The work of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis is to support parishes and the faithful in the handing on of our faith to all people at all times in all aspects of our lives.
It is a priority of the Diocese of Madison and the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis to form couples in marriage preparation, to support them in the life of their marriage, and to offer support and resources for family life.
The diocese is excited to announce that we have hired several marriage and family coordinators to serve this most important evangelistic effort and the needs of marriage and family in the diocese.
Sara Schiedermayer: Coordinator of marriage enrichment
Sara Schiedermayer joined diocesan staff this past fall and will be serving the diocese in marriage preparation and marriage enrichment.
Born and raised in Watertown, WI, Sara’s initial spark of faith was ignited by a local Love Begins Here trip and further stoked through ministry at Saint Paul’s at UW-Madison.
While studying at UW-Madison, she served as a counselor at Camp Gray and a Love Begins Here Intern for more than two years.
Sara continued her journey of faith by seeking an M.A. in Leadership of the New Evangelization from the Augustine Institute. While studying, she worked with a pro-life non-profit in Washington, D.C.
After graduating, she spent three years as the assistant director of religious education at the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria, Va.
She now resides in Madison with her husband and daughter.
If you have questions regarding marriage enrichment, contact Sara at [email protected] or 608-821-4517.
Karla Cardenas: Hispanic marriage and family coordinator
Karla Cardenas joined diocesan staff this past fall to serve as the diocesan Hispanic marriage and family coordinator.
Originally from Mexico, Karla moved to Watertown 18 years ago with Raul, her husband of 27 years, and their four now-adult children.
Karla oversees the ministry of marriage and family for the Hispanic community in the diocese with the goals of providing support in marriage preparation, enrichment of marriages, and support for families.
Karla is a passionate advocate for marriages and families and works to correct the ways that these important institutions are distorted by society and social media.
She strives to help couples know God’s plan for marriage and family.
In addition to providing resources and support to couples regarding their marital relationships, Karla also provides tools to help parents better educate their children and guide them through today’s unique challenges.
She and her husband are members of St. Bernard Church in Watertown, part of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish.
If you have questions or want to reach out to Karla, contact her at [email protected] or 608-821-3041.
Tori Franke: NFP coordinator
Tori Franke came on board this past November to coordinate the efforts, instructors, and resources for NFP in the Diocese of Madison.
Tori has a deep love for Theology of the Body and strives to infuse her work with a strong sense of the dignity of the person.
She is fascinated by the incarnation and that God would choose to share our humanity and our body.
As NFP Coordinator, Tori aims to educate and serve single, engaged, and married persons in appreciating the fullness and goodness of their bodies.
This could be as a means of understanding painful or irregular cycles or as couples move through seasons of achieving or avoiding pregnancy.
If you have questions about how NFP could be helpful, reach out with questions. Tori loves to help people understand the mechanics of the body.
Tori lives in the Milwaukee area with her husband and children.
If you have any questions about NFP or for Tori, contact her at [email protected]