By Sallie Bachar
Catholic Herald correspondent
Rib Lake convert a religion teacher for 23 years
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RIB LAKE -- This year's recipient of the Gloria Lang Award for Outstanding Support in Ministry has a deep desire to share her faith and make a difference in the lives of her students, and Pearl Kauer of Good Shepherd Parish in Rib Lake has been doing just that for 23 years.
Kauer, a convert to the Catholicism, was "dumfounded" when she learned she was one of the winners of the award. Georgianna Whelan of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Gilman is the other winner.
Kauer started teaching religion when her son was in eighth grade. A catechist was needed for his class and she stepped in to help. Through the years, she has taught ninth and tenth grades as well. "When my daughter was finished with classes after confirmation I was going to quit," she said. What brought her back? "They won't let me retire," she laughed. In truth, the religious education program was again shorthanded and Kauer agreed to temporarily help out, a move that led her back to full time ever since. "I never actually got to retire, except for maybe a few months," she said.
"I like the kids," she added, "and they seem to like me." She noted that all of them are comfortable in talking to her, even when they see her at the local grocery store where she works.
Kauer and her husband, Ben, have been members of Good Shepherd Parish since 1980. They have three grown children and three grandchildren. It concerns her that many parents today don't attend Mass but just drop their children off at religion classes and think they have done their duty. "I try to give them (the students) the idea they are supposed to be practicing members of the church."
She enjoys her students and makes classes fun as well as educational often with art projects. "I hope I make a difference," she said. "I would like to think they are not just tolerating me."
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2007