Discipleship focus of conference held in Ames

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
April 13, 2006

AMES - The four dioceses of Iowa co-sponsored a conference for people in the state of Iowa on April 2 and 3 at the Gateway Conference Center in Ames.

The Community of Disciples in a Complex Time was the title of the statewide faith formation conference. There were over 60 people from the Diocese of Sioux City and over 500 total that attended.

"I was very pleased with the conference and with the turnout," said Linda Anderson, director of catechesis for the diocese. "It was basically a full house."

The presenter of the conference was Father Ronald Rolheiser, a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He serves as president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. His weekly column appears in more than 50 newspapers worldwide. He is the author of six books on Christian living, including The Holy Longing, The Restless Heart and now Forgotten Among the Lillies.

"I have read one of his books and it was wonderful," said Anderson. "He spoke at a level that I think everyone could understand. He is not only knowledgeable, but full of wisdom and experience. He shared that well with the large group of people. He was very personable and has a good sense of humor."

Anderson continued that each attendee that she talked to thought the conference was wonderful.

The conference began with an evening presentation on April 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. followed by a reception. It continued on April 3 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

According to Anderson, at one point during Father Rolheiser's talk, he talked about the invitation of the cross. She added that he "brought it to our level so that we could relate it to our lives."

"He talked about how you never get joy by trying to get it for yourself. You get it by providing it for others. He made reference to the prayer of St. Francis. He talked about how happiness comes by giving it away," said Anderson.

Bev Hurni, director of the Office of Adult and Family Ministries for the Diocese of Sioux City, mentioned that the conference consisted of prayer, Father Rolheiser's talks and break time was for fellowship, to network with peopleand visit exhibits. There were exhibitors from various religious publishers as well as local bookstores.

She noted that she gained new insights about familiar Scripture stories from the priest's presentation and got a "shot in the arm" or new motivation for discipleship.

"I got a deeper understanding of what we are called to be as disciples," said Hurni. "One thing that really struck me was the image of Jesus being a water purifier. As a water purifier takes in the goodness and the toxics, it filters it and sends out the goodness and the life-giving elements of water. In ministry we are sometimes bombarded with both the goodness and the toxics."

Hurni noted that several priests along with lay people employed in the parishes and parishioners attracted to adult formation from the diocese attended the conference. Many of the attendees have read Father Rolheiser's books.

Father Doug Klein, pastor at Sacred Heart in Alvord, St. Mary in Rock Valley and Christ the King in Sioux Center, noted that he decided to attend the conference because he had read a few of Father Rolheiser's books.

"I was anxious to hear him in person," said Father Klein. "I was impressed by his writings and thoughts. I think he gave a very adept insight into what it means to live as a mature Christian in our modern society, especially since we live in a society with so many choices. It means that we need to be more mature in making those choices and making the sacrifices that it takes to be a Christian."

He added that the presentation gave him ideas for Holy Week since Father Rolheiser talked about the cross and Jesus in the garden. Father Klein hopes he can use the ideas in his homilies during Holy Week.

"I am a big Ron Rolheiser fan," said Julie Anne Bovenmyer, DRE at Sacred Heart in Boone. "I have read all of his books."

She noted that she gained a better insight into her spirituality by listening to Father Rolheiser.

"He communicates more with the common person," said Bovenmyer. "A lot of his writings will wake you up as to where you are in your spirituality."

Bovenmyer went away with the message that people are all human and all sinners.

"God is a forgiving God. He will accept all of us where we are at," she said. "Nobody is perfect. We have to learn to accept ourselves as well as others for just what they are."

Father Paul Eisele, pastor at St. Cecelia Parish in Algona, also attended the conference. He decided to attend the conference because he also likes Father Rolheiser's writing.

"I thought it would be good for me and some of the members of our staff," said Father Eisele. "I gained some insights into Scripture. I was really impressed with his sessions."

Hurni concluded that eventually there will be a video of the conference available in the Media Center at the Central Catholic Office. Father Rolheiser's books are also available.