Catechists in Action: Len Astrowski Archives

Catechists in Action – Len Astrowski Shares His Planning Techniques

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 7th grade catechist Len Astrowski shares some details about how he prepares for his lessons. Watch for the following: Len explains that he has all of his lessons on computer and makes adjustments each year as needed Len shows the outline that he develops for class each week and emphasizes that it is not “cast in stone.” Len shows how he follows the 4 steps of the catechetical process […]

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

Joe Paprocki

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 […]

Catechists in Action – Len Astrowski’s Students Offer Him Feedback

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 7th grade catechist Len Astrowski gets to hear what his students like about him! Watch for the following: kids respond immediately, commenting that he is friendly, answers all their questions, is very caring, prays for their needs, etc. Len welcomes the opportunity for the kids to give him constructive criticism (almost falls down!) and then promises he won’t hold anything against them. one girl says he could give […]

Catechists in Action – Len Astrowski Teaches About the Sacraments of Initiation

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 7th grade catechist Len Astrowski discusses the Sacraments of Initiation with his class. Watch for the following: Len asks if anyone can recall the 3 Sacraments of Initiation a student responds correctly Len joyfully and enthusiastically affirms her correct answer!!! Len reviews other important points from the chapter, explains them in his own words, and asks students to explain their understanding. This is a good example of informal […]

Catechists in Action – Len Astrowski Discusses the Eucharist

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, seventh-grade catechist Len Astrowski leads a discussion on the Eucharist. Watch for the following: Len reviews the main points of the chapter on Eucharist with his students, asking them to identify the main points that were covered. Notice how Len gently pushes the student responding to take his answer further. Len talks about the fast-food phenomenon and uses that to contrast with the importance of the Eucharist. Len […]

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

Joe Paprocki

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 […]

Catechists in Action – Meet Len Astrowski!

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, we meet seventh-grade catechist Len Astrowski, the husband of the Director of Religious Education at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Evergreen Park, IL. After leaving Chris Brett’s class, we headed straight over to Len’s class and walked in during the middle of his session. Watch for the following: Len introduces me to his class. (He had my name on the board and alerted the kids to the fact […]