Take responsibility for Renew-ing ourselves

We asked for it; we got it. Now, it's time to take advantage of it.

Since the last round of Renew was completed in the mid-1980s, Catholics across the Albany Diocese have clamored for the popular program to be brought back. Many of the small, faith-sharing groups formed during Renew's three-year run faithfully continued to meet long after the program ended, and the concept of personalizing parish life through small Christian communities has rapidly spread through the Church.

As the worldwide Church prepares to mark the 2000 years since the birth of Christ, Pope John Paul II has asked that dioceses around the world celebrate with a three-year "great jubilee." In response to both the Pope's call and requests from local Catholics, the Albany Diocese has chosen "Renew 2000" as the program to help parishes prepare for the millenium.

In the 186 parishes of the Diocese, Catholics spoke out in favor of Renew. Our leaders have answered that call, and provided the more than 400,000 Catholics in a Diocese that stretches across 14 counties with the opportunity to welcome our neighbors, to open our homes to one another, to learn about Scripture and, simply, to share our faith.

In autumn 1998, Renew 2000 will begin in the Diocese. Will we take advantage of the opportunity to work toward a new vision of the Church for the new century? Will we get together with a few people from our parishes, of different ages and backgrounds, and accept the challenge to open up to each other -- and God?

The coming year will tell.

(07-17-97)

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