RE 2013-2014 Catechists: Sunday/Monday Grades 7-12
RON BONICA
Parishioner at Christ the Redeemer since: 2001
Mass Time: Usually attends Sunday 8:00 AM
Grade(s) taught as catechist: Grades 10-12 on Sundays
Neighborhood: Lives in Sugarland Run (Sterling)
Personal Statement:
I became a catechist nearly a decade ago, as part of my own midlife, reconversion experience.
Working as a catechist, I have discovered that we live in a post-religious, post-Christian era. For many kids, religion is an artifact of another time, like AM radio and leaded gasoline. The best informed kids have memorized a few rubrics, but are generally unaware of scripture. Some are totally uniformed.
Because the kids lack foundational background, they are likely to believe that faith is an empty shell, with no purpose other than to perpetuate a political agenda and a set of sexual mores. The kids can't be faulted for this belief. For the most part, that empty shell is what has been sold to them by those outside of the Catholic church, as well as some Catholic insiders.
Therefore, I think that it is important to expose the kids to the Scripture, to seek the ultimate source of our faith. Let them understand what the ancients had to say and let them form opinions on their own.
Mass Time: Usually attends Sunday 8:00 AM
Grade(s) taught as catechist: Grades 10-12 on Sundays
Neighborhood: Lives in Sugarland Run (Sterling)
Personal Statement:
I became a catechist nearly a decade ago, as part of my own midlife, reconversion experience.
Working as a catechist, I have discovered that we live in a post-religious, post-Christian era. For many kids, religion is an artifact of another time, like AM radio and leaded gasoline. The best informed kids have memorized a few rubrics, but are generally unaware of scripture. Some are totally uniformed.
Because the kids lack foundational background, they are likely to believe that faith is an empty shell, with no purpose other than to perpetuate a political agenda and a set of sexual mores. The kids can't be faulted for this belief. For the most part, that empty shell is what has been sold to them by those outside of the Catholic church, as well as some Catholic insiders.
Therefore, I think that it is important to expose the kids to the Scripture, to seek the ultimate source of our faith. Let them understand what the ancients had to say and let them form opinions on their own.
DAVE CARTER
Parishioner at Christ the Redeemer since: May 2013
Mass Time: Usually attends Sunday 10:00 AM
Grade(s) taught as catechist: Grades, K-3 and Grades 7-8
Neighborhood: Lives in Cascades
Personal Statement:
I've been a parishioner from May 2013 to the present, having transferred with my family from Our Lady of Hope. I have taught Religious Education since 2006 and have taught K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, and 8th grades. I usually attend 10 am Mass and I live in the Cascades neighborhood, across from Horizon Elementary.
I suffered a near-death heart attack in 2006. The experience made me a more healthy person in mind, body, and spirit, and brought me closer to God. My youngest son started Rel. Ed. that year. I saw teaching in Rel. Ed. as an opportunity to give back to God for the blessing of life he gave me. Since then I truly enjoy seeing young people not only learn about our faith, but learning how to live our faith.
Mass Time: Usually attends Sunday 10:00 AM
Grade(s) taught as catechist: Grades, K-3 and Grades 7-8
Neighborhood: Lives in Cascades
Personal Statement:
I've been a parishioner from May 2013 to the present, having transferred with my family from Our Lady of Hope. I have taught Religious Education since 2006 and have taught K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, and 8th grades. I usually attend 10 am Mass and I live in the Cascades neighborhood, across from Horizon Elementary.
I suffered a near-death heart attack in 2006. The experience made me a more healthy person in mind, body, and spirit, and brought me closer to God. My youngest son started Rel. Ed. that year. I saw teaching in Rel. Ed. as an opportunity to give back to God for the blessing of life he gave me. Since then I truly enjoy seeing young people not only learn about our faith, but learning how to live our faith.
