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Comings & Goings

Thank You, Green Bay!

No, I’m not thanking Green Bay for anything the Packers have done recently! I’m sending my sincere thanks to all the good folks up there who hosted a couple of wonderful catechetical events that they invited me to speak at. On Wednesday, October 26, I spent the evening with about 250 catechists in Appleton, WI, talking about The Catechist’s Toolbox. What an outstanding turnout! The next day, I spent the morning with about 75 catechetical […]

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Comings & Goings

Thank You Seattle!

I spend a wonderful weekend in Seattle with about 100 catechists looking at A Well Built Faith and The Catechist’s Toolbox. Thanks to all for such a great experience…I was deeply inspired by all of you!

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Comings & Goings

Thanks to Richmond, VA!

I had a wonderful weekend in Richmond, VA, doing the keynote and a couple of workshops at their “Graced by God” conference. Thanks to Eileen Brown for arranging for me to speak and to Deacon Ed Schmidt who served as my “personal assistant” throughout the day. I immensely enjoyed meeting Ed and spending the day with him and enjoying lunch with him and his wife. Thanks Ed for your selfless diaconal service, not only to […]

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Comings & Goings

Howdy to Hoxie and a Salute to Salina!

I spent a few wonderful days in the state of Kansas (my first visit there!) at a couple of Catechist Rallies, one in each end of the state. Saturday was in Salina on the eastern side of the state and Sunday was in Hoxie on the wesern side of the state. That made for some nice long rides…beautiful! Thanks to everyone for coming out to the catechist rallies…I learned so much from you and I hope […]

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Joe's Comings and Goings

Thank You, Minnesota! Happy Catechetical Sunday!

A great big THANK YOU to the many folks who came out Thursday for catechetical enrichment in the Archdiocese of Minneapolis/St. Paul! About 70 catechetical leaders in the morning and about 200 catechists in the evening! And, WOW, were they energetic and interactive!!! Thanks to all for such a great day and may your catechetical year be filled with blessings! And, to all catchists, a very Happy CATECHETICAL SUNDAY! May this year find you growing […]

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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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Comings & Goings

Thank You, Cleveland!

I had a wonderful couple of days in Cleveland, spending Friday with catechetical leaders and Saturday with catechists, as they kick-off their catechetical year. I was impressed and inspired by the level of enthusiasm and dedication. I was also flattered by the appreciation some people have for my books as evidenced by this picture of a catechist who brought her copy of The Catechist’s Toolbox for me to sign. She proudly showed me the tabs […]

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Joe's Comings and Goings

It’s Great to Be Home!

Now that I’m back from my trips to Dallas and Hawaii, I’d like to take a bit of time to catch my breath and catch up with you on a few things. With that in mind, we’re going to take a week’s break from Stories on the Journey which has been such a wonderful experience! Thanks so much for sharing your stories and I look forward to many more during the month of July. For starters, […]

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Comings & Goings

Aloha from Oahu!

I had the experience of a lifetime today, doing the keynote presentation at the Faith Formation Conference in Honolulu! It was a wonderful experience! It was the culmination of an incredible week. My wife and I have spent the past week here and have been so blessed to experience this island paradise. Tomorrow is  a full day of travel back to Chicago. When I get home, I’ll have an opportunity to fill you in on […]

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Joe's Comings and Goings

A Delightful Day in Dallas!

Thanks to all the wonderful catechists in Dallas, TX, who spent the day with me on Saturday, exploring an introduction to the ministry of catechesis. We had a great time, got lots of work done, and even celebrated the Dallas Mavericks’ championship! The crowd ranged from a number of brand new catechists to a woman who was in her 50th year of being a catechist! Amazing! Thanks again to everyone for such a wonderful day! Here’s […]