Cathy Betourne—Fourth Grade

A member of St. Joseph Parish for 17 years, this dedicated wife and mother of one has been active in the RE program for nearly as long as she has been a parishioner as both an aide and a catechist.

"I enjoy being a catechist because I get to share my faith with the kids and also challenge them to be stronger in their own."

Born and raised in the Kankakee area, Cathy has been married for 26 years to Scott. Their daughter is in her final year of college. Cathy loves to garden, cook, sew, quilt and other craft things.

Her love of making things often makes its way into her ministry as a catechist to the delight of her students.

Denise Bertrand—Fourth Grade Aide

This is Denise's first year being involved in RE at St. Joseph Parish in Bradley, but she taught CCD for 20 years at her own church, St. Joseph Parish in Manteno.

Like many calls from our Lord, her call to St. Joseph's RE program came from God through someone else, Cathy Betourne, the fourth grade catechist.

Denise is from a family of eight. She has lived in Manteno her entire life. "I have a little boy who is in the pre-school RE class here at St. Joe's. I have worked for the government for 26 years. I enjoy time with friends and family, especially with my son, Nolan."

Pat Hamlin—Fifth Grade

A lab technician, Pat began teaching RE about five years ago. The mother of five and devoted grandmother has grown in her own faith by working with the children. "When you give you get."

Being involved in the parish RE program has had a definite impact on Pat. "Sharing my faith with the children has helped me to be more alive in my faith and more aware of God in my life.

Pat was recently married. She is very grateful to God for the many blessings in her life. 

Tammy Marcotte—Fifth Grade Aide

Linda Jasmin—Sixth Grade

This is Linda's first year being involved in RE at St. Joseph Parish. A parishioner for 30-plus years, she feels "everyone should give back to their community. To me, volunteering as a catechist seemed to be something I could do."

The wife and mother of three boys doesn't have much time for hobbies as she tries to keep up with the activities of her sons. A teacher at BBCHS and baseball coach, Linda enjoys "spending time watching my kids play sports, play their instruments and just being with my family." 

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