DRE Leadership Days

by JoAnn Borchert

During the summer DRE’s gathered from across the diocese for Leadership Training. Leadership Days Levels II and III were held at the Center for Spiritual Development in Bird Island. The material covered in these events addressed the competancies for DRE’s as stated in our diocesan Certification Program.

Leadership Days II was June 19-21. Attendees were: Sister Nancy Traeger from Marshall, Deb Larson from Montevideo, Dennis Justison from Ortonville, Lynn Schueller from Renville, Clarice Platz from Springfield, Doug Wilkowski from Willmar, and Teresa Kastner from Sanborn. Presenters were Sister Mary Weidner from Olivia, Diane Pyka from Spicer, and JoAnn Borchert from the diocesan office. The topics covered were "Building Community," Catechizing for a Just World," "Ministry of Catechesis," "Renewing the Vision" and curriculum selection along with fruitful discussion of other issues involved in the ministry of DRE’s.

Leadership Days III were held August 14-15. Attendees were: Larry Loken from Granite Falls, Yvonne Nachreiner from Leavenworth, Sister Nancy Traeger and Mary Beth Johnson from Marshall, Maggie Bennett and Terry Guillemette from North Mankato, Liz Mahal from

Redwood Falls, Lynn Schueller from Renville, Barb Garding and Diane Pyka from Spicer, Clarice Platz from Springfield, Mary Lohaus from Hutchinson, and Doug Wilkowski from Willmar. Marian Bach from Canby, Betty Nystrom from Watkins, and JoAnn Borchert from the diocesan office were presenters. The new National Conference of Catechetical Leadership "The Effective DRE: A Theology Series" was the basis for study. The topics of "Connecting Life and Faith - Theological Reflection," "Companions on the Journey - Mary and the Saints," and "Faith Handed On - Church History" were discussed.

These days of sharing, enrichment, and prayer were well received by those in attendance.

JoAnn Borchert is director of Religious Education for the Diocese of New Ulm.