Parish Convening is packed with 'Called' workshops

The list of workshops at this year's Parish Convening, Nov. 3, reads like a how-to manual for the "Called to be Church" process underway in the Albany Diocese.

There are workshops on consensus, emerging ministry roles, parish "best practices," parish finances and mergers.

Most significantly, there is a workshop geared toward "Called to be Church" core team members, as well as a keynote by Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson , Ariz. , a strong supporter of lay involvement in the Church.

Meeting needs

Focusing on "Called to Be Church" topics, say organizers of the event, was a deliberate effort.

The convening is even themed "Co-Workers in the Vineyard," referring to a 2005 document on lay ministry, published by the U.S. bishops' conference.

"All parishes are engaged in 'Called to Be Church,' and needs were surfacing," explained Deborah Hart, head of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, which co-sponsors the convening with the diocesan Pastoral Planning Office. "Some [workshops] are about knowledge and awareness; some are about tools and ideas; some are about skills and techniques. There's an opportunity for everybody to get something" out of the day.

Practical skills

The convening is also about adult learning, according to Kathy Menard, diocesan special assistant for pastoral planning. She said that, as laypeople take on more leadership roles in parishes, it's important for them to gain the practical skills they need.

Dr. Menard pointed to several workshops she thinks will be helpful to the parish leaders who attend the convening:

* "Who are Our Co-Workers in the Vineyard?" will explore emerging ministry roles, such as parish life director;

* "Me, the Chairperson? What Do I Do Now?" will cover ideas for laypeople newly appointed to head committees or groups; and

* "Forgiveness: A Change of Mind and Heart" will acknowledge that "there are going to be some difficult interactions and collaborations ahead" as "Called to be Church" changes the face of the Church in the Diocese.

'Called' teams

Both she and Ms. Hart were particularly excited about the workshop specifically geared toward "Called" core team members, which Dr. Menard called "very timely."

Led by an objective facilitator from outside the Diocese (along with local co-facilitators), the workshop invites participants to submit topics in advance, so their specific needs and concerns can be addressed.

Dr. Menard also noted that workshops which seem to be unrelated to "Called to Be Church" actually have a connection -- for example, those on spirituality and self-care.

"We have to gain our strength from somewhere; we have to remember our spiritual core," she remarked. "We can get caught up in action and activity, and lose sight of our need for contemplation."

Ms. Hart, who also serves as parish coordinator for St. James Church in Chatham , also noted that the convening "is an opportunity for everyone to get together, share ideas, get motivation and inspiration. It's inclusive of anyone and everyone from every parish."

(The annual Parish Convening will be held Nov. 3 at Christian Brothers Academy in Albany . The $18 fee for the day includes light refreshments. Call 453-6661 for information or apply online at www.rcda.org.)

(10/18/07)