FEBRUARY 2013

The newsletter of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Melbourne, Australia. www.ccr.org.au Young Church Rise Up By LENYCE WILLASON

Mark, a gifted orator with a great acting ability, shared his own struggles; how he went from thinking about committing suicide, to being married with three beautiful children, travelling the world and has recently completed his Doctorate in Ministry. He told the young people that when they live only for themselves it rarely leads to happiness. Often times many people are afraid of giving their lives to God because they think there won’t be any more fun, but the opposite is true. When we give our lives to God, he does more with it than we could ever imagine. The vision of a young church rising up in praise and worship of God came to fruition on Friday evening 18 The organising committee felt that it was important to have January 2013. The event, known as ‘One’ - one God, one good music and inspiring preaching from someone who Spirit, one Church - was the result of drawing together the has struggled with the same issues that they do. They youth from across Melbourne to discuss how to attract wanted to present Jesus in a new way, in a language that young people to contemplate the face of Jesus in a manner they understand, in a way that is relevant, but it’s the same which spoke to their culture and presented the Gospel in Jesus, it’s the same Spirit. Christianity is a challenging their language. message and a challenging way to live, and young people themselves acknowledge that they really want to be Over 400 people between the ages of 15 to 35 gathered at challenged! Central Hall in Fitzroy and were led in worship by a fusion of Melbourne’s hottest musical talent. It is a challenging The Indonesian youth and the Flame youth group in Keilor task to draw musicians from different backgrounds and provided a very warm welcome; also helping out were styles together into one twelve piece band, however Kerygma teams, Catholic Charismatic Renewal and many these young people were amazing in their unity - and they young people from around Melbourne. sounded hot! The MC for the evening was Daniel Serratore, After being led in a prayer of surrender to God every MGL, assisted beautifully by Emmy, a parishioner from St person in the Hall came and asked to be prayed for. I think Benedict’s Burwood. God must have been smiling! Mark Nimo, a well-known and respected lay evangelist The challenge now is to enable them to continue to gather. from Chicago (originally Ghana) held the audience in awe as he began his preaching with a mime that highlighted the manner in which we respond to the gift of God himself. There are people that reject his love outright or others that accept the gift but don’t bother to open it. Perhaps others have received the gift but are bound themselves and cannot open it and at times others received the gift, actually open it but then destroy it. Finally, there are those who receive the gift, open it with delight and then share it with others. Through surrender God wants us to use his gifts to reach out to the world and become the best we can be.

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT PAGE 2 • CHAIRMAN'S COLUMN PAGE 3 • SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN THE NEW EVANGELISATION PAGES 4 - 5 MY EXPERIENCE: 'HOLY SPIRIT COME' CONFERENCE 2013 PAGE 6 - 7 • CONFERENCE PHOTO GALLERY PAGES 7 • THE POOR OF MEXICO PAGE 8 - 9 MOLLY'S LETTER TO FRANCIS PAGE 9 • SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS PAGE 10 • A WORD... FROM MIRIAM PAGE 11• MARK YOUR DIARIES PAGE 12 BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

For enquiries about Catholic Charismatic Renewal, its events or prayer groups visit the: CCR CENTRE 101 Holden Street North Fitzroy VIC 3068 (Car park entry in Dean Street) Telephone: (03) 9486 6544 Fax: (03) 9486 6566 Email: [email protected] The Centre is open 10.00am - 4.00pm, Monday - Friday, except Public Holidays.

Good News Good News is published quarterly, on each Renewal Day (see Page 8). Editor: Lenyce Willason Email: [email protected] Assistant Editor: Andrea Baxter Editorial Assistant: Mary Crawford Distribution: CCR Centre Team Articles, news items and other contributions should be sent to the editor at the above address. Good News is published by Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Australia, by the Co-ordinators: Allan Panozza (Acting Chairman), John Duiker, Claude Lopez, Diana Tominac, Nikki Daniele, Norma Keyt, Miriam Markis and Lenyce Willason. Neither the Coordinators nor the Editor necessarily endorse opinions expressed in articles in this publication, nor does CCR necessarily endorse events mentioned, other than those events listed on page 8. “This comprehensive document offers the whole Good News is distributed free of charge to Church an excellent theological framework and solid registered CCR groups in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. pastoral guidelines for understanding, receiving, For individuals who would like a copy mailed, the ministering and living out baptism in the Holy spirit - annual subscription is $15.00 for four issues. the central grace of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal” All subscription enquiries should be addressed to The CCR Centre, 101 Holden Street, North Fitzroy, Charles Whitehead VIC 3068. Ph: (03) 9486 6544 “A MUST reading for spiritual directors and lay leaders Good News can be downloaded in Adobe Reader format from the CCR website: www.ccr.org.au of Catholic charismatic communities, fellowships and Unless otherwise indicated, any article printed in ministries” Good News may be reproduced without change and in its entirety (acknowledging the source) Fr Bart Pastor for non-commercial and non-political purposes without prior permission from Catholic Charismatic Renewal Melbourne. Copyright © 2010 CCR Melbourne. Available from the CCR Centre. $10.00 includes postage. All rights reserved. CCR would like to send a copy of this valuable book to every priest in Melbourne. Would your prayer group like to The deadline for the next issue of Good News is purchase one or more copies so that this vision could be Friday 12 April 2013. accomplished? If so, contact Miriam at the CCR Centre, 9486 6544.

