RECENT PAST EVENTS.
WDREF BIENNIAL RETREAT.
November 3-5, 2019 “Blessed, Broken & Shared” St. Anthony Spirituality Center 300 E. 4th Street Marathon, WI Hosted by ProCLAYM Information & Registration Form |
Blessed, Broken, Shared
Our lives are filled with moments of blessings and brokenness and it is in our sharing of these moments, with others we realized we are chosen to experience the love of God and the gift of Jesus. We are sent forth to share the message of love and hope with all we meet on our journey. Dennis’ easy-going and deeply spiritual presentation style will invite us to ponder what it means to be Chosen, Blessed, Broken and Sent Forth. He is sure to challenge all of us to live as missionary disciple using the Scriptures to inspire and guide us.
Our lives are filled with moments of blessings and brokenness and it is in our sharing of these moments, with others we realized we are chosen to experience the love of God and the gift of Jesus. We are sent forth to share the message of love and hope with all we meet on our journey. Dennis’ easy-going and deeply spiritual presentation style will invite us to ponder what it means to be Chosen, Blessed, Broken and Sent Forth. He is sure to challenge all of us to live as missionary disciple using the Scriptures to inspire and guide us.
Retreat Presenter - Dennis Kurtz
Dennis Kurtz currently serves as the National Sales Director for St. Mary’s Press. He holds a certificate of advanced studies in ministry from the Center for Ministry Development and has done graduate work in theology with an emphasis on sacred Scripture at Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He directed the Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, for 20 years. While in that position he was an active member of WDREF helping to shape the organization into a viable and well recognized organization for Parish Catechetical Leaders. Dennis has served as a high school instructor of religion and as a campus minister. He also served on the board of directors for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. Dennis Kurtz was named the regional recipient of the 2004 National Youth Ministry Award, which is sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM).
Dennis Kurtz currently serves as the National Sales Director for St. Mary’s Press. He holds a certificate of advanced studies in ministry from the Center for Ministry Development and has done graduate work in theology with an emphasis on sacred Scripture at Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He directed the Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, for 20 years. While in that position he was an active member of WDREF helping to shape the organization into a viable and well recognized organization for Parish Catechetical Leaders. Dennis has served as a high school instructor of religion and as a campus minister. He also served on the board of directors for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. Dennis Kurtz was named the regional recipient of the 2004 National Youth Ministry Award, which is sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM).
Past Convention Information
WDREF BIENNIAL CONVENTION.
November 5 & 6, 2018
Holiday Inn & Convention Center
1001 Amber Avenue
Stevens Point, WI
Key Note Speaker: Jared Dees
*NOTE* - Special early session with Jared Dees, Sunday evening, November 4th!! This special Sunday Presentation is sponsored by DARE. There is no charge for this Preconvention Session! The session will be held at St. Joseph Parish, 1709 Wyatt Avenue, Stevens Point. The evening will start with a free dinner, sponsored by DARE, at 4:00 pm, followed by Jared's presentation at 5:15 pm. This evening is open to Catechists as well as Catechetical Leaders! Bring your catechists free of charge to this event - they need only to register for the Sunday Evening session!
November 5 & 6, 2018
Holiday Inn & Convention Center
1001 Amber Avenue
Stevens Point, WI
Key Note Speaker: Jared Dees
*NOTE* - Special early session with Jared Dees, Sunday evening, November 4th!! This special Sunday Presentation is sponsored by DARE. There is no charge for this Preconvention Session! The session will be held at St. Joseph Parish, 1709 Wyatt Avenue, Stevens Point. The evening will start with a free dinner, sponsored by DARE, at 4:00 pm, followed by Jared's presentation at 5:15 pm. This evening is open to Catechists as well as Catechetical Leaders! Bring your catechists free of charge to this event - they need only to register for the Sunday Evening session!
