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Books

The Catechist’s Toolbox Sweeps into Winnipeg, CA!

I received the most incredible unsolicited endorsement of my book, The Catechist’s Toolbox, from the Archdiocese of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada! The Director of Catechetics and Faith Formation, Judy Vermette, sent me the following. (the prayers she is referring to are the prayers at the end of each chapter). Hi Joe, The Archdiocese of Winnipeg and the Archdiocese of St. Boniface have collaborated to bring your book “The Catechist Toolbox” as the theme for a […]

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Liturgy and Sacraments

Teaching the Roman Missal Changes to Children – Easy as 1, 2, 3!

We’ve talked alot about the Roman Missal changes set to begin in Advent and how we can best understand them and embrace them as catechists. I’ve offered a series of articles as well as a webinar to assist in making that happen. All along, people have been asking me, “What about actually teaching these changes to children? Will you have something available to help us?” I’m happy to say YES! Several months ago, I met […]

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Getting Started as a Catechist

Getting Started as a Catechist – Free Webinars!

As the new catechetical year approaches, catechists are focusing their attention on how to best engage their students in faith formation. In the United States alone, roughly 150,000 catechists are new to the job each year!  With that in mind, I will once again be hosting a series of free Webinars through Loyola Press called “Getting Started as a Catechist.” This year, I’m offering a new twist: I will be hosting four webinars in the series, each focused on […]

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Miscellaneous

Teaching a Language of Mystery

Last evening, I had the pleasure of speaking to about 65 catechists at St. Julie Billiart parish in Tinley Park, IL, on the final night of a 6 week summer series called The Monday Night Medley, sponsored by the parishes of the Southwest Suburban Cluster of DREs. This year’s focus was on Sacraments, Prayer, and Liturgy and my task was to cover the catechetical dimension, demonstrating how catechists can incorporate elements of these 3 topics […]

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Books

Preparing Hearts and Minds: 9 Simple Ways for Catechists to Cultivate a Living Faith Master Catechist Joe Paprocki offers nine simple and effective ways to truly revitalize the way we talk about our faith. Living the Sacraments: Finding God at the Intersection of Heaven and Earth Joe Paprocki demystifies the Catholic sacraments and presents them as a way of life to be experienced each day, rather than as standalone events. Free Discussion Guide Available for […]

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Resources

Books I’ve Written A Well-Built Faith: A Catholic’s Guide to Knowing and Sharing What We Believe Bringing Catechesis and Liturgy Together In the Beginning Jesus, Should I Follow You? Living the Mass The Catechist’s Toolbox: How to Thrive as a Religious Education Teacher The Catechist’s Toolbox: How to Thrive as a Religious Education Teacher – IN SPANISH Helpful Resources From Joe 10 Tips for Maintaining Discipline Top Ten Reasons to Become a Catechist Welcome to […]

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Being a Catechist

“I Owe it All To…” – Stories on the Journey

Becky shared the following about her mentor: For me, my colleague and mentor, Charles Jumonville, from the Diocese of Baton Rouge is who I “owe it all to.” Charles sought me, when I was 24 years old, to come and work for the diocese. My initial reaction was “you have to be kidding!” After much thought and prayer, I finally said “yes.” His invitation changed the direction of my professional life. St. Ignatius suggests us […]

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Being a Catechist

Stories on the Journey, Week Four: “Oopsies! I Goofed”

Welcome to Week Four of Stories on the Journey! Thanks for all of the great stories you’ve shared so far! Betty from Arizona sums it up pretty well: Thanks for sharing these inspiring stories that keep me motivated to continue facilitating adult religious education at my parish! In case you missed the stories, here they are: Week One: How Did I Get Into This? Week Two: Kids Say/Do the Darndest Things  Week Three: Touching the […]

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Being a Catechist

Touched by the Sacred – Let’s Hear Your Story

Beautiful story from Karen: I teach RCIA for kids (2nd – 6th grades). During Lent, right before they will be baptized, we do the Stations of the Cross. We have some posters that I put up around the room and down the hallway. At the last minute, I decided to add a candle for each one since they had really enjoyed lighting the one we used for our opening prayer each week. We went through […]

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Joe's Comings and Goings

Thanks and So Many Other Things…

First, I want to extend a great big THANK YOU to all of the people who expressed their thoughts and prayers over these last few days as we mourned the death and celebrated the life of my mother-in-law, Sophie, who passed away on Tuesday at the tender young age of 95. The funeral was a beautiful experience and it was good to be surrounded by so much love. While I was away, I hear a […]