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FORMATION FOR MINISTRY

Program trains laity to lead in parishes

Bonnie Perry managed a pediatric medical practice for 26 years, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. As the mother of six approached retirement, she realized her extracurricular activities revolved around the Church. 

In retirement, the parishioner of Holy Cross parish in Albany wanted to expand her involvement - so she enrolled in the Formation for Ministry Program, an ambitious series of classes and workshops which prepares lay women and men to become parish leaders. 

"I had the time," Mrs. Perry explained; and "I wanted to be informed in my faith."

Mrs. Perry will be one of 25 people commissioned by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard on Sept. 27 at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Watervliet/ Green Island, according to David Amico, director of the diocesan Office of Ministry Formation. The commissioning will be held at the parish's St. Patrick's worship site.

Growing up
"As Catholics, we don't pursue faith formation as adults," Mrs. Perry continued. "We study for Confirmation and then we're gone. I wanted to become more educated."

Founded in 1984 as a diocesan initiative inspired by the growing emphasis on the role of ordinary Catholics in the Church, FMP has had 900 graduates since its inception. 

The curriculum includes courses on Hebrew and Christian Scripture, Church history, moral theology, ecclesiology, sacraments, prayer, Eucharist, faith sharing, discernment of gifts, communication skills and family systems theory.

FMP required a two-year commitment from Mrs. Perry and other participants. Participants meet once a month for a day-long session. They also participate in two weekend retreats and a ministry day - another day-long session that consists of a keynote address, workshops and ministry information sessions. 

Mrs. Perry said her participation in FMP helped her understand the "Called to Be Church" pastoral planning process. Mrs. Perry's parish is closing and merging with St. Margaret Mary parish in Albany to become All Saints Catholic Church.

"Called to Be Church is nothing new," Mrs. Perry stated. "Change has always been a part of the Church. We need to be more aware that God has a plan - and we need to leave it in His hands."

Joined to lead
In addition to learning about the Church in FMP, Mrs. Perry enjoyed meeting Catholics from other parts of the Albany Diocese. In fact, her "graduating class" experienced the Church serving people from the cradle to the grave: Mrs. Perry said during her two years of study, a married couple participating in the program gave birth to their first child. At another time, her fellow participants grieved the death of an FMP classmate.

James Ercolano, a parishioner of St. Pius X Church in Loudonville, is looking forward to the commissioning. 

"It was truly a great joy, grace and blessing to be privileged to experience this program," he said.

Mr. Ercolano was impressed with the classroom instruction. He said the instructors were candid about the mistakes made by the Church in the past, such as the Inquisition and the Crusades. 

Instructors also helped participants to understand the achievements of the Church, such as Catholic social teaching and the Second Vatican Council, which met during the early 1960s and instituted reforms including more lay participation in the life of the Church.

Out to serve
Mr. Ercolano said he now better understood the essential role he and others play in evangelization. 

"It has given me a greater sense of mission and a stronger desire and sense of urgency in wanting to fulfill my baptismal calling in meeting the challenge of any current or future ministry that the Lord will direct me to," he said.

This year's commissioning is especially meaningful, as it is the 25th anniversary of the creation of the program, Mr. Amico said.

The commissioning "highlights the essential role of the laity to live out their baptismal call," he said. "As we move forward and implement Called to Be Church, we are blessed to have this group of individuals in our Diocese."

(09/24/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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