Fall gathering to feature insight, humor of Cy Wakeman

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
July 29, 2004

As parish religious education programs gear up for another year, the diocese plans to host its annual fall gathering.

According to Linda Anderson, director of catechesis for the Diocese of Sioux City, each year the diocese hosts this meeting for religious educators and youth ministers. It is slated for Aug. 14 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake.

"These meetings have typically offered some sort of formation aspect - something that will benefit them in their ministry," she said.

This year's gathering will feature a keynote presentation titled "Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life," by Cy Wakeman. From this broader topic, Wakeman will address succeeding in spite of the facts - show how changing organizations can thrive in difficult times as they break through "learned helplessness," and rally their teams to respond to challenges. She will also focus on succeeding in spite of differences, which will lead participants through a brief assessment process that will help them identify and better understand various personality traits.

"We are truly excited about having Cy as our presenter for our annual fall gathering. Cy was a workshop presenter at the Diocesan Ministries Conference last fall and received high praise from those who attended any of her three workshops," noted Anderson, who added that Wakeman was also the facilitator at a diocesan staff retreat two years ago. "She is informative, innovative and enthusiastic and has a great sense of humor. Whether visiting with Cy one-on-one or listening to her in a group setting, time just flies."

Anderson pointed out that while this gathering has usually been geared for DREs and youth ministers, other interested parish personnel - paid or volunteer - are invited to attend.

The gathering will begin at 8:30 a.m. with opening prayer and the welcome. Wakeman's presentation will run until lunchtime.

Following lunch, at about 1 p.m., new DREs and youth ministers will be welcomed. There will be also be a formal and informal sharing of information and ideas.

"For the planned sharing, I lined up four people who have something innovative to talk about - something they already have in place or something that they are going to do," said Anderson.

Kerry Noeth, DRE and youth minister for Our Lady of Good Counsel in Fonda, will address how the parish community is coming together to try to create one of the best religious education programs in the diocese in light of their Catholic school closing.

Edna Miller, DRE and youth minister for Sacred Heart in Early, will tell the participants how the parishes in Early and Schaller found success with their program that met once a month on Saturday morning for younger grades of religious education.

Julie Walding, pastoral minister at Sacred Heart in Sioux City, will share innovations planned for the 2004-2005 religious education program.

Sheryl Price, DRE for Webster County Team Parishes, will talk about how their team parishes are moving ahead with the total intergenerational ministry concept for faith formation.

"Then we will have time to share informally," noted Anderson. "This will be a less-structured time when people can ask questions and new people will be able to integrate with returning ones."

She pointed out that time and again, the religious educators speak of the value in networking with others in their field.

The day will close with prayer and a commissioning service at 2:30 p.m.

"Those who attend should have a good time. They will enjoy listening to Cy Wakeman and they will benefit from the fellowship of other people. Networking and interaction is key when you are involved in ministry," said Anderson. "You need each other not just for information, but for support. People who are working in the same field have a level of understanding about what it's like."

Cost of the gathering is $25, including lunch. All registrations are due by Aug. 9 and are non-refundable. Send registrations to: Diocese of Sioux City, % Judy Forrest, P.O. Box 3379, Sioux City, IA 51102-3379. If people have questions about the gathering, they can contact Anderson at (712) 233-7517.