Beyond the Catechist's Toolbox: Catechesis That Not Only Informs, but Transforms

Beyond the Catechist's Toolbox is a follow up to the Catechist's Toolbox. Buy both as a bundled set. You will be glad you did. I have 2 sets in our CCD Resource Library and they are very popular. They are systematic and developmentally appropriate. They would also make good gifts for others or yourself!!! This second book is a wonderful resource and follow up to the original. The tools are very basic and are wonderful to reinforce a concept, review material, or a brief activity to keep kids busy and focused.

More wonderful ideas! Another book to add to the Church library and to my catechist's library.

This book is a great resource for all who are involved in Catholic religious instruction. The ideas presented are informative and easy to read/implement.

"Beyond the Catechist's Toolbox" by Joe Paprocki builds on and expands his previous book "The Catechist's Toolbox." In fact, this new book is a intended to help catechists "take it to the next level" by offering a model for religious education that moves beyond the typical "classroom model." This model will be familiar to anyone who follows Joe's blog since he makes regular allusions to his method there. Nevertheless, having this model laid out systematically and in one place is a blessing.This new model focuses on making religious education more like religious practice; Joe's refrain throughout the book is "more like Mass than class." To that end Joe outlines a 70-minute, 5-step process for engaging youth in catechesis not only through the use of books (although Joe points out the importance of good catechetical materials) but through prayer, activities, and reflection.For instance, after the opening prayer, Joe recommends starting the session with an activity that helps students identify with the topic or subject of the evening. He uses St. Ignatius of Loyola's practice of "entering through their door but leaving through your own" to make an immediate impact while guiding participants to where you want them to go.I love this model for the way it connects the content of the faith with the practice of the faith. Too often our catechesis exists in a vacuum where what we learn doesn't make an impact on how we pray and worship. Joe rightfully recognizes the disservice this does to youth and seeks to reintegrate these aspects of faith formation."Beyond the Catechist’s Toolbox" is an excellent resource and, at just 90 pages, a great gift for catechists and Catholic school teachers. I heartily recommend its use in parishes and schools as another way of taking catechesis beyond the school model and back to its evangelizing roots.Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from its publisher, Loyola Press.

Terrific book! I'd recommend it to anyone working with children. Will be using in my own class.

This book is really small, but there is some great info in it. I'd start with his other books first as they have more insight and ideas.

A very good introduction to Catechesis for beginners.