Renew group hits quarter-century mark

In the mid-1980s, the Albany Diocese sponsored the Renew program to encourage the formation of small faith- and Scripture-sharing groups. The program lasted three years, with a resurgence when "Renew 2000" was held from 1998-2000.

But, at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Troy, 16 people are gearing up for their 25th anniversary as a Renew group.

"We were told in 1983 that small faith-sharing groups were what the Church of the future would be," said Malinda Kerwin, the unofficial group leader.

The faith-sharing community the group formed has been an important part of their Catholic identity for most of their adult lives.

Come on over

Ms. Kerwin said she agreed to be a Renew leader 25 years ago because she knew she wanted to participate, but she wasn't able to go out in the evenings because she didn't have a babysitter. If she led the group, she thought they could meet at her house and she could still be home with her children.

"If anybody had told me 25 years ago where I would be today, I would have told them they were crazy," she said. "I was 34, single and a mother."

Since the group started, Ms. Kerwin has gone back to school, reentered the workforce and raised her children. "I would have been a goner without them," she said of her Renew group. "They were my lifeline."

Other members of the group feel the same. Rosemary Burns said that, in addition to studying Scripture and sharing their faith, the group has lived the Corporal Works of Mercy by feeding each other, caring for each other through sickness, and being present when loved ones died.

"When Renew first started, I had just moved back to Troy," she recalled. "I was divorced and looking to meet people and share spirituality. I wasn't expecting a long commitment."

Support in struggles

Through the years, Ms. Burns said, several members of the group have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and other group members have provided meals, support and prayers.

The group continues to be involved in breast cancer fundraisers, she said.

"One girl was going through a divorce and we helped her pack up her house and move," Ms. Burns added.

When Marilyn Murdock joined the group, her son was a teenager. Now, he is a father of three. Ms. Murdock noted that, among the group members, "there's a lot of grandmas now."

She believes one of the reasons the group has lasted so long is the respect they have for each other.

"I've always felt very comfortable there and wanted to go," she said.

Ms. Kerwin said the group has always been supportive and confidential. Anything shared is kept private. "It's like Vegas: Whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas; whatever happens in the group stays in the group," she joked.

One less, one more

Having started with 15 members, the group now has 16. Membership has changed slightly over the years, with some members moving away and one dying. However, whenever someone left, another person soon joined, Ms. Kerwin said.

The group is also diverse, according to Ms. Kerwin: Their ages range from 52 to 83; three have never been married, six are currently married, four are widowed and three are divorced.

She said the group is economically diverse, as well, with a $150,000 span in "disposable income" among its members.

In addition to praying together and helping each other through difficult times, the group has also celebrated with one another.

"We've watched our children become successful doctors, lawyers and business people," Ms. Kerwin said.

Ms. Burns added: "We've been to graduations, baptisms, parties and showers."

(07/31/08)