Synopses & Reviews
Nail down the facts,
tear down the barriers!
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is over nine hundred pages long, so it comes as no surprise that many Catholics think of their faith as complex—and certainly too complex to share with others! A Well-Built Faith—cleverly developed around a construction theme—makes it easy and flat-out fun for any Catholic to know what they believe and to feel confident in sharing those beliefs with others.
The eighteen-chapter book—at times profound, at times humorous, always practical—follows the structure of the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer). Taking otherwise difficult topics about the Catholic faith and making them accessible and relevant to the lives of average Catholics, acclaimed author and teacher Joe Paprocki does so in a way that never compromises the rich depth of Catholic teaching and tradition.
From the Trinity to the seven sacraments, from the Ten Commandments to the Lord’s Prayer, A Well-Built Faith will help Catholics nail down the facts of the faith and tear down the barriers keeping them from sharing their beliefs with others.
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press in Chicago. Joe has over twenty-five years of experience in pastoral ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He is the author of numerous books on pastoral ministry and catechesis, including the best sellers God’s Library and The Catechist’s Toolbox. Currently an eighth-grade catechist, Joe blogs about his catechetical experiences at www.catechistsjourney.com.
Nail down the facts,
tear down the barriers!
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is over nine hundred pages long, so it comes as no surprise that many Catholics think of their faith as complex—and certainly too complex to share with others! A Well-Built Faith—cleverly developed around a construction theme—makes it easy and flat-out fun for any Catholic to know what they believe and to feel confident in sharing those beliefs with others.
The eighteen-chapter book—at times profound, at times humorous, always practical—follows the structure of the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer). Taking otherwise difficult topics about the Catholic faith and making them accessible and relevant to the lives of average Catholics, acclaimed author and teacher Joe Paprocki does so in a way that never compromises the rich depth of Catholic teaching and tradition.
From the Trinity to the seven sacraments, from the Ten Commandments to the Lord’s Prayer, A Well-Built Faith will help Catholics nail down the facts of the faith and tear down the barriers keeping them from sharing their beliefs with others.Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press in Chicago. Joe has over twenty-five years of experience in pastoral ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He is the author of numerous books on pastoral ministry and catechesis, including the best sellers God’s Library and The Catechist’s Toolbox. Currently an eighth-grade catechist, Joe blogs about his catechetical experiences at www.catechistsjourney.com.
Synopsis
A Well-Built Faith-creatively developed around a construction theme-makes it easy for Catholics to know what they believe and to feel confident in sharing those beliefs with others. The eighteen-chapter book-at times profound, at times humorous, always practical-follows the structure of the four pillars of the Catechims of the Catholic Church. Taking otherwise complex topics about the Catholic faith and making them accessible and relevant to the lives of average Catholics.
Synopsis
Teaching the Catholic faith can be quite a challenge if you lack an adequate understanding of the Catholic faith yourself. And given the fact that the Catechism of the Catholic Church is over 900 pages in length, it's no wonder that Catholics struggle to comprehend their faith.A Well-Built Faith—creatively developed around a construction theme—makes it easy for Catholics to know what they believe and to feel confident in sharing those beliefs.This 18-chapter book by master teacher Joe Paprocki follows the structure of the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer), making it a wonderful resource for learning about and teaching the Catholic faith. Highly informative and very fun at the same time, A Well-Built Faith is a must-have tool for developing the Catholic faith.
Synopsis
From catechists to people in the pew, this book makes it easy for Catholics to know and share their faith.
Catholics often think of their faith as being very
complex, and given the length of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (over 900 pages!), they have a point. Catholics struggling to comprehend their faith are understandably reluctant to share it with others.
A Well-Built Faith—creatively developed around a construction theme—makes it easy for Catholics to
know what they believe and to feel confident in
sharing those beliefs with others.
The eighteen-chapter book—at times profound, at
times humorous, always practical—follows the
structure of the four pillars of the Catechism of the
Catholic Church (Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and
Prayer). Taking otherwise complex topics about the Catholic faith and making them accessible and relevant
to the lives of average Catholics, A Well-Built Faith
does so in a way that never compromises the rich
depth of Catholic teaching and tradition.
