Diocese names Bev Hurni director of adult and family ministries

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
December 9, 2004

The Diocese of Sioux City has named Bev Hurni director of adult and family ministries.

Hurni is no stranger to Central Catholic Offices as she served as the family programs director for the diocese since July of 1999. Prior to her employment with the diocese, Hurni was a DRE and pastoral minister at Immaculate Conception Church in Cherokee for 11 years.

"I look forward to continuing the relationships with people that have formed as a result of my work in the diocese," she said. "And also look forward to expanding the opportunities to serve the needs of the people of the diocese."

Hurni holds a bachelor's degree from Briar Cliff University in Sioux City. She majored in theology and psychology. She is presently working on a master's degree in ministry at Creighton University in Omaha.

She acknowledged that all of her positions have helped to prepare her for her new role.

In Cherokee, Hurni first served as a DRE and youth minister for the high school program and later became the elementary (K-5) DRE and part-time pastoral minister.

As the family programs director, Hurni coordinated various diocesan-level ministries such as marriage preparation programs, marriage enrichment opportunities, BeFriender Ministry and assisted in adult formation programs.

She initiated the Welcome Your Child, a baptismal prep program; was the coordinator of activities for the Coalition for Ministry With Persons Having Disabilities and served as the liaison for the Beginning Experience Board.

The Office of Adult and Family Ministries is presently seeking an individual to fill the coordinator of family programs position.

"The division of the responsibilities in the office will depend on the gifts and the experience that the next person brings," noted Hurni. "However, my focus will be more on planning and visioning for the office, discerning what the needs are in the area of adult formation and family ministry."

Her involvement in adult formation programs will be expanded. For the first time, Hurni is co-teaching one of the Church Ministries courses. She will also now be involved in the parish nurse ministry.

In the last few years, a new focus on intergenerational ministry has emerged in this country. Hurni will have responsibility for this ministry at the diocesan level. Several parishes in the Diocese of Sioux City have been involved in this, such as by holding intergenerational faith festivals, and she plans to speak with them to determine what type of support they need. The new director also would like to inquire if other parishes are interested in becoming involved in this new formation concept.

"As the number of priests continues to decline, there is an increasing need for the development of sound lay leadership so that will certainly be a focus," added Hurni. "One of the things that I want to do is meet with the Adult and Family Ministries board to develop some goals with them."

Another area where she believes there is current room for expansion is in ministry to the elderly. As the population continues to age, this will become increasingly important.

Between her work in the parish and as the family programs director, Hurni has had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with numerous priests and lay leaders. She plans to continue to network with the BeFrienders and pastoral ministers.

There is an opportunity to offer a BeFriender Ministry training for new coordinators who would then coordinate that ministry for parishes. One of her short-term goals is to speak with parish leaders to see if they may be interested in initiating this ministry in their parish or cluster.

"And as we go forward, I will be involved with strategic planning and clustering," said Hurni. Developing greater collaboration in parish ministries, she added, can be a great value especially for smaller parishes.

Along with her past work experience, Hurni mentioned that working closely with Kay Morrissey, who had served as the office's director for a number of years, helped to prepare her for these additional responsibilities. She added that throughout all of her work experiences her husband, Darwin, has been very supportive and often joined her in her ministry.

"There are very many gifted people in this diocese between the lay people and clergy. I look forward to collaborating with them and providing opportunities for their gifts to be shared," said Hurni. "I feel many doors have been opened for me that I never would have expected. God has truly blessed me."

If people would like to speak with Hurni about any needs they have in their parishes for family and adult formation, please call (712) 233-7530.