March 29, 2024

Sacred Heart Catholic Church welcomes new education director

A new recruit from Florida has joined the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton. Joe Fey is the new director of Lifelong Faith Formation in the Religious Education department at the church.

Fey, who is originally from Indiana, began in the seminary studying to be a priest and a teacher. He received his teaching degree at Marian College in Indianapolis. Out of school, he taught for four years, then got an opportunity to work in parish ministry.

“I started in Illinois and have moved around a little bit to different places,” Fey said.

He decided to continue his education and got his master’s in theology in 1996 at Saint Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. After his last position in Florida, Fey widened his search for a new job, including the Midwest.

“I wasn’t a real big fan of the heat in Florida. I’m focusing on having a job and working in a community. I’m from southern Indiana so I love the Midwest,” Fey said.

It almost seemed he was meant for the job. After finding out a conference happened to bring Sacred Heart Rev. Bill Reynolds to Orlando for a conference, Fey was able to speak with him there and got the position.

“I’m very happy here. I’m just enjoying already the community here of Newton, especially the parish,” Fey said.

Fey had only been to Iowa once before on a family vacation with a stop in Dubuque.

As a part of the education portion of the church, Fey will focus on the adult members.

“My focus here is primarily adults but I am also helping to teach the junior high with sacramental preparation, doing confirmation,” Fey said. “We’re excited about some of the new programs that we will be doing. We have about seven or eight small groups that meet throughout the week. Doing some Bible study groups.”

Right of Christian Initiation of Adults is another program that is starting for those interested in the Catholic faith.

Describing himself as a country boy, Fey feels right at home in a smaller community and church.

“I have found the people in this parish and in this community some of the friendliest I have ever met,” Fey said.

He is also excited to have the four seasons back and isn’t scared of the snow.

“I like being here, I feel good here.”

Renny Crawford also recently joined the church as a new employee. Her focus is mainly on K-12 classes and activities.

A meet and greet will be after masses this weekend for both Fey and Crawford.

Contact Staff Writer Jamee A. Pierson at (641) 792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com.