Also available by Joe Paprocki:
The Catechist’s Toolbox
World Rights
ISBN-13: 978-0-8294-2451-5
7" x 9" • Pb • 148 pages • $9.95
The Catechist’s Toolbox Leader Guide
World Rights
ISBN-13: 978-0-8294-2724-0
7" x 9" • Pb • 48 pages • $2.95
Synopsis
Why do Catholic do what they do? Practice Makes Catholic from Loyola Press gets to the heart of the question-and to the heart of what it really means to be Catholic.
Synopsis
Why do Catholics do what they do?
It is said that practice makes perfect, but what else does practice make? If you ask Joe Paprocki, heandrsquo;ll say that practice makes Catholicandmdash;that is, there are certain distinct practices that make us essentially Catholic. The problem is that many Catholics donandrsquo;t understandandmdash;or perhaps misunderstandandmdash;why we engage in the many practices we do.
In Practice Makes Catholic, Paprocki addresses the all-important andldquo;whyandrdquo; of many Catholic practices by articulating five key characteristics that form our Catholic identity: a sense of sacramentality, a commitment to community, a respect for the dignity of human life and commitment to justice, a reverence for Tradition, and a disposition to faith and hope rather than despair. Under each of these categories, he explores and explains multiple Catholic practices, then describes how following each one can make a profound difference in our faith and in our lives.
Informative and inviting, Practice Makes Catholic is the perfect resource for RCIA candidates and their sponsors, for Catholics returning to the faith, and for all Catholics who want to get to the heart of what their faith is really about.
Why do Catholics do what they do?
It is said that practice makes perfect, but what else does practice make? If you ask Joe Paprocki, heandrsquo;ll say that practice makes Catholicandmdash;that is, there are certain distinct practices that make us essentially Catholic. The problem is that many Catholics donandrsquo;t understandandmdash;or perhaps misunderstandandmdash;why we engage in the many practices we do.
In Practice Makes Catholic, Paprocki addresses the all-important andldquo;whyandrdquo; of many Catholic practices by articulating five key characteristics that form our Catholic identity: a sense of sacramentality, a commitment to community, a respect for the dignity of human life and commitment to justice, a reverence for Tradition, and a disposition to faith and hope rather than despair. Under each of these categories, he explores and explains multiple Catholic practices, then describes how following each one can make a profound difference in our faith and in our lives.
Informative and inviting, Practice Makes Catholic is the perfect resource for RCIA candidates and their sponsors, for Catholics returning to the faith, and for all Catholics who want to get to the heart of what their faith is really about.
and#160;
Synopsis
Third Place, Resources for Ministry category
ACP Excellence in Publishing Awards, 2012
Third Place, Popular Presentation of the Catholic Faith category
Catholic Press Association book awards, 2012
andldquo;Paprockiandrsquo;s book isandhellip;rich with information, wit, and wisdom and short on preachiness.andrdquo;
It is said that practice makes perfect, but what else does practice make? If you ask Joe Paprocki, heandrsquo;ll say that practice makes Catholicandmdash;that is, there are certain distinct practices that make us essentially Catholic. The problem is that many Catholics donandrsquo;t understandandmdash;or at least misunderstandandmdash;why we engage in the many practices we do. In Practice Makes Catholic, Paprocki addresses the all-important andldquo;whyandrdquo; of many Catholic practices by articulating five key characteristics that form our Catholic identity: a sense of sacramentality, a commitment to community, a respect for the dignity of human life and commitment to justice, a reverence for Tradition, and a disposition to faith and hope rather than despair. Under each of these categories, he explores and explains multiple Catholic practices, then describes how following each one can make a profound difference in our faith and in our lives. Informative and inviting, Practice Makes Catholic is the perfect resource for RCIA candidates and their sponsors, for Catholics returning to the faith, and for all Catholics who want to get to the heart of what their faith is really about.
Synopsis
Written specifically for any catechist who is new to the job or has never had any formal training, The Catechist's Toolbox features an invaluable collection of catechetical tips, techniques, methodologies, and advice. Throughout the book, master teacher Joe Paprocki shares the wisdom he has gleaned in two decades as a catechist, high school teacher, and religious educator. Employing the metaphor of a homeowner's toolbox, Paprocki explains how a new catechist is like a do-it-yourself builder who needs the right collection of tools to do the job; he then explains what the tools are, what they can do, and how to use them skillfully and effectively.