Jared Dees is the creator of the popular website The Religion Teacher, which provides practical resources and effective teaching strategies to religious educators. A respected graduate of the Alliance for Catholic Education program at the University of Notre Dame, Dees earned Master’s degrees in Education and Theology, both from Notre Dame. He has volunteered for, and worked in, a wide variety of Catholic ministries, including Catholic schools, parish religious education, youth ministry, campus ministry, RCIA, and adult faith formation. Dees is the content marketing manager at Ave Maria Press and the author of Praying the Angelus, 31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator, and To Heal, Proclaim, and Teach. His articles have appeared in Momentum, CATECHIST, Catechetical Leader, and on numerous websites. Dees lives near South Bend, Indiana, with his wife and four children.
A SNEAK PEEK AT JARED DEES' TALK TOPICS! On a preconvention Sunday evening session, Jared Dees' presentation will be "From Education Towards Encounter." Pope St. John Paul II wrote, "The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but in communion with Jesus Christ." Dees will offer practical methods and strategies that will lead you and the young people you minister to, and with, into an encounter with Christ.
Monday morning's session is entitled, "Missionary Discipleship." Pope Francis and the USCCB are calling for us all to become "missionary disciples" as ministers and members of the Catholic Church, but what does that mean on a day-to-day basis? This workshop will help elevate evangelization beyond something we do to something we must live everyday. Monday afternoon brings "The Call to Catechesis." Looking to Christ the Master-Teacher as the model, we will reflect on the unique call to do Christ's work of catechesis in the Church today.
Tuesday brings, "Evangelizing Ministry: A Framework for our Future." The Church and the ministerial landscape has changed dramatically in the last few years. Learning from ministries finding success today and saints who model perennial principles of service in the Church, we will explore the opportunities for greatest hope for our future.
PAST EVENTS.
2017 WDREF Fall Retreat
The 2017 WDREF Retreat was held Monday & Tuesday, October 30-31 at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Marathon, WI. The theme "Deepening our Communion with God" was facilitated by Sr. Jolyn Brehm, FSPA. Those who serve the Church often find it difficult to cultivate the deepening of communion with God. Looking to Jesus and finding that personal space away from demands and distractions is essential for healthy, grounded service and ministry. Using examples from the Gospels and practical suggestions, Sr. Jolynn helped us create a personal sanctuary for prayer. Deeper communion with God can be a reality for all of us! View the 2017 Retreat Brochure.
The 2017 WDREF Retreat was held Monday & Tuesday, October 30-31 at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Marathon, WI. The theme "Deepening our Communion with God" was facilitated by Sr. Jolyn Brehm, FSPA. Those who serve the Church often find it difficult to cultivate the deepening of communion with God. Looking to Jesus and finding that personal space away from demands and distractions is essential for healthy, grounded service and ministry. Using examples from the Gospels and practical suggestions, Sr. Jolynn helped us create a personal sanctuary for prayer. Deeper communion with God can be a reality for all of us! View the 2017 Retreat Brochure.
2016 Biennial Convention
The 2016 WDREF Biennial Convention was held November 9-11 at Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The theme was "The Heavens Proclaim God’s Glory.” The convention explored the rich and exciting ways in which the realms of science and faith are intersecting today, and how this interplay informs faith formation in the 21st century. Practical ideas for our local ministries were offered. Keynote speaker, Sr. Linda Gibler, OP, PhD, held a roundtable sharing of resources and programming ideas. Participants also attended breakout sessions, the awards banquet, and had time for prayer and relaxation.
The 2016 WDREF Biennial Convention was held November 9-11 at Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The theme was "The Heavens Proclaim God’s Glory.” The convention explored the rich and exciting ways in which the realms of science and faith are intersecting today, and how this interplay informs faith formation in the 21st century. Practical ideas for our local ministries were offered. Keynote speaker, Sr. Linda Gibler, OP, PhD, held a roundtable sharing of resources and programming ideas. Participants also attended breakout sessions, the awards banquet, and had time for prayer and relaxation.
