By Mary Caton-Rosser
Catholic Herald correspondent

Pieper: 'Religion is a gift I have to share'

Editor's note: This is the second in a series of profiles about educators honored at this year's Fall Institute.

At the annual Fall Institute for teachers and catechists in the diocese, Donna was recognized with the Gloria Lang Outstanding Support in Ministry Award.

Although Pieper says she is much more comfortable teaching children than accepting an award in front of a large group of adults, she took the opportunity to recognize those who support her.

"I want to thank my dear Lord, family, friends, co-workers, students, acquaintances and strangers who have blessed and enriched my life," she said. "It is a privilege serving you. We are all called to touch everyone with the heart of Jesus."

Six weeks before the Fall Institute, Rose Schullo from the diocesan ministry team called Donna to inform her of the award. Even though she initially resisted, Donna added, "Religion is a gift I have to share. There is a need for teachers, and I have the skills, so I have to do it. I want to be an example of God."

Pieper has been a catechist for over 25 years. She moved to the Rice Lake area in 1993 and began working in St. Joseph's prekindergarten to fifth grade program. Prior to that, she taught Sunday school in the Twin Cities. A dozen of those years have been spent with second grade students, a favorite age for Pieper because it involves preparation for First Communion.

"I am also a eucharistic minister, and giving these kids Communion for the first time is such a joy," she said. "Each year I learn as much from my kids as they do. I want to ignite the fire of Jesus in everyone's heart. With kids, I can really see it."

Donna and her husband Ken grew up on farms near Hinckley, Minn. A strong Catholic upbringing laid the foundation for her future. Her parents, Catherine and Joseph Irlbeck, were devoutly religious and dedicated to parish service, and set an example for Donna.

After she moved to the Twin Cities area, Donna received a degree in education from the University of Minnesota. Over the years, she was a tutor, paraprofessional, daycare attendant and accountant. Currently, she works part time as staff support at the diocesan Office of Religious Education and Youth Ministry in Haugen, and helps out with the vocations program at St. Joseph parish in Rice Lake.

She also works with the area hospice program, and at the neighboring parish, Our Lady of Lourdes in Dobie.

Her husband is the Rice Lake area soccer coach. The couple has three children: Jennifer Williams, a nurse in St. Paul, Minn.; Tricia Pieper, a teacher at St. Patrick School in Hudson; and Tony Pieper, a student at UW-Platteville. They also have an 8-month-old granddaughter, Catherine.

Emphasizing that there are so many others to give credit to for their work and dedication in the parish and diocese, Donna said she is constantly "blown away" by all the good people around her, giving her support and touching her life on a daily basis. "I want to give credit to God and to all the people. I have had all these opportunities and blessings, and because of this I am overflowing with God. God just keeps giving me more love."

Their children are now grown, and relatives are in Hinckley and the Twin Cities, but Donna and Ken still lead a very busy lifestyle. Although Donna says home on a small lake surrounded by woods near Rice Lake is a place of "perfect peace," a myriad of community and parish activities keep the couple on the move.

"I have been so blessed," Donna said. "Our Lord blesses each of us with many gifts, and hopes that we will share them for his glory. I challenge everyone to touch someone with his spirit.".

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2001