Excellence in Catechesis
Three sessions to be presented in diocese

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
September 14, 2006

Knowing that there is a great need to provide faith formation to adults, especially those involved in religious education and those who evangelize using the Word of God, the Diocese of Sioux City has offered Excellence in Catechesis for some time now on an every other year basis.

According to Kevin Vickery, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools and a member of the Excellence in Catechesis planning team, the diocese will offer three evening sessions from 6 to 9 p.m. this October in various parts of the diocese. The sessions will be offered on Oct. 4 at St. Mary Parish in Humboldt, Oct. 11 at St. Patrick Parish in Sheldon and Oct. 18 at the Greteman Center of Holy Spirit Parish in Carroll.

The theme of this year's Excellence in Catechesis is "Preach the Gospel at all Times. If Necessary Use Words," which are the words of St. Francis of Assisi. Organizers say it is reflective of what people are called to do at teach Eucharistic celebration - "to go forth to love and to serve."

When Excellence in Catechesis was offered two years ago, the focus of the day centered on Sacred Scripture. The people learned that everyone is called by God. This year, the message centers on what people are called to do as Catholics.

"How are we called to focus on the critical elements of social justice?" Vickery asked. "We have tried to make a progressive piece, but people shouldn't be afraid that if they didn't come to our sessions two years ago that they would be lost. They are intended to be stand alone, but we certainly hope that some who attended Sacred Scripture, Sacred Stories would see the connection between Scriptures that we focused on in 2004 and with this concept of going out preaching the words with our actions."

Rather than a traditional keynote address, the opening general session will be built on the dialogue of seven chancery staff members. Through Scripture, church documents and personal stories, they will address the seven themes of Catholic social teachings.

Following the general session, attendees will have the opportunity to attend one breakout session. Each of the seven panelists from the opening session will present one of the seven major themes of Catholic social teaching.

The seven breakout sessions and presenters include: Life and Dignity of the Human Person by Vera Ludwig, diocesan family programs director; Call to Family Community and Participation, David Lopez, diocesan director of diaconate formation; Rights and Responsibilities of Man, Kevin Vickery; Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, Linda Ebel, diocesan director of curriculum and instructional services; The Dignity and the Rights of Workers, Juan Garcia, assistant Hispanic minister for the diocese; Solidarity, Jessica LaFleur, diocesan director of youth and young adult ministry and Care for God's Creation, Bev Hurni, diocesan director of adult and family ministries.

Vickery pointed out that in the breakout sessions, the presenters will identify where in Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church people are called to the principles of Catholic social teaching.

"We will help them disseminate how to bring this principle, this theme alive in the various age groups they work with," he said.

In order for parish and school personnel to gain as much knowledge as possible, Vickery suggested that if people attend in groups, each one could attend a different breakout session and then the information could be shared.

"When they go back to their local parish, they can bring all of their stories together and then they will start to weave the local fabric of Catholic social teaching," he said. "We want them to hear as many pieces as they can and then bring it together."

Two years ago was the first time that Excellence in Catechesis was offered on three nights in various locations of the diocese. With positive feedback and increased attendance, the organizing committee opted to go with that same structure this year.

"We know that the closer we bring catechetical development activities like this to the local church, the more likely we are to have people engaged in it," said Vickery.

Organizers of the event encourage people who have any role in faith formation of others in parishes or Catholic schools to attend Excellence in Catechesis. This can range from the parish religious education catechist, to a religion teacher in a Catholic school, parish pastoral minister or member of the RCIA team. However, anyone wanting to learn more about their faith is welcome to attend.

The cost of Excellence in Catechesis, including pizza and beverages from 6 to 6:30 p.m. is $10. People may attend at the site and date that is most convenient for them. Please register with the Diocese of Sioux City one week before the session.