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Resurrected Christ appears to disciples - illustration by Tracy Bishop

The Risen Christ Enters Through Locked Doors

One of the most tantalizing details of the Resurrection accounts is the fact that the Risen Jesus enters rooms through locked doors. We read in the Gospels that the Apostles had locked themselves in the upper room in fear after Jesus’ Crucifixion. And yet, the Risen Christ appeared in their midst. (John 20:19) This message is so important for us today, as we find ourselves still in the pandemic, still observing isolation and social-distancing guidelines. […]

Crucifixion - image by Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Sorrowful Mysteries: The Crucifixion and a Curtain Torn from Top to Bottom

Joe Paprocki

As we draw near the end of Lent, we pause to reflect on the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary: the Crucifixion. Growing up in a very Catholic family, in a very Catholic neighborhood in Chicago, and attending a Catholic school ensured that I was in church every Friday afternoon of Lent for the Stations of the Cross and on Good Friday for services that included the reading of Jesus’ Passion. Among the many things that I […]

stopwatch - image by Memed_Nurrohmad from Pixabay

An Icebreaker for Remote Learning Sessions: The One-Minute Challenge

Cindy Coleman

Like many catechists, I have had the novel task this year of teaching faith formation remotely. My students are second graders preparing for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Late last summer, when we were told that we would be moving to remote learning, I spent hours watching webinars on remote catechesis, viewing videos from teachers on distance learning, and joining in teacher Facebook groups for online teaching. I was grateful to find the template […]

Leading Guided Reflections with Second Graders

Cindy Coleman

I’ve shared before how I introduce my second graders to a variety of prayer experiences. However, my favorite prayer experiences with them are guided reflections. In a guided reflection, I lead the children step-by-step to imagine meeting Jesus, talking with him, and listening to him. I’m thankful that my God’s Gift books include guided reflections paired to several of our lessons. Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts also includes guided reflections at every grade […]

Pop-Up Catechesis: Our Lady of the Rosary

Joe Paprocki

Generally, when we visit an art gallery or museum, we take our time, strolling from one piece to another and pausing in front of each one to take it in. We set our gaze upon each work of art and allow it to wash over us. This is a good metaphor for how we pray the Mysteries of the Rosary: each mystery is like a work of art that we stand before and set our […]

Pop-Up Catechesis: Letting God’s Word Sink In (Lectio Divina)

Joe Paprocki

When giving directions to young people for completing a task, catechists and teachers have grown accustomed to hearing at least one participant respond with, “Wait, what?” Experienced educators know that, when giving directions to young people, we have to repeat several times and check for comprehension. We can’t assume that the first time we say something, it has been heard and received! The same holds true with the Word of God. Often, upon first hearing, […]

Pop-Up Catechesis: “I’ll Light a Candle for You”

Joe Paprocki

In today’s episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we look at the notion of intercessory prayer (praying for the needs of others) and how, for Catholics, it often involves the outward sign of lighting a candle for the person for whom we are praying. For more information about intercessory prayer, check out the following: Forming Children and Youth for Mass: Intercessory Prayer Drafting Prayers of Intercession Helping Young People Write Intercessions Faithful Uphold the Quiet Tradition of […]

Pop-Up Catechesis: Spending Time in Quiet

Joe Paprocki

In today’s Pop-Up Catechesis episode, we explore the value of spending some time in quiet. During this time of sheltering-at-home, the isolation we are experiencing may tempt us to surround ourselves with noise and stimulation. And while it is good to be engaged in activity, let’s not lose sight of the fact that this is an opportunity to cultivate the practice of encountering God’s presence in the quiet. It is especially important for us to […]

Facing New and Uncertain Situations Like Mary: A Family Faith-Sharing Guide

Joe Paprocki

May is traditionally a time to honor Mary in special ways, such as with May Crowning celebrations. This year, we can look to Mary as a model for facing uncertain times. When faced with the news that she would be the Mother of God, Mary had questions but accepted God’s plan for her with complete trust. Explore Mary’s faith and trust in God with the help of our family faith-sharing guide. Excerpted from 52 Simple […]

Pop-Up Catechesis: Reading the Bible as a Family

Joe Paprocki

In today’s episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we look at how to read the Bible together as a family with a focus on the Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday, using the Sunday Connection. For more on reading the Bible as a family, check out the following: Using the Bible in Family Prayer: Praying with Young Children Leading Young Children in Prayer with the Bible Exploring the Good Word This Week as a Family