Gathering '97 ignites hundreds of Catholics

Nearly 1,000 Catholics from across the Albany Diocese flooded the campus of Hudson Valley Community College in Troy Oct. 24-25 for Gathering '97, one of the final events of the diocesan Sesquicentennial celebration.

Nationally known speakers spoke of how Catholics can move the Church into the future. One of them, Rev. Edward M. Hays, a priest of the Kansas City, Kansas, Archdiocese and a speaker on contemporary spirituality, delivered the Oct. 24 keynote address, titled "Catch the Vision -- On Fire!" He used the image of fire in his remarks.

"Baptism made each one of us flaming missionaries of Jesus," he told the standing-room-only crowd. "The presenters here are eager to help you catch that vision of Jesus. You also are to play with fire. Our hope is that all of you will become prayerful pyromaniacs possessed by the desire to 'set fire' to parish churches."

Flames of faith

Father Hays said that the Second Vatican Council set the Church on fire 30 years ago, resulting in many changes. But, he added, the changes are not the destination for the Church.

He acknowledged that change can be frightening and dangerous, but necessary. "The Holy Spirit is saying, 'Don't just stand there and pray; un-do something,'" Father Hays said. "Un-do the doom and gloom; un-do the red tape."

He called for a new energy and zeal, a new hope found in the future, and a new commitment to trusting in God.

"The golden age of the Church is just rising," he said. "It's in tomorrow."

Spirit-filled

The Oct. 25 keynote, "Catch the Vision Filled with the Spirit," was given by Sister Donna Markham, OP, an expert on Church ministry, Christian community and human development.

She called for "spirit-linking leadership," which takes place when people dream together; manage conflict; risk having difficult conversations; and build bridges across titles, genders, ethnic groups and economic situations.

"Spirit linking is recognizing this is a new moment, a new time," she said. "It is hope, excitement. It has a lot to do with courage, love and compassion."

Spirit linking is necessary, she said, because "each person has something enormously important to contribute. We must believe in the worth and value of each person we come in contact with."

Full agenda

Other speakers included Kathleen Chesto, author and lecturer on family ministry and religious education; Rev. Walter Burghardt, SJ, senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center in Washington, and an expert in preaching; Rev. Jorge Chacon and Maricela Quintana, director and associate director of the Hispanic Apostolate in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey; Marty Haugen, liturgical composer and concert presenter; Eileen Tabert, vice chancellor for community affairs for the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey; and Rev. Francis Dorff, O. Praem., a priest of the Norbertine Community in Alberquerque, New Mexico, author, and spiritual director.

The participants were pleased to hear such nationally known speakers. Said Susan Nesbitt, campus minister at Oneonta's Hartwick College and the State University of New York at Oneonta: "I'm excited that speakers of this magnitude came here. They came right here on our doorstep. It's a shame everyone didn't come. It's been an excellent, excellent Gathering. I think everybody feels they're going back to move forth with the vision."

"I enjoyed Father Burghardt," said Judy Smith, a parishioner at St. Marie's Church in Cohoes. "He was wonderful. Donna Markham was very good, too. She said we're all part of the community and should share our gifts."

Gathering '97 was the first Sesquicentennial event Mrs. Smith has attended. "I've been reading about it and I got a call from a friend so I came," she said.

It was also the first Sesquicentennial event for Bob Wubbenhorst, a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Church in Bolton Landing. He said: "I liked Father Burghardt. He had a good message. I liked what he had to say."

Prayer together

Attendees participated in three prayer services. The service on Oct. 24 included music led by the Diocesan Youth Choir and a renewal of baptismal promises. The morning prayer on Oct. 25 was led by the Black Catholic Apostolate choir. The concluding prayer focused on the Beatitudes, with reflections spoken in several languages, including Spanish, Italian, African, Korean, French, Lithuanian, Polish and English. The music was led by the Diocesan Adult Choir.

Gathering '97 was the result of three years of planning by a committee made up of representatives of many diocesan offices.

(10-30-97) [[In-content Ad]]