In the fall of 1996, Beth Israel participated in the Genesis Project sponsored by the ICJS. The project focused on lay participation and leadership, and the Beth Israel participants expressed an immeasurable benefit garnered from the rare opportunity to combine the exploration of their personal lives with the study of sacred texts from our traditions.

As I listened to my congregants I felt somewhat jealous, not having had the opportunity to share their deep level of inter-religious dialogue. So when I received the invitation to participate in the Faith for the Future conference, there was little hesitancy in my response.

I must admit that the anticipation of this encounter made me a bit nervous. How much would I be willing to share? How would I be able to deal with the painful legacy between us? Would I be able to overcome historic communal memories of a relationship that has endured so much suffering and strife?

I approached the magnificent facade of St. Mary's Seminary with a curious mixture of excitement and trepidation. As I drove down the long winding driveway, I noticed a small sign off to the left that read, "Center for Continuing Formation." I had expected to see a sign designating a "Retreat Center"; the term "Continuing Formation" surprised and intrigued me.

The next four days were very intense as we studied in a new light, and with much good will, various periods over the past two millennia. In the sessions we confronted issues from anti-semitism to the Holocaust, and our discussions continued informally well into the night.

I left the conference with a renewed sense of hope. The meaning of the divisions that had developed between Catholi-cism and Judaism -- divisions aided by a history of rhetoric and persecution -- had begun to change. Change is a slow process where we begin to accept new visions of "the other." It is a process of "continuing formation," which is crucial as we approach the new millennium. Each of us attending the conference seemed to acknowledge that the challenge is in our willingness to recognize the need for a new paradigm for understanding one another.

I am indebted to the "Center for Continuing Formation" and the wonderful efforts of the ICJS staff and the conference presenters for enabling me to renew my faith in ecumenical dialogue with my Christian neighbors and friends.