The 3 Rs of “rest, renewal, and reflection” provided the framework for a Day of Formation for Parish Leaders on Nov. 6 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Ambler.
Among the 30 participants were directors of religious education, volunteer catechists, and leaders in OCIA, Adult Faith Formation, and other ministries. A parish priest and a religious sister, both from the Lehigh Valley, rounded out the group.
Welcoming the attendees was Deacon Chuck Lewis, the seminary’s Assistant to the Rector, who called the Day of Formation a “necessary pause” for effectively planting the seeds of the Gospel.
Dr. Carmina Chapp, Dean of the School of Theological Studies, opened the program with a presentation on liturgical catechesis.
“Participating in worship is a form of learning the Faith,” asserted Dr. Chapp, who offered insights on the Parable of the Wedding Feast.
Although “all of the guests were given wedding garments,” said Dr. Chapp, the indifferent guest “didn’t put his on.”
“He entered the wedding feast on his own terms. He didn’t want to participate,” choosing instead to remain aloof, and ultimately, to be cast out of the wedding hall.
“What does this tell us about our participation in any liturgical celebration?” prompted Dr. Chapp, adding that “You’re not there to get anything out of the Mass; you’re there to give.”
Following Dr. Chapp’s presentation was a breakout session facilitated by the Diocese of Allentown’s Director of Catechesis Katie Albright and Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Zelenda Hodgskin.
Christina Durback, DRE at Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, said that the discussion on “engaging more thoughtfully and prayerfully in liturgy” was a “gift.”
“I always find that when I spend time with other DREs, I am enriched by their reflections and enthusiasm in spreading the Good News, and this experience was no exception.”
The breakout session was followed by a buffet-style lunch in the seminary cafeteria, where several old friends reconnected and fellow “workers in the vineyard” swapped stories about their respective ministries.
The afternoon program featured a talk by Dr. Chapp on “kerygma.” A Greek word meaning “proclamation,” it is defined as the Gospel message that all believers are called to share.
Dr. Chapp emphasized that, since one cannot give what one does not have, each of us needs to ask “How do I understand myself as ‘saved’?”
“Jesus says, ‘Love is the answer,’” Dr. Chapp said. “To be saved from baggage and loved for who we are – that is salvation.”
The presentation ended with a lively exchange on kerygma in the domestic church and was followed by a brief tour of the seminary, led by Dr. Chapp.
The Day of Formation concluded with a period of Eucharistic Adoration in the seminary chapel.
“How good it was to speak and listen to the Lord in silence,” exclaimed Durback. “So often our lives are filled with the noise of the demands of ministry, the cries of people asking our assistance in big and small ways, so the time to ‘come apart and rest awhile’ in prayer was much appreciated.”
“We hope [the Day of Formation] is just the first of a series of events conducted in partnership with the seminary,” said Albright.
Gabriela Colak, DRE at Holy Infancy, Bethlehem, said that she would be delighted at the opportunity to take part in more events like the Day of Formation.
“Sharing the catechetical formation, bringing to my heart the kerygma of our faith and everything that it means, was very important to me. I definitely believe that encounters like this contribute to our spiritual formation, and I am happy to share what I learned in the community!”
By Celeste Behe
