Reviews by Contributor

Nancy Gerdes

Home educating “since conception” of her twin sons (now freshmen in college), Nancy has enjoyed 19 blessed years in the home education ranks. Three daughters followed who are now 17, 11, and 8. Mark and Nancy have been married for 22 years after meeting at South Dakota State University where Mark completed his bachelor of science in pharmacy and Nancy her bachelor of science in nursing. Nancy worked as a nurse in the areas of coronary care, surgery and same day surgery before “retiring” to nurse her babies!

Nancy served the South Dakota Home School Association for many years as the contact person before helping found St. Margaret’s Fellowship (SMF), the thriving area Catholic home education group. The group has grown to about 60 active member families. As president of group, Nancy enjoys being the contact person for people interested in SMF, fostering a strong relationship between SMF and the local diocese, and working with the five member board. SMF is blessed to have a positive relationship with the Diocese of Sioux Falls and has been assigned a chaplain to assist with the spiritual formation of member families. Nancy shares SMF membership with fellow contributors Mary Daly and Ana Braga-Henebry.

Music has been a lifelong passion in Nancy’s life. Teaching private piano students on a limited basis, accompanying for the four SMF choirs, weddings, funerals, cantors and the adult choir at the Parish of St. Michael all keep Nancy celebrating the liturgical rhythm of life. Sharing music with her two youngest daughters (piano and violin), has added immense joy to her life. She also accompanies the young violinists in her daughters’ violin studio and is privileged to share the journey and joy of so many young musicians.

Nancy continues her ongoing spiritual formation through the master catechist program put on by the Diocese of Sioux Falls. She is part of a second cohort journeying towards a yet-unknown date of commissioning. Reading the catechism, church documents, and studying the ecclesial method have added a deeper appreciation for the mission of the Church in the world and for parents as primary educators of their children.