Good Afternoon Catechetical Leaders,
I am so excited to share some important news with you today. As many of you know, Meg Aspinwall has transitioned into a new position as the Associate Director of the “Lay Initiative.” This is such a great opportunity for her, and she will still be an amazing resource to the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, so it is a “win-win!” I want to express my gratitude to Meg for her ongoing support to all of you during this time of change and transition.
I am pleased to share that Andrew Schueller will be assuming the Youth Evangelization Role as the “Director of Youth Ministry/UW-Whitewater Campus Ministry,” effective January 1, 2025. Many of us know Andrew well; he has been a youth minister in our archdiocese for more than twelve years. During this time, he established two thriving parish youth apostolates, and also served as the area contact for Life Teen. I am thrilled to have him join the OEC team. 25% of his time will be allocated as Director of the Newman Center at UW-Whitewater; with 75% of his time devoted to Youth Evangelization and Catechesis. I think that the cross pollination and richness of experience will help us to form Middle and High School Youth and sustain their robust lives of faith as they transition into the college years.
Lastly, I wanted to specifically speak to all of you. I have remained silent for the last six months; mainly because I realize that there has been so much transition and change in these offices. I am proud of the recent hire of Anh Clausen as the Associate Director of K-5 Catechetics, and I am very happy that Archbishop Listecki has asked me to remain as Director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis permanently. For me, it means coming full circle back to the second floor of the Pastoral Center, and back to work in the area of ministry.
For you I hope this means that these recent changes have given way to a solid team of seasoned leaders who are here to support you. We are absolutely committed to service to all of you on parish staffs, and it is YOU for whom we work. Never hesitate to call us for any questions or problems.
Thank you for your life of service to our Lord Jesus Christ, and for your ministry in His Body the Church. Together, with our new Archbishop Grob, we will set this small corner of southeastern Wisconsin on fire!
Lydia LoCoco, D. Min.
Director, Office of Evangelization and Catechesis