Cathleen Sheridan, who served as director of religious education in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, from 2001 until her retirement earlier this year, was presented with the 2012 “Chick” McGinty Award for Excellence in Catechetical Leadership by the diocesan Ministry of Catechesis and Evangelization.

The annual award is presented in recognition of an outstanding catechetical leader. The award is named after Rosemarie “Chick” McGinty, who was director of the diocesan Office of Catechesis from 1986 to 2003.

Sheridan was presented with the award during a Professional Day held for parish catechetical leaders and staff Nov. 29 in St. Anthony Church, Hamilton.

“Since that day 11 years ago when she answered the call to tend to the spiritual needs of the families of St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Cathleen A. McGovern Sheridan has embodied all the qualities of an effective catechist,” said MaryPat Scordato, current coordinator of religious education in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, who nominated Sheridan for the award. “During this time, I have witnessed countless examples of her goodness and guidance. Cathleen not only administered to the needs of the parish children, she was present to the entire family. In simple words, she is the real deal.”

Reflecting on her role as director of religious education, Sheridan said she considered it complementary to her own Catholic school upbringing and many years of experience serving in Catholic education in the Camden Diocese.

When Sheridan interviewed for the director of religious education position in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, she recalled how impressed she was by then- pastor, Father Joseph Tedesco and the vision he had for the parish religious education program.

“Father Joe inspired me to want to make the change in profession” from Catholic school to religious education, Sheridan said. “But really it’s been my life’s work all along – religious education and the faith formation of families.”

Sheridan, who holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Dominican College, Blauvelt, N.Y.; a master’s degree in education from Manhattan College, N.Y., and catechist certification from the Diocese of Trenton, delighted in telling about some of the highlights of her 11-year tenure in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish. In addition to witnessing the enrollment increase from 700 families in 2001 to 850 families (with 1,250 and 1,300 students) in 2012, she was also able to introduce new initiatives.

One initiative was a full two-year program of formation for the Sacrament of Confirmation candidates from both St. Mary of the Lakes School and the religious education program. She explained that students and their parents sign a covenant agreement in the fall of seventh grade and the students complete several assignments and work with their parents on service projects. In eighth grade, students write a reflection paper and attend a parent/candidate Mass and reflection as well as a Confirmation candidate retreat.

Sheridan said she also made it a point to make as many educational and spiritual offerings available to the parish’s 100 catechists throughout the year and give them time where “they can come together, pray together and share their ministry.”

Sheridan admitted that she was “very surprised” to learn that she had been named to receive this year’s award.

“I loved my work in St. Mary of the Lakes and feel that I was truly blessed to have been called to ministry there.”