Laurie Feist is a member of Immaculate Conception Parish, Claflin and a teacher at Ellinwood Grade School. Laurie is also the director of Immaculate Conception and Holy Family’s Parish School of Religion. This position is vitally important to the faith formation of a parish’s youth and both parishes are grateful for the time she has dedicated to it.
Father Klein recently interviewed Laurie so we could learn more about her in her role as PSR director for two parishes:
Laurie, you're not only the director of Immaculate Conception and Holy Family's Parish School of Religion (PSR), you're also a full-time teacher. What drew you to teaching, and how long have you been a teacher?
I was drawn to teaching at an early age. I was a third grader when I knew I wanted to become a teacher. My decision was solidified when I entered middle/high school. I became a teacher to make personal connections with students the same way two teachers connected with me (Susan Weber and Ruth Haney). Those two teachers got to know me as a person and that is how I want my students to feel. I have been teaching for 27 years, 14 of those years have been at the Ellinwood Grade School. Before that I was at Deerfield Elementary School.
Why did you say "yes" to leading the PSR program when Sister Andre retired?
It was hard to say, “no” when Father Klein came to my house and asked me to be the DRE. Plus I had the opportunity to work with Sister Andre my first year. She helped me tremendously in knowing what to do and how to go about doing it.
What do you find most rewarding about the work you do, as PSR Director?
The most rewarding thing about being the DRE is seeing the children learn about our faith and put it to practice. I enjoy walking into classrooms each Wednesday evening to see what is being taught and to see how engaged the kids are.
What would be your most significant challenge in this work?
The most challenging part of this work is not knowing all the answers to the questions the teachers/parents/children have. I have learned to ask questions and be patient for answers.
Any advice to someone thinking about teaching in the PSR program?
The advice I can give to someone is don’t think you need to know everything about our Catholic faith or teaching. There are plenty of people within our program and in our church community that would be willing to help someone get started. So please, please consider being a PSR teacher.
Please continue to offer a prayer for Laurie and the important work she does. Thank you, Laurie, for your time and commitment to the spiritual development of our youth!
