Excellence in Catechesis - Two sessions held, one remains in Carroll

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
October 12, 2006

"Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." Those words from St. Francis of Assisi serve as the theme of this year's Excellence in Catechesis sessions.

Designed for parish religious educators, Catholic school teachers and administrators and all who evangelize, two of this year's sessions have been held and the final session is slated for 6 p.m. on Oct. 18 at the Greteman Center of Holy Spirit Parish in Carroll.

"The theme of Excellence in Catechesis ties into the church's social teaching," noted Kevin Vickery, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools and a member of the planning team for Excellence in Catechesis. "St. Francis' whole ministry revolved around some of the basic premises of what the church believes in our responsibility for social justice."

The first two sessions were received so well that he urges people to consider attending the final session in Carroll. While they originally asked for a one-week advance notice, he said they would rather have people come at the last minute than not go at all. Should people decide to attend, they can call Judy Forrest at (712) 233-7520 on Monday or Tuesday.

"If people decide to attend at the last minute, we certainly encourage them to join us for the evening," said Vickery.

The first two sessions were held on Oct. 4 in Humboldt and Oct. 11 on Sheldon.

"The keynote is a multi-media presentation by the office managers of the Christian Formation and Worship Departments of the diocese," noted Vickery.

Presenters include Vickery, Bev Hurni, Vera Ludwig, Jessica La Fleur, Linda Ebel, Juan Garcia and David Lopez.

"Part of that is a dialogue about how justice issues have impacted our lives as well as a discussion relating to what is our responsibility and how we need to find Christ in everyone," said Vickery. "Our goal is partly to give the participants new information, but it is mostly a chance for them - in a prayerful setting - to reflect on how the church's social teaching is important in our lives."

After the breakout sessions, attendees will have the chance to attend one of the following presentations: Life and Dignity of the Human Person by Vera Ludwig, Call to Family Community and Participation by David Lopez, Rights and Responsibilities of Man by Kevin Vickery, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable by Linda Ebel, The Dignity and Rights of the Workers by Juan Garcia, Solidarity by Jessica La Fleur and Care for God's Creation by Bev Hurni.

Sonja Petherbridge, a teacher at St. Edmond Grade School in Fort Dodge attended the session in Humboldt.

"I am glad I had the opportunity to learn more about Social Justice. The

seven themes of Catholic social teaching are the heart and soul of the issues we confront as a community of believers. Increased awareness of social conditions can only lead to greater respect for others, more empathy for the poor and vulnerable, and a recognition of the basic rights of all workers," she said.

Sister Louise Scieszinski, principal at St. Mary's Grade School in Humboldt, also attended that session. She found the format appealing because it captured interest and gave a human face to the content. She also liked the keynote presentation.

"The music, media, and prayer combination were a good blend for the experience and individual reflection. The presentation of Church social teachings by the various staff members was done in a most interesting and informative manner," she said.

Sister Louise was particularly touched by the personalization of Catholic social teachings, giving a face to those needing ministry and those called to ministry, and the efforts of the small group presenters to provide resources to the participants were effective.

Cost of the session is $10 including pizza and beverages. The keynote is slated for 6:30 p.m. with the breakout session from 7:45 to 9 p.m.