Creative faith formation earns woman an honor

Great things are happening in her parish, due primarily to her dedication and hard work over the past four years as its pastoral associate for faith formation.

At its annual conference next April, the National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors will honor Mrs. Paino with its Religion Education Excellence Award. She is one out of 12 people selected to receive the honor. In addition, Mrs. Paino's work will be highlighted in the November issue of "Today's Parish," a national publication about parish life.

Teamwork

She also pointed out that when the diocesan Office for Evangelization and Catechesis (OEC) informed her that it had recommended her for this honor, she was both surprised and humbled.

"I felt that being nominated was award enough. The staff there offers such vision and support to those of us who are in this field. They are my mentors."

Why her?

"She embodies the characteristics of leadership that we foster and promote in our Diocese," Mrs. Schrempf explained. "She is creative, enthusiastic, faith-filled, pastoral and deeply committed to the mission of the Church. Throughout her years in ministry, she has been in the forefront, creatively instituting new programs and adapting older ones to the needs of the parish. She has that wonderful ability to look at the folks in the parish, assess their needs and adapt programs to help meet these needs."

Mrs. Schrempf believes the most important factors in a successful religious education program are the expertise, creativity and commitment of parish directors of religious education, coupled with the support of pastors and the involvement of parents.

"We view the entire parish as the catechist," she said. "This award not only affirms Mrs. Paino but the parish community of Christ the King as well."

Major additions

Since she began her ministry at Christ the King, some of the answers Mrs. Paino has come up with include:

* a cluster parish potluck supper and evening of reflection for catechists;

* the development of an adult/youth team for comprehensive outreach and ministry, enabling youth to become completely involved in planning, implementation and participation;

* an elementary school program led by fifth graders that fosters group prayer during Advent and Lent;

* mini-courses and study packets for young people who are not enrolled in the formal catechetical sessions;

* a baptismal hospitality ministry for high school students, involving outreach and ministry to families who are preparing for the sacrament; and

* an evangelization team that looks at several areas of parish life and determines how to enable people to grow in their faith.

Today's Church

"They have reached out to families preparing to celebrate sacramental moments and have served on the pastoral councils of our community. Our youth have come to help inspire each member of our community in prayer and service, and have inspired other young people to want to take an active role in the daily life of our Catholic Christian community.

"For this, Nancy Paino can take much of the credit. Her ability to witness her love of Jesus Christ and of all God's people in a gracious and affirming manner invites others to freely share their own faith journey."

Group effort

She is also quick to acknowledge that without the support of her husband Tony and two children Matt and Megan, she would not be able to dedicate so much time and energy to what she does.

"I am grateful to them all for giving me the time and space to be involved in this ministry," she said. "I am truly blessed."

(09-14-00) [[In-content Ad]]