Room 24: Adventures of a New Evangelist

by Katie Prejean McGrady, Michael Patin (Foreword)

Five years after she graduated from high school, teacher, youth minister, and sought-after speaker Katie Prejean McGrady returned to her alma mater in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to teach freshman theology. In the early years of her career, McGrady's hormonal, sometimes grumpy, and often confused students taught her what it means to evangelize. Her frequently witty and always candid stories--and the ten lessons she offers--will inspire anyone who works with youth in the Church today.

As she began her first year of teaching, McGrady was eager to impart the Catholic doctrine she loves to her class in room 24 at St. Louis Catholic high school, but she was quickly rattled by the magnitude of the task, especially when she was challenged by a teen who said he didn't believe. In ten brief and compelling chapters, McGrady shares humorous and hopeful interactions she's had with her students that helped her learn that teaching them about Jesus and his Church is not as important as knowing them, loving them, and inviting them to know and love Jesus as a personal friend and savior.

Her frequent mistakes and occasional successes with her students taught McGrady how to evangelize young people by building relationships in joyful, humble, and prayerful ways. Likewise, McGrady determined that the power of inviting conversation, welcoming questions, and witnessing to faith through personal stories engages students and helps them fall in love with Jesus.

Genres: Catholic, Education

138 pages, Paperback

First published February 26, 2016

Reviews

[Janelle Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave some nice stories and pointers that is useful for any person looking to evangelize others. It also solidified my desire to teach at a good Catholic school after I graduate.
I started this book looking for an exact rubric/layout of how to teach theology; however, I suppose that there can never be such a thing. I just need to grow in my knowledge of and relationship with Jesus, as the book suggests, so I can show and teach him to my students.

[Meggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I was looking for a book that would get me excited about my first year teaching in Catholic School and Room 24 was just what I needed to read. Miss Prejean is so relatable and wise beyond her years. She is the perfect mix of an optimist and realist--she has made me excited for my first year while also helping me to be aware of some common mistakes!

[Jessika Caruso · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books and most engaging memoirs ever. This book got me excited about teaching CCD and my dreams to pursue high school teaching. Katie echoes my reasons for wanting to study and teach theology when she states, “There would be no end to the discipline, because there is no end to God. An infinite subject means there is an infinite amount to learn, an infinite amount to discover, and an infinite amount with which to fall in love.”

[Shelby Poinikiewski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having taken two classes with Dr Lowery and being a huge fan, as well as a UD alumna and a youth minister for the past two and a half years, I found this to be a very charming, enjoyable, and entertaining read!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read that mixes classroom anecdotes with modern evangelization tips. Made me rethink the way I interact with fellow humans and the way I live out my Catholic faith.

[Michele Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is also has radio show on Catholic Radio. That’s how I discovered her. I enjoyed this book about her evangelizing

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reflections of a theology teacher in her first few years of teaching. A good reminder that the way to reach people is not to lecture, quote theology or point fingers at them. Love them and let them question and feel loved in return.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy and fun read full of great suggestions that lead to the hard work of dying to self and returning to Christ. I recommend this for all catechists and teachers.

[Emma Normile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I read as a full time Youth Minister. I have recommended it to catechists and teens alike. Worth reading over again!

[Kirstie Elfreich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book, especially for teachers, and all of us trying to practically evangelize in the real world. I laughed a lot, too!

[Hannah Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for any young Catholic, teacher or not! Love her take on the New Evangelization that we are all called to do.

[Dr. Bosley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are involved in youth ministry with teens or preteens as a teacher, youth minister, or even as a parent then you would thoroughly enjoy this book about what it’s like to evangelize the Catholic faith with adolescents. The book is not a how-to, it is simply a story of how one young teacher is learning to evangelize with her high school students. Told through her experiences as a student and young teacher, Katie Prejean gives her insight and reflections about teaching ninth grade theology in Rm 24 of the same high school she attended as a student. Rm 24 is a quick read and uplifting story for all to enjoy.

[Valerie Standley]

Inspiring!

I loved this book! Funny, witty, practical and honest. I looked forward to reading each chapter to find out what else would happen in Room 24. This book gave me new ideas and affirmed things I already knew to be true about evangelization. I'm excited to put those ideas into practice and I'm grateful Katie Prejean wrote about her experiences!

I recommend this book to anyone in ministry, young or old, leading youth or adults.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Miss Prejean has a very comfortable writing style with many interesting stories woven in with Theological truths. With the New Evangelization methods being so important for Catholics, Miss Prejean gives many practical lessons for us Evangelizers.

[Katie Zebrowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book that shows the reader what working with adolescents in an educational religious setting is truly like. A sweet, uplifting book and a quick read!

I received a copy of the book through the publisher via NetGalley to give an honest review.

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad at all, but that odd mixture of biography and practical advice that while true doesn't grapple with the heart of the matter.