Diocesan evangelization consultant retires

The Diocese of Green Bay ranked among the best in the United States in participation in Renew 2000. This success is due in large part to the leadership of diocesan Renew coordinator Jackie Staley. Staley, who joined the diocese in 1991 as a consultant for Evangelization, has announced her retirement, effective March 30.

The memories of working with the people throughout the diocese stand out as Staley reflects on her years of service.

"When I first arrived here, it was a shock," she said. "I had never been to Wisconsin before. I didn't know anyone. I didn't know any of the customs. It was quite an adjustment. Now I really know thousands in the diocese by name. It's been a thrill getting to know the people of the parishes."

Staley served a short stint on the faculty at St. Norbert College, De Pere, prior to joining the diocese.

"I was teaching part-time at the college," she explained. "I taught 'Introduction to the Bible.' The course skipped a semester, so I applied for the opening in Evangelization. I followed Sr. Diane Baumann, which made it a very smooth transition."

One of Staley's early projects for the diocese was explaining the document "Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States." In 1995, the process for Renew 2000 began in response to the need for spiritual renewal in the diocese.

"The process moved at a fast pace," said Staley. "In 1996, we chose a core community. We had 12 people serve as a feedback group for the planning process to see how it was best to develop Renew for the diocese. A whole year was spent training coordinators and leaders. Those years were challenging, but the outstanding enthusiasm of the parishes made it very satisfying."

"I was inspired by the parish coordinators," she continued. "They were the key. Without them Renew wouldn't have been successful. Much of the credit also goes to Bp. Banks and the diocesan core community."

The success of Renew 2000, which began with Season I in October of 1998, continues in the diocese as approximately 7,000 Renew participants still meet in small faith groups. For Staley, the highlight of theRenew experience was a Mass of Appreciation and dinner held last October in Green Bay.

"It was a glorious celebration of prayer, friendship, gratitude and praise to God," she said.

Retirement will provide Staley, who spent her entire career as an educator before joining the diocese, the opportunity to spend more time with family.

"Not having family nearby is difficult," she said. "It's tough not being a part of their regular lives. I need to spend some time with my mother in Oregon."

Staley also plans to explore volunteer opportunities for parish and community events and programs, and is interested in working with migrant Catholics. Working with people is a necessity, she said.

"I will miss my contact with my co-workers and the access to parish leadership," she said. "I'm an extrovert. I'm energized by people, so I need to fill that need. I will definitely keep busy."