2 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN

The New Structure for CCR Divinity (CTC Campus). She is the founder and leader of Leadership the Prayer Group in that parish, and for the ten years prior to that appointment she worked in the Archbishop’s Office On 30 November 2010, I officially retired for Evangelisation. Lenyce is well known and respected from my dual roles as Executive Director by Bishops and priests in this Archdiocese, and she has a of CCR Melbourne, and Chairman of the profound charismatic spirituality based upon solid Catholic Co-ordinators Committee. At the time of doctrine. She was largely responsible for the authorship my retirement it was considered that there was no longer and ultimate acceptance by the Church of our Guidelines any need to appoint an Executive Director as had been the for Healing Prayer. She heads up the CCR Healing Ministry situation in 1985 when I was first elected to that position. in Melbourne, and has also established Healing Groups Accordingly at the November 2010 meeting our most in other States of Australia. Lenyce remains in touch with recently appointed Co-ordinator John Duiker was elected each of them with advice and direction when necessary. In to my former position as Chairman of the Co-ordinators practical terms she possesses an excellent work ethic which Committee. In April 2012, I was approached with the was clearly demonstrated at our successful January 2013 request to return for a time as acting Chairman, and after National Conference “Come Holy Spirit.” Lenyce has also due consideration and prayer I agreed to do so until at least undertaken the task of editing the quarterly “Good News” the 2013 January Conference. John had previously asked newsletter and together with Miriam Markis has organised for permission to work his two days per week for CCR from the printing of it at the CCR Centre with consequent home, as this would also help to facilitate his studies for savings. Effective from February 2013 the new team of the Doctorate in Theology which he had undertaken. From Co-ordinators will be: April 2012 the Co-ordinators agreed that for the time being John could fulfil his two days employment per week with • Lenyce Willason - Executive Director CCR by working from his home in Narre Warren South. • John Duiker - Chairman of Co-ordinators Committee The understanding with CCR was that he would return to his normal practice of working two days per week at the • Miriam Markis - Manager of CCR Centre Centre from March 2013, at which time he will also resume • Diana Tominac - Western region his role as Chairman of the Co-ordinators Committee. • Nikki Daniele - Northern region After returning as Acting Chairman my observations • Norma Keyt - Southern region led me to the conclusion that there was a real need to reappoint an Executive Director to fill the role which • Tony Grieve (New Co-ordinator) - Eastern Region had been vacant since my retirement in 2010. At the / Deputy Director for Schools of Evangelisation, November 2012 meeting of Co-ordinators I proposed two Australia motions which were discussed and each subsequently • Ban Wee (New Co-ordinator) - Southern Region / accepted by majority vote. The first was to reappoint an Resource Reviews Executive Director.This very important task requires the • Daniel Serratore MGL - Youth Liaison person chosen to be the key manager and spokesperson for all matters which involve the efficient administration of I feel a great sense of confidence in announcing this the day to day business of CCR, and to accept ultimate restructured team of Co-ordinators, with its mix of accountability for the whole range of ministries offered by experience, new skills, deep spirituality, and a touch of Catholic Charismatic Renewal. The second motion was to youth. Please pray for them in your daily prayer! appoint two new Co-ordinators to fill the vacancies about As I step down once again I wish to pay tribute to Claude to be created by the pending retirement of Claude Lopez for his extraordinary services to CCR over the past 40 after 40 years of service to CCR, and also my stepping years. CCR owes both Claude and Miralda a great deal, down as the acting Chairman of Co-ordinators. This motion and please God Claude will be blessed with good health to also recommended the election of a youth representative continue as an advisor for the annual January Conference to attend the monthly Co-ordinators’ meetings to report and overseas pilgrimages. Finally, I thank God for His and liaise on youth activities, and the person subsequently constant grace in my life, and I thank each of you dear chosen for this role was Daniel Serratore (Missionary of brothers and sisters for your support and prayer for Carmel God’s Love). and me over so many years. At the Prayer Group Leaders’ meeting held at the Centre Allan Panozza on Saturday 1 December 2012, I announced that the Acting Chairman person chosen for the role of Executive Director is Lenyce Willason, who has been a member and leader in CCR for more than 25 years. Lenyce comes from a commercial Can’t make it to a Healing Prayer Centre background in which she travelled extensively overseas during the week? for her Company, and her business skills have well equipped her to oversee the management of the affairs of Then you are welcome to come to the Open House CCR in an efficient and prudent manner. She is presently Healing Ministry Days: Saturdays 2 March, 1 June, the Pastoral Associate in a large Melbourne Parish, and 7 September and 9 November 2013. holds a Degree in Theology from the Melbourne College of 9.30am - 2.30pm at the CCR Centre.

3 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU Teaching & Formation Spiritual Warfare in the New Evangelisation

