One of the many benefits of my frequent travels around the country is the opportunity to meet so many diocesan catechetical leaders. I am especially excited to meet young leaders – forty-ish and younger – who make up what I call the “new generation” of catechetical leaders (not the “next” generation, because they are already HERE and making their presence felt!). The Church, and the catechetical ministry per se, is blessed to be energized by their fresh perspective and youthful enthusiasm.
For some time now, I have been interested in compiling a sample “directory” of some of these younger catechetical leaders so that their names and faces become more familiar to catechetical ministers everywhere. My hope is that…
- …these young leaders will know that they are recognized and appreciated for their hard work and for the sacrifices they make to serve the catechetical ministry.
- …veteran diocesan catechetical leaders will feel energized by the presence of a new generation of catechetical leaders.
- …these young leaders will be sought out as presenters and speakers at catechetical gatherings all over the country, especially at NCCL, NCEA, NALM, diocesan catechetical conferences, etc.
- …veteran catechetical leaders will call forth these young leaders to take leadership roles in the aforementioned organizations.
- …young leaders will seek the wisdom of veteran leaders and learn from their experience.
With all of this mind, I have indeed compiled a preliminary “directory” of the new generation of diocesan catechetical leaders (not necessarily working for a diocesan office, but playing a role in the catechetical ministry that is influential on a broad basis). I have personally met many of these people. Others have been recommended to me as people “I should know.” A couple of recommendations like this came to me from Anne Comeaux, the Director of the Catechetical Office in Galveston-Houston, who, in speaking of her young associates Adrián Herrera and Brian Garcia-Luense, said “I consider them to be one of MY greatest gifts to the ministry since I hired them!” Way to go Anne! 🙂
Take a look at the names and faces of these catechetical leaders and get used to them…they are the NEW GENERATION OF CATECHETICAL LEADERS! We salute you!!!
Thank you such a great list. I was happy to see Lisa Gulino on this this list. I am a distance student for St. Joseph’s College, and am currently taking Pastoral Ministry from her.
With all that you do in Catechetics, Joe, I am wondering if you’ve ever attended the St. John Bosco Conference at Franciscan University? I have been going for the last few summers and just love it!
Thanks Jennifer. I have not attended that conference. I’ll look up the details. Enjoy your course with Lisa Gulino!
Amen! Thank you for this post. Are you familiar with the Echo: Faith Formation Leadership Program out of the University of Notre Dame? I included a link above (they are about to launch a new website). I graduated from it two years ago. I’ll get back to you with any classmates who are working at the diocesan level.
Yes, Rebecca, the Echo program is an excellent program and is producing a number of fine catechetical leaders who will begin to move up to diocesan leadership soon!
Nice list! Glad to see some new faces. Often when I go to Diocese gatherings, it’s all white hair so I worry about the future.
As someone in my early 30s, there are only a few of us around; but, I do find we are very dedicated!
I hope we can all take the Church into the future.
White hair if we have any hair left at all! 🙂
The future is in good hands with people like you! Thanks Jenn!
It’s good to know we have a lot of young leaders in faith today. Hopefully, we’ll be seeing more. I think the future of Catechism everywhere is in their hands.
Joe,
Please add Mark Moitoza’s name to your list of “New Generation” catechetical leaders. He is the Director of the Office Of Evangelization (which incorporates Catechesis and Youth Ministry) for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. Please check him out. I think you will agree that he needs to be on your list.
Thanks.
Joan
Thanks, Joan. I’ll indeed check him out!