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After more than 20 years of ministry to adults at St. Madeleine Sophie parish in Guilderland and St. Gabriel's in Rotterdam, PARET (the Parish Adult Religious Education Team) has revamped its efforts at adult education and ministry.

"There is a general need in the Church for adult enrichment. Faith formation is ongoing," explained Lorraine DeCuyper. "There's always more for us to know. God is too big for us to know everything about Him."

Mrs. DeCuyper is a member of a new ministry called Adult Christian Enrichment, or ACE, an updated version of PARET formed to better provide ongoing faith formation for the adults of the two parishes.

Planning for ACE began in the spring. Adult parishioners were surveyed on their preferences for study topics, format of the sessions and more.

Topic choices ranged from the Bible and the basics of what Catholics believe to eschatology and ecclesiology. The variety ensures the sessions will be fruitful for participants.

Based on responses to the survey, sessions have already been planned for the fall, including a bereavement support group, a book discussion and a panel of priests, deacons and parish life directors who will answer questions about the faith.

"We had questions on where to begin and what to offer," said Mrs. DeCuyper; "so we thought, Let's ask [the parishioners]. This way, we can reach adults on all levels - which will hopefully lead to an enlivenment of faith, a deeper knowledge of Christ, the peace that comes from that and a more vibrant parish."

(08/19/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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