Synopsis
Build up your skills and confidence
with the right tools!
Each year, roughly one-third of the more than five hundred thousand volunteer catechists in Catholic parishes are new to the job. Most of these catechists receive little formal training for their work, yet it is vitally important that they know how to prepare a lesson, lead a discussion, supervise children, apply discipline, and help kids grow in the faith.
The Catechist’s Toolbox is an invaluable collection of methodologies, techniques, and tips that provide on-the-job training for any new catechist. Master teacher Joe Paprocki shares the wisdom he has gleaned in two decades as a catechist, religious educator, and high school teacher. Employing the metaphor of a homeowner’s toolbox, Paprocki explains what every catechist must know and do to develop the skills he or she will need in order to thrive as a religion teacher for many years to come.
About the Author
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press. He has 30 years of experience in ministry and has taught at the high school, college, and general-adult levels. He is the author of several books, including the best sellers The Catechist’s Toolbox and A Well-Built Faith, and his latest work, The Bible Blueprint. Joe, who is currently an eighth-grade catechist, blogs about his catechetical experiences at www.catechistsjourney.com.
Table of Contents
and#160;and#160;and#160; Acknowledgmentsand#160;and#160;and#160; ix
and#160;and#160;and#160; and#160;and#160;and#160; All It Takes Is a Little Practiceand#160;and#160;and#160; xi
Part Oneandmdash;A Sense of Sacramentality
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 1and#160;and#160;and#160; Use Sacramentalsand#160;and#160;and#160; 3
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 2and#160;and#160;and#160; Mark Time the Catholic Wayand#160;and#160;and#160; 13
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 3and#160;and#160;and#160; Fast and Abstainand#160;and#160;and#160; 23
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 4and#160;and#160;and#160; Speak the Language of Mysteryand#160;and#160;and#160; 33
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 5and#160;and#160;and#160; Pray Sacramentallyand#160;and#160;and#160; 43
Part Twoandmdash;A Commitment to Community
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 6and#160;and#160;and#160; Be a Good Stewardand#160;and#160;and#160; 55
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 7and#160;and#160;and#160; Share the Gifts of the Holy Spiritand#160;and#160;and#160; 65
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 8and#160;and#160;and#160; Pray with the Whole Churchand#160;and#160;and#160; 73
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 9and#160;and#160;and#160; Welcome One Anotherand#160;and#160;and#160; 81
Part Threeandmdash;A Respect for Human Life
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 10and#160;and#160;and#160; Show Mercyand#160;and#160;and#160; 89
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 11and#160;and#160;and#160; Do Justice and Live Virtuouslyand#160;and#160;and#160; 97
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 12and#160;and#160;and#160; Work for the Common Goodand#160;and#160;and#160; 107
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 13and#160;and#160;and#160; Keep the Ten Commandmentsand#160;and#160;and#160; 117
Part Fourandmdash;A Reverence for Scripture and Tradition
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 14and#160;and#160;and#160; Make a Pilgrimageand#160;and#160;and#160; 129
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 15and#160;and#160;and#160; Befriend the Saintsand#160;and#160;and#160; 137
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 16and#160;and#160;and#160; Study Scripture, Tradition, and Catholic Literatureand#160;and#160;and#160; 145
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 17and#160;and#160;and#160; Learn Traditional Prayersand#160;and#160;and#160; 155
Part Fiveandmdash;An Attitude of Faith and Hope
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 18and#160;and#160;and#160; Adjust Your Attitudeand#160;and#160;and#160; 165
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 19and#160;and#160;and#160; Comfort One Anotherand#160;and#160;and#160; 173
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 20and#160;and#160;and#160; Keep a Song in Your Heartand#160;and#160;and#160; 183
and#160;and#160;and#160; Practice 21and#160;and#160;and#160; Make a Retreatand#160;and#160;and#160; 193
and#160;and#160;and#160; and#160;and#160;and#160; Letandrsquo;s Practiceand#160;and#160;and#160; 201
and#160;