Dcn. Jay VanHoosier speaks to a gathering hosted by Paducah Faith Formation at St. Thomas More Parish on Feb. 7, 2026. COURTESY OF PADUCAH FAITH FORMATION
Paducah Faith Formation learns, discusses ‘teaching with the heart’
BY KIMBERLY ENGLERT, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
On Feb. 7, the catechists of Paducah Faith Formation, their family, friends, and other parishioners had the privilege of attending another Dissecting Our Faith session with Dcn. Jay VanHoosier at St. Thomas More Parish. Dcn. VanHoosier is the director of faith formation in our diocese who also serves at Precious Blood Parish in Owensboro. His presentation included deep discussions regarding Orthodoxy (right belief), Orthopraxy (right practice), and Orthokardia (right heart).
The attendees were asked to examine their hearts through group reflections and discussions surrounding these themes and how they apply to their spiritual lives as well as their vocations of educating and helping Catholic students with more than just knowledge and doctrine. Dcn. VanHoosier’s take-home message was one of teaching with the heart. Without Orthokardia, Orthodoxy becomes rigid and Orthopraxy becomes routine or performative, which can lead to burnout and exhaustion. When the heart is rightly formed, belief and action become life-giving.
Another opportunity to come together for Dissecting our Faith will be on April 18 with Dr. Jeff Andrini at St. Mary Elementary School in Paducah, from 9 a.m. through noon.
Originally printed in the March 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