By FR RUFUS PEREIRA “Deliver us, Lord, In early 1997, L’Osservatore Romano, the newspaper of the Vatican, carried a series of six well documented articles on “Sects and Satanic Cults”. These only confirmed what I had gathered, to my great shock, from the two seminars on from every evil “Satanism”, organised by the Lutheran Church and by the Catholic Church, in 1995, in East Berlin: that Satanism had succeeded Communism as the greatest and grant us peace.” scourge of Christian Europe today. A statement issued after the previous plenary assembly of the Italian Bishops’ Conference corroborates this: “We are currently witnessing a rebirth of divination, sorcery, witchcraft and magic often mixed with a superstitious use of religion.” Already in 1971, Pope Paul VI had spoken at an audience of “some preternatural thing which has come into the world precisely to dispute, to suffocate the fruits of the (Vatican) Ecumenical Council.” On June 20th 1972, he spoke about the smoke of Satan entering the temple of God, and on November 15 1972, in answer to the question he himself put at a general audience, “What are the greatest needs of the Church today?” He himself too asserted, after a dramatic pause, “Do not let our answer surprise you as being over simple or even superstitious and unreal. One of its greatest needs is defence from that evil which is called the Devil.” For when our first parents capitulated to the Tempter and sinned against God, they brought the whole of humanity with them under the domination of the Enemy. Blessed Pope John Paul II was more optimistic. “The Church shares in Christ’s victory over the devil,” he said on August 20 1986, “and the Church exercises such victorious power through faith in Christ (in the prayer of deliverance), which, in specific cases, can assume the form of exorcism.” Unfortunately the actual labourers, ie. the front line fighters in this spiritual warfare (Lk 10:3), continue to be so very few, for there is not a single exorcist appointed in most countries, and even in most dioceses in many of the other countries, and so our people in their need have no alternative but to go either to spiritists or to neo-Pentecostal healers. It is no wonder then that Pope Benedict XVI said recently that the Church needs 3,000 more exorcists. Fortunately the Catholic Charismatic Renewal has stepped in the gap in this spiritual warfare through a renewed ministry of deliverance, one of its greatest contributions to the Catholic Church today. Many priests and lay people in the Charismatic Renewal are today exercising this ministry, having received from the Holy Spirit the charism of healing and specifically that of deliverance. However, they need mutual prayerful support, deeper Catholic knowledge of - and in-depth training in - this demanding ministry. Fr Rufus Pereira In February 1999, we were invited by the Tanzanian Episcopal Conference to conduct a five-day Seminar on Healing and Deliverance at the Tanzanian Episcopal Centre (TEC) in Dar es Salaam. This was meant specifically by invitation for Church leaders, including heads of Pastoral Institutes and professors of Theology from the four major seminaries. At the conclusion of the Seminar, the participants drew up and passed an official statement that the ministry of healing and deliverance should occupy an important place in the New Evangelisation of the country for the new millennium. It is clear from the Bible that Satan or the Devil, the Hebrew and Greek words for the Enemy, really does exist and does afflict man. This is also the consistent

4 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU teaching of the Catholic Church as it is reflected in its For us in our Catholic Tradition, Deliverance is more an theology and in its official pronouncements. However, expression and demonstration of compassion for the above all it is a rediscovery of our present day pastoral oppressed person rather than an exercise of authority and ministry. This has shown us how there are many problems power against the oppressing spirit. It is not a “once and for and many evils today, which are the result not only of one’s all” act of chasing away the devil, but rather a process of personal inclination toward sin, one's own sinfulness (the restoring the afflicted person to wholeness, re-integrating flesh), or of the pressures due to the hurts caused by him into the community and encouraging him to witness sinful man (the world), but also of some oppressive and to and to be a witness among his people. It is more a preternatural personified evil (the Devil). Such problems process of liberation, consisting of what we should do or and evils cannot be adequately dealt with even through how we should act before, during and after the prayer of personal repentance and interpersonal reconciliation, deliverance rather than a once for all act of zeal and ‘holy much less by medicine and psychiatry. They need the force’. The promotion of such an ongoing and systematic Prayer and Act of deliverance from such a spiritual evil ministry of Deliverance within the local Church is and power of force (1 Pt 5:8,9; Eph 6:10-13). should be an integral part of the New Evangelisation in the New Millennium. This is especially true today when, as In like manner, both our life and our ministry will be subject the Vatican’s L’Osservatore Romano warns us, Satanism to the onslaught of the Evil One but we will be victorious in all its varied forms and through all the modern means of only through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Devil communication is rearing its ugly head. tempted Jesus to follow his attractive suggestions to fulfil his God-given mission of bringing salvation to mankind. That is why Pope John Paul II addressed the Episcopal The three-fold temptation of Christ is thus a warning to Conferences of Latin America on March 9th 1983 in us of how we can be similarly tempted to even use God’s Haiti: “Look to the future with commitment to a New gifts in a way that is contrary to his plan, by giving in to the Evangelisation, one that is new in its ardor, new in its wiles of the Evil One, and an assurance of how we can methods, and new in its expression”, and on December nevertheless overcome these temptations, by imitating the 7th 1990, the Pope exhorted the entire Church, in his mind and stand of Jesus (Mt 4:1-11; Lk 4:1-1). forthright encyclical Redemptorios Missio to “renew her missionary commitment” (RM 2), and to “commit all of her Today the Church is realising energies to a New Evangelisation” (RM 3). For if the chief the necessity of such a prayer agent of Evangelisation is the Holy Spirit, and its main tool of solidarity (Mt 18:19,20) and is the Holy Bible, and its guiding star is Holy Mary, and is recognising the urgency of its main channel is the Church, the Body of Christ, it is standing united in intercession, obvious that its greatest Enemy is Satan himself, for that is for the protection and deliverance what the word in both Hebrew and Greek means. of the whole Church and the whole world, with the prayer of Even though as a result of man’s succumbing to the wiles Jesus himself, its head, “Father, of the Enemy, the original sin, which brought mankind protect them from the Evil One. to ruin and disaster upon the whole human race, God Father, may they all be one” (Jn so loved him that he did not abandon him but He gave 17:15, 21). This is just as, all the through the Incarnation his only Son, Jesus the Saviour, time Peter was in prison, the Church prayed to God for Emmanuel - the God-with-us, the Good News of great joy him unremittingly (Acts 12:5). We need to pray, in a way we to all mankind, who would crush the power of Satan over have never done before, the Lord’s Prayer, “But deliver us the life of man, and would restore him in grace before God from the evil one” (Mt 6:13); and the Prayer of the Church in his Father (Gn 3:15; Jn 3:16). Thus the Son of God appeared the Mass, “Deliver us, Lord, from every evil and grant us to “undo the work of the devil” (1 Jn 3:8), to “overthrow the peace.” For, even though it seems today as if “the whole prince of the world” (Jn 12:31), to “rescue us from the ruling world is in the power of the Evil One” (1 Jn 5:19), Jesus has force of darkness,” and to “transfer us into his kingdom” declared and continues to assure us, “But be courageous: (Col 1:13). This is how Peter sums up the ministry of Jesus: I have conquered the world” (Jn 16:33). “God has anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing A greater awareness should therefore be created of the good and healing all who had fallen into the power of the importance of the ministry of Deliverance for total healing, devil” (Acts 10:38). He even commanded his apostles, “Go spiritual, emotional and physical. Throughout its history throughout the whole world,” and assured them, “Believers the Church has carried out the mandate entrusted to her will drive out demons in my name” (Mk 16:17). by Christ, through the specific ministry of Exorcism and the general ministry of Deliverance. But it is especially today that through the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Editors note: Fr Rufus Pereira died suddenly on 3 May people are becoming more aware of the existence and the 2012. He was a great friend of CCR Melbourne and many influence of Satan, the dangerous folly of seeking help from times we sat at his feet as he taught us. On the 25th ‘wrong’ sources, and the availability of the resources of the anniversary of his initiation into Renewal he wrote: ‘After Church not only to heal them from physical, emotional and the grace of Baptism and the grace of the priesthood I mental sicknesses but to set them free from such demonic consider Renewal as the third breakthrough of God into influence and attacks. my life”.

