Kate Ristow, master catechist, to deliver keynote at Diocesan Ministries Conference

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
August 11, 2005

Every two years when the Diocese of Sioux City hosts the Diocesan Ministries Conference, a dynamic keynote speaker is part of the overall program. This year is no exception.

Kate Ristow, national catechetical consultant for RCL (Resources for Christian Living, a religious education publisher) and contributing writer for Catechist magazine, will present the keynote at all three sessions of the conference slated for Oct. 9 at Pocahontas Catholic and Oct. 10 at Gehlen Catholic School in Le Mars. Her keynote address is titled The Spiritual of Each Moment: The A, B, C's of Ministry.

"The presentation will look at four qualities and attitudes that we can find easily in Jesus' ministry," said Ristow. "It will help participants discover ways of imitating Christ's example in concrete ways and in our ministries in the classroom, in our work with adults - whatever we do."

These qualities can apply to people's own lives as well as to their ministries, she noted.

"I hope people remember that the ministry they do is a continuation of Christ's ministry," stressed Ristow. "We don't want people coming into ministry and looking at it as a job. It's a ministry. It's through our baptismal calling. It's one of the responsibilities we have in building up the church."

She said that to be a catechist is more than being merely a volunteer such as a crossing guard.

"Religion is not another subject we teach. It is the reason we have Catholic schools," added Ristow.

In addition to her present work, Ristow has past work experience as a parish catechist, DRE and Catholic schoolteacher. She also oversaw religion school curriculum.

According to Linda Anderson, director of catechesis for the diocese and a member of the conference planning team, Ristow's experience in parish religious education programs and Catholic schools gives her a solid, practical background.

"I am familiar most with Kate in her work with Catechist magazine," noted Anderson. "I have been reading her articles in there for years and I've always been impressed with her articles. She has the knowledge and the experience, but she is very practical."

The keynote speaker writes a monthly feature article for Cathechist magazine and contributes to a monthly column - one of four master catechists, who respond to questions people have mainly about faith formation.

"If we don't pass the faith on to the next generation, who will?" asked Ristow. "If we want our church to continue, we are required to share our faith with young people."

Anderson pointed out that people want to learn, but they are always looking to know how they can put ideas into practice or action.

"We know that Kate has experienced things personally, so she is not merely speaking out of head knowledge, but out of personal experience," said Anderson. "That's why people reading what she writes connect with her. It will be a wonderful opportunity to hear her speak."

In addition to the keynote address, Ristow will present a workshop titled Creative Catechesis - You Make the Difference at all three sessions.

"It is very practical and hands on creative methods to energize those in classes," she said. "Like anyone, religion teachers and catechists have a tendency to get stuck in a rut - do things the same way all of the time. At the start of the year, this will hopefully infuse them some ideas that they could try."

Specifically, participants who attend Ristow's workshop will look at lesson planning, prayer and ritual, seasonal ideas along with arts and crafts.

The presentation by Ristow is being sponsored by RCL Publishing.

All people who serve in parish and school ministries as well as any parishioner looking to learn new things about their faith are invited and encouraged to attend the Diocesan Ministries Conference.

Conference brochures containing descriptions of the various workshops and registration information have been sent to all parishes. The brochure and registration form is also available for downloading at the diocesan Web site - www.scdiocese.org.