RAFAEL MANUEL COURET
Parishioner at Christ the Redeemer since: 2004
Mass time he usually attends: Sunday 5:30 PM
Grades taught as catechist: 6-12 on Sundays
Personal Statement:
I became a catechist several decades ago as part of my deepening into the faith, and became fully committed after my participation in several church movements including the Cursillo of Christianity, Marriage Encounter and pre-nuptial Camino del Matrimonio.
I found that young people had the faith but very little knowledge of it, of the scriptures, or the church. At Christ the Redeemer, I have been teaching a course that is a summary of the principles of our faith and church to mostly Hispanic students, who for the most part have being floating in and out of various parishes. My approach has been to question their faith and challenge them to think for themselves in preparation for becoming adults in the church celebrating the sacrament of confirmation.
Mass time he usually attends: Sunday 5:30 PM
Grades taught as catechist: 6-12 on Sundays
Personal Statement:
I became a catechist several decades ago as part of my deepening into the faith, and became fully committed after my participation in several church movements including the Cursillo of Christianity, Marriage Encounter and pre-nuptial Camino del Matrimonio.
I found that young people had the faith but very little knowledge of it, of the scriptures, or the church. At Christ the Redeemer, I have been teaching a course that is a summary of the principles of our faith and church to mostly Hispanic students, who for the most part have being floating in and out of various parishes. My approach has been to question their faith and challenge them to think for themselves in preparation for becoming adults in the church celebrating the sacrament of confirmation.
FÉ FERNANDES ("Fay")
Parishioner at Christ the Redeemer since: 1994
Mass Time she usually attends: Sunday 8:00 am or 530 pm
Grade(s) taught as catechist: Grades 3-8 for 10 years
Neighborhood where he lives in Seneca Chase (Sterling)
Personal Statement:
I started as a co-op babysitter for the morning Masses then a babysitter for Middle School catechists. In recent years, I have been teaching 7th grade & 8th grade.
Having 3 children of my own, I am still passionate about teaching. When they were growing up, I taught them bible stories saying, “These are not just bible stories, it's God's family history.” My children who now are grown still say, ”Tell me that story again.”
I was raised in a Hispanic Charismatic Catholic Church, which helps me bring creativity and energy to my classes. I especially enjoy teaching the Middle School age group which has its own challenges. I discuss many topics pertaining to our traditions, practices and faith. I make my classroom a place to practice Catholic traditions, to give hospitality to a diverse group and to honor each other’s God's-given dignity.
I've been told I'm a bit of an "Old School Catholic" with a "down to earth” teaching style. Teaching the basics of our church gives students a clear understanding and vision to know what is what. My methods have helped my students, as well as my own children, have an appreciation for their church and a desire to stay close to God. It's always rewarding for me to nurture their spirits and help build up their Faith.
Mass Time she usually attends: Sunday 8:00 am or 530 pm
Grade(s) taught as catechist: Grades 3-8 for 10 years
Neighborhood where he lives in Seneca Chase (Sterling)
Personal Statement:
I started as a co-op babysitter for the morning Masses then a babysitter for Middle School catechists. In recent years, I have been teaching 7th grade & 8th grade.
Having 3 children of my own, I am still passionate about teaching. When they were growing up, I taught them bible stories saying, “These are not just bible stories, it's God's family history.” My children who now are grown still say, ”Tell me that story again.”
I was raised in a Hispanic Charismatic Catholic Church, which helps me bring creativity and energy to my classes. I especially enjoy teaching the Middle School age group which has its own challenges. I discuss many topics pertaining to our traditions, practices and faith. I make my classroom a place to practice Catholic traditions, to give hospitality to a diverse group and to honor each other’s God's-given dignity.
I've been told I'm a bit of an "Old School Catholic" with a "down to earth” teaching style. Teaching the basics of our church gives students a clear understanding and vision to know what is what. My methods have helped my students, as well as my own children, have an appreciation for their church and a desire to stay close to God. It's always rewarding for me to nurture their spirits and help build up their Faith.
