Catechist has teaching tips for those spreading faith

At a presentation for fifth-graders on the Bible, catechist Joe Paprocki raced around the classroom with a stopwatch and whistle while the students competed at finding Scripture passages.

One student's hand shot into the air, and Mr. Paprocki checked his answer, which was correct.

"Booyah!" the boy yelled, pumping his fist like Tiger Woods after a hole-in-one.

That pretty much sums up what's kept Mr. Paprocki teaching faith formation for 25 years: "I got a fifth-grade kid to yell out 'booyah' in religion class!"

Boosting faith

Getting students excited about their faith isn't Mr. Paprocki's only goal. The Chicago-area author and catechetical leader also wants to give religious educators a boost through his new book, "The Catechist's Toolbox."

"Please know that you are not easily replaced," he tells catechists on its very first page. "Although there may be a half-million volunteer catechists in the U.S., you are part of a select community of people in the Church who are dedicated to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in a formal setting."

In an interview with The Evangelist, Mr. Paprocki said that catechists first and foremost "echo the Word of God."

That's done not just by being willing to teach religious ed, he said: "There needs to be an intentional approach to one's faith. Being a catechist is a vocation, a calling by the Church. It doesn't mean you're supposed to be some kind of perfect example, but that you're growing in your own faith."

Enthusiasm

"The Catechist's Toolbox" starts there, with definitions for what a catechist is, what the goals of faith formation are and which skills religious educators need to make their classes effective and interesting.

Mr. Paprocki's teaching background helped him create the techniques outlined in the book -- itself colorfully divided into bulleted lists and blurbs in balloons -- but he said that not all catechists even know the basics when they enter into a teaching situation.

"Enthusiasm carries you a long way; I wouldn't discourage that eagerness," he noted. "Take that enthusiasm and 'wisen it up.'"

Realistic view

One way to do that is to be realistic. The author explained that some new catechists start their work with visions of children eagerly gathered around them in religion class, hanging on their every word.

But "kids are kids," he said. "There are distractions; problems come up. The key is to not allow ourselves to get derailed or lose some of our spirit."

Mr. Paprocki believes that preparation is crucial: having a long-range plan for the year, getting to know the materials and students, making adjustments according to their needs, praying, and having a backup plan in case a lesson seems to fall flat.

He also advises "following a catechetical process": that is, integrating students' life experiences with the concepts being taught to "take learners from where they are and move them toward Jesus."

On the other hand, the author said that pastors and catechetical leaders need to realize religious educators "are often stretched in their responsibilities," and that faith formation "is a lifelong process. If you approach it that way, you get catechists who have longevity."

Scripture

Mr. Paprocki applauded continuing education opportunities for catechists; in the Albany Diocese, one such opportunity is Spring Enrichment, which fills several days with workshops and courses on a host of subjects.

Scripture is one subject a lot of catechists could stand further education on, in the author's experience.

"As Catholics, we have some catching up to do when it comes to Scripture," he observed. "Personally, I've made that my own quest -- to help catechists feel at home with Scripture, understand the Catholic approach to Scripture."

That should also carry over into class, he said; "The Catechist's Toolbox" advises "enthroning" the Bible in an honored place in classrooms and using it regularly with students.

Variety

Mr. Paprocki believes that catechists need to "prevent getting into a rut" by varying their teaching styles.

Among ideas listed in the book are singing, storytelling, interviews, poetry, games, plays, drawing and inviting guest speakers into classes.

"You've got to keep your edge as a catechist," the author stated.

Way of life

Teaching faith formation is a different kind of teaching, according to Mr. Paprocki. Becoming a catechist means signing on "to teach a way of life. It's more than imparting information, more than simply instructing. We are imparting skills: 'This is how you live the life of a disciple.'"

Catechists who strive to do so may surprise themselves, he believes. Mr. Paprocki described himself as shy and introverted, but he said he now spends the majority of his time teaching and doing public speaking.

"The Holy Spirit calls us, guides us and then equips us," he remarked.

("The Catechist's Toolbox" is available for $9.95 -- or $5 each when buying 10 or more copies -- from Loyola Press. Call 1-800-621-1008 or go to www.loyolabooks.org. Mr. Paprocki's website is www.catechistsjourney.com.)

(9/13/07)