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While a small group of families mingled in the gymnasium at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church in Gloversville, Ginger Trippodo became nostalgic for the heyday of its innovative religious education program.

Just four years ago, "we started out great," the pastoral associate for faith formation recalled. "We saw a need, and at first we saw the crowds. Then, after a while, the numbers started dwindling."

When the parish began its whole community faith formation program in 2005, close to 200 individuals registered as part of the group. Today, that number is less than 40. 

Undeterred, Ms. Trippodo and her colleagues continue teaching the lessons of Jesus to families of all ages in an imaginative approach that breaks down age barriers. 
"It's intergenerational," explained Ms. Trippodo. "We've tried to mix it up because everybody learns differently."

On April 26, families attended to learn together about the sacrament of Eucharist. With a number of children receiving their First Communion next weekend, Rev. Donald Czelusniak felt it was important for the parents, as well as the children, to understand its significance.

Parental lesson
"The message is always different," the pastor said. "We hope to help everyone understand it and have a better appreciation for it. With that, we hope they have a hunger for God and realize there are things in life that can only be fulfilled by the Lord."

Alan and Mary Peck have attended St. Mary of Mount Carmel for 10 years, and also attend the program to give their three children a better connection to their faith.

"We use it as a 'focus time' on spirituality for our family," said Mrs. Peck.

Their sons, John and Joshua, will receive their First Communion on May 3. 

Meanwhile, their 18-year-old daughter, Rebecca, was also involved in the program, playing the Virgin Mary in an opening skit to give everyone a better understanding of important figures in the Bible.

"I think it's a great way to get everybody in the community involved," she said.
Karen Hoose, another pastoral associate, praised the families for making the program succeed. 

"It's been wonderful to see the families come out together and each do their piece," she said. "And it's not only kids, but also the adults get a better understanding."

Getting ready
The families spent their day in a variety of activities, including learning the basic ingredients for baking bread. The day concluded with the group holding its own "Eucharistic celebration," which included a breaking and sharing of unconsecrated bread on a candlelit, cross-shaped tablecloth, complete with grape juice for the children.

The events proved powerful for the young Catholics.

"I get to have the Body of Christ," boasted seven-year-old Jacob Camprone.
His friend, P.J. Clat, added: "I can be a part of the Church now."

Event the parents came away impressed. "I find it very interesting," said Jacob's mother, Lisa Camprone. "I think it's amazing how they can take such a mysterious thing and be able to teach that in a way for all of us to understand." [[In-content Ad]]

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