Co-DREs guide faith formation program in Estherville

NOTE: This article is the second in a series of articles related to faith formation, leading up to Catechetical Sunday that will be celebrated on Sept. 21.

By RENEE WEBB
Content and Design Coordinator

After the director of religious education (DRE) position at St. Patrick Parish in Estherville had been open for an extended time, for the last two years two women of the parish are sharing the duties.

Double-team
Courtney Newgard and Britney Rosburg have served as co-DREs for the faith formation program for kindergarten through confirmation at St. Patrick’s since July of 2023. The majority of their efforts are for the youth, but they are working to expand offerings for adults.

“We came into sharing this role because the position was opened and no one had applied,” explained Rosburg. “We were talking with each other about how we didn’t want to see the program go away but neither of us could commit to the position with other roles we have.”

Then-pastor Father Paul Kelly, who retired in July, suggested they consider sharing the role.

“We are so fortunate to share this with each other,” said Newgard. “We both now have kids attending Wednesday evening class so we know the importance of keeping it educational and engaging. We are both busy moms and have other jobs outside of the parish. It is great to have a friend to share this position with.”

The two take the divide and conquer approach with the workload and DRE job duties.

“It has been such a blessing sharing this role,” said Rosburg. “We have been able to use both of our strengths in sharing the workload and brainstorming ways to continue to improve our program. Being that we are moms, we understand that life happens and there can be interruptions. We are both willing to help and fill in whenever we are needed.”

Newgard pointed out that the two balance each other out, adding that they have also been blessed by the support of priests – first Father Kelly and now the new pastor, Father Brian Feller.

Forming student and more
In the faith formation program, the two have helped to organize various seasonal activities for students.

“Last year during Advent, students came together and made Christmas cards that were distributed to elderly parish members. During Lent, we have done a challenge asking students to bring hygiene items for our local food pantry,” said Rosburg, adding the class with the most items was awarded with a pizza party. “These activities were easy to implement but the goal was to show our students different ways we can serve and love others in our local community.”

The local Knights of Columbus of Estherville-Armstrong have partnered with them to offer two ice cream socials a year.

Now that they have had a couple of years under their belt, Newgard said they hope toOne of the activities for the faith formation program at St Patrick's was the collection of hygiene items. expand to more activities this year.In addition to programming for school students, she mentioned that with the help of another parishioner St. Patrick’s is offering a Walking with Purpose Women’s Bible Study.

“We have women from throughout our parish cluster attending this on Monday evenings,” said Newgard. “We are really trying to keep the Duhigg Center busy with a variety of activities.”

New this year, a parish member has offered to lead a study on the Catechism of the Catholic Church for parents or any interested adult. This will be held in the parish’s Duhigg Center on Wednesday night at the same time as the faith formation classes for students.

“I think it’s great we can offer this at the same time as our faith formation classes so it’s not one more thing for families to add to their busy schedules,” said Rosburg.

The co-DREs said they are excited for classes to resume on Sept. 24 and find it rewarding to equip catechists with the tools they need for the year.

“I truly love helping the confirmation teachers prepare their students for the sacrament of confirmation. There is so much wisdom and knowledge to learn from the saints and it brings me joy to see what the students discern for their saint,” said Newgard.

Need for solid program
The two women stressed the importance of having vibrant faith formation programs.
“The world is so distracting, confusing and expects a lot from kids,” said Rosburg. “I want to do my part to help the youth of our parish find clarity in their journey so they can stay focused on living the life God wills for them.”

Newgard mentioned that strong programs are important to keep the faith alive in the youth, adults and the parish.

“We want students to not just learn the rules of our faith – which is important – but to feel connected to it and know how to live out their faith in the community,” she said. “In a secular world, society can try to pressure people to busy their schedules and stray away from Mass and Jesus, we just want to bring that excitement back. Keep it alive.”

Both spoke of faith formation classes as a means to “plant the mustard seeds of faith” now so that seeds of prayer, learning and community can eventually take root in their hearts.

“I think we sometimes underestimate what our children and youth are capable of,” said Rosburg. “They often just want to find ways to be involved, whether that is at Mass or in the classrooms. I think we owe it to the children to continue to find ways to foster their involvement in the church and encourage them in their faith journey.”

Newgard acknowledged she never imagined she would be helping St. Patrick’s in this capacity. While it is somewhat out of her comfort zone, she is a believer that God equips the called.

The co-DREs said they have been blessed and strengthened in their own faith by serving in this role. They also expressed appreciation for the help of God, the diocesan Office of Faith Formation and fellow parishioners – plus the two new saints: St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati.

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