The primary focus of Backpack Productions is the optimal development of Catholic lay people. Our cutting edge programs feature a healthy blend of psychology, spirituality, and basic Catholic Catechism.
"To get out in front of mental health challenges is to preserve the thinking faculty for prayer."
- Kathryn Clarke
Our Courses
We currently offer 6 courses as well as an ongoing virtual Leader Support Group. Learn more about our Program Ethos.
Backpack for Adults
+ Increase in self-awareness through exploration of psycho-spiritual topics.
+ 3 Sections with 27 video lessons
+ Perfect for first timers or those looking for a refresher.
Mothers of the Church
+ 2 courses, Year 1 and Year 2
+ Provides psychological and spiritual formation for women in all vocations.
+ Promotes complementary role of women in leadership.
Backpack for Youth
+ Specifically designed to meet the needs of teens & young adults.
+ 3 Sections with 27 video lessons
+Ideal for schools, parishes, homes, confirmation prep, universities, etc.
Backpack Adult Faith Formation
+ 12 sessions
+ Explores concepts of Catholic spirituality with a backdrop of psychological teaching.
+Promotes a deeper prayer life.
Contemplative Prayer
+ Steeped in the tradition of mystical theology with broad benefits.
+ 3 parts with 12 video lessons
+Promotes the integration of God into every area of life.
Fathers of the Church
+ A program for all men to compliment Mothers of the Church.
+ Will cover topics such as habits, grief, communication skills, etc.
+ Coming in the Fall of 2022.
Backpack Blog
Someone once challenged a Sea Captain after a rough storm at sea. They said, "Couldn’t you just go around the storm?" The Captain laughed and said, “We don’t control the seas. We sail them.” Life is definitely a bit like that. Changeable, with occasional high seas.
Read moreWhat came to me immediately was that the graces gleaned by taking these journeys are purgatorial graces. We do not always like what we find when we study ourselves with the light of God’s grace and clarity. Self-correction, adjustments, and ‘owning’ our shadows come in wave after wave as we advance. Some might say this sounds like a negative experience and yes, it can be a bit painful at first. Yet, somehow, in this awareness of our responsibility for mistakes we find an odd relief, an inexplicable calm. Why? Because propping up a false set of thoughts and thinking is exhausting. It is also the opposite of creativity. One must be free to be creative.
Read moreIn the Backpack courses and culture, we try to bring our temptations and unruly thinking to the surface so that we can do the hard work to get rid of that which does not serve a peaceful life. All of our teachings will aim at bringing us closer to direct contact with God, thus, direct contact with our own condition on each day given to us by the Lord, who is the only master of time. Asking ourselves questions about our thoughts can be an act of the greatest courage because often, we will not like what we find. That’s the point. That’s the exercise. That’s the job. And here is the question:
Read moreAt Backpack, we are committed to developing programs that give good tools which can result in better outcomes in the lives of others. We need servant leaders, people who are willing to begin their own transformations and then offer the good thing to others. In this time of constant media interference in our thoughts and thinking patterns, people must be offered the opportunity to think their own thoughts and find their own best patterns of thinking.
Read moreAre you a teacher, principal, or homeschooling parent? You are most likely gearing up for the Back-to-School season. Now is the time to order The Backpack Program for your September start! Why should I use The Backpack Program for my school or homeschool classroom? 1. Your students will hugely benefit! This one is straightforward and the main reason to run this course. Through this program your students will be exposed to crucial concepts such as self-awareness and choice, anxiety and stress management, healthy relationships, help-seeking behaviour, interrupting ruminating and unhealthy thought patterns, etc. This program prompts students to develop their own identity and hold onto it in what can be an increasingly busy and confusing world.
Read moreI first experienced the Backpack for Young Adults in 2018 in Ireland. I was 19. When I first learned the material, my mind was blown. My initial impressions were I can’t believe I wasn’t aware of such important life skills and Everyone needs this program. The Backpack combines psychology and spirituality in a simple and transformative way. I was able to learn about how my brain works and that people have the ability to rewire their brains and change their thought patterns. I loved deepening my relationship with God through Contemplative Prayer and learning to effectively calm my mind and body.
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