First-of-kind meeting explores documents

All bishops, pastors, priests, diocesan directors, superintendents of Catholic schools, principals, and catechetical and youth ministry leaders are invited to attend, said Jeanne Schrempf, director of the Albany diocesan Office of Religious Education (ORE).

The ORE, which expects 100 people from the Diocese to attend, has arranged for two buses to transport people to the Nov. 7 event in Syracuse. Those unable to attend that meeting can attend the Nov. 6 convocation in Douglaston (in the Brooklyn Diocese), but they will have to find their own transportation.

Bishop Howard Hubbard, Syracuse Bishop James Moynihan, and Bishop Henry Mansell of Buffalo will speak at the event in Syracuse. Presentations on the General Directory will be given by representatives from the U.S. Catholic Conference. Part of the day will also be devoted to the role of the catechist.

"All of these documents are important," Mrs. Schrempf said, "but the most important element is the catechist. Our faith will not be handed down authentically if we don't form the catechist."

Those who attend the event will take away a better understanding of the new documents and how these documents affect their own ministry, she said, as well as what can be done to motivate and equip catechists for their ministry.

Mrs. Schrempf is looking forward to the event as "an affirming time of renewal."

(Those interested in attending the Nov. 7 meeting in Syracuse should contact the Office of Religious Education at 453-6630 for a registration form as well as information on the bus. The registration fee is $20 per person.)(MM)

(09-24-98) [[In-content Ad]]