Enrichment enriches attendees with knowledge and solidarity

For some, it was the first time they participated in the annual four-day program that offers a wide variety of courses on such topics as theology, spirituality and the parables of Jesus. For others, yearly attendance has become a way to keep up with new ideas and old friends.

Here is a sampling of why people chose to attend this year's program and what they gleaned from the courses they decided to take:

* Rev. Kenneth Tunny: "I came to hear Father Michael Himes (keynote speaker; see page 13) speak on theology. He spoke about reasons for the existence of the Catholic Church. He was great!" As a diocesan priest, Father Tunney also sees the need to "keep up with the latest ideas on the theology of the Catholic Church."

* Sister Yvette Martin, CSJ, pastoral associate for pastoral care/social outreach at Our Lady of Mercy parish, Colonie: "I look at this program as a wonderful opportunity to hear a lot of speakers that are gathered together for a short period of time. I also like to take some of the wide variety of courses offered. I always manage to meet people who are in the same ministry as I, and we get to exchange lots of good ideas."

* Sister Joan Vlaun, OP, pastoral associate at St. John the Evangelist Church, Schenectady: "This year, I came to hear Father Himes speak. He was wonderful, very empowering." She feels that Spring Enrichment always provides new insights, this year particularly on the Incarnation and Redemption. She added that this year's program also increased her "awareness of the concepts of nature and grace."

* Chris Murynec, from St. John the Baptist parish, Valatie: "This is my second year attending Spring Enrichment. My philosophy is, 'You can never learn enough.' I enjoy listening to some very good speakers. I always seem to get some great advice, too. This year, what fell into place for me was that we, as God's Church, can 'be there' for everyone. There is a place for all of us in this Church."

* Barbara Berger, coordinator of religious education at Nativity/St. Mary's parish, Stuyvesant Falls: "As always, I get great ideas to take back to my parish and use in our program. I always walk away from these courses with a lot of things to think about, especially areas that might need focus in my own life. I can also utilize the things I've learned about the lives of those to whom I minister."

* John Ronsani, youth minister from Nativity/St. Mary's, Stuyvesant Falls: "This is my first time at Spring Enrichment. I came to increase my knowledge of youth ministry. We are implementing a new curriculum in our parish religious ed program -- human sexuality -- and the course I am taking will enhance my understanding of youth ministry in general. I think it has also empowered me to provide the best possible method of instruction for the youth of our parish. I particularly liked the course, 'Call and Mission of the Youth Minister.'"

* Al Margiotta, pastoral minister from Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Schenectady: "We can always learn, and that's why I am here. Father Himes did an excellent job in explaining love and what the Church is all about. I particularly like the course on healthy grieving. It provided helpful hints on suffering and offered ways that the pastoral minister can help to heal those who are suffering. We learned that this is what the Church is here for: to help those in need." Mr. Margiotta hopes that he will gain further insight on his role as pastoral minister and that the courses he took will help his sensitivity in recognizing those who need the services of his ministry.

* Rev. William Bauer, pastor of St. John the Baptist, Greenville: "I heard Father Himes speak several years ago when he addressed a group of diocesan priests at our annual gathering. I was very impressed with what he had to say then, and I came to catch up on any new theological insights he might have. I also came to socialize with my brother priests. We don't get to spend a lot of time with each other, and Spring Enrichment is the perfect opportunity for such a get-together. I'm glad to be here!"

* Ray Lewis, catechist from St. Mary/St. Paul's Church, Hudson Falls: "This is my second year at Spring Enrichment, and I am here for my intermediate certification as a religious education teacher. I came several years back to be certified for the lower grades. I have received new insights on how to approach young people at this age level, and have heard other's ideas and different strategies. The course I took on 'Adolescents and Scripture' was really interesting."

* Walt Roscello, catechist and youth minister at St. Michael's parish, Troy: "I have been teaching religious ed for five years, and I came to learn some fresh, new approaches on teaching Scripture. I also learned how to get young adults to open up regarding their own thoughts and feelings on their spirituality, [and how to] get them to talk about God."

* Dianne Galarneau, coordinator of youth ministry at St. John the Evangelist parish, Schenectady: "I am here to continue my advanced certification for youth ministry and also to gain a keener insight into Catholic sacramentality and sacramental principles." She has been attending Spring Enrichment for "many years" and believes that, over time, people can become "stagnant in areas of spirituality." She attends the program every year because it "prompts us to grow so we can give to our students what they need to continue their faith journey."

(05-17-01) [[In-content Ad]]