Matt Biddick named Religious Educator of the Year

At the Discipleship Conference on Aug. 19 in Oklahoma City, the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma presented its 2023 Religious Educator of the Year Award to Matt Biddick of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Norman.

Biddick has 32 years of parish service and now serves as a sixth-grade boys small-group leader. He was nominated by Father Joseph Irwin, pastor, and Darby Heard, director of youth and young adult evangelization. 

Their nomination noted that, as a youth leader, Biddick encourages middle school boys to draw close to the Lord and live out true masculinity from their relationship with God. He challenges the teens to a high standard of friendship, respect and prayer.

Biddick works with other small-group leaders to create the best atmosphere and activities for the middle schoolers.

“He brings his joyful, happy, prayerful and dedicated personality to each activity, which is a wonderful example to our young people of what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus,” said Heard.

In addition to his youth ministry, Biddick is longtime volunteer with the Oklahoma Catholic Men’s Conference. He also helps maintain the parish grounds, is a Knight of Columbus, ushers, lector at daily Mass and is an adorer in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. 

“In all this activity and service, Biddick’s strongest attribute is his prayer life,” said Father Irwin. “Matt is someone who knows he cannot serve like Martha unless he first sits with the Lord like Mary.” 

The other Religious Educator of the Year finalists were Noreen Valadez, who teaches RCIC for 7-10-year-olds at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Moore and Terre Butler, who teaches youth, confirmation and RCIA at Saint Rose of Lima in Perry.


Photo Bella Gutiérrez.