I have been involved in the catechetical ministry for over 45 years. When I was in high school, I wanted to become a teacher, and I really felt called to teach religion. My girlfriend (now my wife) and I served as catechists at our parish, and I enjoyed helping others learn about their Catholic faith in a way that was engaging and imaginative.

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I went to Loyola University Chicago, where I studied theology and history and entered the secondary education program. I became (and continue to be) certified to teach social studies in grades 6 through 12. However, since day one, I have used my teaching skills to teach religion. In recent years, I have served as a catechist at Most Holy Redeemer (Evergreen Park), St. Cajetan (Chicago), Christ the King (Chicago/Beverly), and St. Barnabas (Chicago/Beverly).

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I began my professional teaching career as a religion teacher at a high school seminary in Chicago, where I taught for nine years while pursuing my master’s degree in pastoral studies at the Institute of Pastoral Studies (Loyola University Chicago).

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When the school I was teaching at closed, I became a director of religious education and a pastoral associate at a parish on the southeast side of Chicago, where I served for seven years. I loved working with the catechists there and learned so much from them.

When a new pastor came along and decided he didn’t need a DRE, I moved on to the Office for Catechesis of the Archdiocese of Chicago. There I served as the consultant for catechist formation, working with my favorite people in the whole world: catechists! I had the opportunity of directing the faith formation program for catechists, leading to their certification.

 

After five years at the Office for Catechesis, I had the opportunity to join up with Loyola Press to work on creative and cutting-edge catechetical resources. I served there as the National Consultant for Faith Formation from 2002 through 2025. During that time, I have presented in over 200 dioceses internationally. In 2018, I was honored to receive the Catechetical Award of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL) during the annual meeting of the Conference that took place in Chicago!

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Along the way, I have had the privilege of authoring a number of books published by Loyola Press. (See the Books tab above)

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I completed my Doctor of Ministry degree in 2008 at St. Mary of the Lake University in Mundelein, Illinois. My wife and I have been married since 1982 (you can do the math!) and we have two grown children (both married) and four grandchildren.

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I hope that I can be of service and support to you in your catechetical ministry! 

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—Joe Paprocki