Southern Nebraska Register
The Office of Religious Education is now the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis
In a move to strengthen its mission and engage the faithful in deeper ways, the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln has announced the rebranding of the Office of Religious Education to the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
The transition reflects a commitment of renewal to fostering a vibrant faith life within diocesan communities and responding to the call of the New Evangelization.
The initiative, effective immediately, comes from a growing recognition that the work of catechesis must be fundamentally linked to the broader mission of evangelization. As Pope Francis continually reminds Catholics, all in the Church are called not only to educate, but to invite others into a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.
The new title, Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, reflects the same structure of the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Bishop James Conley has been a key contributor to the Conference’s Institute on the Catechism. Using principles that emerged from that work, the time was right to restructure. 
Jeff Schinstock, director of evangelization and catechesis, was present with the bishop at the Institute on the Catechism conferences.
“We have a great tradition of good catechesis in the diocese,” Schinstock said. “To maintain and flourish, we have to be open to the Holy Spirit. I believe God is calling us to stress his mission in our work. Catechesis is not just about the transmission of knowledge, but also about making opportunities for personal encounters with the living God and helping nurture those encounters through accompaniment.”
By intentionally integrating evangelization into the heart of catechesis, the hope is to strengthen a culture that actively encourages the sharing of faith, deepening the spiritual lives of individuals, families, and the community at large.
The move reflects the diocesan commitment to supporting catechists and parish leaders, Schinstock said.
“We will continue to provide resources, and ongoing formation opportunities on effective evangelization,” he said.
The office will continue all the work previously done in the Religious Education Office. The restructuring allows for new projects that will bring more opportunities for the people of the diocese to encounter the Lord.
Schinstock emphasized, “this is not just a change in name; it is a step towards mission. Pope St. Paul VI reminds us that the Church exists in order to evangelize” (Evangelii nuntiandi 16).
“Every Catholic is an evangelist,” he continued. “In order to do that work well, they must be fed. That includes the need for deep and engaging catechesis. It also means having patience to walk with your neighbor in joys and struggles while being the light of Christ to them. The Church is inviting, the mercy of God is for everyone.”
He recalled the words of St. Paul: “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).
“We the faithful are the disciples sent on mission,” he said. “Whether that is in a new place in the world, our own neighborhood or parish, or even in our own home, we need to take up that task with renewed enthusiasm and dedication. The role of the newly named office is to provide the faithful with rich nourishment for the journey. Our shared hope is that the love of Christ is known and experienced by everyone we encounter. Let us pray for one another as we engage this journey of renewal.”
