April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
CATECHIST
Honoree still leads RCIA program at 85
Honoree still leads RCIA program at 85
If that's not enough of an achievement in itself, Mr. Styczynski is being honored by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum with a senior lifetime achievement award.
The CDSIF is an interfaith initiative that encourages dialogue and continuing education of seniors, with a particular focus on advocacy for seniors on issues of faith. The CDSIF's lifetime achievement awards have been offered since 1998; this year's ceremony will be held Oct. 20 at Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany.
Mr. Styczynski's recognition is for two decades of service as a catechist in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) at St. Ambrose.
"I was a [confirmation] sponsor for the first year," he said. That was 20 years ago. Along with his wife, Nancy, Mr. Styczynski has influenced the faith of countless people making the journey to toward full communion with the Catholic Church -- and the faith of their loved ones.
That's the best part, he said: Not only is he teaching the RCIA candidates, but he's influencing their sponsors and families, as well.
Mr. Styczynski has been active in the Church his entire life. "I believe in the Catholic Church and the faith," he said.
An altar server for 17 years, he graduated from Catholic Central High School in Troy in 1940; from 1952-53, he served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War.
When he came back home, he earned a degree in engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy. After working for various companies, including General Electric, Mr. Styczynski decided to start his own business.
RGS Technologies "designed and manufactured automation machinery. I did that for 30 years," he told The Evangelist.
Now officially retired, Mr. Styczynski creates illustrations for patent attorneys of products and inventions that are in the process of being patented. He enjoys the work, calling it more of a hobby than a chore.
As a catechist, his work is a ministry. Mr. Styczynski prays daily, writing down most of his thoughts; he's even written a few books of his reflections, which can be found at Barnes and Noble's website.
He is dedicated to leading RCIA classes. "People come in and they don't know anything about the Catholic faith," he said. "After two or three months, people start to really get involved. That keeps me going back. These people really get on fire."
Mr. Styczynski said he's happy to be honored with the CDSIF lifetime achievement award. He hopes it will inspire others to be involved in their faith, especially with the RCIA process.[[In-content Ad]]
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