Heartland Conference inspires, informs

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
March 18, 2004

Fifteen people from the Diocese of Sioux City were among the 300 catechetical leaders, pastoral ministers and priests to attend the regional Heartland Conference held March 1-4 in Kansas City.

Linda Anderson, director of catechesis in the diocese, described it as a "well put together" conference with wonderful facilities, interesting environment displays/decorations and well-known speakers.

Like Living Stones was the theme of the conference, from which the five keynote speakers built their presentations. Keynote speakers included Diana Hayes who addressed the importance of welcoming everyone to the God's table, Bishop Joseph Perry of Chicago who spoke about building a church without walls, Dr. Zeni Fox addressed the evolving role of the laity, Dr. Megan McKenna who identified what it takes to be a living stone by example and Bill Huebsch who spoke on whole community catechesis and intergenerational ministry.

"In Dr. Fox's talk, she talked about a polished stone - polished by everything that is hit against it. People can be polished in their ministries by everything they have to deal with," noted Anderson.

Many of the people from the Diocese of Sioux City were impressed by the presentation of Huebsch as whole community catechesis - stressing the importance of faith formation for all members of the church - is a ministry that is gaining in popularity. He works with John Roberto and Generations of Faith, which several parishes in the diocese are offering.

Julie Anne Bovenmyer, DRE at Sacred Heart Church in Boone, said that Huebsch was the best speaker. Her parish is presently offering Generations of Faith and Huebsch offered some practical tips on intergenerational ministry as well as some background on why parishes need this.

"One of the plusses of attending the conference is being able to get out and see how other people are handling similar situations you are in, but they may have a different slant on it that you haven't thought of," she said. "You learn a lot of new things."

Charlotte Willenborg, youth ministry at Sacred Heart Church in Manning, enjoyed the opportunity to hear the well-known speakers along with the time to network with other catechetical leaders.

She pointed out that she particularly liked the presentation by Huebsch as she is interested in the concept of intergenerational ministry. Willenborg purchased his tape and gave it to her pastor.

"I attended a workshop by Joan Webber. It was centered on young adults and was very good," she said. "She geared it for people from 19-35, but a lot of it can apply to youth ministry such as making them feel welcome."

Kathryn Keane, DRE for the Holy Family Cluster Parishes in Sioux City, said she has been trying to promote family rallies as part of her religious education program so Huebsch's information on whole community catechesis was inspiring.

Like Willenborg, Keane attended Webber's workshop on young adults and found some exciting and practical ways to involve them in the parish.

"The conference gave us a fresh perspective in a lot of areas. It was also inspiring. Their liturgy was unbelievable - the music, the way they brought up the gifts," she said. "It gave us ideas to take back home."

Anderson attended a workshop of Huebsch, which she found excellent and also attended a workshop by Dennis Cheesebrow titled, Leadership, Authority and Power in a Parish Setting. They were so powerful, that she brought back their tapes for the religious education media center.

In addition to the keynote presentations and workshops, Anderson pointed out that the conference featured two inspirational concerts. ValLimar Jansen entertained on Feb. 29 and Jaime Cortez presented a concert on March 2.