From The Pastor 5-8-2016

As many of you know (especially the parents of our REP students), last fall we were interviewing for a new Director of Religious Education (DRE) to replace Connie Egan. We did not hire anyone last year so John Triscik, our Youth Minister here at Saint Joan of Arc, jumped in and acted as interim director since January. John has done a wonderful job and I cannot thank him enough for the energy, organizational skills and just warm friendliness he brought to this added responsibility. The parish is grateful for the many gifts he brings to the parish.

This past week, I have hired not one, but TWO, new DREs. (Let me explain!) Marcie Warner was for many years the DRE at Holy Spirit Church in Palmyra. She taught for the diocese and has her MA in Education. Earl Tropp has a BS in Secondary Education and a MA in theology. He has for many years been a Catechist for Holy Spirit in Palmyra. Early this spring they came to me and suggested a new way of approaching Religious Education in our parish. They will each work part time, with each one helping the other while at the same time being responsible for different aspects of our program.

Marcie will focus on grades K-6 and Earl will direct the Middle School Program, especially with the preparation for Confirmation. Earl will also help in training our catechists. I think it is a wonderful way to address our needs. It is important that the DRE is friendly, well-organized, communicative and knows the faith and how to teach it. We got all these things in Marcie and Earl.

I look forward to you getting to know the newest members of our staff and they are excited about getting to know you and your children!

Father Al