STEPHANIE FLISS
Parishioner at Christ the Redeemer Since: 2008
Grade taught as Catechist: First time teaching - 8th grade
Mass time she normally attends: Sunday 8 am
Neighborhood where she lives: Sterling
Personal Statement:
In my last two years of college, I became very involved in the Catholic Campus Ministry at Virginia Commonwealth University and had a wonderful experience there. By becoming a Catechist, I hope to stay involved in a Catholic community as well as continue to deepen and explore my faith while teaching others. As an illustrator and artist, I work with my sister to write and illustrate books. I hope to bring this interest and enthusiasm into the classroom when studying Jesus in the New Testament.
Grade taught as Catechist: First time teaching - 8th grade
Mass time she normally attends: Sunday 8 am
Neighborhood where she lives: Sterling
Personal Statement:
In my last two years of college, I became very involved in the Catholic Campus Ministry at Virginia Commonwealth University and had a wonderful experience there. By becoming a Catechist, I hope to stay involved in a Catholic community as well as continue to deepen and explore my faith while teaching others. As an illustrator and artist, I work with my sister to write and illustrate books. I hope to bring this interest and enthusiasm into the classroom when studying Jesus in the New Testament.
LORA GONDER
Parishioner at Christ the Redeemer since: 2001
Mass Time she usually attends: varies
Grade(s) taught as catechist: K-9, RCIA, JustFaith, Engaging Spirituality
Personal Statement:
I have been teaching Religious Ed for 13 years, I have been in every classroom from Kindergarten to Grade 9. As a Eucharistic Minister, I attend different masses depending on when I am scheduled to help. I have co-facilitated a Just Faith and Engaging Spirituality Program here at CTR and am currently assisting in RCIA (sacramental preparation for adults who wish to become Catholic). I feel blessed and called to share my faith. St. Paul in 1 Thess. 5:11 calls us to "encourage one another and build one another up". What better way than sharing our faith with one another.
Mass Time she usually attends: varies
Grade(s) taught as catechist: K-9, RCIA, JustFaith, Engaging Spirituality
Personal Statement:
I have been teaching Religious Ed for 13 years, I have been in every classroom from Kindergarten to Grade 9. As a Eucharistic Minister, I attend different masses depending on when I am scheduled to help. I have co-facilitated a Just Faith and Engaging Spirituality Program here at CTR and am currently assisting in RCIA (sacramental preparation for adults who wish to become Catholic). I feel blessed and called to share my faith. St. Paul in 1 Thess. 5:11 calls us to "encourage one another and build one another up". What better way than sharing our faith with one another.
LINDA HORKAN
Parishioner at Christ the Redeemer Since: 2009
Mass Time she usually attends: varies
Grade(s) taught as Catechist: 3 years teaching 5th grade. First year teaching 7th grade.
Neighborhood where she lives: Sterling
Personal Statement:
I was initially pulled into teaching the 5th grade three years ago because my son's class was to be cancelled if a teacher was not found. Much to my surprise, I found that far from being an obligation, I really enjoyed teaching Catholic theology. Every year, I also found that I always ended up with the most wonderful group of children.
Being a catechist has certainly brought me to a much greater understanding of my own Catholic faith. By preparing for class, I have found that the meaning and history behind the Bible, mass, the sacraments and Catholic theology is truly fascinating and deeply moving. I try to help the children understand, to best of their abilities, content that even our most celebrated theologians find difficult to understand. I hope that the children will find our Catholic beliefs as fascinating and as inspirational as I do.
Thank you for entrusting your children to me this year and I look forward to a wonderful year exploring our Catholic faith.
Mass Time she usually attends: varies
Grade(s) taught as Catechist: 3 years teaching 5th grade. First year teaching 7th grade.
Neighborhood where she lives: Sterling
Personal Statement:
I was initially pulled into teaching the 5th grade three years ago because my son's class was to be cancelled if a teacher was not found. Much to my surprise, I found that far from being an obligation, I really enjoyed teaching Catholic theology. Every year, I also found that I always ended up with the most wonderful group of children.
