|
Religious Education Focus | Audience | General Services | Coordinator | Resources
The Office of Religious Education Faith Formation is commissioned by the Bishop to support and promote lifelong catechesis and faith formation for the Diocese of Gary.
The Office aims to collaborate with the communities of the Diocese, varied in culture and background. It is within this diversity that the Office encourages the unfolding nature of Catholic Tradition and the shared calling to be witnesses to the fullest expression of God’s love, Jesus Christ.
It is the goal of the Office to support and resource parish leaders in a manner that encourages the unique character of the individual community, and strengthen the faith of the Diocesan Church.
Return to Top
- To promote the parish is the center of spiritual life and growth for the faithful.
- To collaborate with other diocesan offices and clergy
- To assist in the formation of collaborative parish and educational leadership
- To provide ongoing assessment of religious education programs.
- To promote professional standards for religious education programs, parish directors and catechists.
- To provide opportunities for continuing education for adults for faith development and for preparation for ministry.
Return to Top
- Directors and coordinators for Religious Education
- Pastors and Associate Pastors
- Catechists (over 950)
- Catholic Students (over 12,000)
- Parents
Return to Top
Growing In Faith
Catechist Certification Program
Professional Days
August DRE Gathering
New Director Orientation
January DRE In Service Day
Spring Catechetical In Service Day
June Appreciation Gathering
Annual Leadership Retreat
DRE Cluster Groups
Catechetical Workshops and Seminars
Collaborative Events
Publications
Monthly Newsletter
Annual DRE/CRE Directory
Office and Program Brochures
Media Center Services
Video Cassettes [click here to view current listings]
Audio Cassettes
Text Books
Catechetical Resource Materials
Professional Associations
PAREFF – Parish Administrators of Religious Education Faith Formation
NCCL – National Conference of Catechetical Leadership
Return to Top
Frank J. Zolvinski
Coordinator of Religious Education
Frank J. Zolvinski is currently the Coordinator of the Office of Religious Education for the Diocese of Gary. He is a resident of La Porte County. He and his family are active in St. Peter Catholic Church in La Porte. His interests include: family life, gardening, guitar, liturgical music, photography, reading, and spiritual direction.
Frank began his work for the Office of Religious Education in 1998. He is the first layperson in the Diocese to serve in that position since its inception. Previous to that he was the Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Gary for 11 years.
Frank’s ministerial experience includes the parish level. He was the Director of Religious Education for St. Peter Church in La Porte from 1976 to 1987. During this time he attended Loyola University of Chicago and earned a Master Degree in Religious Education in 1982. He was an instructor for Calumet College of St. Joseph in the Institute of Religion program. He taught the "Introduction to Theology" course from 1979 – 1989 and served as a member of the Institute of Religion Board from 1979 – 1993. During his parish ministry Frank was able to publish a number of religious education articles for "Catechist" magazine and "Religion Teacher’s Journal." These included: "Bring in The Substitutes" October 1984, and "Involving Students in the Way of the Cross" February 1985 for "Catechist" Magazine. "Stations Come to Life", "We Wrote Our Own" and "Seder Sensation" all appeared in "Religion Teacher’s Journal" from 1985-86 and 87 respectively. He has contributed articles to other denominational publications including: "The Youth Group Meeting Guide" 1984, "The Group Retreat Book" 1983, "Ideas" # 38, 39, 27 1981-85-86.
Frank’s previous educational experience includes a Bachelor Degree from St. Meinrad College, St. Meinrad, IN 1972. He credits his love for liturgy to the Benedictine monks who taught him at St. Meinrad, while his appreciation for ongoing church renewal was influenced by the Salvatorian Fathers. The Jesuits from Loyola University helped form and develop his peace and justice attitudes and the Holy Cross Congregation from the University of Notre Dame is largely responsible for his vocation to church ministry.
Over the years, Frank has been a workshop presenter for youth ministry and adolescent catechesis programs for the Diocese of Gary, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Diocese of Lafayette, Region VII, and National TEC Conference.
Frank was the recipient of the 1993 "Indiana Youth Institute Award" for service to youth development in Indiana. He was recognized in 1994 by the NFCYM for organizing the Diocesan delegation to see Pope John Paul II in Denver for the World Youth Day celebration. He was also recognized in 1998 for his contributions to youth ministry by the diocesan youth ministers with a plaque and by the Region VII Youth Ministry Coalition for his service to the region’s leadership for youth ministry.
He is currently a member of the National Conference of Catechetical Leaders and Parish Administrators of Religious Education/Faith Formation.
Return to Top
|
Office of Religious Education Faith Formation Resources:
|
Return to Top
Return to Directory of Offices Main Page
| Some of the links on this page may require Adobe Reader to view them. The Adobe Reader is available for download free of charge, by clicking on the logo. |
 |
Bishop’s Office | The Cathedral | Directory of Offices | Parishes | Clergy
Religious Brothers & Sisters | Vocations | Catholic Schools
Protecting Children | Communications | Publications
Links & Resources | Employment | Home
Legal Notice | Privacy Statement | Site Map
Copyright © The Roman Catholic Diocese of Gary, Indiana
Web Site Design, Hosting & Maintenance By
Catalyst Marketing Innovations, LLC |
