Annual Fall Gathering to be held in Storm Lake

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
August 4, 2005

The Offices of Catechesis and Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Sioux City invite religious educators and youth ministers to attend the annual Fall Gathering. The gathering will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 20 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake.

"This is something that we hold every August as kind of a kick-off to the year since most religious ed programs will start in September," said Linda Anderson, director of catechesis for the diocese. "This is kind of trying to pull people together before that. The purpose of this one is more informational. We try to do a combination of an arranged presenter and part of the time is an opportunity for diocesan offices to share."

The day will begin with refreshments, opening prayer, welcome and introductions at 9 a.m.

"We've held it there (Buena Vista University) for, I believe, the last two years," said Anderson. "It's a great facility. It is a very nice place to hold it. They are very accommodating and they serve a great lunch."

New directors of religious education (DRE) and youth ministers will be introduced at 9:30 a.m. followed by diocesan sharing of information.

"We hope that they (new DREs and youth ministers) will be able to come because not only is it a way of gaining information, but it is a good way of meeting other people who are serving in the same roles," said Anderson. "That is a big part of the day."

This will also be a time when most people will meet Jessica LaFleur, the new director of youth and young adult ministry for the diocese, for the first time. LaFleur will also share a little information.

"It is very important to get together with other people that are doing the same thing," said Anderson. "There are too many people out there feeling like they are the lone ranger trying to provide faith formation or youth ministry activities for people. They feel like they are alone. It is not an easy thing to do."

Those gathered will not only gain specific information, but will interact with others that provide support and encouragement. She explained that if they connect with people at the gathering then it is easier to connect with them during the school year as well.

Kevin Vickery, superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese, will present a safe environment update.

"This is a good opportunity to catch those people that are working with our parish programs and bring them up to speed on things," said Anderson. "It is very good of him to be there in person and be part of the day."

At 11 a.m. there will be a formal and informal sharing of information and ideas. Sister Theresa Engel, the new director of intergenerational faith formation for the Webster County Team Parishes, will give a presentation of what is going on in her area.

"Last year they had gone to doing intergenerational ministry as their primary way of doing faith formation," said Anderson. "They are continuing that this year. She is new, but this is something that people in our diocese are going to start hearing more about. This is an opportunity for people to hear about what they are doing, what their plans are and to ask questions."

The afternoon session will be the presenter, Brenda Latterell. Anderson came across her through contact with a Harcourt Religion Publishers representative in the area.

Her presentation will be "How Children Learn: Using Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligence in Faith Formation." Each person learns about and experiences his/her faith in different ways. Latterell will show how the Theory of Multiple Intelligences can be used to reach children (and adults) in creative ways. She will provide practical ideas and suggestions that can be used with a variety of groups.

"Her presence with us is sponsored by Harcourt Religion Publishers," said Anderson. "I think it will be a great opportunity for people to hear about different ways and ideas for approaching and working with a variety of groups in the parishes. I think they will really benefit from that."

Latterell has been involved in children's ministry for over 25 years. She has a master's degree in religious education. She currently directs the children and family programs at the Church of St. Patrick in Edina, Minn. and serves as a consultant for Harcourt Religion Services.

According to Anderson, those who attend do not have to be DREs and youth ministers, it is open to anyone who would like to attend such as catechists and pastors.

"We don't want to turn anyone way that is working with parish faith formation," said Anderson.

Anderson noted that the flier for the gathering recently went out to parishes and in general mail. The cost for the day is $25. For anyone who did not receive a flier or would like more information, contact Judy Forrest at (712) 233-7520 or email her at judyf@scdiocese.org.