Being a catechist has certainly brought me to a much greater understanding of my own Catholic faith. By preparing for class, I have found that the meaning and history behind the Bible, mass, the sacraments and Catholic theology is truly fascinating and deeply moving. I try to help the children understand, to best of their abilities, content that even our most celebrated theologians find difficult to understand. I hope that the children will find our Catholic beliefs as fascinating and as inspirational as I do.
Thank you for entrusting your children to me this year and I look forward to a wonderful year exploring our Catholic faith.
SUSAN KVASNICKA
Parishioner at CTR since 1996
Mass Time she usually attends: 5:30 pm mass
Grade(s) taught as Catechist: High School
Neighborhood where she lives: Sugarland Run
Personal Statement:
I decided to become a Catechist after many years of saying, "I really should do this. It sounds like fun!" Last year I made the commitment and taught 9th grade. I was not disappointed.
As a person who was born Catholic and grew up either going to Catholic school or going to CCD, I want to share my knowledge and experience with kids who may not have opportunities to learn about our faith the way that I did. I enjoy teaching the older grades because I enjoy the interaction and questioning that they bring to the table. I look forward to another rewarding year!
Mass Time she usually attends: 5:30 pm mass
Grade(s) taught as Catechist: High School
Neighborhood where she lives: Sugarland Run
Personal Statement:
I decided to become a Catechist after many years of saying, "I really should do this. It sounds like fun!" Last year I made the commitment and taught 9th grade. I was not disappointed.
As a person who was born Catholic and grew up either going to Catholic school or going to CCD, I want to share my knowledge and experience with kids who may not have opportunities to learn about our faith the way that I did. I enjoy teaching the older grades because I enjoy the interaction and questioning that they bring to the table. I look forward to another rewarding year!
Anthony Lampe
Parishioner at Christ the Redeemer Since: 2002
Mass Time he normally attends: 10 AM or 12 Noon Spanish mass
Grade(s) taught as Catechist: Substitute for 3rd grade and now teaching 7th Grade
Neighborhood where he lives: Oak Tree community aka "the Christmas Light street"we are the 8 foot Abominable Snowman house.
Personal Statement:
I grew up in St. Louis, MO where I learned to love Catholicism and all the things surrounding it. I mention these things because Catholics are much more than just our belief and worship of God. Its primary mission that I grew up with is what I would like others to have. Schools, social events, sports, classic religious education are things we should all have. I saw it and lived it then. Now I am stepping up to bring it here. I am only one humble, and flawed person, but we at Christ the Redeemer and Catholics nationwide need to do what we can to hand on the faith.
Mass Time he normally attends: 10 AM or 12 Noon Spanish mass
Grade(s) taught as Catechist: Substitute for 3rd grade and now teaching 7th Grade
Neighborhood where he lives: Oak Tree community aka "the Christmas Light street"we are the 8 foot Abominable Snowman house.
Personal Statement:
I grew up in St. Louis, MO where I learned to love Catholicism and all the things surrounding it. I mention these things because Catholics are much more than just our belief and worship of God. Its primary mission that I grew up with is what I would like others to have. Schools, social events, sports, classic religious education are things we should all have. I saw it and lived it then. Now I am stepping up to bring it here. I am only one humble, and flawed person, but we at Christ the Redeemer and Catholics nationwide need to do what we can to hand on the faith.
ED MYERS
Parishioner at Christ the Redeemer since: 1994 Mass Time he usually attends: Sunday 5:30 pm Mass
Grade(s) taught as catechist: Several Grades, Currently Grade 9
He live in the Mirror Ridge Community
Personal Statement:
I was raised Protestant and "married" Catholic. We choose Christ the Redeemer because its architecture, worship style and parish life embraces Vatican II reforms. Post-Vatican II Catholicism reconciles many issues that divided Christianity during the Protestant Reformation and allows for movement towards a unified church. I hope and pray that Pope Francis will continue to modernize and reform the Catholic Church so that it remains relevant in a modern age.
