People
Gerard F. Baumbach
Concurrent Professor, Department of Theology and Professional Specialist and Director, Center for Catechetical Initiatives, Institute for Church Life
(B.A., Saint Michael's College [VT], 1968; M.Ed., University of Maryland, 1975; Ed.D., New York University, 1989)
Profile
At Notre Dame Prof. Baumbach has spearheaded the development and implementation of Echo: Faith Formation Leadership Program, an initiative that forms new parish catechetical leaders for service in dioceses and parishes in the United States. His scholarly interests are in the history and theory of catechesis, mystagogical catechesis, initiation and the catechumenate, creative linkages between spirituality and catechesis, and approaches for the application of ecclesial documentation to contemporary parish life. Prior to joining Notre Dame, Baumbach served for nearly 25 years at William H. Sadlier, Inc. in New York City, where his last position was executive vice president and publisher. His more than three decades of service to catechesis include several years of parish catechetical leadership.
In 2003 Baumbach received the F. Sadlier Dinger Award for his leadership of and service to catechesis nationally and internationally. He also received a 2003 Catholic Press Association Award for his article dealing with his and his son's experience of 9/11. The student and teacher texts (Grades K-6) of the catechetical series he initiated, "Sadlier We Believe," were awarded first place by the Catholic Press Association in its Educational Book Award Category in 2004.
Baumbach served as Chair for the Subgroup for Religious Education, Youth Ministry, and Adult Education as a member of the USCC Task Force on Catholic Social Teaching and Catholic Education (1995-1999) and also served on the USCCB Task Group on Children and the Liturgy (2001-2005). He is a member of the Board of Directors of Ave Maria Press and a member of the "With Courage and Commitment: A Strategic Vision" Goals Committee of the National Catholic Educational Association.
He is author of Experiencing Mystagogy (1996), Spirituality for Lent and Easter (1998), and Letters from a Wounded Heart: Reflections to Strengthen and Comfort Your Soul (2000), all from Paulist Press. In addition to writing articles on topics relating to catechesis, Prof. Baumbach has directed and/or participated in the publication preparation process for numerous Sadlier publications. He is listed on more than 300 catechetical books (including texts and adult guides), contributing to product development in such roles as publisher, collaborator, contributor, consultant, and editorial board member.
Baumbach has traveled and spoken extensively on such topics as adult faith formation; catechesis; spirituality; RCIA; spirituality of leadership; Catholic identity; sacramental formation; sacraments of initiation; contemporary culture; and priesthood and catechesis.
Contact
239 Malloy Hall
574-631-6060
Gerard.F.Baumbach.2@nd.edu