Jim and Maureen Otremba combine their professional expertise with their personal experience to create workbooks, workshops, and retreats that help Catholic families and ministers navigate 21st century living. Drawing on their many years in Catholic ministry, professional counseling, and education, they team up to engage their readers and audiences with high energy, humor, and concrete skills to empower people to live their Gospel calling with passion and purpose.
They are primary authors of Fully Engaged (www.getfullyengaged.com), a Catholic catechetical pre-marriage inventory and formation program for Catholic engaged couples used throughout the United States. They frequently speak to parish and diocesan audiences and have appeared on EWTN.
Jim is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota and owns The Center for Family Counseling, a state-licensed clinic in St. Cloud, MN. He holds a Master of Divinity from St. John’s University and a Master of Science in Applied Psychology from St. Cloud State University. He is currently pursuing the Doctor of Psychology degree. Jim is a regular guest on Relevant Radio’s Morning Air program and gives frequent presentations to clergy and school and parish staffs on Catholic life balance.
Maureen is an adjunct instructor of theology at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN. She holds a Master of Arts in Theology and has a rich background in teaching, faith formation, pastoral ministry, and university administration. She is a guest contributor to The Central Minnesota Catholic, the magazine of the Diocese of St. Cloud.
Jim and Maureen have been married since 1995 and are parents to three children on earth and seven in heaven. They cherish their role as parents to a son with special needs, and they find fulfillment in sharing their life experiences with a wide audience.
What some participants have said:
“Best retreat I have been to!” – Deacon participant, married 59 years
“In only 7 hours, you have helped us a thousand times more than the 4 marriage counseling meetings we went to! Your presence here today is a gift from God. I deeply thank you for giving us tools to strengthen and improve our marriage. I have prayed for help and I know that you are part of His answer.” – Married 5 years
“…We have been married 36 years and sometimes it feels like we are just roommates. I think the foundational intimacy and a renewed focus on them could really help us improve our relationship. Thank you! Both of you [are] inspiring speakers; you can tell you live your faith well.”
What other Catholic Coordinators have said:
Their warm style, deep love and knowledge for the Catholic faith is demonstrated throughout their presentations. Through the variety of topics they present, their expertise and down to earth examples make it a wonderful learning experience for all.” – Christine Codden, Director, Office of Marriage & Family in Diocese of St. Cloud; Consultant to USCCB for Marriage and Laity; Past President of the Nat’l Assoc. of Catholic Family Life Ministers
“I was very impressed by the two retreats Jim and Maureen presented . . . The content they present is solid Catholic sacramental theology. They are excellently prepared; their presentation style is dynamic and very professional; their interaction as a couple is wonderful; their good sense of humor is refreshing; their audio-visual materials and their handouts are exceptionally well done. One participant’s comments summarize much: ‘Presenters were knowledgeable, vibrant re: faith and super communicators.’ I highly recommend Jim and Maureen as retreat facilitators.” – Father Thomas Leitner, OSB, Administrator, St. Benedict Center, Schuyler, NE