A reception was held in honor of Schweiger’s retirement June 26 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center where diocesan employees, friends and former colleagues were able to wish him well.
“Verne is the living example of the Catholic teaching of respecting life and the dignity of the human person,” said Marie Widmann, director of Pro-Life Catholic Ministries for the diocese.
During the reception, Bishop Gerald Barnes presented Schweiger with an episcopal blessing.
“There are many people that I turn to for counsel; Verne’s name is always among the mix,” Bishop Barnes said.
Schweiger began working in the Office of Social Concerns shortly after it was formed in 1999. Throughout his tenure in Social Concerns, first as a member of the office and later as director, he helped establish the programs and resources the office currently offers.
Education and formation have been the real focus and passion throughout his life, he says, and it was reflected in his work. He taught Salt and Light, a course introducing the Catholic Social Teaching and was involved in other trainings and formation sessions sponsored by the office and by other diocesan offices.
While promoting the basic principles of Catholic Social Teaching to those in formation for the diaconate and lay ministry, Schweiger experienced the diversity of the people in the diocese. He learned much from interacting with people of different cultures and backgrounds, he says.
“My hope is that the programs we have created will be built upon and grow,” Schweiger said. “We’ve worked to build on the vision the Bishops have for this Church. It has been wonderful to be able to share in that great reality.”
As he looks to the future, Schweiger does not plan to leave ministry altogether. He says he hopes his next venture will be more hands-on, working directly with the people.
Aside from searching for a new ministry, Schweiger is also looking forward to having time for his family and hobbies.
“I’d also like some time to take the grandkids out. My passion has been to go backpacking and canoeing,” Schweiger said. “I’d like to get in a couple more trips before I can’t do it anymore.”