Catechetical leaders recognized for dedication to evangelization

By Sylvia L. White
The Catholic Sun

The Phoenix Diocese recognized catechetical leaders and youth ministers from throughout the state for their service at the Diocesan Pastoral Center May 11.

The diocese recognized catechetical ministers for five, 10 and 15 years of service as catechists or youth ministers. Thirty youth ministers also received advanced certification awards.

Carrie Nord, youth minister at Most Holy Trinity Parish, appreciated the advanced training she received from Youth Arise North America.

Although she already has a degree in theology, Nord said her certification for youth ministry was “helpful because it was practical, not theology.”

“I liked that I was a youth minister during the training because I would apply” the training principles immediately, she said.

Sharon Matson and Vincent Gallegos, both members of the youth and young adult advisory board, received awards for ministry in their parishes. 

Bobbie Hixon of St. Henry Parish in Buckeye received the Catechetical Leadership Award.

“I am humbled and grateful,” said Hixon. “The greatest gift I’ve received is not what I taught others, but what others taught me.”

The annual award recognizes outstanding achievement of a professional catechetical leader and serves to motivate and challenge other catechetical leaders as they work in ministry.

Hixon, author of the book “RCIA Spirituality,” has worked with RCIA for over 35 years, has been involved in various ministries and ecumenical work in several parishes and organizations. Hixon currently works with RCIA and adult faith formation at her parish, but will be retiring at the end of May. 

MaryBeth Mueller, executive director of the Division of Education and Evangelization, spoke to those gathered about the new division and its mission.

“We want to be a unified division,” Mueller said to the catechists. “We are really here to serve each one of you. We are here to build up the kingdom of God.”

Deacon John Meyer, retiring from his role as director of catechetical ministry, received a suitcase full of well wishes from co-workers and a standing ovation.

Deacon Meyer’s position in the Office of Catechetical Ministry has been expanded and will be renamed “director of family catechesis” when the new director begins after his retirement on June 30.