The Church of St. Mary in Roslyn Harbor will soon be entering Season 2 of Renew 2000, a program joining Christians around the world in celebrating the 2000 years since the birth of Christ.

Renew 2000 is a special spiritual renewal program that offers parishes a unique opportunity to respond to the call of Pope John II to celebrate our entrance into the third millennium with renewed faith and increased vigor. The Renew 2000 program takes place over a three-year period, embracing five seasons, each consisting of six weeks.

A core committee made up of St. Mary's staff and parishioners helped to launch Phase I of Renew 2000 in early September, 1998. Season I consisted of a three-day parish mission followed by the development and implementation of small Christian communities. The communities, ranging in size from 6-12 people, offer an outlet for parishioners to pray together, share their faith and focus on the needs of the world for the 21st century.

Season 2 will be launched in mid-January and will allow for the continuation of already established communities as well as the creation of new ones. In each Season of the Renew 2000 program, a weekly theme is experienced in the Sunday liturgy, in materials for family use, personal meditation booklets and the small communities.

Area parishes also participating in Renew 2000 include: St. Patrick's and St. Rocco's in Glen Cove, St. Paul the Apostle in Brookville and St. Mary's in Manhasset. For more information on how to get involved with Renew 2000 at the Church of St. Mary in Roslyn Harbor, please contact Sr. Barbara Gerardi at 621-6155. For general information about the Renew 2000 program please call 2-RENEW-6 or visit the Renew 2000 web site at: http://www.renewli.org.