To see participant comments garnered from class evaluations, Click Here. [Page 2] [Page 3] [Page 4]
What participants have said about the Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute:
"The information presented was very enriching for me. After almost 30 years teaching in the Catholic schools, I was again reminded that there is always more to learn!”
Jean Lange
Principal
St. Mary School
Platteville
“Having attended Catholic grammar schools, a Catholic high school, and teaching in a Catholic high school, I still found out there was so much I didn’t know about the Church and its history. My wife and I found the courses to be very informative and educationally worthwhile; and intend to take additional courses for our own spiritual development … I would ABSOLUTELY recommend others take advantage of these classes.”
John Schroeder
Catechist
Our Lady of Assumption
Beloit
“Thank you most sincerely for creating and implementing the Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute. (My husband) Fran and I cannot speak highly enough about this experience. Your commitment to faith formation has allowed participants to relish in the beauty of our faith, and to bring about both collective and individual better understanding. Thanks for this gift!”
Dr. Monica Bischoff
Assistant Director of Research
Edgewood College Doctoral Program
“The Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute has been a real blessing. I'm sure there are many others like me who thirst for knowledge and communication with others on a spiritual and intellectual level. Thank you for bringing us the truths and beauty of our faith without demanding $400 a credit. My thirst is satisfied and yet made more evident. Every time I come home from a class I am searching for more to read and pray, and searching for ways to share the knowledge. I am grateful to be part of this diocese that seeks to know and love God in all the right ways. I pray that God finds a way to work through me as an extension of our diocesan mission. Please extend my gratitude to all involved.”
Mrs. Kitty Mumm
Director of Religious Education
St. Clement, Lancaster
“The Seat of Wisdom Institute was a real blessing for me. The presenters were the best. They presented the materials in such a way that the material was understandable and easy to absorb. The Handouts were great. The Seat of Wisdom Institute helped me to grow in faith. I recommend The Seat of Wisdom to all, and not just those seeking Certification.”
Marjory Weissinger
RCIA Team
St. Williams Parish
Janesville , WI
"I have been praising the Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute since its joyous beginning in October (2009). The core educators, from the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, are excellent instructors of our faith. Additionally, we were treated to a captivating array of guest lecturers which included clergy and laity - all with impressive, extensive resumes and postgraduate degrees. The Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute offers a divine opportunity to grow in knowledge and love of Jesus Christ and His magnificent gift to the world - the Catholic Church. Many thanks to the Diocese of Madison and all those involved in this valuable ministry.”
Kathryn Wittwer
St. Francis Xavier Parish, Lake Mills
“As a participant I was amazed and thankful for the high level of teaching shared within the days of the institute. The teachings were taught with enthusiasm and truth. I learned so much.”
Mary Lou Haas
Person in the Pew
Cathedral Parish
Madison
“I found the Seat of Wisdom classes informational and interesting, and the speakers were excellent as well. I would certainly recommend these classes to others!”
Joan Vlcek
St. Joseph School
5th Grade Teacher
Baraboo, Wisconsin
“The classes that I have taken so far were very interesting and well organized. I came away with something to think about from each class and a lot of valuable information I can use with my students. I would definitely recommend these classes to others.”
Barbara Wills
Teacher and Religious Education Coordinator
St. Francis de Sales, Hazel Green and
St. Joseph's, Sinsinawa.
“I enjoyed the information, especially the art, and appreciated the seminar being held locally in small groups; it facilitated discussion both at the meeting and back at our school. I would highly recommend these classes, especially to I.E.'s (Initial Educators) who may not have much experience with religion curriculum.”
Kimberly Pink
Catholic School Teacher
8th grade homeroom
Middle school math
Platteville, St. Mary's
"I thought the Seat of Wisdom program was very comprehensive and I like how it follows the format of the Catechism and the Compendium of the Catholic Church. These courses will help me better understand and be able to share the doctrine and richness of our Catholic faith with my students, and help facilitate the faith formation of youth in this parish. I believe every catechist in the diocese would benefit greatly from taking these courses.”
