Intergenerational ministry evolves in diocese
By RENEE WEBB
Globe associate editor
Posted September 12, 2002

Intergenerational ministry is a concept that is evolving in the Diocese of Sioux City, according to Kay Morrissey, director of the Office of Faith Formation.

"This is a concept that says the whole community needs to be involved in faith formation," she explained.

The U.S. bishops' recent pastoral statement, Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, reinforced the need for adult formation and the idea that it is a lifelong process.

"Intergenerational ministry is also a way of supporting family structures," said Morrissey. "It doesn't pull families apart, it says come together."

When parents are involved in formation activities, it sets a good example for their children. At the same time it can add a spark to the adults' spirituality.

"So often we hear the frustrations of DREs and catechists when they say children only appear for the sacrament years. Children are dropped off for classes but families aren't coming to Mass," said Morrissey. "The catechists fear that what they say in the classrooms does not impact the children because it is separate from the rest of their lives."

She pointed out that these concerns are not unique to this diocese, but appear to be similar throughout the country.

"Various people are asking, how can we do something effectively that will touch people's lives. Intergenerational catechesis is one way to do that," she said. "It's good for the adults on their own level, in their own lives. It is also a wonderful model for children when adults that they care about - whether it be their parents, extended family, neighbors or people they are accustomed to seeing at a particular Mass on the weekends - are involved."

A two-day workshop was held in May for parishes in the Iowa dioceses to inform interested parishes about the ministry and gauge the level of interest in moving forward with it in the Diocese of Sioux City. It received positive response.

Several parishes plan to take part in a follow-up session to educate parish teams on ways to bring intergenerational ministry to their parishes or clusters. John Roberto of the Center for Ministry Development will facilitate the session that will be held after the first of the year specifically for parishes in the Diocese of Sioux City.

"John Roberto will give us an overview of the ministry and then we will sit down in our parish teams to define what liturgical seasons or events from the liturgical year could be accentuated in their first-year plan," said Morrissey. "Eventually they will create a three-year plan."

They may wish to offer a special program during Lent or Advent. Parishes/clusters might want to educate their parishioners about the Eucharist and do this on the Feast of Corpus Christi. Some may opt to provide information about God's creation, tying into Rogation Days. A multi-cultural parish may consider a special celebration on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe for the whole parish.

Parishes that plan to have a team attend the Generations of Faith sessions include St. Mary, Storm Lake; St. Rose of Lima, Denison, Webster County parishes; Sacred Heart, Boone; St. Malachy, Madrid; Sacred Heart, Spencer; St. Mary, Everly; St. Louis, Royal; Blessed Sacrament, Sioux City and Sacred Heart, Sioux City.

It is recommended that the parishes/clusters send a team - DRE, youth minister, liturgist, pastor and other interested persons - to ensure a wholistic approach.

There is no cookie cutter model to this ministry. Each parish or cluster will create their own plan based on their individual needs or makeup.

"If there is a school in place, this is something that can integrate school and religious education. It can go across those boundaries," explained Morrissey.

One example of this concept is the Family Fun Night that was developed by Kathy White of Spencer and Betty Ann Rosfjord of Estherville. Last year they centered this gathering on the centennial and in prior years focused on Lent and other subjects. It brought together families from both school and religious education programs.

Dr. Stephan Davis, director of youth and intergenerational ministry, will oversee the ministry in the diocese. Roberto will serve as a resource and support person.

If parishes/clusters are interested in attending, they should contact Davis at (712) 233-7528 by mid-October.

Those seeking more information about the ministry prior to the sign up for the January sessions, may want to attend a one-day workshop in Omaha on Sept. 19. They should contact Davis as soon as possible.