Parent: “I’m anxious and worried. What if I do a terrible job?”
The shaking had started in the delivery room. My baby's heart rate had slowed, and by the time the nurses wheeled me into surgery...
An excerpt from The Way of Catechesis, by Gerard F. Baumbach
Looking Back 50 Years (or so) at the Documents that Guide Our Ministry
An excerpt from The Way of Catechesis
By Gerard F. Baumbach
Five decades is...
Catechist: “I’m discouraged. They’re not in church on Sunday.”
Often we might hear our youngsters say, "We don't go to Mass on Sunday." This challenges us to a precarious balance: to not respond...
“Study this Catechism with Passion and Perseverance.” – Benedict XVI
BY PAT GOHN
The Youcat, or Youth Catechism, released in 2010 under Benedict XVI's pontificate, contained an emphatic message from the pope in the foreword: "Study this Catechism!...
Catechist: “I don’t know enough about this week’s topic.”
Perhaps it would be true to say, "We never will." One of the enlivening realities about our faith is that there will always be...
Book Reviews (Nov. 2016)
Christmas Fun Bible Activity Book
by Lena Lane and Roma Bishop (Pauline Books and Media)
This colorful workbook of activities will reinforce seasonal lessons about the...
Catechist: “I don’t know all the answers. Why did I say yes?”
A bishop new to his diocese visited the oldest priest in the the diocese and asked him, "What has helped you to stay faithful...
Parent: “I lost it today. What can I do?”
My friend's husband had just lost his job. She herself was caring for her elderly parents. So when her son rolled his eyes at...
Forgiveness: Asked and Offered — Excerpt from Finding Your Spiritual Direction as a Catechist
An excerpt from Finding Your Spiritual Direction as a Catechist
By William B. Miller
Chapter 7: Forgiveness
If you were to ask a dozen people to give...
Parish leader: “I built it and they didn’t come.”
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, programs fail. Our great ideas are overlooked. What we think should matter to people doesn't. Rather than jumping to...