Blog

Education Commission 2024 Year in Review

Linda Adams (2nd term beginning 9/1/21)
Barb Steinman – Vice-Chair (2nd term beginning 9/1/21)
Linda Bukalski (2nd term beginning 9/1/2022)
Karen Blevins (1st term beginning 10/2020)
Marilee Poulter – Secretary (1st term beginning 1/1/2021)
Lynne Green – (1^st term beginning 9/2024)
Brandy Hutzler – Stewardship rep for Education commission

Order of Christian Initiation:  Deacon Paul/Michele Haggerty

Deacon Paul and Marilee retired from leading OCIA.

One catechumen for Easter 2024 entry. 5 adults in OCIA for 2025 and a number of younger children catching up on Sacraments.

Renewal: Mel Graessle/(replacement needed)

Mel stepped down from ministry lead end of summer. No replacement yet. 

OLL Ladies Welcome Weekend put on hold due to low number of continuing formation team.

CRHP/Welcome Weekend Reunion held. Brief witnesses, food, games, time for socializing. Well attended, lots of positive feedback.

OLL’s Welcome Seed Team presented Welcome Weekend at Mary Immaculate in Kirksville in Spring and began formation for weekend at St. Stanislaus in Wardsville in Feb. 2025.

Advent by Candlelight well-attended in December.

Family Formation: Karri Brauman/Lynne Green

Karri stepped down from ministry lead end of summer and Lynne Green stepped up.

1 baptism, 5 weddings, 1 Quincenera.

K-12 Religious Education: Michele Haggerty

Events

• Stump the Pastor – Family Style — Well-attended

• 6^th graders attended Diocesan Vocation Workshop.

• May Crowning.

• Start and end of the year BBQ. 

• OLL participated at Osage Fest.

Sacraments

• New Confirmation curriculum, Chosen (2022 version) by Ascension Press. 

• Several youths Baptized, Confirmed, made First Communion (or combination of these Sacraments) atPentecost Vigil Mass, 5 Confirmed at St. Anthony’s, 6 at the Cathedral, 7 made First Communion at Mass.

Decisions

• Consideration given to moving FFF to Sundays — decision to remain on Wednesdays.

• NCYC Covenant – Youth Group Attendance and Service hours will now be required in order for church to pay part of NCYC cost.  

• Reorganized Youth Group program, alternating one week of service and one week of spirituality and teaching.  

• More substantial meals offered to students after Mass.

• 4^th-6^th grader participation at Wednesday night mass; more parents attending as a result.  

• When no Mass possible, the rosary is being said. 

• Totus Tuus — Planning begun for 2025.

Adult Faith Formation: Barb Steinman

Five parish scholarships were awarded. Each received $1000. Application reviewed and updated for next year.

Works of Mercy group: Traveling vocations crucifix startedand continued throughout year.

33 Days to Morning Glory study conducted.

White House retreat attended by 10 ladies from OLL.

Women in the New Testament book study offered.

Diocesan Women’s Ministry meeting held at OLL. Karen and Barb are OLL representatives.

New Evangelization: Linda Bukalski

Purchased “Following Jesus” books for Lent.

“The Ordinary Voices of God” by Matthew Kelly for Advent.

Parish Faith Formation Library: Kelly Hamrin

Father Offutt Grant received totaling $3,199.00. Rokus added to all TVs on campus. Still need to apply money forboosting the Wi-Fi.

The Works of Mercy group reorganized the library. 

Other Education Commission Activities:

Hosted reception for one of the Queenship of Mary Novena evenings.

Represented at the Welcome Dinner for New Parishioners event sponsored by Social Concerns Commission.

Updated Education Commission brochures distributed for review.