2015 Retreat
The 2015 WDREF Retreat was held November 4-6 at St. Anthony Spirituality Center in Marathon. The theme was, Church of Mercy: The Gift and Challenge of Pope Francis’ Call. On November 20, 2016 Pope Francis is calling for a “Holy Year of Mercy.” Our facilitator, Dr. Jacquelyne Witter reflected on and explored the quality of mercy and Pope Francis' call that it Characterize the Church as we consider how this vision of the Church shapes our self-understanding as ministers and our approach to ministry. View 2015 Retreat Brochure
The 2015 WDREF Retreat was held November 4-6 at St. Anthony Spirituality Center in Marathon. The theme was, Church of Mercy: The Gift and Challenge of Pope Francis’ Call. On November 20, 2016 Pope Francis is calling for a “Holy Year of Mercy.” Our facilitator, Dr. Jacquelyne Witter reflected on and explored the quality of mercy and Pope Francis' call that it Characterize the Church as we consider how this vision of the Church shapes our self-understanding as ministers and our approach to ministry. View 2015 Retreat Brochure
2014 WDREF Convention
The 17th biennial WDREF Convention, “We Are a People of Faith”, was held November 13-14, 2014 at the Waupaca Alehouse and Comfort Suites. A pre-conference wine, cheese and chocolate event included games and socializing. The general speaker, Matt Weber is a producer for CatholicTV where he hosts a weekly segment, “A Word with Weber”, which airs internationally. Weber is also a Huffington Post contributor and author of “Fearing the Stigmata: Humorously Holy Stories of a Young Catholic’s Search for a Culturally Relevant Faith”, published by Loyola Press. Loyola Press graciously sponsored his being with us.
Thursday morning, Weber’s presentation, “Re-imaging the Young Catholic Imagination-Witness Through Joyful Storytelling,” led us in unpacking our stories of faith using “STORY” as a model. STORY stands for Structure, Trial, Openness, Redemption and Renewal, and You-nique. His Friday morning presentation centered around strategies for evangelization in the digital age. Friday afternoon Weber reflected on “Why This 30 Year Old Still Goes to Church (Yet Doesn’t Always Like It).” Afternoon breakout sessions included “Helping Catechists be Great Evangelizers”, presented by Julianne Stanz, and “Faith, Family, Evangelize”, with Kathie Amedei. Green Bay Auxiliary Bishop Robert Morneau presided at Mass, held at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Waupaca, prior to the evening Awards Banquet. At the Awards Banquet Dave Beaudry was presented with the Stephen C. Gilmour Award for Leadership in Ministry.
The 17th biennial WDREF Convention, “We Are a People of Faith”, was held November 13-14, 2014 at the Waupaca Alehouse and Comfort Suites. A pre-conference wine, cheese and chocolate event included games and socializing. The general speaker, Matt Weber is a producer for CatholicTV where he hosts a weekly segment, “A Word with Weber”, which airs internationally. Weber is also a Huffington Post contributor and author of “Fearing the Stigmata: Humorously Holy Stories of a Young Catholic’s Search for a Culturally Relevant Faith”, published by Loyola Press. Loyola Press graciously sponsored his being with us.
Thursday morning, Weber’s presentation, “Re-imaging the Young Catholic Imagination-Witness Through Joyful Storytelling,” led us in unpacking our stories of faith using “STORY” as a model. STORY stands for Structure, Trial, Openness, Redemption and Renewal, and You-nique. His Friday morning presentation centered around strategies for evangelization in the digital age. Friday afternoon Weber reflected on “Why This 30 Year Old Still Goes to Church (Yet Doesn’t Always Like It).” Afternoon breakout sessions included “Helping Catechists be Great Evangelizers”, presented by Julianne Stanz, and “Faith, Family, Evangelize”, with Kathie Amedei. Green Bay Auxiliary Bishop Robert Morneau presided at Mass, held at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Waupaca, prior to the evening Awards Banquet. At the Awards Banquet Dave Beaudry was presented with the Stephen C. Gilmour Award for Leadership in Ministry.
2013 WDREF Retreat
The October 2013 WDREF Retreat, with the theme "Living our Baptism as Priest, Prophet, King," was held at St. Anthony Spirituality Center in Marathon City, WI. Fr. James Kubicki, SJ, National Director of the Apostleship of Prayer, was our facilitator. Through talks, quiet time, prayer together, and sharing, we reflected on the difference Baptism makes. Through Baptism we are joined to the Body of Christ and share in the mission of Jesus to be prophets, priests, and a royal people. Our retreat helped us dive deeper into the mystery of baptism and what it means for our daily lives.