5 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU MY EXPERIENCE: 'HOLY SPIRIT COME' CONFERENCE 2013

By MARY SPIZZICA Next talk (or I should say inspiration) was from Mark Nimo: ‘A Presence that disturbs’. When we encounter this As the days for the 2013 Charismatic disturbing Presence of God in our life it ignites a fire in our Conference ‘Come Holy Spirit’ drew near, belly! I was aware that there was an urgency, an almost desperation within my spirit Mark said to truly be a disciple we must have been that needed to be fed and nurtured. I had been feeling disturbed by God. He also said that God disturbs us so that dry, and lifeless, almost to the point of exhaustion both we can be a disturbance to others and to participate in the physically and spiritually. I can almost say that my spirit mission of ingathering so He can do the outpouring. God was in a state of collapse. My prayer life had been sadly wishes us to become the very best version of ourselves! neglected because I had been so busy!! (That was my Many of us are losing our fire because we want to figure excuse anyway). I had so been looking forward to coming everything out! to this conference from the moment I heard about it. In My goodness did I need to hear this talk or what? When fact I booked my place early in September to make sure I God wants to use us He disturbs us. didn’t miss out. God can pursue you wherever you are – He will find you. On the evening prior to the Conference I sat in my It is important to come, to take risks, to step out, to follow lounge room with my dear friend, who was attending the in obedience. Allow God to disturb you into SURRENDER. Conference with me. We decided to pray and to ask the Lord to open our hearts to receive all the graces from Then came the evening Rally presented by Jim Murphy: the Holy Spirit. We prayed about the dryness we were his title was ‘The Cenacle of the Heart.’ Jim explained experiencing, the fact that everything seemed to be an that in Jesus’ time, the heart was considered the center effort. We prayed for a deeper surrender to the Holy Spirit, of being; the centre of our will, our mind, decisions, and we prayed that we could return to the spiritual place where choices: it is the place of a full commitment. our hearts used to be. We prayed for the Holy Spirit to fill Jesus wants us to give him our heart. He will put His spirit us up again. We prayed for deeper trust and a deeper faith. in us. The Holy Spirit is God’s heart surgery for us. If we We prayed that we would be more faithful. We prayed to want to fix this world, to change what is happening in the be more humble. We prayed for the grace to surrender world - change what is happening in our heart; …change and to let go of control. We prayed for a deeper prayer life. me Lord. These comments stood out from this talk for me. We prayed that we could just stay still… to rest, revive and survive. At the end of the first day of the conference… I was absolutely blown away by this AWESOME GOD, who was The first morning we wanted to be early but were caught very present in the prayer time on Sunday evening and up in heavy traffic coming into the city. We were getting seemingly had addressed each prayer request in the talks agitated; we needed a car park, we wanted a good seat. of the day. My heart was in the place of surrender, my Stressed to the max we walked to the registration desk commitment had been restored, my repentance was real, inside Central Hall and were greeted with a beautiful I was on FIRE. smile and a lovely hug. As we walked into the hall I could hear the glorious worship music and prayer tongues, all Tuesday began. Another day of worship, prayer, inspiring the distress just fell away. I was in Jesus’ Hospital on the talks! Have you been to the Upper Room? In fact I have operating table. I felt like I had been hooked up to the actually had the privilege of being in the Upper Room in equipment that I needed to bring me back to life! Jerusalem; I visited it when on pilgrimage with Bishop Joe Grech in 2003. I was transported back there when Allan Panozza gave the opening talk in place of Charles Jim Murphy gave another inspiring yet challenging talk. Whitehead (who was unable come from England). Allan Something struck me in Jims talk! How many times did is an inspiration! He speaks with such conviction and Jesus have to trust His Father? We have to make a simplicity and he has a humility which reaches out and decision to Trust God!! In the afternoon presentation we touches the heart. The title of the talk was ‘The Holy Spirit were reminded that we are adopted children of the Holy calls us’. What is our response to this call? Allan said it Spirit by God’s Grace. There are 3 things God wants… so beautifully: The key, he said, is SURRENDER, simply for us to LOVE Him, for us to TRUST Him and for us to SURRENDER to the Holy Spirit. Life is never the same OBEY Him. after that! Wow! On Tuesday evening Mark Nimo’s presentation was ‘A The second Talk, ‘The Spirit calls us to return to your first Call to Radical Conversion’. Wow! The Holy Spirit was love’, was given by Cyril John. A shock ran through me certainly in charge! Mark led us to a deeper conversion of when Cyril started speaking; it was as though he had been heart; whilst the Holy Spirit took over and some amazing a party to our prayer time the previous night. My friend and healings were taking place right there in the seats. It was I whispered to each other, “we prayed about this last night!” a powerful move of the Holy Spirit; it was a real privilege Cyril is a marvelous teacher and the message for me from to be present. this talk was 3 R’s: 1. Reflect - to go back to the beginning. 2. Repent - turn around, change direction and turn over a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday were all absolutely full to new leaf. 3. Restart - begin afresh: it’s as simple as 3R’s: the brim of inspirational teachings. Reflect; Repent; Restart. Don’t beat yourself up. Continued on page 7

