By Jeff Peters
Catholic Herald correspondent

Teaching a labor of love for Park Falls catechist

PARK FALLS -- Kristyn Tickler, winner of the Fr. Harold Dodge Award for outstanding service to catechesis, isn't shy about proclaiming her faith in God or her love for teaching religion classes at St. Anthony Parish in Park Falls.

"I love sharing my faith with my students and I consider teaching my vocation," said Tickler, who graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a bachelor of science degree. She has lived in Park Falls since 1994 with her husband, David, and has been teaching classes at St. Anthony since 1997.

"I home schooled my girls -- Andrea and Chandra -- and found I really liked it," she said, noting she's had the same students in her current eighth grade religion class since they were in the fifth grade and plans on teaching them until confirmation. "I started with this group and I just love these kids. God placed these kids in my heart and when God tells you to do something you better stand up and take notice."

The award was presented to Tickler at the annual fall institute for teachers and catechists held at St. Joseph Church and School in Rice Lake on Oct. 8

Deacon Chet Ball, the director of religious education at St. Anthony, said Kristyn's love for teaching shows. "The gifts she has been given as a teacher are superb. She creates and develops extra-ordinary lesson plans and activities," Ball said.

"Her ideas stimulate her students so that they enjoy and learn at the same time. A quality that is desired by all teachers. She spends many hours of preparation for each lesson, but it certainly pays off in the end. Her students are excited in coming to religious classes.

"Eight years ago she volunteered to teach religion class, then offered to facilitate the confirmation program which led to the call of being a youth minister," said Ball. "She told me that this was her calling to work and help our youth. This she did.

"She worked hard in getting youth to participate in church activities including the 'Life Teen Program,' which was very successful because of her hard work and creativity," he said, noting Tickler is also enrolled in a youth ministry studies program to broaden her teaching skills.

Tickler said her students help to enrich both her faith and teaching experiences. "We have a trust and share our inner secrets. This year we are sharing deeper thoughts and have developed a real bond of trust through our years together. The year has started out very well and the students are really showing their maturity and becoming involved in many ways."

This year is also special to Tickler because she is assisted in her teaching duties by her daughter, Chandra, who makes the weekly commute from her home in Minocqua. "It has been a great experience for both of us to share our faith with the students."

Tickler said she also uses the numerous resources available to catechists from the Diocese of Superior. "They have an excellent support system and offer wonderful workshops for teachers," she said, noting she also networks with other Catechists throughout the diocese. "There is a lot of support available in the diocese."

She also praised Ball for his constant support. "I can't say enough about the support and encouragement he always provides ... he's always available to give you the help you need and offer his assistance."

She noted Gayle Hilgart, coordinator of religious education at St. Anthony, was also very helpful. "She just fired me up about teaching, we have a real spiritual connection and share many of the same ideas. Her support has been just great."

Ball, said, "I find her faith very strong and deep with great concern for the young people. This is reflected in her own daughters because both of them are well liked, and God and Jesus is very important to them. They too are catechists.

"To summarize her personality, she is a very compassionate, loving individual. Always has a smile and pleasant to work with," Ball said. "She is devoted to helping young people, faithful, gentle, forgiving ..."

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