A Dominican Sister of Adrian, MI, Sr. Susanne Hofweber’s life and ministry was embedded in catechesis. She was director of catechetics in the Archdiocesan office of Education in Puerto Rico (1970-1976) and began her work as a theological consultant to the Caribbean Bishops' Conference. Her fluency in Spanish and German enabled her to serve as a simultaneous translator for the Bishops, bringing her access to their meetings and firsthand experience of the pastoral planning for the implementation of Medellin and Vatican II documents. This work then brough her an appointment as an official delegate to Rome when the Spanish-speaking Bishops convened to begin work on the General Catechetical Directory. (1971), and the synod that followed.

From 1976 to 1982 Susanne served in several positions in the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan, predominantly in Adult Religious Education.

In 1982 she became the first woman and the first lay/non-ordained person to serve as executive secretary of the National Conference of Diocesan Directors of Religious Education (NCDD), which is now NCCL, the National Community for Catechetical Leaders. This was a critical time as the Conference was to assume the responsibilities of the Office of Catechesis of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops which the bishops had closed the previous year. Her leadership of NCDD included shaping communications, networking diocesan directors, fostering quality catechetical formation nationwide, including inviting Eastern Catholic representation and bringing broader perspectives into the catechetical ministry.

Reflections to Hold, Pray, and Live

• Sr. Susanne worked across dioceses and nations, responding to the needs of different communities. How open am I to learning from contexts and cultures different from my own?

• Sr. Susanne often worked behind the scenes, supporting others in leadership. How do I cultivate a spirit of accompaniment and encouragement in my own ministry, even when it is not in the spotlight?

Author:

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP
Member, NCCL Board of Directors

Her book, SAINTS & MENTORS for Catechists: 41 Models of Faith to Support and Guide You, can be purchased from Twenty-Third Publications
[GET YOUR COPY HERE]

Learn more about Janet and her publications at https://www.janetschaeffler.com/