Photo Caption: Catechist, author and blogger Joe Paprocki will be the keynote speaker for the Diocese of Peoria’s annual Catechetical Leadership Conference.

Catechist, author and blogger Joe Paprocki will be the keynote speaker for the Diocese of Peoria’s annual Catechetical Leadership Conference, which is planned for Saturday, Aug. 2. Sponsored by the Office of Catechetics, it will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria.

Paprocki will set the tone for the day with “Salvation History: Genesis to Jesus” and then offer closing comments before the catechists, teachers, and directors and coordinators of religious education return to their parishes and schools. Between the two talks participants will have an opportunity to attend break-out sessions by grade level and go to workshops on the RCIA process, adult faith formation, addressing special needs in the classroom, teaching salvation history, and handling difficult topics in the classroom.

The day also includes an overview of the Christendom Catechetical Program and a session on human dignity.

Paprocki has been involved in catechetical ministry for more than 30 years, working as a religion teacher in a high school seminary, director of religious education and pastoral associate in Chicago, and consultant for catechist formation for the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Catechesis.
He has been the national consultant for faith formation for Loyola Press since 2002 and currently serves at a parish in Evergreen Park.

He studied theology and history at Loyola University Chicago, where he also pursued a master’s degree in pastoral studies at the Institute of Pastoral Studies. Paprocki recently completed a Doctor of Ministry degree at St. Mary of the Lake University in Mundelein.

His books include “The Bible Blueprint: A Catholic’s Guide to Understanding and Embracing God’s Word,” “Living the Mass: How One Hour a Week Can Change Your Life,” and “The Catechist’s Toolbox: How to Thrive as a Religious Education Teacher.”

Paprocki also shares his wit and wisdom through his blog, “Catechist’s Journey: Sharing My Journey of Teaching the Catholic Faith” (catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com).

The cost for the conference is $20, which includes lunch. To register, send a check made payable to “Office of Catechetics” along with your name, address, phone number and email address to Roberta Gifford, Office of Catechetics, 419 N.E. Madison Ave., Peoria, IL 61603.

Registration forms are also available online by visiting the Office of Catechetics website.

cdop.org and clicking on the tab for “Education” and then “Office of Catechetics.”