Time to get into Sesquicentennial swing

The Albany Diocese's celebration of its Sesquicentennial, which debuted December 8, is now about half over. Already, thousands of Catholics have participated in liturgies, lectures, a youth rally and other events marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese in 1847.

If you haven't yet been actively involved in Sesquicentennial events, now is the time to plan how you will be:

[ ] Visit the official exhibition running now through June 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., seven days a week, at the "old" Chancery (465 State Street in Albany). Already, scores of people have toured the exhibition, which opened just last week. They have praised its professionalism, marveled at its collection of precious Church objects and rare photographs, and said: "This is something I can tell my grandchildren about." Some of them are even bringing their grandchildren with them in order to introduce younger Catholics to their religious heritage. (For information, call The Evangelist, 453-6688.)

* Take part in Spring Enrichment, being sponsored by the diocesan Office of Religious Education at the College of Saint Rose in Albany from May 19-22. This year, this annual event takes its theme from the Sesquicentennial slogan, "Honoring Tradition, Discovering Tomorrow." Through dozens of workshops, Catholics can learn more about their Faith (see article in last week's issue of The Evangelist, contact your parish for information, or call 453-6630 for additional details).

* Attend a regional celebration of the Sesquicentennial. Already, hundreds of Catholics in such places as Schenectady and Hudson have held events to mark this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Coming up (see page 13) is the Adirondack region's event, with even more to come in the future. Contact your parish for the celebration in your area, and watch The Evangelist for additional details.

* Read the weekly coverage of the Sesquicentennial in The Evangelist. We preview events, share photographs of major celebrations, probe the history of the Diocese, interview experts and discover little-known pieces of the past. The four pages we offer this week (13-16) cover everything from the Civil War to the contributions of Italian Catholics to the Diocese.

* Purchase "How We Tell God's Story," the book that has been written and illustrated for children so they can learn about outstanding Catholics in the history of our Diocese see related story.

* Order "Canals and Crossroads," the first detailed history of the Albany Diocese, which has been written by historian Sally Light for adult Catholics. Details about pre-ordering it are available from your parish.

You can be a part of the Sesquicentennial by acting now on one or more of the above. Next December, when it's too late and it's a half-century to the next diocesan anniversary, you won't want to say: "I meant to, but...."

(05-15-97)

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