6 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU CONFERENCE PHOTO GALLERY

Continued from page 6 I could expand on each of the talks as all of them touched me in some deep way, but how long is a piece of string?’ When Cyril John gave his testimony I was touched to the heart, when he talked about intercession I was agreeing with everything he spoke about. When the talk on Christian suffering came up I struggled, but understood how important Christian suffering is. The wonderful worship, prayers, prophecies and healings taking place, friendships being rekindled, new friendships being formed, the Masses which had a different celebrant each day and the homilies which captured our imagination: every one of these things made for a most successful and fulfilling Conference. The speakers were sensational, the whole conference organisation was brilliant, the venue was outstanding, the conference was very reasonably priced, and for those people who chose not to attend, then all I can say is that you missed out on something very, very special. After these five days of Immersion in the Holy Spirit there is such a joy in my heart, I feel like I have been given a blood transfusion (a Precious Blood transfusion) which has brought my drooping spirit back to life; full of vigor, full of enthusiasm, a new desire to serve, to recommit my life to prayer and to serve as Jesus called me to serve. I am so glad that I was there!

7 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU THE POOR OF MEXICO By JIM MURPHY

Several years ago I was contacted by Peter Herbeck, At this parish we participate in Fr Ramon’s mass, then set of Renewal Ministries to look into the possibility of up our medical clinic, organise games for the children, and establishing a mission project in Mexico City. Like so distribute food and clothing. many other countries in the world, there is a striking When I first began this work, about 8 years ago, Iwas difference between the rich and the poor. Peter asked me overwhelmed by the suffering, deprivation, and hardship to head a project sponsored by Renewal ministries to both that I saw. I was shocked at the level of poverty and evangelize and provide material assistance to those who frustrated and angry at the disparity between rich and poor. live in a garbage dump near the airport in Mexico City. I can't say that pain has left The project currently consists of several different initiatives: me, but it doesn’t overwhelm The Neza garbage dump me as it used to. I am more Approximately 150 families live in the filth and squalor able to see things as they of this massive landfill. They pick through garbage that are, not as I would like them is dumped there from all over the city, selling what they to be. I have become more find to recyclers. On a good day, working from morning to comfortable with the dirt, the night, they might make $1.50 US in a day. Other people filth, and the deprivation. live outside the dump, but come in each day to work. I think the greatest At the dump, we set up a medical clinic, distribute food, and difference within myself, clothing. We gather people for prayer and proclamation of is that I no longer see the the gospel, and occasionally have mass in the midst of poor as something to fix the garbage. We bring toys and organise games for the but rather someone to love. children. The people in the dump, the The queue of people waiting children at the orphanage, The House of Mercy for food stretches for miles! the men at the home; Orphanage they have become my friends, my family. I have heard Over 250 children, many their stories, I know their families. I have prayed over with severe disabilities are them… and they have prayed over me. It has become housed, loved, and cared for a relationship of mutuality. We give to one another, we by 85 year old Madre Ines, receive from one another. a living saint in the opinion of many. Mother Ines runs One of my co-workers in Mexico who comes from a this amazing project solely wealthier family, one day took me by the arm as we by the providence of God, worked in the garbage dump. He looked at all of the trusting Him not only for people gathered around our little clinic which was set up herself but her children. under a blue tarp. “You know brother” he whispered as he took my arm “these people here don’t really need us,” At the orphanage we spend tears filled his eyes “but we certainly need them.” a lot of time simply giving Jim with the children from one-on-one attention to the I knew exactly what he meant. These people we call “poor” the orphanage. children. We bring coloring enrich our lives in so many ways. They seem so happy, books, play guitars, and even dance with the little ones in spite of their difficulties. Their faith is strong in so many who are able to walk. We spend a lot of time with the most ways. They are very close to their families and friends. handicapped children, simply holding a hand or quietly They don’t complain about their hardships. They are very singing in tongues. We always bring a financial donation to grateful for what little they have. Mother to help her with the ongoing care of these precious I can say without hesitation that I have gotten much more children. from the people of Mexico than I have ever given to them. The Asylo Being associated with these brothers and sisters has Institutional housing and care for elderly, indigent men. been one of the greatest experiences in my life and I will This facility is managed by local government but is be forever in their debt for the love, hospitality, courage, extremely poor. About 350 men live in this facility. faithfulness, integrity, generosity and faith they have shown and have shared with me. These institutionalised men desperately need one on one attention. They are just so grateful to have someone If I am completely honest with myself, I have to admit that listen to their stories, to put an arm around them, to pray all of our efforts are not even putting a dent in the great with them. We often put a little program together of song, struggle of the poor. The things we give will eventually be prayer, and proclamation of the word. We also bring food used up or worn out. Our visits are not putting an end to and clothing to distribute among the men. poverty and injustice. Yet we will continue on. Padre Ramon’s Parish I am often asked if the work gets overwhelming. Do I A Franciscan priest serves at a parish a few hours’ drive ever get discouraged? To be honest, sometimes I do. If I beyond Mexico City. The Church is literally the center and think about the overwhelming and crushing problems of heart of this very small and poor community. humanity, it’s all a bit too much. Continued page 9

