Shirley Carter Excited about Possibilities
as Diocese’s Faith Formation Director
By Colleen Rowan, Editor of The Catholic SpiritWHEELING — Shirley Carter is excited about the possibilities in her new role as director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. She has served as interim director since November.
“I am also humbled about being entrusted with a position that affords such an opportunity to help build the Kingdom of God in a diocese that has blessed me in so many ways,” she said.
Carter brings to the position her 16 years of experience in campus ministry. In announcing that she had accepted the position, Very Rev. John Rice, V.G., V.F., noted that she previously served as campus minister at West Liberty University and Bethany College. She is currently an instructor for Dayton University’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation.
That experience will help her in what Bishop Mark Brennan sees as one of the most important focuses of the church right now – evangelization.
Carter emphasized the message of Bishop Brennan’s pastoral letter “Bringing People to Christ,” in which he stresses that all are called to evangelize.
“The real importance lies in each of our responsibility to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in a time that our world sorely needs to hear it,” Carter said. “And since I have been taught, and truly believe, that our church has the fullness of the truth there is no better time to proclaim it.”
When asked what she most wants to accomplish in this role, she said she has a number of ideas and things she sees as important.
“But after being in ministry for many years, I have learned that my plans are not always the Lord’s plans,” she said. “So, I am praying every day that he will work through me in whatever way is best for the people of the diocese. But the catechist in me knows that passing on the faith is essential, so I am hoping to focus on that with various populations (and) ages and in different settings.”
She is looking forward to her work as director of Faith Formation, but it is bittersweet as she leaves campus ministry.
“It will be difficult leaving the young adult population to and with whom I have ministered. They keep a person young. But I am enjoying my time with wonderful people at the chancery and making new connections around the diocese.”
Carter has a bachelor’s degree from West Liberty and a Master of Applied Theology from Wheeling Jesuit University. In his announcement, Father Rice said she has been involved in various forms of ministry throughout her life including director of parish youth ministry and director of spiritual formation at a local elementary school followed by seven years as the director of Retreats and Leadership programs at Wheeling Jesuit University.
Carter is the mother of four grown daughters and 12 grandchildren. She is a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Wheeling.
