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BVM a 'Trekkie' for Faith Formation |
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National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL) In 1934 Bishop Edwin V. O'Hara, chair of the Rural Life Conference, had responsibility for the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD). He invited diocesan directors of religious education to a gathering of the Conference, and from that meeting a separate CCD office was established in 1935. In the 1966 the CCD became independent; and in 1978 became known as the National Conference of Diocesan Directors (NCDD), to assist these directors in faith formation of catechists, and ultimately of children and other adults. A name change came in 1991 as the membership expanded to include parish directors, academics in religious studies, publishers in the field and technology support organizations. NCCL has close ties with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB); the director is a member of the Committee on Education and the Committee on Catechesis. The organization now numbers 2,600 members who benefit from a bi-monthly periodical, a national conference, and publication and distribution of multiple resources. Members give direction to the organization through an elected Representative Council and the Board of Directors. From April 30 – May 4, 2006 NCCL will hold the organization's 70th conference. See www.nccl.org and click on Annual Conference for further information. |
As an ardent fan of Star Trek, “The concept of ‘The Force': above, below, in, around and through all we do, that's the connection to God, to spirituality. God permeates not only persons, but all creation.” Relationship, implied in this description, is the basis of both spirituality and ministry for Kathy. Everyday spirituality! The image of the force resonates with participants when Kathy uses it in catechetical settings. “Living in D.C. impacts my spirituality. We are constantly faced with the situations of human beings affected by the government. When brought to prayer I am challenged to think and re-think the gospel of Jesus in light of the D.C. experience. Homeless persons abound in the shadow of the Capitol of this nation of great wealth. The presence of vulnerable people, and their plight, creeps into our prayer.” Kathy chose to come to Washington, D.C. in 2001, not to engage in the political environment, but to follow her passion for catechetics. She accepted a position as Associate Director of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL). During her years of teaching kindergarten and religion in a Catholic school in Omaha, Neb., she realized that she wanted to pursue work in faith formation. After completing a master's degree in pastoral ministry, Kathy became a pastoral associate at St. Clare's in Portland, Ore., coordinating programs for children and adults. Gradually, Kathy also became active at the diocesan level in Portland, then accepted the position of diocesan director in Norwich, Conn. There she became increasingly involved with The National Conference of Diocesan Directors—which evolved into the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL). Kathy was elected to a series of offices in the organization before answering the call to internal BVM service. After several years serving as Coordinator of Initial Membership, Kathy was ready to return to the world of catechetics—just as the position she now holds (Associate Director) opened at NCCL. Her ministry in this position is with adults who are faith leaders of children and of other adults. NCCL's membership includes diocesan directors and their staffs, parish directors, academics in religion, and selected corporate members who support the work of faith development. Kathy has a passion for faith formation! “Ministry happens through relationships,” she emphasizes. She particularly values work with religious educators working with children in parish settings. Frequently, phone calls with members become times of reflection as Kathy guides them and leads them to appropriate resources for their work with the current faith need of the community. Some of these conversations develop into workshops, retreats and days of reflection for religious educators in a diocese. Kathy often travels to present and facilitate—“the planning for these events is a wonderful reflective opportunity.” The bi-monthly periodical, Catechetical Leader, challenges Kathy to synthesize ponderings and reflections into concise articles. “It's a gift to have my work be such an integral part of my own spiritual journey.” Too frequently, conversations with diocesan directors involve giving solace to those whose offices are being eliminated due to financial crises. There is a lot of ache in helping people figure out how catechists will have their ongoing formation needs met with no professional office in the diocese. And there is the personal pain of professionals who lose their jobs, yet want to remain connected with the organization and the ministry—but do not have the financial support to do so. The spirit of community among the NCCL staff is critical to the ministry they share as it spirals out to others. Shared reflection and lunch conversations which move to church, spirituality and ministry energize the four full-time staff members. Kathy cherishes the opportunities she has for mentoring college level part-time workers, usually through individual conversations. Occasionally, a more experienced graduate student in ministry comes as a part-time worker, which further enriches the staff community. “Our office work fits the field of faith development, as we live in an atmosphere of deep sharing. There are ties between the work and spiritual development of members. As with other organizations, there is also a necessary tension between human resource, business issues and maintaining a caring, loving environment.” This can be a struggle, but is also a witness to other groups. Ministry and personal spirituality intertwine and enrich each other. Catechetics is a ministry of the Word, and many aspects of the work lead Kathy to encounter the story of Jesus. “Frequently, on most days, I am brought back to scripture. My work brings me more consciously to my center.” The Spirit of God is, indeed: above, below, in, around and through all—a ministry of connection to God, to spirituality. About the author: Marge Clark, BVM is a lobbyist with NETWORK: The Catholic Social Justice Lobby, and shares local community with Kathy. Return to Table of Contents. |
