Diocesan DRE Orientation Day welcomes parish staff

Religious education classes have not yet begun but faith formation leaders are already in class

The diocesan Office of Faith Formation provided an orientation day for directors of religious education and helped them make connections with resource staff at the Central Catholic Offices.

"As we were planning our department calendar, we decided to offer the DREs and opportunity to come to the Central Catholic Offices and go over some of the basic information that might be helpful to them in overseeing a religious education program," explained Karmen Bower, director of faith formation.

Dustin Heino of Catholic MutualThe day began at a local coffee shop to allow time for community and conversation before heading to the Central Catholic Offices for the sessions. 

"Our goal was to allow them to meet people in person who they might be reaching out to with questions, for instance Dustin Heino with Catholic Mutual and Dan Ellis regarding Safe Environment policies," Bower said.

Father David Esquiliano, judicial vicar, spoke on sacramental preparations and answered questions. 

"Throughout the day, we also invited veteran DREs to provide reflections on their time in ministry, and those were really well done and very well received," the faith formation director said.

The group took a mid-day break to attend the noon daily Mass at the Cathedral of the Epiphany and were welcomed by Father Andrew Galles, diocesan director of worship. DREs at the Cathedral of the Epiphany
Father David Esquiliano addresses the group