Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Faith formation in the Archdiocese of Louisville is experiencing significant growth and development, according to Art Turner, director of the Office of Faith Formation. Turner described the current period as a “golden age,” citing both the quality of instructors and the variety of educational opportunities available.

“We’re very healthy,” Turner said. He explained that the office organizes about 40 faith formation classes annually, with each class attended by 15 to 20 participants. Attendees include parish catechists, Catholic school teachers, and adults interested in deepening their understanding of their faith. The classes are led by experienced professionals such as college professors, parish catechetical leaders, and high school teachers.

“We’re in a golden age as far as the quality of the teachers who are teaching the teachers,” Turner said. He noted that these instructors are skilled at teaching adults.

The Office of Faith Formation provides its classes through the Archdiocese of Louisville Ministry Institute (ALMI) and also offers programs in partnership with institutions like the University of Dayton and Loyola University in New Orleans.

At its annual Faith Formation Celebration on September 18 at the Flaget Center, dozens of catechists were recognized for completing various formation programs. Three honorees finished master’s degrees through a two-decade partnership with Loyola University’s Institute for Ministry Extension Program (LIMEX). Dr. Tracey Lamont, LIMEX program director, was guest speaker at this event.

Turner highlighted that about 40 people have completed LIMEX since it began partnering with the archdiocese. He referenced Laura Graven, a retired pastoral associate from St. Albert the Great Church who participated in LIMEX’s pilot cohort in 2005; her successor Kristina Hellmann is currently enrolled in LIMEX. “The pastor said, ‘I want her to go through this,’” Turner noted. He recalled Hellmann saying during her first class session: “‘I have a context I can work in to understand this ministry that’s new to me.’”

Beth Freeman and Paula Silliman earned master’s degrees in religious education while Doug Wolz completed a master’s degree in pastoral studies through LIMEX and were recognized at the event.

Turner connected these educational efforts to broader church initiatives following Vatican II: “Since the end of the Second Vatican Council, we’ve had this call for everyday folks to consider that Christ is calling them to ministry,” he said. “It’s more than being a volunteer; it really is about accepting that you might be called by Christ to do sacred work. But in order to do sacred work, you need certain skills — spiritual formation, academic formation. In order to do that, people need to be formed properly.”

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre delivered a keynote address at the celebration where he thanked catechists for their service: “We must be firmly rooted in the understanding that all our efforts ultimately aim for one goal: the salvation of souls.” The archbishop acknowledged challenges posed by secular media and technology on youth but emphasized adapting communication strategies: “We must remain aware of their changing needs,” he said. This includes listening closely and learning how best to communicate faith so it resonates with young people.

He added that all efforts seek “to lay a foundation that will enable them to fall in love with God.” Archbishop Fabre assisted with presenting awards and certificates during the event.

Two individuals received special recognition: Kathy Abell from St. Gabriel Church was honored for her dedication as director of formation; Ginger Brunecz from St. Augustine Church was recognized for leading OCIA teams after joining Catholicism herself nine years ago.

Fifty catechists who completed ALMI certificates were also honored alongside others finishing advanced programs: Tammy Kessler earned a Master of Arts in theology from St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology; Michael Raymer received an adult formation leadership certificate from University of Dayton.