Book club helps adults with religious growth

Not the fat, squiggly ones but the human types who read books. Some parishioners think that it's likely that these worms will increase in number.

It's all part of a unique approach to adult catechesis that parishioners at the Columbia County parish devised several years ago when they formed an adult education committee.

Adult focus

Then someone suggested a monthly book club. The idea was appealing to committee members, who looked at it as an innovative way to promote Catholic values through the discussion of contemporary and classic books, fiction and non-fiction.

Today, the book club at St. James is going strong, offering its members an opportunity to make new friends, read a popular book each month and share their opinions with one another.

Popular group

The titles and authors of all the books that are being read are posted in the weekly bulletin and on a parish calendar so that any parishioner can read what the club is reading.

"Occasionally, a parishioner will come forward and ask to temporarily join a group in order to read and discuss a particular book," Mrs. Mondel said. "Since each group is independent of the others, members determine whether or not a person can temporarily join."

Book fairs

"When we formed our group, we wanted it to be a different type of book club," said Joseph Mondel, Connie's husband, who coordinates the book fairs.

"The Advent sale is a big one," he said. "People buy lots of books for Christmas gifts, for loved ones or just for themselves. Most of the books we order are on theology, spirituality or prayer. They're the big sellers."

Library

According to Mr. Mondel, the library offers "a comfortable spot for reading, studying or discussion." It will be dedicated during a ceremony in the autumn.

Mrs. Mondel sees a growing interest in the club in the four years it has been active. "Reading is very important to both Joe and me," she said, "Through the book club, we are encouraging others to enjoy it as well."

"People come together to read a book," Mr. Mondel said. "Then they discuss that book. As they become more familiar with each other, they open up and share their feelings with the group. It is another way of bringing people together. Once they begin discussing things, they are not only discussing books but also themselves, their own lives, their feelings. Really, it is a form of prayer.

"Ultimately, the parish book club is a subtle way of providing ongoing education for adults by way of self-direction, leadership and prayer. It is a ministry."

(09-13-01) [[In-content Ad]]