Spirit of Francis

Christine (Drahos) Newkirk ’03, ’06 is the Director of the Office of Ecclesial Ministries and Diocesan Consultation with the Diocese of Superior, a position she has held for the past 15 years of her 24-year career there.

Newkirk supports all the parishes within the 16 counties of the diocese, located throughout Northern Wis. She assists with planning and development and helps parishes manage change and group dynamics. She provides diocesan-sponsored programs and workshops, including their School of Servant Leadership and Professional Development Days.

The Diocese of Superior’s School of Servant Leadership is a direct result of Newkirk’s Viterbo experience. She earned her bachelor’s degree in integrated studies in 2003, followed by a Master of Arts in Servant Leadership in 2006.

“I can intentionally foster servant leadership concepts with those who lead in our parishes. It is also a prerequisite for application to the Permanent Diaconate,” she said about the School of Servant Leadership at the Diocese of Superior.

In addition to her expansive roles with the diocese, Newkirk works with international priests. “They so generously come from halfway around the world for pastoral service and leadership in this diocese. They are truly a gift to the diocese and in reminding us that we are one body in Christ, the universal Church,” she said.

She also has direct responsibility for the vetting and formation of men who are discerning the permanent diaconate prior to their ordination.

Newkirk said she is humbled and grateful to accept the Spirit of Francis award. “It is an honor to know that my efforts have not gone unnoticed. It means that I have had wonderful mentors throughout my life, starting with my parents and siblings, and then my husband and son.”

Newkirk is committed to encouraging other parish leaders to embrace and practice the concepts of servant leadership within their lives and ministry. “I am proud to say that at least three other people from our diocese have also attained a Master of Arts in Servant Leadership from Viterbo because of my efforts,” she said.

She personally fostered servant leadership as a way of living, and Viterbo professors and classmates helped her be more intentional about continuing to build those skills. “To name, claim, and frame that intentionally,” she said. “I try to live a life in relationships with others in a way that is respectful, welcoming, and hospitable. I strive to be a good co-worker and foster a sense of teamwork. Everyone’s contribution counts,” Newkirk explained.

Newkirk is active within her community. She is a member of the Rusk County Transportation Commission and on their strategic planning committee. She sits on the board of the Indianhead Community Action Agency Board of Directors, and she is a committee member on the Wisconsin Judicare Board of Directors, representing the low-income population. In addition, she serves on the Extraordinary Communion Distribution for her parish, and she is a former board member for Marywood Spirituality Center in Arbor Vitae, Wis.

Newkirk is a Distinguished Graduate award recipient from Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Ladysmith, Wis.

She offered advice to Viterbo students. “Cherish the experience, take it seriously, and be intentional about sharing what you have learned. You will change the world in big and practical ways. Serve others with joy and encourage others to be the best versions of themselves, even when life is challenging, difficult, or chaotic. Take time for leisure, prayer, reflection, and to enjoy life, too, as it is some of the most sacred and fruitful time.”

She hopes to impact her granddaughters with what she calls her “grandma apprentice” concepts, teaching them that service well done is worth their effort. “It’s something I learned from my own family.”

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