I taught several grades as my children entered middle and high school. My favorite has been 9th grade. Covering several themes, the core is Church history covering the past 2000 years. Disruptions (wars, disease, natural disasters, technological changes, discoveries, education, art) at various times transformed society and provided a great opportunity for evangelism. I prod the students to personalize these societal changes and think about how similar but modern disruptions in their lives provide opportunities for peer faith sharing and outreach activities for social justice. We also review fundamentals of the faith. Though we have lots of material to cover, we also have field trips, work on video projects, help with LINK and other group based projects for socializing and putting faith into practice.
Grade(s) taught as catechist: Several Grades, Currently Grade 9
He live in the Mirror Ridge Community
Personal Statement:
I was raised Protestant and "married" Catholic. We choose Christ the Redeemer because its architecture, worship style and parish life embraces Vatican II reforms. Post-Vatican II Catholicism reconciles many issues that divided Christianity during the Protestant Reformation and allows for movement towards a unified church. I hope and pray that Pope Francis will continue to modernize and reform the Catholic Church so that it remains relevant in a modern age.
I taught several grades as my children entered middle and high school. My favorite has been 9th grade. Covering several themes, the core is Church history covering the past 2000 years. Disruptions (wars, disease, natural disasters, technological changes, discoveries, education, art) at various times transformed society and provided a great opportunity for evangelism. I prod the students to personalize these societal changes and think about how similar but modern disruptions in their lives provide opportunities for peer faith sharing and outreach activities for social justice. We also review fundamentals of the faith. Though we have lots of material to cover, we also have field trips, work on video projects, help with LINK and other group based projects for socializing and putting faith into practice.
CRISTINA ORELLANA
Parishioner at Christ the Redeemer since: 1996
Mass Time she usually attends: 12 Noon
Grade(s) taught as catechist: Grade 7, starting Grade 8
Personal Statement:
Hello, my name is Cristina Orellana. I am currently one of the parish secretaries at Christ the Redeemer. This is my second year as a Co-Catechist. Working with the children here at CTR has helped me grow in my faith. My desire to make the world a better place has brought me to volunteer at CTR. I encourage everyone even if you are busy, to contribute your time and talent this year. You will find a sense of fulfillment and great joy by doing so, as I have! I look forward to another year with your children. God Bless you and your family.
Mass Time she usually attends: 12 Noon
Grade(s) taught as catechist: Grade 7, starting Grade 8
Personal Statement:
Hello, my name is Cristina Orellana. I am currently one of the parish secretaries at Christ the Redeemer. This is my second year as a Co-Catechist. Working with the children here at CTR has helped me grow in my faith. My desire to make the world a better place has brought me to volunteer at CTR. I encourage everyone even if you are busy, to contribute your time and talent this year. You will find a sense of fulfillment and great joy by doing so, as I have! I look forward to another year with your children. God Bless you and your family.
DANIELLE TURNER
Parishioner at CTR for a little less than a year.
Grades Taught as a Catechist: Grade 7
Mass she normally attends: Sunday 10 AM
Personal Statement:
This is my first year as a Catechist. After growing up Catholic and attending Catholic schools for most of my life, I was inspired to become a Catechist to help teenagers realize the relevance of our faith and Church in their own lives. Being Catholic is an amazing experience; it is a bond that is not limited to a certain group, be it economic, national, or ethnic. It is more than weekly attendance at a church service or a Friday without meat -- to me, it is a way of life. That is why I am extremely excited to be teaching 7th grade since the curriculum not only explains why we do the things we do as Catholics, it also connects our faith to our daily lives.
Grades Taught as a Catechist: Grade 7
Mass she normally attends: Sunday 10 AM
Personal Statement:
This is my first year as a Catechist. After growing up Catholic and attending Catholic schools for most of my life, I was inspired to become a Catechist to help teenagers realize the relevance of our faith and Church in their own lives. Being Catholic is an amazing experience; it is a bond that is not limited to a certain group, be it economic, national, or ethnic. It is more than weekly attendance at a church service or a Friday without meat -- to me, it is a way of life. That is why I am extremely excited to be teaching 7th grade since the curriculum not only explains why we do the things we do as Catholics, it also connects our faith to our daily lives.