8 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU MOLLY'S LETTER TO FRANCIS By LENYCE WILLASON

How did Molly’s letter come to be written? A young man that something very, very special was happening. I cannot named Damien was dying from drug abuse and he met think of a greater act of love than what God and Jesus a young lad (Francis) in the drug squat. He knew he had have given to you. wasted his life and he sought to do something good before When Pat told me you’d asked to be one of God’s soldiers he died. That was to get Francis to go to rehab and get off after you had been prayed over, I thought what a wonderful drugs. After Damien’s death his brother Pat set out to keep soldier you will be for him having experienced such a his brother’s dying wish - that Francis be helped to come miracle. away from drugs. Pat had received much prayer himself and had become part of the Healing Prayer Ministry and I’m not sure how much of my story you know, but I have recognised that Francis needed Jesus. So he went to the been battling the demons of addiction for most of my adult drug house where Francis was living. Being upset to hear life and I’ve had terrible things happen to me when I was of Damien’s death, Francis agreed to have prayer. Jesus an innocent child and I’ve created some disasters of my delivered Francis and a couple of days later he caught own as an adult when I should have known better. But pneumonia and was in a coma for seven days. During basically I’ve been a lost soul and I was in a deep dark this time in the coma Jesus completely healed him. When hole and rather than really living I’ve just been dragging Molly, a beautiful lady with a drug addiction heard about my sorry self through life waiting for it to be over, and I’ve Francis she herself had prayer and Francis was part of taken many risks to try to help me on my way. Hearing the ministry team. The following is Molly’s letter to Francis. your story really helped me make the decision to have a try at finding God. I’m so glad I did. Dear Frances/Francis, I already have a few favourite words from the Bible. I’m Hi, I’m Molly. I'm terribly sorry I’m not sure how to spell guessing they’d apply to you as much as me, so I’d like to your name. share them with you. Firstly, I’d like to thank you for your prayers - they were So he told them this parable: “Which one of you, having a received and were part of an amazing transformation hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the in me. That night of prayer was in the least - amazing! ninety nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is Pat and Lorraine were in the room and I could hear their lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his voices - Pat in English also in tongues, and Lorraine’s shoulders and rejoices.” (Luke 14: 3-7) devotions “Thank you Jesus” “I love you Jesus” like the ebb and flow of the sea. As things became more and more It’s so comforting to know that Jesus is joyful that he’s intense there was another voice in the room and it was found us again. I can feel his light working within me and not in either of their directions. It was like a whisper, but I’m sure that it can be seen in your eyes too. stronger, more powerful and in a language unknown to Keep shining Francis, let his love fill that hole that drugs me. I wasn’t frightened but was fully aware that I was in left in us. God bless you, Molly. the presence of something/someone greater than I’d ever known. God revealed himself to me and bestowed the gift Editor’s note: Molly has now been drug free for 5 months. of faith on me. Life can change so quickly - I feel so new Praise you Jesus. and clean. I am so grateful for this. Continued from page 8 Pat told me a little of your story, and what Jesus did for you. I was crying by the time he finished. Pat thought I But my thoughts are brought back to the here and now, was crying because I was thinking that it was unfair that as a little girl comes to me to show me the new dress it wasn’t me who’d been saved from the suffering, but she has just received. An old man comes up and my tears were for a God so beautiful and kind, that loved says he is feeling much better, thanks to the medicine you so much that he’s spared you the sheer hell that is he received at the clinic. A boy comes running up withdrawal. breathlessly, asking me to kick his new football to him. An old and very poor woman approaches me, pulls my You have been so blessed. Knowing first hand, and having face close to her, and traces a cross on my forehead, experienced cold turkey on more than one occasion and then kisses me on the cheek and looks into my eyes. trying to cheat it by going through rapid detox twice, I know that I’m not able to put myself through it again. Hence I’ve For one moment, for one person, the world is a better, been on methadone for a couple of years (again) and am kinder, gentler place. We all live for those moments… in bondage to my chemist and doctor yet again. praying that many more will follow. May Jesus, as He works among us grant the Father’s blessing to all of When I heard that Jesus held you and let you sleep His children. peacefully through the ordeal, that you were kept safe through the insomnia, the terrors, the nightmares, the I look forward to the day when I can lead the first fever, the cold, the cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, sweats Aussie team into the amazing world of the Mexican and every cell of your body screaming for just one taste; poor! every hurt that you’d number with heroin coming back to Jim Murphy haunt you ten thousand times stronger and then to face Country Co-ordinator: Mexico weakness and depression and still your brain yearning for Renewal Ministries heroin’s sweet embrace. For you to be spared that, I knew

