April 26, 2013

Archdiocese hires new director of Pro-Life and Family Life Ministries

Criterion staff report

Rebecca NiemergThe archdiocese has announced that Rebecca Niemerg has been appointed to the newly created position of Director of Pro-Life and Family Life Ministries. She will begin her new job on July 1.

Niemerg possesses a thorough understanding of Church teaching, a wealth of experience in ministry, a deep personal commitment to the sacredness of all human life, and a passion for protecting the most vulnerable among us, said Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin.

The archdiocese recently combined the director of pro-life ministries and director of family ministries into one position. Niemerg is looking forward to the challenge of shaping and growing the new role.

Since 2010, she has served the Diocese of Austin as pastoral care coordinator in the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living. Her responsibilities included directing and coordinating Gabriel Projects, Project Rachel, the Pro-Life Helpline and Sidewalk Ministry.

She also served as the assistant coordinator of the Respect Life Office in the Archdiocese of New York, where she helped to organize the annual March for Life pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., and designed Respect Life resources for parishes.

Niemerg has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in community health from Eastern Illinois University. She is completing a master’s degree in theology with a concentration in moral theology from Holy Apostles Seminary and College in Cromwell, Ct. Her studies will also lead to certification from the Philadelpha-based National Catholic Bioethics Center.

“I’m very excited to be serving the people of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis,” said Niemerg. “I look forward to meeting new people and bringing ideas from Austin to Indianapolis.”

Niemerg is originally from Illinois and says she is excited about returning to the Midwest, where she will once again be close to family. †

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