Spring Enrichment prepares Catholics for 2000

They'll do it through the 26th annual Spring Enrichment Program, "Pilgrims and Disciples All," to be held at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, May 10-13.

The theme was chosen with the millennium in mind, explained Sister Patricia Conron, CSJ, ORE's associate director for catechist formation.

Dual role

Many Catholics don't understand that dual role, she said, but those who attend Spring Enrichment will have a better understanding.

The keynote address by Thomas Groome, professor of theology and religious education at Boston College and author of "Educating for Life: A Spiritual Vision for Every Teacher and Parent" (see page 2), will set the tone for the event. He will speak about the rich legacy of tradition Catholics have and how it will carry the Church into the next millennium.

Catechetical intent

The New York State bishops require that by 2000 catechists be certified or working toward certification and be participating in ongoing training and formation. While the bishops require certification, Sister Pat said many catechists don't need to be prodded to seek out formation opportunities.

"There is a hunger for ongoing formation," she said. "Accepting the vocation implies the willingness for ongoing formation. There is no area of life that you don't need ongoing formation. We're trying to provide ample opportunities for catechist formation. A person can come one day and get four courses for basic certification, or they could take one course each day all week."

Speakers

* Diana Hayes, associate professor of theology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., who will speak about inculturation;

* Rev. Frank DeSiano, CSP, president of the Paulist Fathers and author of "The Evangelizing Catholic: A Practical Handbook for Reaching Out," who will talk about the relationship between evangelization and catechesis; and

* Sister Sally Ryan, RSM, pastoral minister for persons with disabilities in the Rockville Centre Diocese, who will talk about bringing the Word to those with special needs.

Coursework

* a four-part course on ecclesiology with John Dwyer, professor of theology and Scripture at St. Bernard's Institute;

* a four-part series on Catholic social teaching with Sister Alethea Connolly, CSJ, director of housing and social policy for the Sisters of Saint Joseph;

* a liturgy track for those involved in preparing liturgical celebrations, with two courses being offered by Rev. Richard Vosko, liturgical design consultant.

* workshops on Renew 2000.

New additions to Spring Enrichment this year include a sign language interpreter for the keynote address and closing liturgy, and a larger exhibit center. As before, many courses will be offered in Spanish.

Getting together

"It's awesome to see all of the folks there," Sister Pat said, noting that this can be a particularly moving experience for catechists from rural areas who might not have the opportunity to meet their peers from other parishes.

The event was planned by a 17-member committee that included Bob Wubbenhorst, a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church in Bolton Landing and a 1995 convert.

"I'm a fairly recent Roman Catholic," he said. "For me, [Spring Enrichment] was a really great way to learn about the faith. It's an outstanding way with very little investment of time. If you memorized the catechism as a kid, you might think you know it all. But as a child, you don't have the questions of an adult. I'm 64. If I ever stop learning, bury me."

(Registration forms for Spring Enrichment are available at parishes or by calling the Office of Religious Education at 453-6630. Registration by April 26 is $6 per course. Registration after April 26 is $10 a course. No registrations will be taken after May 3.)

(04-15-99) [[In-content Ad]]