Spring Enrichment stresses faith formation

The conference, to be held at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, will include several new features this year, including an emphasis on evangelization and adult faith formation and opportunities for spiritual renewal (see ad on page 7).

Also new to the program are luncheon conversations on spirituality and a labyrinth. Labyrinths are a form of walking meditation, said Sister Patricia Conron, CSJ, associate director for catechist formation for the OEC and coordinator of Spring Enrichment.

The idea for the luncheon conversations evolved after Sister Pat began speaking with a past Spring Enrichment participant.

"She told me she looked upon the four days of Spring Enrichment as her annual retreat," explained Sister Pat. "I thought, `If one person sees it like this, there may be others.'"

Spiritual focus

Those looking to Spring Enrichment as a retreat opportunity will find numerous courses that are spiritual in nature, said the coordinator, from "The Spirituality of Mid-Life" to "The Spirituality of the Caregiver."

The keynote presentation by Rev. Michael Himes, professor of theology at Boston College, is titled, "Why do we need the Church?" Sister Pat explained that many people see religion as a relationship between themselves and God and see no need for community in this relationship. Father Himes will present theological reasons for membership in the Church.

"His talk will energize as well as serve as adult faith formation," said Sister Pat.

Looking forward

"I'm looking forward to hearing what he has to say," she said. "This is a topic of discussion, especially with our youth, on `why do we have to go to Church?'"

In addition to being the keynote speaker, Father Himes will speak at an evening for priests of the diocese.

Another aspect of the program is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) track being offered. According to Sister Pat, the four rites of RCIA will be explored and participants will have the opportunity to experience them.

"It will be a hands-on workshop," she said.

Visitors

"I'm excited about Frank Runyeon's Gospel of Mark," said Sister Pat. "It's gotten rave reviews."

Mr. Runyeon, who is based in California, is one of several Spring Enrichment presenters visiting the diocese from other parts of the country. Other presenters are coming from Buffalo, Brooklyn, New York City, Syracuse, Florida and Washington, DC.

Among the presenters is Sister Maureen Shaughnessy, SC, assistant secretary for catechesis and leadership formation for the U.S. Catholic Conference (the public policy arm of the nation's bishops). "She is the top person in the nation for catechesis and she'll be here most of the week," said Sister Pat. "That's pretty exciting."

In addition to the visiting experts, Spring Enrichment will once again capitalize on the expertise of those living in the Diocese, Sister Pat said.

Togetherness

"The number one thing about Spring Enrichment is that you get the feel that we are all out there doing this together," she said. "The sheer numbers of people there help you see you are not alone."

Ms. Grieco said the event is more than a way to get the necessary courses for catechist certification. "It can serve as your own personal spiritual renewal and ongoing faith formation," she said. "It's not just courses for certification. The courses speak to you as a person. It's adult faith formation."

(Registration for Spring Enrichment is required by April 27. There is a fee of $6 per class. For more information, contact the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis at 453-6630.)

(04-12-01) [[In-content Ad]]