Fall gathering to feature insight and humor of Bill Huebsch

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
August 27, 2006

The Diocese of Sioux City is once again holding a Fall Gathering to serve as a faith formation opportunity for catechetical leaders, pastoral ministers, school administrators and others serving in parishes and Catholic schools. The gathering is slated for Aug. 19 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Storm Lake.

According to Bev Hurni, director of the Office of Adult and Family Ministries, the Fall Gathering is educational in nature, designed to give participants practical tips that they can take back and apply to their ministries in parishes and Catholic schools.

Bill Huebsch, a theologian from Minnesota who has worked in Catholic publishing since 1995, will be the presenter. He holds a bachelor's degree in religious studies and a master's in theological studies from the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago. Huebsch served as diocesan administrator in the dioceses of Crookston and New Ulm, both in Minnesota, and for many years as DRE in a suburban Minneapolis parish.

The theme of the workshop will be Come With Me Into the Fields.

"The quality of our formation programs in parishes and schools is dependent on qualified catechists and teachers," noted Hurni. "His emphasis will be on how DREs, school administrators, pastoral ministers, RCIA directors and others can form a team that is well prepared."

In a letter to the diocese, Huebsch said that in his research he has asked teachers, parish catechists, catechetical leaders and pastors what was their greatest need. Their No. 1 response as been for more formation. They want it to be compelling, effective and practical.

"He will talk about how we can provide that for catechists and teachers," said Hurni.

She stressed the fact that while Huebsch is a theologian, he is very down-to-earth so people should be able to relate to his experiences.

"People will enjoy listening to him and he will invite them into a process of sharing," said Hurni.

At 8:30 a.m. there will be a special session for new DREs and youth ministers. Along with a welcome, this will include a brief orientation session.

"It will help inform them about what services are offered through the various offices here. An experienced DRE and experienced youth minister will be there, too, to give them some pointers," said Hurni.

The diocese has opted to continue to provide this gathering because they realize there is a need to offer people the resources and formation to do their ministries and/or jobs well.

Most participants are expected to arrive around 9 a.m. for a continental breakfast and to view exhibits. Harcourt, Twenty Third Publications and Fitzgibbons will be among the companies with displays.

The Fall Gathering will begin at 9:30 a.m. with prayer led by Huebsch, followed by his first presentation. At the lunch break, attendees will have more time to view the exhibits.

"There will be an afternoon session and closing prayer with Bill, then people will be on their way home by 2:30 p.m.," noted Hurni.

The cost to attend the gathering is $15. The fee covers the lunch and room rent. Huebsch's expenses will be sponsored by Twenty Third Publications and Harcourt.

The deadline to register is Aug. 11. The Fall Gathering is being coordinated by Hurni, Jessica LaFleur, Kevin Vickery and Judy Forrest. If people have questions, they can contact Forrest at (712) 233-7520.