Group for Religious Education Leaders Promotes Lifelong Faith Development

Arlington, Va.—The National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors (NPCD), representing religious education leaders at Catholic parishes across the country, will celebrate its 35th anniversary at an April 26–28 convocation in New Orleans, La.

The convocation, featuring sessions promoting professional growth and renewal for parish catechetical leaders, will take place at the Annual Convention and Exposition of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). NPCD was formed in 1976 as part of NCEA's Department of Religious Education to foster excellence in parish religious education and lifelong faith development of Catholics.

"NCEA is most honored to celebrate this 35th NPCD benchmark. I applaud the founder, Father Al McBride, for his vision in establishing this organization and the other four executive directors of the Religious Education Department for expanding the service and resources of NPCD for its members over the years." said Dr. Karen M. Ristau, NCEA president. "I also extend my gratitude to all those who have served on its executive committee. Their support, encouragement and confidence in our mission has made this milestone a reality."

"NPCD was the first national association dedicated exclusively to the emerging role of parish directors of religious education in the post-Vatican II era," said Dr. Diana Dudoit Raiche, executive director of NECA's Department of Religious Education. "Through the years, NPCD has emerged as the parish catechetical voice of NCEA, keeping the vision of well-trained catechetical leaders a reality."

The annual NPCD convocation began in 1993 to provide members with access to national speakers and in-depth presentations on catechetical issues. In addition, NPCD offers members professional development programs, networking opportunities and publications. It sponsors an e-group, DRE-Talk, through which members conduct a dialog on a different topic each month.

Father Alfred McBride founded NPCD and served as its first executive director, followed by Monsignor Francis Kelly, Michael Carotta, Robert Colbert and Diana Dudoit Raiche. Over the years, it has been involved in research on the role of parish catechetical directors and collaborated with other organizations on competency standards for religious education directors. It has developed family catechetical practices, encouraged adult education efforts, and addressed cultural diversity needs in parish programs.

NPCD sponsors an awards program that includes the Emmaus Award for exceptional national leaders in catechesis, the Mustard Seed Award for parishes that exemplify outstanding parental participation in religious education, and the Religious Educational Excellence Award for catechetical leaders who model creativity and excellence in parish programs.

"It is a privilege to have been associated with NPCD since its inception," said Barbara Glynn, former NPCD president, former executive committee member and coordinator of the 35th anniversary celebration. "The opportunity to interact with colleagues from all parts of the country is richly rewarding. It is so very evident to me that these fine professionals are committed to excellence in catechesis."

The 2011 NPCD convocation will open with a keynote address by Bishop Matthew Clark of the Diocese of Rochester, N.Y., on April 26 and conclude with a 35th Anniversary Gala Banquet on April 28. All events will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA's members include elementary schools, high schools, parish religious education programs and seminaries.

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National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors Celebrates 35 Years