Center enriches faith

This fall marks the first anniversary of the Center for Faith Enrichment at St. James Church in Chatham, an innovative educational effort in collaboration with other parishes, such as St. John the Baptist in Valatie, and even the Chatham Synagogue.

The center provides opportunities for adults to learn more about their faith through small group offerings, events and self study.

Last year’s offerings were well received by parishioners of St. James, said Harry Schmitz, a member of the coordinating team. The events drew from 30 to 200 people each, he said. One was co-sponsored by the Jewish congregation down the road.

Tailored to you

Organizers believe one of the reasons so many people attended the events were because the offerings were designed to enrich participants' faith rather than to teach or present doctrine.

“This is not adult faith formation,” Dr. Schmitz said. “It is adult faith enrichment. This is an opportunity for open inquiry, to engage in dialogue. No one is coming in with the answers.”

Rev. Gary Gelfenbien, pastor of St. James, agreed. In a letter to parishioners, he wrote: 

“All programs provide you with meaningful ways to explore your faith through open inquiry and constructive conversation.”

Full harvest

The fall semester offers 28 lectures, events, and discussions. There are also seven concerts planned, and a Family Forum to discuss child rearing and behavior. In addition there are resources for self study, special events for young adults, and regular book discussion groups.

“We’re offering a multifaceted approach,” Dr. Schmitz said. “No one venue will do.”
Plans for the Center for Faith Enrichment began in 2006, Dr. Schmitz said after Father Gelfenbien saw an opportunity to help Catholics continue in their growth and learning.
“There is a tremendous need for adult faith development,” said Dr. Schmitz.

Beyond Confirmation

He said that many Catholic adults finished their formal Catholic education after receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. Those who went to Catholic colleges may have taken additional courses, but he said there is a need for lifelong religious and spiritual development.

The center tries to offer programs that are of interest to adults of all age groups, from young adults to senior citizens.

Last year the Center for Faith Enrichment offered a four-part series on realizing the fullness of life. It was designed for the elderly, ill and caregivers.

One goal organizers have for the upcoming year is to meet the needs of young adults. This is a challenge, Dr. Schmitz said, because the U.S. bishops define young adulthood as those between the ages of 19 and 39. Within that age group there are a variety of needs, he said.

Young minds

This year the Center for Faith Enrichment will offer programs to capture young adults used to participating in youth ministry programs. One offering is the “Theology and Café Latte Club.” Participants, Dr. Schmitz said, will see a movie together and then meet at a local coffee house for discussion.

The Center for Faith Enrichment also utilizes resources available on the Internet. The 12-page program catalogue provides recommended websites. This provides participants the opportunity to search for information and resources at their own pace.

Utilizing technology is important, Dr. Schmitz said. “I make phone calls. [Young adults] conduct business online,” he said. “That’s where young people are. If the Church doesn’t have a presence on the web, we’re missing the boat.”

Organizers of the Center for Faith Enrichment will be presenting a workshop at the annual Parish Convening Oct. 25 at Christian Brothers Academy in Albany (see www.rcda.org) to share the model they created. The group is also working with representatives from parishes in the Columbia County deanery to help the Center for Faith Enrichment grow.

(10/2/08)