Institute for Pastoral Initiatives News

By John LeComte

Jordan Trenkamp, ‘21 and Emily Sreenan, ’22, don’t mind a Saturday morning class knowing what they learn will lead them to their future career.

“This class gives me more experience teaching catechesis and the skills needed so I’m prepared to teach in a Catholic school,” says Trenkamp.   

 “The Forum teaches me methods and information to help me be the best teacher that I can be,” said Sreenan.  “I’m learning new ways to engage in catechesis, also helpful for me as a member of a parish.” 

Sreenan and Trenkamp are among a dozen students in a course called the Forum for Young Catechetical Leaders, a two-year program which prepares UD students to become outstanding catechists in Catholic Schools and parishes.

“Right now we are connecting via zoom video conferencing,” says Sister Angela Ann Zukowski, MHSH, D.Min, professor in Religious Studies and Director of the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives.

“We are focusing on embracing the new digital resources and tools for catechesis as stated in the new 2020 Directory for Catechesis. Students are diligently creating new virtual and digital models for catechesis since the directory informs us that digital forms of communication offer greater possibilities.” 

“Now I feel I can talk about my faith in other classes and among peers, said Sreenan. “I hope to teach high school religion and lead church youth groups when I graduate.”

“I grew up a cradle Catholic and have been blessed with creative opportunities to discover how to live out my faith,” said Trenkamp. “My goal is to end up in a school with a great community that takes care of each other and works toward a common good.”

 Yes, yet another example why UD is the University for the Common Good. 

Jordan Trenkamp is a Middle Childhood/Intervention Specialist major. Emily Sreenan is a secondary Catholic Religious Education major with a second concentration in Integrated Social Studies.  The FYCL is sponsored by the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives, the Center for Catholic Education (Lelanne Program), the Center for Christian Leadership, Campus Ministry and supported by the Marianist Community, the School of Education, and the Department of Religious Studies.