View 2013 Retreat Photos
The October 2013 WDREF Retreat, with the theme "Living our Baptism as Priest, Prophet, King," was held at St. Anthony Spirituality Center in Marathon City, WI. Fr. James Kubicki, SJ, National Director of the Apostleship of Prayer, was our facilitator. Through talks, quiet time, prayer together, and sharing, we reflected on the difference Baptism makes. Through Baptism we are joined to the Body of Christ and share in the mission of Jesus to be prophets, priests, and a royal people. Our retreat helped us dive deeper into the mystery of baptism and what it means for our daily lives.
View 2013 Retreat Photos
WDREF Convention 2012
WDREF held its 17th Biennial Convention November 8-9, 2012, at the Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren, Wisconsin with parish catechetical leaders from around the state in attendance. The theme of “Share the Story, Proclaim God’s Glory” was addressed by speakers Joe Paprocki and Carole Eipers. Participants were engaged in a variety of informational workshops including Theology of the Body and Chastity Education; Catechism of the Catholic Church; and Technology – creating Animoto and Smilebox video slideshows and sharing work via Google Docs. The awards banquet on Thursday, was held at the nearby Forts Folle Avoine Historical Site where the Steven C. Gilmore Award for Excellence in Catechetical Ministry, Henriette M. Mackin Service in Ministry Award, and the Good and Faithful Servant Award were presented. Thursday Mass was rich in it’s uniqueness. The first church that was built in this part of the state was an Indian Mission Church. To honor that aspect of the Catholic story, and in celebration of Kateri Tekawitha being canonized a saint, Native Dancers from a Diocese of Superior parish joined in the celebration of the Mass. The Native Dancers also performed the story of Kateri's life afterwards. Overall it was a beautiful convention. Thanks to all who attended, especially our amazing exhibitors. A special note of gratitude to SUMMIT and the Diocese of Superior for being excellent hosts!
View Conference Evaluation Results
View Smilebox Conference Slideshow
View Conference Flickr Photos
WDREF held its 17th Biennial Convention November 8-9, 2012, at the Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren, Wisconsin with parish catechetical leaders from around the state in attendance. The theme of “Share the Story, Proclaim God’s Glory” was addressed by speakers Joe Paprocki and Carole Eipers. Participants were engaged in a variety of informational workshops including Theology of the Body and Chastity Education; Catechism of the Catholic Church; and Technology – creating Animoto and Smilebox video slideshows and sharing work via Google Docs. The awards banquet on Thursday, was held at the nearby Forts Folle Avoine Historical Site where the Steven C. Gilmore Award for Excellence in Catechetical Ministry, Henriette M. Mackin Service in Ministry Award, and the Good and Faithful Servant Award were presented. Thursday Mass was rich in it’s uniqueness. The first church that was built in this part of the state was an Indian Mission Church. To honor that aspect of the Catholic story, and in celebration of Kateri Tekawitha being canonized a saint, Native Dancers from a Diocese of Superior parish joined in the celebration of the Mass. The Native Dancers also performed the story of Kateri's life afterwards. Overall it was a beautiful convention. Thanks to all who attended, especially our amazing exhibitors. A special note of gratitude to SUMMIT and the Diocese of Superior for being excellent hosts!
View Conference Evaluation Results
View Smilebox Conference Slideshow
View Conference Flickr Photos
WDREF Retreat 2011
Thanks to all who attended the 2011 WDREF Retreat on Nov 3-4, 2011 at St. Anthony's Retreat Center! Jennifer Christ led WDREF members in “Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude”...it was a rejuvenating and inspiring time for all. Jennifer pointed out that gratefulness is a “Great Fullness” of heart, drawing from scripture the metaphor of a softened heart, a heart of flesh as vital to living a life of gratitude. Another metaphor she shared was that of the plant, which leans toward the light. Even when we don’t feel gratitude – we can lean toward it as we lean toward the light of Christ. Along the way, Jennifer examined barriers to gratitude such as judgment, envy, regret, and an unwillingness to forgive. She provided the group with practical tips on how to get past such barriers, and her easy smile made it easy to practice gratitude while on retreat. The retreat included time for silent reflection in the beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces of the Spirituality Center’s holy ground. There was also time for camaraderie and fun in sharing our calling to ministry. Overall, our hearts were filled with peace, joy and gratitude.
