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Catechesis and Storytelling: A Franciscan Perspective

In this article we want to explore how effective storytelling can assist in the work of catechesis and also examine the roots of storytelling within the Franciscan tradition.

Let us begin with St. Francis. About those who minister the Word of God, St. Francis said: “The preacher must first secretly draw in by prayer what he later pours out in sacred preaching; he must first of all grow warm on the inside or he will speak frozen words on the outside.”[1] Tis is enlightened advice, as well, for catechists, religious education teachers and others who have the opportunity to minister the Word of God. That is, before speaking, teaching or preaching, one needs to set aside adequate time for prayer to draw in deeply God’s inspiration and listen to the Word.

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Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR, works at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. He is the author of numerous books and articles on storytelling, and most notably his series on “The Sower’s Seeds” published by Paulist Press.

This article is from The Sower and may be copied for catechetical purposes only. It may not be reprinted in another published work without the permission of Maryvale Institute. Contact [email protected]

Categorized Under

Categorized Under:

Leadership & Catechist Formation

Spiritual Formation and Prayer

Issue:

35.1

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About Franciscan Catechetics

The Catechetics Degree Programs and the Catechetical Institute (CI) at Franciscan University of Steubenville work in concert to prepare clergy, religious and laity to join the “army of catechists” called for by St. John Paul II, eager to help the Church in her mission of making all nations joyful disciples of Jesus Christ. We combine a thorough formation in Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and Magisterial documents with training in effective pedagogical techniques to help those we serve to grasp the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Father’s plan, and to bear witness to others faithfully of the wonderful life of grace in the Holy Spirit.

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