How Renew 2000 affected me

By BISHOP HOWARD J. HUBBARD- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

For six weeks, I had the privilege of being part of a Renew 2000 small faith community. Each week, I gathered with my group for prayer, reflection and faith-sharing. Together, we explored the mystery of the Trinity and the wonder of God's creation. We spoke of ways we meet Jesus in our daily lives. We listened to each other and prayed together. During the week, between our meetings, we remembered each other in daily prayer. Each of us learned and grew; each of us contributed and shared.

I must confess that I entered the sessions with more than a little apprehension. Although I had a nodding acquaintanceship with the other participants, I didn't have any real relationships with them. That was a source of concern since by dint of personality, I tend to be rather reserved and non-disclosing until I have a level of comfort with others.

Furthermore, I was the only male in the group and worried that that, coupled with my role as a bishop, would be an inhibiting factor, both for myself and the other members.

Quite frankly, those fears and misgivings were quickly dispelled. The Renew materials and discussion questions facilitated a dialogue which was both stimulating and non-threatening. By the end of the first session, a rapport was established; and by the completion of the first season, there was a genuine bond of friendship and camaraderie.

It was extremely helpful to gain both a lay and female perspective on the themes discussed, and I was genuinely surprised and enriched by the faith experiences shared in the group. Each person made a unique and indelible contribution, and I gained far more than I was able to contribute.

My group was just one of 3,000 other groups in our Diocese -- groups of adults, youth groups, intergenerational groups, groups of men in prison, groups of religious women in motherhouses, groups of senior citizens, groups of school children. Certainly, these groups varied in terms of how well participants knew each other, how comfortable they were with shared prayer, how easy or difficult it was for members to open their hearts and talk about their relationship with God. In these groups, as in my own, I am sure that questions were asked, tears shed, fears expressed, reassurances offered, and challenges extended. And in each group, Jesus was present.

Jesus told us: "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Mt 18:20). I have long been convinced of the value of small faith communities for the life of our Church. My experience during this first season of Renew 2000 has only strengthened that conviction.

In September, I invited each of you to join a small faith community for season 1 of Renew. Season 2 (of a total of five) begins in February. (Follow Me!, the millennium program selected by some of our parishes as an alternative to Renew 2000, also includes the development of small faith communities.) I encourage you to join a group if you have not yet done so. If you are part of a group, I ask you to encourage others to take advantage of this opportunity.

As we are enriched together in these gatherings, our Diocese will be enriched. Our Church will continue to grow as a dynamic community of faith, love and service, empowered by Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through the saving mystery of His life, death and resurrection.

(12-03-98) [[In-content Ad]]