By A.M. Kelley
Superior Catholic Herald
More than 500 educators attend fall conference
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RICE LAKE -- More than 500 educators gathered in Rice Lake on Oct. 10 for the Superior Diocese's 45th annual fall conference. They were there, guided, as one award recipient said, "by our faith in God."
Men and women came from Catholic schools and parishes in all 16 counties to update their skills in a variety of workshops and pray with their new bishop.
At his first large diocesan-wide function since his ordination on Sept. 14 and installation on Sept. 23, Bishop Peter F. Christensen began the day's festivities with a Mass in St. Joseph Church. He also oversaw the presentation of four prestigious service awards beginning with the Bishop George A. Hammes Award. It was given to Mari Zarcone Patterson, the principal of St. Mary School in New Richmond, for her outstanding service to Catholic schools. An annual tradition since 1988, when it was given to then-superintendent of schools Fr. Edward Meulemans, and is sponsored by the Department of Christian Formation.
During her acceptance statement, Patterson asked her fellow principals and teachers for a show of commitment: "If you believe in Catholic education, raise your hand." The overwhelmingly positive response from her peers reflected the loyalty of the attendees. It's a job, Patterson said, that engages one's heart and soul.
That same devotion was also reflected in the next recipient's bio. A 20-year teacher at Holy Rosary School in Medford, Laura Beyer, was given the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton award for her "unique contribution to the quality of Catholic school education in the diocese."
The Fr. Harold Dodge award for excellence in the ministry of catechetics was presented to Adele Svetnicka. She was praised for "sharing her faith with others and É (for) building community among young families" in her parish, St. Peter the Fisherman in Eagle River.
Two women were honored with Gloria Lang awards for their outstanding support to catechetical ministry: Pearl Kauer of Good Shepherd Parish in Rib Lake, and Georgianna Whelan of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Gilman.
Kauer has served her parish for 18 years as a catechist and as a mentor to other catechists. Whelan has taught religion for 17 years and inspires others by her involvement in her parish and community.
This year the conference organizers included Kathy Drinkwine, Richard Lyons and the Pastoral Services and Christian Formation staff, superintendent of schools Peggy Schoenfuss, and Chris Newkirk and Roger Cadotte of the Bishop Hammes Center. They recruited presenters and planned workshops covering a diverse selection of topics from sessions on early childhood education, youth Bible studies, to how adult educators themselves can continue learning and growing in faith.
Presenters were likewise varied. Kate Wiskus, a doctor of ministry and an associate dean of formation at University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Illinois, spoke on "Praying Through the Ups and Downs of Daily Life." She said those who educate children must help them to see the presence of God in their day-to-day lives.
"Every moment of every day you're spiritual," Wiskus said. "We are formed as whole people: mind, body and spirit. There are no non-spiritual moments."
Another workshop taught by Ron Zaffrann, a consultant to the Department of Christian Formation, helped those involved in ministry who "are increasingly being stretched, sometimes to the edge É (learn to avoid) classic burnout." Like Wiskus, he taught a practical approach to spirituality, and finding "God in all things."
Teachers were given a look at a new method of discipline. A Rice Lake School District teacher, Tom Rick, gave this presentation on what he calls "a low stress, highly effective management tool for educators." Dubbed "love and logic discipline," Rick said the program is an effective and simple program that engenders respect and responsibility in kids. With personal stories of how he has learned to manage disruptive students or groups of students, Rick had a receptive audience.
Sr. Helena Burns, FSP, whose media workshop ministry has taken her all over the United States and Canada, hosted this distinctive workshop: "Philosophy 101: Discovering the Powerful Philosophies Behind Pop Culture." She "believes that media can be a primary tool for sharing God's love and salvation."
Joe Paprocki, an associate director of catechetical services at Loyola Press in Chicago, also had a workshop with a contemporary theme: "Teaching to Generation Me." He identified the characteristics of "generation me" and "outlined the implications for teaching the Catholic faith to this age group."
Other workshops were less cerebral. In "Phy Ed is More Than Dodge Ball," Susan Conn, a Holy Rosary School teacher from Medford, had many resources for free equipment for budget-poor physical education programs at Catholic schools.
Conn's information included: grants from USA Tennis for free rackets, balls and nets, and on site lessons from tennis pros on teaching the game to kids; Burger King contacts for footballs, jump ropes, Frisbees and many other free gym toys; and inline skates and pads from Lifetime Sports. She also had suggestions on getting grants from local banks, wellness clinics and hospitals for equipment or to fund ski, skating or fishing outings.
Besides a wealth of information in the classrooms, the fall conference traditionally includes many exhibits. This year nearly 30 offered the educators a close look at vendors selling religious goods and educational literature. Fundraising professionals were present as well as representatives from many religion publishers, St. Lawrence Seminary High School, the Sisters' Council Vocations Committee and Holy Cross Sisters of Merrill.
Editor's note: Profiles on the five award recipients will appear in future issues of the Catholic Herald.
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2007