Mark your calendars for Diocesan Ministries Conference

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Posted May 15, 2003

FORT DODGE - Catholic school teachers, catechists, liturgists and any parishioners of the Diocese of Sioux City wishing to enrich their faith are asked to mark Friday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 4 on their calendars for the Diocesan Ministries Conference to be held at St. Edmond School.

According to Sister Joan Stoffel, director of curriculum and instructional services for the diocese who serves as co-chair of the event with Beth Calhoun, the focus of this year's conference will be on Catholic social teaching. With that in mind, the conference will be built around the theme "Lead Me Lord."

"We are going to look at how we can be more solidly formed in the teachings of the Catholic Church as they apply to present day living," said Sister Joan.

Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo will be the keynote speaker on both days.

"The bishop is very much interested in how the adults are receiving nourishment in their faith throughout the diocese," said Sister Joan.

Offered every other year, this is the sixth Diocesan Ministries Conference offered in the Diocese of Sioux City. Excellence in Catechesis, presented in opposite years, is geared to the teaching of religion while the upcoming conference serves to enrich and broaden their knowledge of the Catholic faith.

"October 3 is a staff development day for Catholic school personnel so we are going to try to provide a program that will inspire, encourage and motivate them," explained Sister Joan. "When you teach in a Catholic school, you are upholding Catholic beliefs whether you teach science, math or social studies."

With the Catholic school focus on Gospel values, she noted that it tied in well with the ministries conference as Catholic social teachings embrace Gospel values in the way they are lived out.

While Catholic school personnel will attend the conference on Oct. 3, anyone is welcome to attend that day. Generally, 700 to 800 people attend the first day and 200 to 400 attend the second day.

The bishop's keynote address will precede additional sessions to be offered on various topics for smaller groups. Some of these sessions will center on the needs of the elderly, Hispanic ministry, the basics of Catholic Social Teaching, Catholic legislative priorities by the Iowa Catholic Conference, Catholic school boards, service projects and more.

Calhoun, principal at Holy Family School in Sioux City, pointed out that they surveyed people to get a flavor of the types of topics they would be interested in at the conference.

Along with enriching their faith, she said, "It is a way to build community - meet with other teachers and see people they haven't seen in a while."

Through inspiring presentations and the community prayer, organizers of the conference pointed out that many people look upon it as a retreat of sorts.

"When we take the time to step back, we can become a better person for our students, our family and co-workers," said Calhoun.

In addition, numerous vendors and exhibitors with assorted education materials and religious goods will be on hand for the conference.

Again, mark your calendars for Oct. 3 and 4. For more information contact the Central Catholic Office at (712) 255-7933. The Globe will periodically publish new information about the conference.

"We would like to encourage all adults to attend because the more people we have participate, the stronger our parishes, schools and religious education programs become. This is an opportunity that we wouldn't want anyone to miss," said Sister Joan.

Cost of the conference is $20, including lunch.