School teachers, catechists and youth group leaders all had similar enthusiastic reactions to the Isaac Hecker comic books that were handed out at the Paulist Fathers’ booth at the 2024 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress.

“These are so cool! My students would love them. Can I take a few?”

“What a great idea! It’s perfect to teach students in a visual way. Can I take a handful for my class?”

“We have a youth retreat coming up, and these would make great discussion material. Can we get 50 copies?”

The congress, held from February 15 to 18 at the Anaheim Convention Center, included keynote speakers, workshops, liturgies, entertainment and an exhibitors’ hall. The theme of the 2024 congress was “Be Loved.”

The Paulist Fathers’ booth space included a welcoming set up with couches to “Sit & Chat with a Paulist.” There was also a tall table where visitors could stand around, get a mint or chocolate, and spend some time with a Paulist.

Fr. Ed Nowak, C.S.P., Director of Vocations, had a table full of Paulist information and unique giveaways - like the Isaac Hecker comic books and a cleaning cloth specially ordered for the congress.

Fr. Ed was happy to see so much interest in the comic book, especially when teachers began to request copies. He saw it as a memorable way of “planting a seed of faith” about the Paulist Fathers among young students. Perhaps years from now, the memory of their Isaac Hecker comic book will motivate them to explore a vocation with the Paulists.

Paulist seminarian Chris Malano, C.S.P., also joined the Vocations Office to welcome visitors, many who were already parishioners at a Paulist Foundation or who had known a Paulist at some point.

If you are a school teacher, catechist or youth group leader and would like copies of the Isaac Hecker comic book mailed to you free of charge, please email Vocation Recruiter Ernie J. Garrido at ernie@paulist.org with your name, mailing address and number of copies requested.

If you are interested in discerning a Paulist Fathers vocation or know someone who would make a great Paulist priest, please contact Fr. Ed at vocations@paulist.org or at (917) 763-7899.

You can learn more about Fr. Isaac Hecker and the many ministries of the Paulist Fathers at www.paulist.org.