COURTNEY VAN NUYS
Parishioner at Christ the Redeemer since: 2007
Mass Time she usually attends: Sunday 10:00 AM
Grade(s) taught as catechist: 9th grade since 2008, First year teaching Grade 5
Neighborhood where you live (optional): Newberry
Personal Statement:
I became a catechist because I was looking for a way to become more connected to my parish. Church History is a fascinating subject and I am happy to share it with my students.
Working with the high school students, I am amazed by their creative spirit and generosity. One of the activities I enjoy most is sorting LINK donations before Thanksgiving. We work hard in the dusty, chilly basement of the Church, but all of the students really enjoy the task and many even ask to do more. I am honored to be part of their journey in faith.
Mass Time she usually attends: Sunday 10:00 AM
Grade(s) taught as catechist: 9th grade since 2008, First year teaching Grade 5
Neighborhood where you live (optional): Newberry
Personal Statement:
I became a catechist because I was looking for a way to become more connected to my parish. Church History is a fascinating subject and I am happy to share it with my students.
Working with the high school students, I am amazed by their creative spirit and generosity. One of the activities I enjoy most is sorting LINK donations before Thanksgiving. We work hard in the dusty, chilly basement of the Church, but all of the students really enjoy the task and many even ask to do more. I am honored to be part of their journey in faith.
JULIE LINDGREN WAINNER
Parishioner at Christ the Redeemer since: 1998
Mass Time she usually attends: Sunday 8:00 AM
Grade(s) taught as catechist: Grade 6 - 8
Neighborhood where he lives (optional): Sterling
Personal Statement:
I am a long time parishioner with over 20 years of Religious Education experience. I live in the Sterling area with my husband and four step children. I always wanted to teach RE in my church based on the example of my own mother. She taught CCD for over 35 years. Other than being a mom to me and my three siblings, this was the only "job" she had outside the house. She loved spreading the word of Christ to others, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I saw what a difference she made in the community by volunteering her time and hoped I could do the same. Teaching RE has become a passion. I am energized by spreading the Word of God to the youth and encouraged when I see them engaged in the material. My teaching is less text book driven and more Bible and hands on projects that visually give my students examples of God's love. I look forward to each new year that I am invited back to teach.
Mass Time she usually attends: Sunday 8:00 AM
Grade(s) taught as catechist: Grade 6 - 8
Neighborhood where he lives (optional): Sterling
Personal Statement:
I am a long time parishioner with over 20 years of Religious Education experience. I live in the Sterling area with my husband and four step children. I always wanted to teach RE in my church based on the example of my own mother. She taught CCD for over 35 years. Other than being a mom to me and my three siblings, this was the only "job" she had outside the house. She loved spreading the word of Christ to others, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I saw what a difference she made in the community by volunteering her time and hoped I could do the same. Teaching RE has become a passion. I am energized by spreading the Word of God to the youth and encouraged when I see them engaged in the material. My teaching is less text book driven and more Bible and hands on projects that visually give my students examples of God's love. I look forward to each new year that I am invited back to teach.
KAREN AND BILL WALLACE
Parishioners at Christ the Redeemer since: 2004
Mass Time they usually attend: Sunday 5:30 PM
Grade(s) taught as catechists: Grades 7-8
Neighborhood where they live (optional): Cascades
Personal Statement:
Karen felt called to become to a catechist during her period of mystagogy after her adult confirmation. Bill decided to join her in order to grow in their faith together. We strongly believe that the parents are the primary catechists and our role is to support them in developing the next generation of Christ's witnesses.
Mass Time they usually attend: Sunday 5:30 PM
Grade(s) taught as catechists: Grades 7-8
Neighborhood where they live (optional): Cascades
Personal Statement:
Karen felt called to become to a catechist during her period of mystagogy after her adult confirmation. Bill decided to join her in order to grow in their faith together. We strongly believe that the parents are the primary catechists and our role is to support them in developing the next generation of Christ's witnesses.