Fall Gathering is time to learn and share

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
September 1, 2005

STORM LAKE - The Fall Gathering sponsored by the Offices of Catechesis and Youth Ministry provided a time for people involved in religious education in the diocese to network with one another and learn.

According to Linda Anderson, diocesan director of catechesis, and Jessica LaFleur, diocesan youth minister, about 40 people attended the Aug. 20 gathering. Although the majority of past participants at this gathering have been mainly DREs and youth ministers, it was open to others who have an interest in religious education.

"We did have some catechists there from various programs and a seminarian," noted Anderson, who added that one priest also attended.

LaFleur pointed out that the seminarian who attended, Pat Behm, had expressed an interest in youth ministry. He had mentioned that due to spending so much of his time in studies outside the diocese, this was a way for him to connect with and get to know people here whom he would be serving in the future.

The featured speaker of the day was Brenda Latterell, who has been involved in children's ministry for over 25 years. 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 Publications. The presentation was sponsored by Harcourt.

Latterell, who holds a master's degree in religious education, presented How Children Learn: Using Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligence in Faith Formation. Knowing that each person learns in different ways, she discussed how the theory of multiple intelligences could be used to reach and teach in creative ways.

Multiple intelligences include: verbal linguistic, logical mathematical, musical rhythmic, visual spatial, bodily kinesthetic, naturalist, intrapersonal and interpersonal.

"She offered creative things that people could use under each of these categories," noted Anderson. "People really like the practical aspect - to learn things that can be done in the classroom or things they can share with others for them to use in the classroom."

Even the diocesan leaders discovered some new ways to help students learn about the faith. In relation to the verbal linguistic multiple intelligence Anderson noted that the speaker suggested that after reading a Bible story, teachers could ask students to write a news report about the story. Teachers could take it a step further by videotaping the report and replaying it the next week.

Another suggestion that could be used for older students ties in with the musical rhythmic - have students write a rap song tied into a Bible story.

"One of the things that I liked under verbal linguistic that I think would be great for a high school student is writing a job description for a Christian or your faith resume," noted LaFleur.

She mentioned that because the attendees learned so many hands on, practical techniques that could be applied to lessons, the fall gathering is similar to an in-service.

Those who attended offered some very positive feedback.

Beth Roberts, DRE at Moville, found the Fall Gathering to be a very positive experience.

"It was well worth the time to attend," she said. "The speakers were very good and it was a wonderful time for team building with the other DREs and youth ministers. I appreciated the whole day."

Alissa Schipper, youth minister and DRE at Sacred Heart Parish in Spencer, said, "I think they did a top-notch job of bringing in someone who could give us some concrete things to take home - practical ideas that we could bring home and give to our volunteer catechists."

She pointed out that Latterell offered numerous ideas that would be easy for the catechists to incorporate into their lessons.Schipper added that she also liked the presentation on intergenerational ministry because Sacred Heart is offering some of these whole-community faith opportunities.

Many of the techniques and practical suggestions presented by Latterell could be used for students of all ages. Anderson noted that some of the suggestions could even be applied to the intergenerational faith formation activities that are growing in popularity in a number of diocesan parishes.

Sister Theresa (Tess) Engel, director of intergenerational faith formation for the Webster County Team Parishes, gave a presentation as to how the intergenerational ministry is used and has evolved in the Fort Dodge area parishes.

Along with a chance to gain some practical knowledge, LaFleur pointed out the value in people involved in religious education having a chance to meet, build community and share ideas with one another.

"Linda and I also had an opportunity to go over our roles as to how we can serve the DREs and youth ministers," noted LaFleur. "We want to let them know that we are here to help them." Given that she joined the diocesan staff in July, this was a chance for LaFleur to meet many of the catechetical leaders.

Schipper said she appreciated the chance to meet LaFleur.

Kevin Vickery, diocesan superintendent of Catholic education, was on hand to reinforce to people the need for new catechists to go through the VIRTUS training and he offered explanations as to what types of volunteers need this safe environment training.

The Fall Gathering is offered every year.