Catechist Corner - Latest Comments

Re: On fire!!

Patrick Baum — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:03:03 -0000

Carlos,

Thank you. I needed a positive story of catechesis this evening. If you read my current blog entry at pjbaum.com, you'll see what I mean! ;)

All for Christ,
PJ Baum
Part-time Catechist

Re: Catholic Cheat Sheet

Loutapia — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:23:08 -0000

Hi Carlos Im glad you have this website for catechist. I've been teaching confirmation for about 6 years now like you I have no teaching background but the Holy Spirit has been my guide in planting the seed of faith. Sometimes as Catechist we tend to feel like we have to do it all and forget we are part of a church which is the body of Christ that also helps us fulfill the mission. Thanks and Godbless you for creating this page.

Re: Living In This Moment

Christian LeBlanc — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 23:11:44 -0000

"based on a comment"

So...what comment?

Re: Living In This Moment

Christian LeBlanc — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 23:10:56 -0000

The Eternal Present.

Re: Storytelling and a Stiff-Necked People

Christian LeBlanc — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:30:31 -0000

Good report.

Re: Penance and Detachment

Carlos — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:48:09 -0000

Thanks Joe! I think it's something that people can really loose sensitivity to, especially our youth.

Re: Penance and Detachment

Joe Paprocki — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:52:03 -0000

Carlos, I like your comments about penance leading to a spirit of detachment...something our young people need.

Re: In a Year

Carlos — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:17:49 -0000

It's coming. I promise. :)

Re: In a Year

Christian LeBlanc — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 20:11:53 -0000

Hello again.

Re: In a Year

Christian — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:58:09 -0000

Hello.

Just sayin'.

Re: In a Year

Christian LeBlanc — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:57:02 -0000

I'm especially curious about reading it straight through in order.

Re: In a Year

Christian LeBlanc — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:56:06 -0000

OK. I'll be interested in you posting every month or so on how it's suiting you, what you learned, any applications to catchizing, etc. I've been reading the Bible regularly since 1998 and have yet to read it all. So I'll want to see how this works for you.

Re: In a Year

Carlos — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:52:03 -0000

Thanks Maria! I've always been intimidated in committing to reading Scripture every day (which I should be doing anyway), but I figure that using my iPad may be a great way to do this.

Re: In a Year

Maria Johnson — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:41:57 -0000

Blessings to you and yours this year!

I read through a similar program a few years ago. I'm afraid I wasn't successful, and then tried the bible adventures, but only did the readings and not the workbook (I admit I'm a slacker...or busy...or, a slacker).

The best advise I ever got, though, was to start with Acts. :)

Good luck to you!

Re: Come!

Christian LeBlanc — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:31:55 -0000

"I need to stop trying to do it all."

Yes. I joke to myself in this regard to leave something for the Holy Spirit to do so he can keep his job.

Re: Come!

Carlos — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 11:15:10 -0000

Christian, I think it will be more indirect than impacting content. I've been a bit frustrated this year with the students in my class, their level of basic knowledge as well as their willingness and desire to engage and learn. I've always been able to overcome that in prior years, but not this year.

One way the Lord spoke to me during the retreat regarding this ministry was that I need to stop trying to do it all. He will help me, but I have to let go first. It's not about what I can do, but what the Holy Spirit can do through me. Even though I know my role, it's very easy to forget that sometimes, especially when dealing with challenging students; but I have to remember that my work is nothing next to His.

It was one of those "BAM" moments followed by a "Duh" moment. I have to keep praying, do what I can to best allow Him to work through me and keep praying some more.

Re: Come!

Christian LeBlanc — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 10:25:59 -0000

Do you have any ideas about how the content of the retreat will inform the content of your 9th grade meetings?

Re: HELLO-O-o-o? ECHO-O-o-o!

Carlos — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:26:33 -0000

You're right about planting the seed, Cathi; but man, is it hard to feel like you're making a difference when you don't see it happening!! I know that Holy Spirit is wiser than I am. I need to keep reminding myself that God is doing it, not me.

Please keep me in your prayers as I struggle through this year.

Re: HELLO-O-o-o? ECHO-O-o-o!

Carlos — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:24:02 -0000

You raise a good point here, Christian. I go into a post with the assumption that it needs to be an essay. But you're right, why does it need to be an essay? Also, the idea of a recorder is an interesting one. My biggest concern with that is that I can't get my kids to speak in class now. Imagine what the impact of being recorded might do to my chances of bringing them out of their shells!! :-)

Seriously, thanks for all your support, Christian. It really is a big help.

Re: HELLO-O-o-o? ECHO-O-o-o!

Christian LeBlanc — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:59:31 -0000

Guilty as charged. But posting can be as simple as a paragraph about something that worked well (or badly) in your last class...most people who read the blog don't expect every post to be an essay. I think conscientious bloggers can often let the excellent become the enemy of the good. We know you take catechizing seriously, and we know that even if a post is quickly dashed off and short.

BTW, something that helps me with blogging and also my lessons is taping my classes and then listening to them. I listen to the recordings & think, wow there's tons of stuff I could write a bit about.

http://amazingcatechists.com/2...

Re: HELLO-O-o-o? ECHO-O-o-o!

Cathi D — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:02:24 -0000

Hang in there, keep the "faith". Our parish make a change to the community service requirements for Confirmation and the students are taking a more active part in the Corpral Acts of Mercy. Even if they don't seem overly enthusiastic, a seed is planted. Making taking them to the "church" rather than inside a church building could help. Teens are a tough nut to crack these days. Prayers as you continue to make a difference.

Cathi D.
cathid@thecatholicgiftshop.com

Re: 6 + 6 = Q&A

Anniendoug — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 08:11:06 -0000

Wow...just found this blog a little late :) but... I applaud you for having this discussion. I do this as well. I would recommend that a contact with parents be made prior to the discussion since they truly are the primary educators of their children. I know this can be difficult but I tell my parents I will not give the kids anything information contrary to the faith. I feel like they are happy with the CCD instructors doing this. Peace.

Re: Of Dogs and God

Christian LeBlanc — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:57:34 -0000

Are you going to be posting during the 2011-2012 school year?

Re: Blogfading Woes

Christian — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:58:26 -0000

Youth ministry and catechesis and a regular job and a fambly: something's gotta give, and it may as well be blogging.

Nothing's gained by burnout.

Re: Blogfading Woes

Lisa Mladinich — Wed, 11 May 2011 20:30:19 -0000

Hi Carlos! So glad to see you taking on Youth Ministry! I can't wait to hear how it all comes together. God bless you for stretching yourself to this important task. Praying for you!

Lisa