|
ATLANTA--Eighteen participants representing eight archdiocesan parishes
attended the RENEW 2000 International Summer Institute held July 22-25 in
Convent Station, N.J.
During the conference, participants were provided with insights and
practical suggestions for fostering the growth and development of small
Christian communities within parishes through prayer, Scripture and social
justice concerns. By emphasizing the need for both the inner journey of deep
union with God and the outer journey of becoming actively involved in the needs
of others, community members were encouraged to become part of one holistic
spirituality.
RENEW 2000, an archdiocesan sponsored program, promotes Pope John Paul II's
call to evangelize through small, parish-based communities.
Many of those who attended the summer institute, such as Mary Poole, a
parishioner of St. Lawrence Church, Lawrenceville, felt that their desire for
ministry grew as a result of the conference.
"The RENEW 2000 Conference through prayer, sharing faith stories and
study has once again opened and drawn me into the deeper water of God's call to
ministry," Poole said.
For others, the belief in small Christian communities was reinforced by the
conference. Tina Harding, a parishioner of St. Joseph's Church in Marietta,
said she "appreciated the institute's focus on the inner journey of prayer
balanced with the outer journey of action."
"For me, this is the goal of small Christian communities--to have a
place at the table which in turn leads us to social responsibility--the care of
all people who are created in the image and likeness of God."
Terry Trinko, a parishioner of St. Lawrence, said that the conference
exceeded her expectations.
"For me, the conference was a time of spiritual growth and increased
love for our God, our church and our companions on this wonderful
journey," she said. "I am even more excited than before about
spreading the Good News."
Season III of RENEW 2000 begins in October, offering participants the
opportunity to prepare for Pope John Paul's call to celebrate the third
millennium with renewed faith.
For more information, contact your parish adult education department or the
archdiocesan Office of Religious Education and Faith Formation at (404)
888-7835.
|