We want to extend a special thanks to Dave Baudry for the Smilebox video review of the Retreat! He did a wonderful job of capturing the complete experience in a beautiful presentation to music. Check it out!: View Retreat Photos
You can also view the same photos from the retreat in our WDREF flickr account by clicking the Photos tab above.
Thanks to all who attended the 2011 WDREF Retreat on Nov 3-4, 2011 at St. Anthony's Retreat Center! Jennifer Christ led WDREF members in “Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude”...it was a rejuvenating and inspiring time for all. Jennifer pointed out that gratefulness is a “Great Fullness” of heart, drawing from scripture the metaphor of a softened heart, a heart of flesh as vital to living a life of gratitude. Another metaphor she shared was that of the plant, which leans toward the light. Even when we don’t feel gratitude – we can lean toward it as we lean toward the light of Christ. Along the way, Jennifer examined barriers to gratitude such as judgment, envy, regret, and an unwillingness to forgive. She provided the group with practical tips on how to get past such barriers, and her easy smile made it easy to practice gratitude while on retreat. The retreat included time for silent reflection in the beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces of the Spirituality Center’s holy ground. There was also time for camaraderie and fun in sharing our calling to ministry. Overall, our hearts were filled with peace, joy and gratitude.
We want to extend a special thanks to Dave Baudry for the Smilebox video review of the Retreat! He did a wonderful job of capturing the complete experience in a beautiful presentation to music. Check it out!: View Retreat Photos
You can also view the same photos from the retreat in our WDREF flickr account by clicking the Photos tab above.
2010 WDREF Convention
An enthusiastic crowd celebrated 30 years of WDREF at our convention in November in Green Lake, Wisconsin. The theme was “Soul of Leadership: Responding to the Call.” The ‘waters’ of the five dioceses were gathered for the blessing of all, and Mass was celebrated with Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison. A vintage-dress gala banquet and dance was held with a ‘style show’ for evening entertainment. To view pictures from the event, click on the Photos tab at the top. In addition, we had wonderful speakers. Bishop John Barres, of the Diocese of Allentown, PA, offered a very inspiring vision of the current directions within the Church. Bishop Barres named six important areas where we, as parish catechetical leaders, can assist people in re-connecting with their faith and making it a more integral part of their lives. Dr. Jane Regan, Associate Professor of Theology at Boston College, focused on four key ways that we can help Catholics to moor themselves to their faith and their parish so that Gospel values become an intimate part of their everyday lives.
Click here for a helpful summary of Bishop Barres' and Dr. Regan's presentations, courtesy of Joanie McKeown, PCL and WDREF Board Rep. from the Diocese of Superior.
An enthusiastic crowd celebrated 30 years of WDREF at our convention in November in Green Lake, Wisconsin. The theme was “Soul of Leadership: Responding to the Call.” The ‘waters’ of the five dioceses were gathered for the blessing of all, and Mass was celebrated with Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison. A vintage-dress gala banquet and dance was held with a ‘style show’ for evening entertainment. To view pictures from the event, click on the Photos tab at the top. In addition, we had wonderful speakers. Bishop John Barres, of the Diocese of Allentown, PA, offered a very inspiring vision of the current directions within the Church. Bishop Barres named six important areas where we, as parish catechetical leaders, can assist people in re-connecting with their faith and making it a more integral part of their lives. Dr. Jane Regan, Associate Professor of Theology at Boston College, focused on four key ways that we can help Catholics to moor themselves to their faith and their parish so that Gospel values become an intimate part of their everyday lives.
Click here for a helpful summary of Bishop Barres' and Dr. Regan's presentations, courtesy of Joanie McKeown, PCL and WDREF Board Rep. from the Diocese of Superior.