Local catechetical leader named president of NCCL

By Rebecca Saunders
The Catholic Sun

The National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL) elected Mary Ann Ronan, the parish catechetical leader at St. Paul Parish, president last month.

Ronan has belonged to the professional organization that enhances catechetical ministry and leadership for the Catholic Church for eight years — half the amount of time she has worked at St. Paul Parish. She served as a regional representative and treasurer prior to her recent election.

“I’m excited because this is a new opportunity for parish catechetical leaders,” Ronan said of her three-year term as president. “It says what we do is valuable. What we do is critical to the life of the Church.”

MaryBeth Mueller, executive director of the Division of Education and Evangelization for the Diocese of Phoenix, is also excited about Ronan’s new role.

“Having Mary Ann as president gives the Diocese of Phoenix visibility of the wonderful leaders and programs that we have throughout the diocese,” Mueller said. “She has wonderful gifts and has the practical knowledge and experience of being an excellent catechetical leader and teacher.”

The NCCL originated in 1934 and members either have or are working toward a master’s degree in Catholic catechetical subjects. The group advises members and even the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on national standards for Catholic catechesis.

Ronan’s main goals as president are to improve adult faith formation and to increase the number of certified religious educators on the diocesan and parish levels. She also would like to see more professional degrees attained by parish catechetical leaders.

In the long term she hopes NCCL “continues professionalism of all our parish catechetical leaders because professionalism is key to our growing a good catechesis base,” she said.

Ronan credits Deacon John Meyer, director of catechetical ministry for the Diocese of Phoenix, with much of her formation. He believes she is an “excellent choice” for president of NCCL.

“With her vast experience with NCCL, she has an in depth understanding of the direction, issues and concerns for catechetical ministry in the U.S.,” Deacon Meyer said. “She has the respect, confidence and trust of many parish and diocesan catechetical leaders who are members of NCCL.”

Ronan is thrilled about the implications her election holds for parish catechetical leaders.

“It can only enhance the parish catechetical leaders who will not just see themselves in their parish, but see that they are really building the kingdom of God,” Ronan said. “We are all evangelizers and we are all working toward a healthy Church, a positive Church.”