Catholics find info, inspiration

This week, hundreds of Catholics are attending the annual Spring Enrichment at The College of Saint Rose in Albany. Spring Enrichment, sponsored by the Albany diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, offers several main speakers and scores of workshops to deepen participants' understanding of their faith.

As they gathered, staff writer Pat Pasternak asked some Catholics why they came:

* Carol Tamlin, coordinator of the faith formation program at St. Thomas the Apostle parish, Delmar: "I come every year because our faith is ever-changing, ever-growing. Each year, I get a different perspective on something. My son is in the Marines and might be going to Iran. These discussions give me solace and peace; they help me find strength in the Gospels."

* Jim Karge, St. Mary's parish, Glens Falls: "This is the fourth year I've been coming to Spring Enrichment. I'm working towards getting my advanced certification [as a catechist]. I just love the wonderful speakers, and I get so much out of the workshops. The information is great. I teach sixth-grade faith formation, and we do a lot of work on the Old Testament. It's always nice to learn something new or get a different outlook on something."

* Liz McNamara, Corpus Christi parish, Round Lake: "When I fill in the applications for these classes, I just put down that I am a 'seeker' because that's what I am. I want to pursue spiritual enrichment on my own, and learning something new about my faith is wonderful."

* Mary Jo Brown, Corpus Christi parish, Round Lake: "I've been coming for about three years to improve my general knowledge and understanding of my faith and the Catholic Church."

* Rev. Anthony Childs, pastor of St. John the Baptist parish, Greenville: "I want to hear [Rev. Anthony Gittins, the keynoter's] presentation to priests. I heard him speak two years ago on theological updates. He is a very engaging speaker, dynamic. He held our attention very well and gave us things to think about."

* Oliver Ploof, St. Mary/St. Paul's parish, Hudson Falls: "I came last year for the first time and really enjoyed the classes I took. I've returned because I hope to do some follow-up on those first classes. I picked classes that have to do with Jesus. They give me a lot of information and a lot to think about."

(5/27/04)