First of its kind in the nation, the Madison Diocese Religious Educators' Organization (MDREO) was formed in May 1980 with the purpose of fostering professional and spiritual growth among its members in order that religious education may continue to develop on the parish, diocesan, state and national levels.

The objectives of MDREO include:

• To provide and promote opportunitites for mutual support, professional development, and the exchange of educational ideas and programs among its members
• To promote cooperation with other appropriate educational agencies and organizations.
• To provide and promote opportunities for the spiritual development of its members and to build a faith community.

Membership in MDREO is open to faith formation leaders in the Madison diocese who are or have been responsible for development or implementation of faith formation in the parish or diocese, whether full-time, part-time, salaried or non-salaried, retired or in transition. Payment of dues establishes membership in MDREO as well as WDREF (Wisconsin Directors of Religious Education Federation).

To view a brochure describing this year's MDREO programming days and an MDREO registration form, see the links to the left.

The MDREO executive committee for the 2006-2007 year consists of:
President: Nicki Paulson, npaulson@stpetersofmadison.org, 608-249-6652 x29
Vice President: Sandy Blevins, sandy_ola@charterinternet.com, 608-362-1231
Secretary: Julie Weidmeyer, julie@saintalberts.org, 608-837-3798
Treasurer: Delores Eggers, deggers@mhtc.net, 608-825-3095
 

 

 

Jack McBride Leadership in Ministry Award

Each year, MDREO presents the Jack McBride Leadership in Ministry Award to a person in MDREO who is actively engaged and has made a significant contribution in parish catechetical ministry on an administrative level and is outstanding in leadership and achievements in the faith formation field.

Past recipients include:

2008 - Susan Leet

Susan has spent almost 20 years in church ministry and has earned her masters from Catholic Theological Union .  She's been actively involved in many aspects of MDREO including being the President, Vice President, and serving on the Program Committee.  She's invested time in WDREF, the Idea Group, and the Eastside Youth Minister's Group.  She's also formed strong alliances with the other youth ministers of different faiths in her community.    Above all else, she is a wife and mother of 4 teenagers.  The following was taken from her nomination form: Most of all, I appreciate the heart I see in her... Her ministry is a reflection of her convictions and her faith, along with her family - the roots of her life.  It's not just a job.  She's wise and funny and personable and GOOD.  I feel so lucky to be able to work with her.

2007 - Ruth Kolpack

Ruth has been working in the area of Faith Formation for 24 years, all at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Beloit.  Ruth has been and continues to be a leader in the field of Faith Formation in the area of Social Justice.  She uses Catholic social teaching to educate people, including youth, as to why we Catholics need to work for justice and stop injustice around us.  Besides being a DRE/YM, she serves as a Pastoral Minister in which she visits the homebound, arranges liturgies, and helps within her community.  She has served as President of MDREO as well as being a member of the Program Committee.  She has also served on the Board of WDREF and is a member of the Beloit Area Ministerial Association.

 

 

 

2006 - Paula Horn

Paula has been in church ministry for 25 years all in the Diocese of Madison.  She has been actively involved in MDREO and WDREF for 24 years, taking on positions such as a President and Vice President of MDREO, and WDREF Representative for 5 years.  For many years she also served on the diocesan A/V Preview Committee.  In 1991, she faciliatated MDREO’s first IDEA group which remains an active group today.