Paul Kachelmeier
Catechist
St. Maria Goretti
Madison
"I learned quite a bit in the Seat of Wisdom classes. Most importantly, I learned about how little I really know. I don’t always feel worthy to be a catechist but these classes have certainly helped. They will help me as I try to make my own contribution to the spread of the faith and of the Church."
Joe Thompson
Intermediate & Junior High Teacher
Blessed Sacrament School, Madison
“I most appreciated the excellent talks by Msgr. Holmes and the opportunity for small group discussion with some engaged and knowledgeable Catholics.”
Elizabeth Durack
Bible Study Leader
St. Paul’s
Madison
"Though I’ve been a parish DRE for 18 years and earned a Religious Education degree, attending the Seat of Wisdom course in Sacred Scripture made me realize there was much more to learn. Our catechists and I not only learned more but were spiritually fed. We look forward to the course on the Creed!"
Tina Schoebel, DRE
St. John the Baptist, Montello
"The Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute is very accessible. Planning to schedule a session during our school staff development day gave all the teachers an opportunity to reflect on the 'big picture' of salvation history. Growing in knowledge and faith can only strengthen us to be more effective witnesses of the gospel."
Arelene McMorran, Principal
Our Lady of Assumption School
Beloit
"The course on the Creed was engaging and outstanding in its depth, illustrating to me the necessity to always be learning more about our faith."
Jane Graves
Director of Faith Formation
St. William Parish
Janesville
“The Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute has added another dimension to my faith by showing the clear and consistent connection among what we believe as Catholics, the teachings of the early Fathers of the Church, and the teaching of the Church in this present age. Each Seat of Wisdom session is information packed, yet allows time for questions and interaction among the participants. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and well-organized. My 12 years of Catholic education whetted my appetite to continue to grow in my Faith as an adult and the Seat of Wisdom Institute is providing a new opportunity to do just that.”
Carol Rogers
Parishioner and 6th Grade Catechist
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Fennimore
“Thank you for making our afternoon so worthwhile!”
Ed O’Brien
Principal
Brother Dutton School
Beloit
"The Seat of Wisdom classes helped me tremendously, in turn I hope to help our youth. I can’t tell you how much I looked forward to the classes, and look forward to more. I so much enjoyed the classes and felt the Holy Spirit at work."
Cheryl Blankenship
Catechist of 12 Years
St. John the Baptist
Muscoda
"My experience with the Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute was most rewarding, on both a spiritual and intellectual level. The course material was well-constructed and the speakers were knowledgeable and enthusiastic. There was a LOT of information -- no wasted time. The atmosphere was welcoming and motivating, everyone was there to learn and grow spiritually. The speakers made themselves available for questions during breaks. It was an absolute feast of learning, fulfilling on so many levels, and yet left me hungry to learn more both on my own and in the classroom. I wish that every adult in the diocese could/would take these classes. I believe people would grow their appreciation of the Catholic faith if they knew more about it."
Rachel Baker
St. Maria Goretti Parish
Madison
"I never realized how much I didn't know until I took the first Seat of Wisdom class, and was hooked from then on. I have learned so much from all of the courses I have taken thus far--They have increased my knowledge and commitment and helped me to grow & live in faith. The teachers are absolutely amazing in their knowledge of our Catholic faith. I hope everyone takes these classes--you will learn so much. Thank you for bringing this to our community!"
Chris Marfilius
Parishioner/HS Catechist
St. Clements Catholic Church, Lancaster
“I so enjoyed the Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute courses. Those attending were blessed to be in the presence of some of the very best Catholic educators I have ever been around. Not only has this program given me the ability to better explain many teachings of my Catholic faith, but I now also have a stronger love for Jesus Christ and His Church and feel inspired to evangelize. I would definitely recommend these classes to each and every Catholic who has the desire to understand his faith better.”
Susan R. Burns
Parishioner
St. Ann Parish
Stoughton
"It seems the Holy Spirit is alive and active in the Diocese of Madison these days, especially in the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis, especially around the Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute. "
Ann Delmore
Parishioner
Cathedral Parish of St. Raphael