9 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS

A New Heart for a New Year They Would Not Welcome Him By FR PAUL J CONNELL By FR RANIERO CANTALAMESSA, O.F.M.CAP The beginning of a new year is a good If Christianity, as so often and so rightly has time to look into our hearts. The heart is been said, is not primarily a doctrine but a symbol for my self: the true core of my a person, Jesus Christ, it follows that the being as a person created by a loving God. proclamation of this person and of one’s In Psalm 50, the psalmist prays: "A clean heart create for relationship with him is the most important thing, the me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me." As we pray beginning of all true evangelisation and the very condition these words, we may become aware of the ways in which for making such a thing possible. To reverse this order our heart has been in need of cleansing and healing in and put the doctrines and obligations of the Gospel the past year. before the discovery of Jesus would be like putting the Have I been hard-hearted? The hard heart builds up a carriages in front of the railway engine that is supposed wall to make itself impervious to the cry of others who to pull them. The person of Jesus opens the highway of need compassion. A hard heart pushes them away and the heart for the acceptance of everything else. Anyone remains unmoved by their plight. who has once known the living Jesus has no further need to be goaded along; his thought, his will, his word. It is Have I been faint-hearted? A faint heart shrinks away not on the authority of the Church that we accept Jesus, from the challenge to build up God's kingdom in our but on the authority of Jesus that we accept and love world. It finds that challenge too great, it cannot summon the Church. So the first thing the Church has to do is not courage and perseverance. It lacks confidence in itself present herself to the world, but present Jesus… because it has forgotten that all our trust is first of all in our God. Insistence on the importance of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ is not a sign of subjectivism or emotionalism Have I been half-hearted? Perhaps this is the biggest but is the translation, on to the spiritual and pastoral danger for people of faith. We love God, but over time our plane, of a dogma central to our faith; that Jesus Christ love can grow lukewarm. We can lose our enthusiasm is “a person”. and zeal for the gospel. We can settle into a comfortable routine of externals, but our heart is not fully and From Fr Cantalamessa’s book Jesus Christ, The Holy generously committed to the Lord. One of God ©1992 by The Order of St Benedict, Inc, Published by Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota. Or have I been broken hearted? A heart is broken when overcome by a great sorrow or trial, an aching disappointment or numbing failure. Often we are not Letters to the Centre responsible for these things. But they can so overwhelm Just thought I would drop you a line to say how much I us that we are tempted to despair and to lose all hope. enjoyed the conference this year. The guest speakers The new year is an opportunity from God to allow him were wonderful providing us with some very good to cleanse and renew our hearts. We might pray with information to help us to become more committed to Saint Augustine: "O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into CCR and our journey with Jesus and his beautiful mother. my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected The venue was ideal being so central for restaurants for dwelling and scatter there your cheerful beams." With the meals and very comfortable considering the heat we Spirit of God at the core of our beings, we can journey experienced on the Thursday. cheerfully and trustfully into this new year. I would like to offer my congratulations to Luca on the Fr Paul Connell is parish priest of St Oliver’s Parish, wonderful bus driver that he was. Always so pleasant, Pascoe Vale. delivering service with a beautiful smile every day. It was such a wonderful service and $10 was excellent as it saved having to find alternate travel arrangements and Evangelisation and Healing Prayer Centres cost. New services available. I would like to congratulate Ban on his service to Four regional Centres for Evangelisation and Healing us on the day we arrived making sure we found our Prayer are operating in Melbourne under the direction accommodation and checking out that everything was in of Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and appointments for order. I found Ban to be very diligent in his service and prayer may be made by contacting the CCR Centre on also with a lovely smile. Thank you Ban. 9486 6544. Finally I would like to congratulate everyone who worked Psychological and Counselling Services, and Ministry so tirelessly and diligently to make this conference such Supervision and Spiritual Direction that work in conjunction a success and I would definitely recommended these with healing prayer are available in the central, eastern conferences to my friends in the renewal. and southern areas of Melbourne. Phone Miriam at the Helen Therese Eldridge Centre for details.

10 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU A WORD... FROM MIRIAM By MIRIAM MARKIS

