Parishes and Catholics benefit from donations to Bishop's Appeal

Help -- says Jeanne Schrempf, director of the Albany diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis (OEC) -- can sometimes be just a phone call away.

"It is my responsibility to make sure that people are not left without that connection," said Mrs. Schrempf, who heads one of the offices in the Diocese committed to serving as support for parishes. "We tell people this is your Bishop's Appeal. We're happy to do this."

She was referring to the annual collection that funds such programs as Catholic schools, services to the poor and elderly, efforts to provide Catholics with information they need to grow in their faith, and the training of new catechists.

Help on way

At the OEC, the phone rings regularly with questions from parishes on a number of matters, such as catechist formation, youth ministry programs and sacramental processes, Mrs. Schrempf explained.

Catechists and faith formation directors often call to ask about new models or curricula, or to clear up matters surrounding sacramental preparation.

The staff travels to parishes to conduct workshops, consult with youth ministry teams, and teach parishes about adult faith formation and evangelization programs.

In addition, the OEC is the place to call to receive recommendations on books and speakers for such parish-based programs as adult faith formation, youth ministry and RCIA.

"We try to work as hands-on with the parishes as we can," Mrs. Schrempf said, "and we are certainly willing to go out when there is a problem."

Aiding the disabled

The OEC also sponsors regular retreats for adults with developmental disabilities.

David Amico, assistant director of the OEC, said the retreats "provide an experience of Church that is accessible to adults with developmental disabilities and help parishes come to a greater understanding of persons with developmental disabilities."

He serves as a consultant for parishes dealing with questions about the inclusion or the sacramental preparation of those with such disabilities. He also goes into the community to teach new catechists about "ministry to persons with disabilities, and give them an awareness of what they should do and the resources available to them at the Diocese."

More assistance

The diocesan Office of Planning and Pastoral Services, said diocesan pastoral council administrator Pat Mousaw, can help a parish to incorporate the discernment process into their pastoral council elections.

"Discernment is a way that really goes beyond a 'win-or-lose' election or a popularity contest," she explained. "It's a prayerful method of choosing members of pastoral councils, a way that helps [candidates and churches] reflect on what God might be calling them to."

The office also assists parishes in developing information nights, days of reflection and "nomination Sundays" to facilitate the discernment process.

Having a prayer

Elizabeth Simcoe, director of the diocesan Office of Prayer and Worship, runs workshops that focus on a parish's liturgical life, including lector workshops and training for Eucharistic ministers.

In addition, her office conducts workshops to keep parishioners up-to-date with the requirements of the General Instruction on the Roman Missal or Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest.

The office is available to answer questions regarding special celebrations, such as anniversaries and feast days. Often, Ms. Simcoe noted, parishes inquire as to how to prepare for such Masses and what rites to use -- whether Benediction would be appropriate, for example, and how to put the pieces together "so they flow," she said.

Family emphasis

Meg Bergh, director of the diocesan Family Life Office, is often on the road to train mentor couples for marriage preparation, assist parishioners in starting a bereavement ministry, hold annulment forums or help with baptismal preparation.

"Whatever the parish needs are," she declared, "we try to help fulfill them."

She also speaks on pro-life issues and human dignity, addressing adult gatherings, religious education classes and Catholic schools. Her office is also a clearinghouse on the requirements for marriage, including pre-Cana courses.

"Because I assist parishes with things that impact families, most parishioners definitely come into contact with us," she said. "We're all part of a family. Whenever the parish needs us, we're right there -- ready, willing and able to help."

(4/14/05)