Excellence in Catechesis educates, inspires

By RENEE WEBB, Globe associate editor
Posted Sept. 26, 2002

STORM LAKE - About 200 people attended Excellence in Catechesis held at St. Mary's on Sept. 14. Those who attended were mainly parish religious education directors, catechists, Catholic schoolteachers and administrators.

Linda Anderson, director of catechesis for the diocese, said they were very pleased with the attendance, especially because it is such a busy time of year for Catholic schools and parish religious education programs.

"I thought it was a success because those who attended were strengthened in both mind and heart," said Dr. Stephan Davis, director of youth and intergenerational ministry. "On the whole, Excellence in Catechesis was a good blend of informative workshops and inspiring messages. A number of the evaluations expressed gratitude that they were 'fired up' for another catechetical year."

Lee Nagel, director of Total Catholic Education for the Diocese of Green Bay, gave the keynote address. Many people praised the speaker on the evaluation forms for his ability to touch and inspire them.

Davis pointed out that one of Nagel's most useful ideas was his four elements of prayer: wow, thanks, help and oops. Many commented about how much sense it makes and how easy it is to understand.

The guest speaker, noted Anderson, spoke about faith, what being Catholic means, what Jesus expects of people and the responsibilities of discipleship. Nagel mentioned that God's song to people at their baptisms is "May I have this dance for the rest of your life?" He told them that God was always walking with them and asked them to discern whether they were walking with God or possibly someone who was not a good influence.

"Lee Nagel is always entertaining as well as inspirational," said Julie Anne Bovenmeyer, DRE at The Church of the Sacred Heart in Boone. "He has a gift of telling stories that motivate you to believe that you are truly loved and cared for by our creator. You leave his sessions knowing that through God all things truly are possible."

She pointed out that Father Doug Klein presented the session on confirmation and was willing to discuss questions on textbooks, service requirements and on the new guidelines that are due out soon. She also attended a session on first reconciliation and Eucharist presented by Anderson.

"Both sessions could have been longer because we did not have enough time to address everyone's concerns. Most of us had similar ideas and enjoyed sharing how we handled different situations. It is great to be able to have some time with others in your own field and share concerns, questions and brainstorm different solutions," said Bovenmeyer.

Lorie Nussbaum, principal of Gehlen Catholic Grade School in Le Mars, said it was a wonderful day. She always appreciates the opportunity to meet with other Catholic educators who have a desire to improve their own personal faith life and then are willing to share it with others.

"Lee Nagel is always inspiring and helps us see the ways we can share our faith in everyday life - practical everyday experiences," she said.

Mary Moorman, a catechist from St. Patrick Church in Estherville, said Excellence in Catechesis was valuable to attend.

"I enjoyed the talk from the bishop and got a lot out of it," she said. "I am always in awe of all of his knowledge. He talked a lot about the importance of prayer, so I plan to put more emphasis on it in the classroom."

Ray Rosburg of Mapleton said he felt the conference brought them all together in unity and helped them grow even stronger in their faith as one body with Jesus Christ. Like Moorman, he was impressed by the bishop's talk.

"Our Bishop DiNardo's opening thoughts, words, and prayers set the foundation of what would be a very successful conference," he said.

Rosburg noted that Nagel offered words and teachings that are well-grounded in strong Catholic faith, as well as echoed the teachings of Pope John Paul II.

The DRE from Our Lady of Good Counsel in Fonda, Kerry Noethe, said, "It's evident a great deal of time and effort goes into organizing an event like this. It was hard to pick two workshops out of the many offered. As a new DRE the opportunity to network with other DREs, youth ministers and teachers provides a valuable source of information and inspiration."

Carolyn Pudenz, DRE at Resurrection in Pocahontas, described it as a "superb, superb" day. She extended thanks to the organizers and noted that she left feeling lighter in heart.

In addition to the talks and workshops, attendees of Excellence in Catechesis had the chance to look at displays setup by FitzGibbon Company of Sioux City and the Mayan Arts and Crafts.

Davis said on some evaluations, people requested that Bishop DiNardo give the keynote message in the future because they wanted to hear him speak longer.

"Our eloquent bishop has a way of teaching and invigorating, of informing minds and touching hearts," said Davis.