Spring Enrichment 2000 ignites fires of faith

The four-day conference, held at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, provides catechists, youth ministers and others with many faith formation opportunities.

This year's Spring Enrichment -- titled "Are Not Our Hearts Burning Within Us?" -- features 125 course offerings, said Sister Patricia Conron, CSJ, associate director for catechist formation for the OEC.

On fire with faith

"With the change of our name, there is the emphasis on evangelization," she said. "We are all evangelizers, and we need enthusiasm to do this."

Keynote speaker Rev. Eugene LaVerdiere, SSS, will speak about evangelization. His talk, "The Eucharist as Gospel Event," will look at how parishes can transform the Eucharistic celebration into evangelization.

Course work

In 1998, the bishops of New York State in their document, "The Catechist in the Third Millennium," called for catechists to participate in ongoing training and formation, and work towards diocesan certification. The document spelled out the topics necessary for certification.

"This year, we are offering the topics listed in 'Catechist in the Third Millennium.' We're doing all of them," Sister Pat said, adding that the courses are open to "everyone who wants to be updated in theology, spirituality, prayer and worship, and social justice. There is a real thirst for ongoing faith formation. Spring Enrichment provides a greater understanding of our basic beliefs. For youth ministers and catechists, it provides a sense of confidence. It's a very positive experience of Church."

Numbers up

While local Catholics know Spring Enrichment as an annual faith formation opportunity, they may not know that it is a one-of-a-kind event.

"As far as we know, we are the only diocese in the country that has a four-day workshop like this," said Sister Pat.

Highlights

* Instituto de Formacion Pastoral del Nordeste (The National Institute for Pastoral Formation) from Washington, D.C., will sponsor the Northeast Hispanic Catholic Center as it offers four courses in Spanish.

* Liturgical experiences that include vespers, Taize Morning Prayer, Taize Prayer of Remembrance and Eucharistic Liturgy.

* Advanced courses in morality, Hebrew Scriptures, sacraments, youth ministry and prayer.

Spirit in focus

The course looks at developing spirituality of different personality types. For example, those who are detail-oriented and concrete might enjoy "Finding God in All Things: Ignatian Spirituality," being taught by Sister Danielle Bonetti, CSJ, director of personnel for the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

"Ignatian spirituality sees God in all things," Sister Danielle said. "Some are able to see God in all the experiences of life."

While some people may have grown up believing there is only one way to pray, this is not the case. "Prayer is not one size fits all," Sister Danielle said.

Styles vary

No matter what personality type or interest people have, Sister Danielle said, they will find courses at Spring Enrichment that will engage them. She described Spring Enrichment as "user-friendly," since courses are offered at all times a day and at several different levels.

"There's something for everyone," she said, "from the pastor to a volunteer Eucharistic minister."

Sister Pat agreed, saying, "It's important for people to come. It's not just for catechists. Bring a friend."

(Spring Enrichment will be held May 15-18 at the College of Saint Rose in Albany. Registration is required. Registration prior to April 28 has a fee of $6 per course. Registration between April 28 and May 5 is $10 per course. For more information, call the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis at 453-6630.)

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