Special to the Register

"I really enjoyed the DRE day! Received much information and loved the great notebook to take home. It will be a great reference. Thank you for everything."

"From a pastor’s point of view, it is an ideal time to re-group the DREs for the coming year."

-- Father James Dieker

Directors of Religious Education from the diocese gathered for a day of information, and left with a bright yellow three-ring binder containing religious education and catechetical endeavors offered in the diocese for the upcoming year.

Father Robert Schremmer, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, opened the meeting with "Word Working" prayer. One participant stated, "It’s a good way to open today’s session. It’s amazing how reading the same reading three times gives so many different ways of sharing."

Sister Janice Grochowsky, Chancellor and Diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator, gave a tour through the many documents available on the diocesan website designed to educate adults, and to protect children. One participant commented, "I see more of the importance of it because of the way it was presented. Good to have the documents in a folder."

Coleen Stein, Interactive Television Director, shared how ITV continues to be a blessing in the Diocese of Dodge City, allowing one instructor to teach many without instructor or participants needing to travel all that far. People all over the diocese are forming small faith communities through the technology of ITV.

Adult formation opportunities presented to DREs evoked the comment: "Lots of
new and interesting topics to keep our blood flowing."

Stein, who also serves as Coordinator of the Pastoral Ministry Formation Program, enlisted DREs to assist in sharing information to their catechists and their parents about the exciting classes that are being offered this fall. Pam Vainer, DRE from the Catholic Community of Great Bend, gave several examples of how she has used the information gained from the Pastoral Ministry classes in her own PSR classroom. She shared that these classes are like fuel for her: "I have taught for so many years that it is wonderful to be on the receiving end."

Topics to be presented this fall are, "It’s Personal, but not Really," and "Reaching Our True Happiness Through Called and Gifted." Sister Nancy Jane Kuntz, O.P., DRE of the Barber County cluster of Kiowa, Medicine Lodge and Sharon, shared that she felt Catechist Formation offers catechists information that is valuable as well as practical. The catechists of Barber County especially appreciated the sessions on Triduum, Catholic Social Justice, and Chastity. One participant commented, "I have really enjoyed these sessions. Thank you for continuing to catechize our catechists."

Vocation Coordinator, Becky Hessman shared how the Called and Gifted workshop guides individuals through a process of discernment in which they may recognize their charisms, or gifts given by the Holy Spirit through baptism and confirmation. Jean Schartz, parishioner of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, passionately shared that she continues to identify Evangelism as one of her charisms. Knowing her charism has encouraged her to do new, exciting things. Trish Keller, parishioner of St. Dominic, Garden City said, "There is a big world out there that needs our gifts and talents." She continues to read, study, and experiment to better identify her charisms. One participant shared, "every catechist should participate in a Called and Gifted workshop."

Seasons of Faith is an adult education opportunity, with a new topic for each season of the year. Each topic will be presented twice in a season. The fall season will feature Cathedral parishioners, Bob and Ruth Hess-man, leading participants in reviewing the teaching of the Church on the Death Penalty. Father Wesley Schawe, parochial vicar of the Catholic Community of Great Bend, will explore the topic of Evolution in the winter season. In the spring season Father Ted Skalsky, pastor of Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, will present material from Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Summer, July 2007, Father Wesley Schawe will explore questions about Stem Cell Research. One participant shared that Seasons of Faith, " is a great addition to the Diocese."

Stein stated, "the purpose of the Confirmation Study Group is to research the historical, theological, pastoral, and liturgical aspects of the Sacrament of Confirmation." The group consists of 16 members representing English and Spanish sectors. At the conclusion of the study process, the committee will make a recommendation to the Bishop.

Steven Polley spoke about the exciting opportunities that are forthcoming in the area of youth ministry. One participant commented that, "having the dates ahead of time is very helpful." The newest youth endeavor is Summers Centered in Christ which begins in June 2006.