Fr. Joseph McCaffrey
School Minister
Little Flower Catholic High School
Questions about Catholicism?
This class answers them.
Little Flower’s Catholic Lab creates a space for
students to ask questions and explore their faith.
Father Joseph McCaffrey welcomes curiosity. As Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls’ School Minister, he
encourages students to dive deeper into the meaning and message behind Catholic theology, liturgies, and even
the Latin language. Fr. Joe recently shared his techniques for engaging students and making spiritual concepts
more concrete.
Q. What’s your favorite part of being a School
Minister at an AOPS school?
A . I enjoy seeing how retreats give students a chance to
listen to God — and to showcase their creativity. Give a
student a wooden cross and a paintbrush, and prepare
to be amazed.
Q. What is Catholic Lab, and what inspired you to
create it?
A. Catholic Lab is a class that meets once a month and
gives Catholic and non-Catholic students an opportunity
to ask questions and deepen their appreciation of the
faith. The idea sprung from the curiosity I’d previously
sensed in parents: we know what we are doing, but are
often unsure why, or how it is all connected.
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START YOUR OWN CATHOLIC LAB
Fr. Joe shares his top tips
Structure the program
within a recurring theology class
to ensure a consistent schedule.
Use student input
to determine course topics and
create more personalized lessons.
Consider pre-testing students
to gauge their understanding
and determine relevant topics.