates for viewing recordings of Webinars. Please click on one of the links below to jump to the information regarding the topic you’re interested in: Getting Started as a Catechist Series Primary Age Children Intermediate Age Children Junior High and High School Students Adults Roman Missal Changes “Practice Makes Catholic” Leading Prayer as a Catechist Preparing for Advent: A Webinar Making Lent Simple, but Not Easy Growing as a […]

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Prayer/Guided Reflections

Resources for Teaching Meditation to Children

While in Tucson, AZ, at their catechetical conference last week, I spent some time at a booth in the exhibit hall sponsored by The World Community for Christian Meditation. There, I found some very nice resources for teaching Christian meditation to children. The WCCM traces its contemporary roots to London, 1975, when John Main established the Christian Meditation Centre. It considers itself a “monastery without walls.” Recently, Bishop Michael Putney of the Diocese of Townsville […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Steve Lascola Tells the Story of Zacchaeus

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 2nd grade catechist Steve Lascola tells the story of Zacchaeus. Watch for the following: Steve explains that the story of Zacchaeus is a celebration of forgiveness Steve reads the story of Zacchaeus to the children and then summarizes in his own words Steve directs the children to participate in a short prayer and has one of the children stand to lead httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NQBBI7vZfc

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Steve Lascola Talks About Forgiveness

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 3rd grade catechist Steve Lascola talks to the children about forgiveness. Watch for the following: Steve invites the kids to color in the word forgiveness; Steve asks how many of the kids know the Lord’s Prayer; Steve recites the Lord’s Prayer and asks the kids to write down any lines that deal with forgiveness; Steve reviews the kids answers and concludes that the Lord “likes it” when we […]

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Catechetical Issues & Topics

5 Characteristics of Catholic Identity

Recently I had the opportunity to listen to author and national consultant, Joe Paprocki, give a workshop on Catholic identity. In his delightfully engaging style, Joe invited his audience to reflect on their own experiences in order to identify for themselves what it means to be authentically Catholic. Participants shared a variety of rituals, symbols, and gestures that reflect a uniquely Catholic experience. During the remainder of the day, Joe helped us draw deeper meaning […]