Students come to St. Bernard's to grow in faith and ministry

Jerry Van Alstine has already earned his degree, but he's back in school to gain further knowledge that he can use in dealing with persons with developmental disabilities.

And Lorrie Lyons pursues her studies with a specific goal in mind: She hopes to receive Holy Orders in the Episcopalian Church.

In common

On a recent Tuesday evening, St. Bernard's offered a "Sit-in-on-a-Class Night" for people who wish to attend a regularly scheduled class at no charge. Courses are offered at the Pastoral Center in Albany, which is an extension site for St. Bernard's Institute in Rochester.

The "Sit-in-on-a-Class Night" provided interested individuals with an opportunity to feel like graduate students for a few hours and to learn why many students decide to attend courses each week at St. Bernard's in pursuit of advanced degrees.

Newcomers

Many said that they are involved in ministry to those who are sick or dying; others mentioned how they recently have lost loved ones and were curious to learn what "Ministering in Loss, Death and Grief" was all about.

The class was comprised primarily of women, but there was a mix of laypersons and women religious among them. Most students and visitors were in their 40s, 50s or 60s.

Case for class

After reading a list of bioethical terms and definitions, Dr. Karaban presented the class with the case of William, an 82-year-old man with Alzheimer's disease who has been in a nursing home since 1981. He has developed prostate cancer and will require a feeding tube someday. His family must decide if this is extraordinary care or if his life should be prolonged.

William's stepson, daughter-in-law and older daughter do not want the feeding tube inserted, but his younger daughter is uncertain. His wife died 17 years earlier, but he still has a few siblings.

Debate

Dr. Karaban listened to each person's remarks and then surprised them with her own revelation: William was her father, and she was the younger daughter who was unsure what treatment he should receive.

That disclosure made the case seem much more personal and prompted several people to ask specific questions about her father, her family and the outcome. William died rather suddenly, as it turned out, and the feeding tube was not an issue.

End game

The class discussed plans for their own funerals, which they had to complete as a written, but ungraded, assignment. Several students offered to bring literature on funerals and memorial services to the next class.

After a quick wrap-up, the students dispersed around 9:20 p.m., about two hours after they had begun.

Assessment

She ministers in loss, death and grief in her work, and believes the class covers the entire scope of death and loss quite well.

"It's the whole process of dying, how it affects families and how we, as a society, respond to it," she said.

More to learn

He also coordinates bereavement ministry at St. Patrick's and hopes that Dr. Karaban's course will enhance his ability to minister to those who are experiencing loss, death or grief.

Earning his degree from St. Bernard's proved to be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, both academically and spiritually.

"I got an absolutely marvelous education," Mr. Van Alstine said. "If we wonder about our faith, St. Bernard's is the type of place where there are deep answers."

Step toward ordination

Not only has Ms. Lyons, a parishioner of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Albany, found the quality of education at St. Bernard's to be exceptional, but she also enjoys attending classes with students who are so committed to ministry.

"They usually have such a depth of knowledge and experience that it's worth it going to class just to talk to them," she said, adding that such relationships would become increasingly important as she continues toward ordained ministry.

Although she is Episcopalian, Ms. Lyons feels that St. Bernard's can reach people of many faith traditions, both Catholic and non-Catholic. "Every class I go to, it's more and more ecumenical," she said. "I think it's a wonderful opportunity to learn."

(For more information on St. Bernard's Institute and future "Sit-in-on-a-Class Nights," call 453-6760.)

(06-11-98) [[In-content Ad]]