Love is at the very heart of all service for Fr Michael Barry SSCC the Lord. As St Paul says in 1Cor 13: 4-7 Fr Michael Barry SSCC will visit Melbourne “Love is always patient and kind; love in March 2013. He is an internationally is never jealous; love is not boastful or known workshop presenter and retreat conceited, it is never rude and never master. He is a charismatic priest, best seeks its own advantage, it does not take known for his healing ministries and he offence or store up grievances. Love feels a special call to the inner healing of the person. does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but finds its joy in truth. It is always ready to make allowances, to Fr Michael's work in caring for the poor began after trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes.” being challenged by the Mission on the rubbish dump on the USA Mexico border. He felt challenged to put the Love was certainly in the hearts of all the ‘servants’ at our charismatic gifts in each of us to the benefit of the outcasts January Conference. The ‘servants’ performed a myriad of our society. Fr Michael is the founder of “Mary’s Table”, of tasks up front and behind the scenes and were, without a ministry that feeds the poor and homeless. He also exception, loving and attentive to the needs of the people. opened a home for unwed mothers called “Veronica’s These included the Indonesian Youth and the Kerygma Home of Mercy”. Team and the National Service Committee at the Morning Tea break. The ladies in the kitchen and the front desk He will be holding Healing Masses around Melbourne. helpers did a marvellous job. Even though they volunteer Sunday 3 March - 2.30pm Our Lady Help of Christians, at the Centre they rarely have a chance to work together Nicholson Street, East Brunswick and did very well in our busy times considering that none have retail experience. Our customers were very patient Tuesday 5 March - 7.30pm Blessed Trinity Prayer also. As well, we had servant helpers running all sorts Group, St Oliver’s Catholic Church, Cnr Gaffney Street of errands from time to time to ensure that things ran and Landells Road, Pascoe Vale. smoothly and we can’t forget our bus driver. Friday 8 March - 8.00pm Sacre Coeur Prayer Group, St Kevin’s School Hall, 73 Glen Orme Avenue, Ormond. The servant heart was surely in evidence in the whole team. I want to thank our Servant volunteers and assure them that they are cherished and appreciated for the The Holy Spirit came and the Lord spoke! variety of gifts that they offer. “For even the Son of Man The Holy Spirit and the Lord spoke! A prophecy given came not to be served but to serve.” (Mk 10:45) at the January Conference. Back at the Centre I have found that the Now! heart of Yolande Blom is truly a servant it is always now. heart and full of love for the Lord and The now of my Spirit. the people of the Lord. That was much If you would only throw off the shackles of indifference; in evidence when Yolande celebrated the lethargy of mediocrity. her 25th Wedding Anniversary with If you would daily encounter the realm of the kingdom family and friends of the Renewal. you would know the reality of the now in greater depth. A former bank employee, Yolande has been volunteering her time at Claim! the CCR Centre each Wednesday Claim the fullness of your inheritance. You exist for the for quite a few years now and travels a long distance to kingdom under the fatherhood of the king. get there. Her work at the Centre came about after she You are endowed with the Spirit of the Master, heard a talk at her Prayer Group and was inspired to give the one who saves, the anointed one, Your Lord of her time and talent for the service of the Lord. She and God, Jesus Christ. is now assisting with the important task of data entry of Be a fool for your Lord. accounts. A task she undertakes with diligence and care. Now! Her commitment is second to none. Now is the time. All in all, the Lord has provided CCR through our events There is no yesterday or tomorrow. and the work at the Centre with a new generation of In my presence it is always now! helpers. This is so encouraging and most uplifting and Feed! augurs well for the future of the Renewal. ‘For as in Feed off my word. one Body we have many members, and the members Feed off my body and blood. do not all have the same function, so we, though many, Be nourished and sanctified. have one Body in Christ, and individually members one I present myself to you to be consumed. of another. Having gifts according to the graces given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our Be consumed! faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in Be consumed by the fire of divine love. his teaching.” (Romans 12:47) It is this fire that the nation will be brought to me. May we listen to this word with new ears.

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The next three Renewal Days will focus on the differing elements of Renewal Days faith and receiving the gift of faith with guest speakers to be advised. An opportunity for fellowship Other Dates: 17 August and 16 November. with others and growth through Our Lady Help of Christians Hall, 49 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick. teachings. NO PARKING IN SCHOOL GROUNDS. Public Transport: Train to Saturday 18 May 2013 Parliament Station,Tram no.96 along Nicholson Street to stop no.22.

Ladies Day Come along for a time of fellowship and inspirational teaching. CCR Centre, 101 Holden Street, Fitzroy North. Thursday 11 April 2013 9.30am - 3.00pm Bring lunch to share with others - morning tea will be provided.

If we want things to change then we need to stand together in prayer. National Day of Prayer Groups from across Australia will meet on this day to pray for Prayer & Repentance an outpouring of God’s love and mercy upon our country. CCR Centre, 101 Holden St, Fitzroy North. Saturday 23 March 2013 10.00am – 9.00pm

Fr Michael Barry is visiting Australia from the USA. Fr Michael has a Healing Mass profound gift of healing and will hold a Healing Mass in Melbourne: Saturday 3 March 2013 2.30pm Our Lady Help of Christians, Nicholson Street, East Brunswick.

CHARISMATIC/HEALING TIME VENUE MASSES Each Sunday 5.30pm St Clements, Bulleen 7.00pm Holy Family, Doveton (Ministry after) Third Sunday 12 Noon St Benedict’s, Burwood First Sunday 2.30pm St Peter Chanel, Deer Park 5.00pm St Benedicts, Burwood. Prayer Ministry after Mass, Praise Rally at 7.00pm First Monday 7.00pm Praise, 7.30pm Mass St Joseph’s, Springvale Phone 9547 9557 First Wednesday 8.00pm St Clement’s, Bulleen First Friday 8.00pm St Kevin’s, Ormond Second Sunday 5.30pm Prayer & Praise, 6.00pm Mass St Peter Chanel, Deer Park Third Thursday 8.00pm ‘Churinga’, Greensborough Third Saturday 9am Anointing & Healing Mass St Dominic’s, Broadmeadows Third Sunday 5.30pm St Francis Xavier, Frankston 5.30pm Praise, 6.00pm Mass Good Samaritan Chapel, 1-29 Southern Cross Drive, Roxburgh Park Fourth Tuesday 10.00am St Joseph’s, Chelsea First Friday 10.00am Holy Hour For Priests St Anthony’s, Noble Park

St Peter’s, East Bentleigh 8.00pm Mondays 20 May and 25 November 2013.

12 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU