MAY 2012

The newsletter of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Melbourne, Australia. www.ccr.org.au HOLY SPIRIT COME! By CLAUDE LOPEZ Some forty years ago, Catholic Charismatic Renewal manifestation of this Pentecost is the Charismatic Melbourne initiated the annual holding of a major event Renewal, so we can joyfully acclaim that the Charismatic (Conference or Retreat) with renowned speakers and Renewal is of the Church and in the Church… spreading teachers. Perhaps some “Good News” readers still today, with over one hundred million Catholics attending remember attending such events. Prayer Meetings. For the January 2013 The experience of the event, the chosen theme power of the Spirit, leads of the Conference is “Holy not only to a realisation Spirit Come!” and for that Jesus is alive, really this significant occasion, present and is my Lord, we have invited four but also leads to a new outstanding speakers of kind of hunger… hunger international repute, from for prayer, more especially different parts of the world: Charles Whitehead, Cyril the prayer of praise, hunger for the Word of God and a John, Jim Murphy and Mark Nimo. The Conference will yearning to be with Jesus. Our faith becomes more alive be launched by His Excellency Most Reverend Giuseppe and meaningful. Lazzarotto, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia who will celebrate When I was in Rome, serving at ICCRS in 1986, and the opening Mass to impart the Papal Blessing with a together with the Councillors at a private audience, the Plenary Indulgence. Holy Father reminded us that authentic renewal has certain characteristics: “Integrity, Specificity and an The theme reflects the introduction of the Encyclical Ecclesial sense.” Letter “DOMINUM ET VIVIFICANTEM” of Pope John Paul II, on the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church, Life in the Spirit, lived to a heroic degree, does not find wherein it recognises that “the times in which we are support in the “in” lifestyle. The current fashion in life- living are bringing the Holy Spirit closer to the many who style makes it difficult to distinguish new values from are returning to prayer, thus helping us to be aware that their imitation. Life in the Spirit means being ruled by “the the Holy Spirit wants our completeness.” reasons of the Spirit” in our quest for God, and also in the way we relate to one another … and the best way to In reflecting on the width and breadth of this theme, I live according to the Spirit is to be ruled by the Beatitudes remembered memorable statements by outstanding proclaimed by Jesus. church leaders which rekindled in me my own desire and yearning to invoke, again and again, “Holy Spirit Come!.” THE CONCEPTION AND BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST ARE This is a gift that with prayer comes and penetrates into IN FACT THE GREATEST WORK ACCOMPLISHED BY our hearts. In prayer he manifests himself first of all, as a THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE HISTORY OF CREATION AND gift that “helps us in our weakness.” This is the magnificent SALVATION… AND SO I SAY “HOLY SPIRIT COME!” thought by St Paul in his letter to the Romans, when he writes: “for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.” (Rom. 8:26) The prayer of Pope John XXIII for the success of the Council contained these words: “Renew thy wonders in this our day, as by a new Pentecost.” In the general audience of November 29, 1972, Pope Paul VI said: “The Church needs an eternal Pentecost,” and one

FOR A TIME SUCH AS THIS PAGE 3 • WHICH FRUIT WOULD YOU CHOOSE? PAGE 4 - 5 • WHAT GOOD WORKS ARE OUR PRAYER GROUPS DOING? PAGE 6 SHIELD OF CHRIST PRAYER GROUP PAGE 7 • THE GIFT OF HOSPITALITY IN ACTION... AND IT’S (UNKNOWN) REWARDS! PAGE 8 • BOOK REVIEW PAGE 9 THE FUTURE OF THE CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL PAGE 10 • EASTERN & SOUTHERN REGION RETREAT DAY PAGE 10 • A WORD... FROM MIRIAM PAGE 11 • MARK YOUR DIARIES PAGE 12 CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN

At the end of December 2010 I retired as Executive For enquiries about Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Director of Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Melbourne, its events or prayer groups visit the: and also stepped down from my role as the Chairman CCR CENTRE of Coordinators. The time since my retirement has 101 Holden Street been most interesting in that the Lord seems to have North Fitzroy continued to open doors that have kept me active within VIC 3068 the ministry of CCR. Certainly I have not had to concern (Car park entry in Dean Street) Telephone: (03) 9486 6544 myself with matters of administration, but my retirement has been Fax: (03) 9486 6566 interspersed with giving talks at prayer groups, conducting a number Email: [email protected] of weekend retreats both in Melbourne and interstate, and also I joined The Centre is open 10.00am - 4.00pm, Michelle Moran, and Jim Murphy in presenting the ICCRS Leaders Monday - Friday, except Public Holidays. Training Program in Townsville last year to more than 100 leaders from Australia and overseas. However, in all of this I have been able Good News to spend more time with Carmel, and we have enjoyed the opportunity Good News is published quarterly, on each Renewal Day (see Page 8). to do things together which was not always possible when I worked full time for CCR, and was also fulfilling other roles both nationally and Editor: Lenyce Willason internationally. Email: [email protected] Recently I was asked if I would be available to further assist CCR by Assistant Editor: Andrea Baxter taking over the chairmanship of Coordinators for the time being from Editorial Assistant: Mary Crawford John Duiker, and I have accepted to do so. Amongst other things John Distribution: CCR Centre Team is presently dealing with the mammoth task of completing his doctorate in Theology by the end of this year. I have no doubt in achieving this Printing: Newtone Press distinction it will be of ultimate benefit for his work in CCR given the Articles, news items and other contributions should opportunities he will have to teach, and speak about Baptism in the be sent to the editor at the above address. Holy Spirit. Good News is published by Catholic Charismatic It is no exaggeration to claim that the graces of Baptism in the Holy Spirit Renewal (CCR) in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Australia, by the Co-ordinators: Allan Panozza are life changing. Some aspects of the experience certainly differ for (Acting Chairman), John Duiker, Claude Lopez, each person. For example, some share about a new sense of new joy in Diana Tominac, Nikki Daniele, Norma Keyt, Miriam their lives. Others speak about a new found love for the Scriptures, or a Markis and Lenyce Willason. deep desire for daily Mass and Holy Communion. I know of people who Neither the Coordinators nor the Editor necessarily would testify that for years they battled with a particular moral failure. endorse opinions expressed in articles in this Having received sacramental absolution often for the same repeated publication, nor does CCR necessarily endorse sin, it was only after being prayed over for Baptism in the Holy Spirit events mentioned, other than those events listed that they were able to find total freedom from the particular addiction. on page 8. I believe that the graces received are ongoing in that a person’s life Good News is distributed free of charge to continues to be touched by a deepening relationship with Jesus. My registered CCR groups in the Archdiocese of prayer to Jesus is “that He might draw me daily into a deeper and more Melbourne. personal relationship with Him, and that He would give me the gifts that For individuals who would like a copy mailed, the I need to carry out the work He has called me to do.” I also like to reflect annual subscription is $15.00 for four issues. on the humility of Jesus as He made that sorrowful journey to Calvary. All subscription enquiries should be addressed to The sense I have in this is to feel the utter abandonment that Jesus had The CCR Centre, 101 Holden Street, North Fitzroy, to the love of His Father, when in the meaninglessness of His suffering VIC 3068. he trusted even to the moment of His death. Ph: (03) 9486 6544 As Mary struggled with the enormity of the invitation she had just Good News can be downloaded in Adobe Reader format from the CCR website: www.ccr.org.au received, the Archangel Gabriel said to her “...the Holy Spirit will come upon you... for nothing is impossible to God” (Luke 1:35;37).That Unless otherwise indicated, any article printed in pronouncement should be the keynote for every person who accepts Good News may be reproduced without change the precious grace of the Holy Spirit. and in its entirety (acknowledging the source) for non-commercial and non-political purposes On behalf of CCR Melbourne the co-ordinators extend their deep without prior permission from Catholic Charismatic Renewal Melbourne. sympathy to Michael Van Ommen on the recent death of his wife Copyright © 2010 CCR Melbourne. Margaret. For many years Michael has been a leader in the Renewal All rights reserved. in Sydney, and is a former member of the National Service Committee. In recent years Michael has been the manager of the CCR Centre at Rozelle, and is highly respected for his work in the Renewal throughout The deadline for the next issue of Good News is NSW. Margaret was a most loving and generous hostess to many Monday 9 July 2012. visiting speakers who often stayed in their home whilst ministering in Sydney. May the gentle Soul of Margaret rest in peace. Allan Panozza, Acting Chairman

