'All of us are called to ministry'

This spring, the Albany diocesan Formation for Ministry program is marking its 20th anniversary. The Evangelist recently met with C. Elizabeth Rowe, its director, to talk about FMP.

Q. Why was the Formation for Ministry program started?

Ms. Rowe: All of us are called to ministry. At the time the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) called for active participation of the laity in the life of the Church, there was not a great need for lay participation in many ministries. It was actually unusual to see that. Most ministers then were priests, and religious sisters and brothers. It wasn't until the 1980s, when there was a drop in the number of ordinations to the priesthood and in religious communities, that the need arose for increased lay involvement in ministry.

I always tell people that I believe the Holy Spirit moved the writers of the Second Vatican Council to summon the laity to active ministry in that context. The response of the laity has grown tremendously since the '80s. FMP has been active in the Albany Diocese since 1984.

Q. What is the purpose of the program?

Ms. Rowe: FMP serves to intensify spiritual growth of the individual. It affirms the [Spirit-given] gifts of each participant, and helps them discern what those gifts are and how to use them.

Q. How does that happen?

Ms. Rowe: They are affirmed through various modules of adult learning over a two-year period to develop a clear understanding of the Church and its mission in the post-Vatican II era. This is done through a carefully prepared curriculum that includes courses in communication skills, Church history, Ecclesiology, family systems theory, prayer, Eucharist, Hebrew and Christian Scripture study, moral theology, the sacraments, community building, faith-sharing and discernment of gifts.

They can then apply their pastoral skills to the appropriate ministry and ministry leadership. The program is designed to build community and encourage participants in the living out of their baptismal call in their daily lives.

Q. What is your vision for the program in the future?

Ms. Rowe: We are committed to building community within the parishes of the Albany Diocese and for providing experiences for people from those parishes to become mature Christians, able to completely discern the full scope of their abilities.

(Requirements for the program: Three years of active membership in a parish/cluster; experience in ministry; openness to the theology of the Second Vatican Council; an active, growing faith and healthy self-image; proven ability to relate to people in a positive, effective way; appropriate references; if married, spouse's support; good health. For information, call the FMP office at 453-6670.)

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