Renew one step closer

Parishes across the Albany Diocese have reached the final stage of preparation to begin the Renew 2000 process this fall.

Led by coordinator Kathy Menard, the diocesan Renew 2000 office has spent three months "training the trainers" who, in turn, will teach leaders to run small faith-sharing groups, the focal point of Renew 2000.

"We're actually getting to the grassroots now," Dr. Menard told The Evangelist. "It's gratifying to see the approach people are taking."

Going strong

Even after more than 75 training sessions for various aspects of Renew, held all over the Diocese, she said, the more than 10,000 attendees are "still high-energy, still enthusiastic."

The latest effort to train trainers will result in between 3,000 and 4,000 small-group leaders ready to take on their duties when the first season of Renew 2000 begins the week of Oct. 4.

A group leader's role is "to be a prism for the light of the Holy Spirit to shine through," said Dr. Menard. The leaders will call Catholics who have signed up for small groups in the 153 parishes taking part in Renew to explain when the groups will begin. Leaders will also be responsible for reading and organizing Renew materials in advance.

Role of leader

Most importantly, Dr. Menard added, the leaders must "sustain a prayerful and supportive environment" during Renew meetings, keeping the group focused, "modeling that everybody in the group is valuable" and giving all a chance to share their faith.

Training sessions thus far have included lessons in those goals and a walk-through of a typical Renew small-group session. Once Renew 2000 is formally under way, Dr. Menard's office will provide ongoing training and support on an individual basis for parishes.

"It's striking, the depth of people's commitment" to small faith-sharing groups, said Dr. Menard. Since most of those who have volunteered to lead Renew groups have had previous experiences with small groups in programs like Cursillo or Marriage Encounter, she said, "they're completely sold on this type of experience."

(To learn more about Renew 2000, call your parish or the diocesan Renew 2000 office at 453-6646.)

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