By Jeff Peters
Catholic Herald correspondent

Award-winning catechist has years of training

HIGHBRIDGE -- Since she was in the ninth grade, Deborah Schutte has brought God's teachings into the lives of her students at St. Anthony Parish.

Now 45, and with two grown children of her own, Jason, 25, and Elizabeth, 23, Schutte said teaching has always been a labor of love -- for God and for her many students.

"I really enjoy being around children. They are such special people and they keep me young," said Schutte, who lives near Marengo with her husband Bob.

"Religion has always been very important in my life and I naturally want to share that with my students. Faith is so important, it's like breathing, sleeping or eating. It's something I need to survive."

Schutte has done her job so well, in fact, she was presented with the Fr. Harold Dodge Award for excellence in the ministry of catechetics at the annual Fall Teacher and Catechist Institute last month in Rice Lake.

"I was totally surprised when I found out I won," said Schutte, who also taught at the Holy Rosary Parish in Mellen for several years.

"I didn't even know I was nominated. I would still like to know who nominated me for the award so I could thank them properly," she said. "I would also like to thank everyone who sent letters of support. It meant a great deal to me to have that support."

That support, according to Schutte, has never been a problem at her rural parish in Ashland County.

"We have such a great support group," she said. "Everyone one in the parish is so supportive of everything we do in our religious education program. The diocese also puts on so many excellent courses. If you need help, they're there for you."

As religious education coordinator since the mid-80s, Schutte said her role is gradually changing, as the parish grows older. "This year I have only one child in my first grade class. Many of our young people are now grown and have moved away from the area.

"With one student you really have to grab their attention right away," Schutte said, noting they have about 50 families in the parish. "It's more challenging because you have to be more creative. You need to build a good relationship from the start or you won't get anywhere."

In addition to her first grade student, Schutte is teaching an adult study group to parishioners from the Holy Rosary in Mellen and St. Anthony. She shares those duties with parish member Donna Augustyn.

"It's a fun group and we have a good time in the class. We get the chance to share our religious experiences. It's more like a faith-sharing group," she said.

Schutte said today's vast resources helps to make her job easier than it was when she started teaching three decades ago. "Today's teacher materials are so complete. They give the background for lessons, objectives for the lessons, a list of materials and how to go step-by-step through the lessons along with various options."

Schutte, who is co-manager at Northern Finnish Mutual Insurance in Marengo, also credits her family for her longevity in religious teaching. "We have a close family (four sisters, four brothers) and we still get together at mom and dad's for Christmas. My family means a great deal to me.

"My parents, who now live closer to Ashland, are still members of St. Anthony's. They have always been supportive of my work," she said, noting she also works daily with her daughter, Elizabeth, 23, at Northern Finnish Mutual.

Family. Faith. Key words in any language, but especially important to Schutte. "My faith has helped me through some difficult times in my life. My faith is a comfort; something I rely on when I'm troubled. I feel I have a personal relationship with God.

"But I also remember to thank God each day for all the blessings he's given me," she said.

< Local Archives

© Superior Catholic Herald, 2000