Renew returns; conversion is theme

That's because Renew 2000 officially begins its second season on Valentine's Day, as small faith-sharing groups in 155 participating parishes begin gathering for another six weeks -- this time, focusing on the theme of "conversion." (See page 5 for additional coverage.)

Renew's first season got participants thinking about community, spirituality and the Holy Spirit, said diocesan coordinator Kathy Menard; this time, small groups will learn about personal changes and transformations.

That theme is appropriate for Renew during Lent, she noted: "It is based on the Sunday readings, so it's like harvesting the Word. The power of the Gospel is increased."

Confidence

"I'm really excited," she said. "It's a steady building, and I'm hoping that parishes will sustain the energy they started out with."

The coordinator noted that every parish she has contacted reports an increase in members for its Renew groups. Many parishes have encouraged sign-ups by asking members of first-season groups to speak at Masses about their experiences.

New features

* An intergenerational booklet for families has been adapted by diocesan Renew staff from a model used in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The booklet involves parents, children and even adults who aren't parents, and can be used by two families together if desired.

"A lot of families want to have some sort of faith experience with their children," said Dr. Menard, who noted that St. Lucy's parish in Altamont and its mission, St. Bernadette's in Berne, have already incorporated intergenerational Renew into their religious education programs.

* A Renew program for senior citizens is being held in several extended care and senior housing facilities in the Diocese, led by pastoral care workers or volunteers from parishes.

"It's really neat!" declared Dr. Menard, who saw the program at work at Teresian House Nursing Home in Albany. "It's an opportunity for people to draw on the wisdom of the elderly."

* "Universal Sharing In Threes" (USIT) is a 20-minute exercise some Catholic schools are using that includes some of the elements of small-faith communities. Whole schools participate in the program.

Workshops

Tentative workshop titles include "How to Support Leaders in Small-Group Faith Communities," "Invitational Ministers' Reaching Out to Inactive Catholics," "Reaching Out to Parishioners who Don't Join a Renew 2000 Small Faith Community," "Reaching Out to Christians of Other Faith Traditions" and "Liturgy."

As she prepares for Renew's second season, Dr. Menard said that the questions she gets from parishes have become more specific, indicating that parish Renew leaders understand the program and their goals.

"There's a lot of leadership emerging," she reported.

(For information on Renew 2000, contact your parish or the diocesan Renew office at 453-6646. For information on Renew for seniors and USIT, see upcoming issues of The Evangelist.)

(02-11-99) [[In-content Ad]]