Turning Pages Into Paint Strokes
Sometimes a book doesn’t just make you think—it makes you feel something. And when that happens, why not respond with more than just a highlighter or a journal? That’s where this art challenge comes in. The Abstract section of Journey Through Time lays out deep themes about faith, formation, and personal transformation. What if you could turn that into a painting, sketch, or even a collage?
Art has this unique way of letting things out that words can’t quite reach. So instead of only analyzing the text, this challenge is about feeling it—and then creating from that feeling. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone who only doodles in the margins of notebooks, this one’s for you.
How to Start Your “Abstract to Art” Challenge
Begin by reading the Abstract slowly. Don’t rush it. Focus on what moves you. Is it the theme of spiritual searching? The idea of transformation? The stats and structure? Whatever catches your attention, use it as your starting point.
From there, translate that into something visual. If the phrase “catechumenal process” reminds you of growth, maybe sketch a seed turning into a tree. If the mention of community stands out, maybe paint interwoven hands or abstract circles overlapping. There’s no wrong answer—this is your response, your reflection.
To keep it fun and grounded, invite others to join. Maybe your RCIA group or parish ministry wants to do a small exhibit or social media thread. Share your pieces, explain what part of the Abstract inspired them, and open up space for creativity to meet catechesis.
The Author Who Leaves Room for Reflection
Dr. Laurence F. Aucella has a gift for blending research with heart. Even in the more academic parts of Journey Through Time, there’s a rhythm to how he lays things out—inviting the reader to pause and absorb, not just skim. That makes his Abstract more than a summary. It’s a launchpad.
With his background in counseling and teaching, Aucella knows that people learn and process in different ways. For the reflective, the visual, and the creatively wired, this kind of exercise brings a fresh layer to what the book offers. He writes for the mind—but also for the soul.
Journey Through Time
The Catholic Church and Christian Initiation
Dr. Laurence F. Aucella
Art speaks what words leave behind—let your heart sketch what your spirit understood.