They learn together

By PAUL QUIRINI- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

During classes for the Albany diocesan Formation for Ministry Program, Alejandro and Fernando Torres eat snacks, color and play with toys. If they behave really well, they're rewarded with a meal at McDonald's or Burger King.

The two boys, ages 6 and 4, are the sons of Miguel Torres and Elena Dominguez, who recently completed their first year in FMP. The family attends classes together, giving the parents and their children more time with one another each week.

"We are happy to have the kids with us wherever we go," Elena said. "They're not bored, they pass the time, and they know we're learning about Jesus."

Family and faith

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Miguel and Elena met at a retreat house where they both worked. Elena moved to Rochester in 1989, and Miguel followed a year later. Both were involved in parish ministry. They married and had Alejandro while living in Rochester.

In 1994, the family moved to East Greenbush, where Fernando was born. They occasionally attend Holy Spirit Church and have served as readers at the noon Sunday Mass in Spanish at St. Patrick's Church in Albany. It was there that Miguel and Elena learned about FMP and decided to give it a try.

"Betsy [Rowe, director of FMP] was at St. Patrick's, and she extended an invitation to people to get involved in the Formation for Ministry Program," Miguel said.

Family affair

When Miguel and Elena enrolled in FMP, they did so with the hope of bringing their two sons to class each Tuesday night. Elena was surprised at how well they acted from the start.

"The first week, I said to them, 'You are going to sleep,' but they sat on the floor and behaved very well, so I took them the second night," she said. "If they didn't allow our children to come, we couldn't be in the program."

Alejandro and Fernando have been coming to FMP classes nearly every Tuesday. When they stayed home with Elena one night when she was sick, someone in FMP mentioned how she missed the kids in class that week.

Deepening faith

While the boys keep busy with coloring books, toys and snacks, Miguel and Elena learn valuable information about ministry and faith through FMP.

"It's an opportunity for us to expand our knowledge of the Catholic Church, what has changed, what is different," Miguel said.

After they complete FMP, Miguel and Elena hope to put their knowledge to work by being involved in retreats for families.

'Suffer the children'

Miguel and Elena have nothing but good things to say about FMP's willingness to allow their children to attend classes.

"To get your children involved in what you're doing creates stronger bonding," Miguel said. "I recommend the Formation for Ministry Program, especially to Spanish people."

Elena, pointing out how Jesus invited the little children to come to Him, encourages parents with young children to consider FMP. "Young people can go into FMP, and kids aren't obstacles," she said.

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