Author tells how pastoral ministers—and others—can rekindle energy

Hilary Anderson
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Joe Paprocki in his new book, “Renewing Your Ministry: Walking with Jesus in All That You Do,” touches on a subject that most everyone can relate to—coping with the peaks and valleys of daily life. While the book is directed to a specific audience—pastoral ministers—it is one that anyone needing renewal in their life will find useful. It is a tool that will help most anyone who has experienced some type of burnout.

Paprocki describes these peaks and valleys as similar to walking on a treadmill. First there’s excitement and energy. Then indifference creeps in. Malaise takes over. At times, despair appears and strangles the human spirit. Idealism and energy are lost. Paprocki reminds readers the enthusiasm that once had been apparent can slowly slip away unless they find a new way to transform their lives. His words are a mind jogger even for those who are not actively involved is parish ministry.

Paprocki says his goal in writing the book is to provide a framework for pastoral ministers to assess their personal spiritual direction, recapture a sense of idealism and recommit themselves to their ministry.

He uses the Scripture story about the two disciples who are walking away from Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus after the Crucifixion (Luke 24:13-35) and come upon Jesus—although they don’t recognize him at first—as an example of how lives can be transformed once they recognize the presence of God their lives.

“… We find ourselves going through the motions of our ministry, walking on the treadmill of the liturgical or catechetical year …,” said Paprocki, who is catechetical consultant for the archdiocesan Office of Catechesis.

“Parish life can … challenge them continually to search for the energy needed to do their ministry, often resulting in burnout.”

The book’s chapter titles realistically portray his messages. In one, “Losing Our Sense of Vision,” Paprocki reminds readers they are not the first to lose sight of Jesus. They must trust.

He discusses regaining lost idealism, gaining new perspectives and renewing energy, vision and commitment.
“The peaks and valleys sometimes cause us to lose our sense of direction and passion and create a sense of disillusionment,” Paprocki said.

“If we are serious about our faith, we will seek renewal and learn how to deal with it in a healthy manner.”

Paprocki mentions that renewal in faith is no different than seeking renewal in a marriage, particularly during times of difficulty. He uses the poem, “Footprints in the Sand,” as an example of how people need to have faith.

“We must encourage and remind people that Jesus renews our vision, which sometimes gets impaired, skewed or blinded,” Paprocki added.

“We get a conversion with renewal—a conversion meaning a new way of looking at something.”

The book is not the first for Paprocki, who has a long history of teaching, writing about catechetical issues and catechetical formation. He is the author of “Tools for Teaching” and the video, “Empowering the Catechist,” (both from Twenty-Third Publications) as well as “You Give Them Something to Eat” and two courses in the “Developing Faith” series for teens (all from Ave Maria Press).
Prior to his current assignment with the archdiocese, Paprocki was a pastoral associate and director of religious education at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish on Chicago’s South Side.

Paprocki says the book is for anyone who is serious about his faith. In a small sense, it also is for romantics. Paprocki dedicates the publication to his wife, Jo, with words that would renew the spirit of writers at any greeting card company.