New director has big plans for Abba House

Abba House, located in a 15-room home on Western Avenue, is one of the oldest houses of prayer in the country. Founded in 1971 by Sisters Elizabeth Hoye and Mary Gen Smith, RSCJ, it has offered a host of spiritual programs and support groups for clergy, religious and laity over the years.

When the co-directors moved on last year, a search began for a new director to bring Abba House into the new millennium. Having once enjoyed six months on sabbatical at a house of prayer in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Sister Rosemary saw the job advertisement in The Evangelist and realized she had to apply.

Big shoes

"This has been in existence for 30 years!" she said of the center. "There's the ecumenical piece: They've worked very well with the Capital Area Council of Churches."

In its heyday, she added, Abba House also sponsored an impressive list of noted speakers on spirituality. However, participation in programs has dwindled over the years, and it had become difficult for Sister Mary Gen to run Abba House alone after Sister Elizabeth moved to Kenwood Convent's retirement center.

New life

She called her job "daunting," but said she hopes to hire an assistant to share secretarial duties and help with programs.

Sister Rosemary's plans for Abba House are ambitious. The center is currently holding a fundraising drive, asking donors to honor Sisters Elizabeth and Mary Gen by contributing to Abba House. With some of the funds, Sister Rosemary hopes to update the center's decor.

Spreading the word

She also wants to tell pastors and parishioners about her plans for Abba House's future: "People need to know Abba House is alive. In a way, it's been dormant for a few years."

Some of the programs that may appear at Abba House include:

* an Advent series,

* offerings for young adults (the center is midway between The University at Albany and The College of Saint Rose),

* programs for at-home mothers, which would include babysitting for children while their mothers attend the events, and

* a major program in the fall with a noted guest speaker to attract attendees and attention to Abba House. At that event, she hopes to talk to participants about their needs, as well.

Time aside

In the wake of Sept. 11, she said, people have turned their minds to God -- a good time for the rebirth of Abba House. The director hopes that within three years, the center will be revitalized and successful.

"I'm very optimistic that we will be able to offer it to a variety of people that will take advantage of it," she stated. "We need to increase the number of programs that have been offered. I'm really hoping it works; it's so important to keep it as a sacred space so anyone who comes can be assured of that."

(04-18-02) [[In-content Ad]]