2 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU “FOR A TIME SUCH AS THIS” By CHARLES WHITEHEAD

The 2nd Leader’s Conference for Asia- and faithful to his Church. We are to remain teachable, Oceania was organised by the ICCRS stay believing in his gifts and obedient to what he asks of Sub-Committee for Asia-Oceania (ISAO) us. We must not be like the Galatian Christians. We must in the Star City Conference Event Centre, remain filled with the Holy Spirit. We need FILLING AND Kota Kinnabalu, East Malaysia from 24 RE-FILLING... because WE LEAK! We need this filling to 27 November 2011. There were 1050 and re-filling so that we remain challenging and prophetic, participants from nineteen countries. The theme of the courageous and faithful, committed and steadfast, careful Conference was “For Such a Time as This.” (Esther 4:14) but not comfortable. The Lord does not baptise systems or programs in his Spirit – he baptises people!!! We need to Esther was in the right place at the right time for the promote the charisms because movements fail when the carrying out of God’s plan. His plans are always perfect. prophetic vision dies and over organisation strangles their He calls us into his service, he equips us, and at the right life and mission. Pope Benedict knows this very well. In time he will use us IF we are OBEDIENT. So we need the Ratzinger Report of 1985 he wrote: never be afraid. The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is an example of God’s perfect plan. It is here “for such a time I find it marvellous that the Spirit is once again stronger as this.” than our programmes and brings himself into play in an altogether different way than we had imagined. What does the CCR bring to the life of the church? CCR brings the power of the Holy Spirit who has changed and on EWTN 5 September 2003: the lives of millions of people around the world. CCR has This is for me a really great hope, that not with mobilised millions of lay people, equipping them for God’s organisation from the authorities but it really is the purposes, for mission and for a full and active life within the force of the Holy Spirit present in the people in the Church and in the world. It made radical changes to the CCR and the Movements. What is organic is more way we experienced church. It reminded the Church that important than what is organised. the Holy Spirit exists and that true change comes through That is the new evangelisation! That is what it means when the Holy Spirit. CCR is a CURRENT OF NEW LIFE in the I say that the CCR is “for such a time as this.” We need to great river of the Church. STAY WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, be encouraging people to How does it happen? release and use their gifts, help them grow in holiness and Through the baptism in the Holy Spirit! When we pray build up networks for intercessors. “come Holy Spirit” – the Holy Spirit comes! He comes with Do God’s New thing today! THE WORLD NEEDS WHAT a release, an outpouring of grace that equips us for a full WE HAVE TO OFFER. and active life in the Church. If all the SLEEPING Charismatics would only WAKE UP What are the results of Baptism in the Spirit? If all the MISSING Charismatics would only TURN UP A new evangelisation is not possible without a new Pentecost. It is the Holy Spirit and our surrender combined If all the NOMINAL Charismatics would only FIRE UP that brings it about. The passive become active; the If all the WORRIED Charismatics would only LIGHTEN UP unevangelised are evangelised; ignorance gives way If all the COMPLAINING Charismatics would only CHEER UP to understanding; a distant God becomes intimate and If all the ARGUING Charismatics would only MAKE UP human weakness is transformed by DIVINE POWER. Gifts are given: fruit grows – “for such a time as this.” If all the FROZEN Charismatics would only WARM UP When the gifts flow they change life dramatically. If all the LAZY Charismatics would only GET UP We experience: If all the GOSSIPING Charismatics would only SHUT UP LOVE for God and neighbour If all the MEAN Charismatics would only PAY UP LOVE for prayer If all the HESITATING Charismatics would only OPEN UP LOVE for the Sacraments If all the DRY BONES Charismatics would only SHAKE UP LOVE for the Word of God If all the HOLY Charismatics would only PRAY UP What does the Church need at this time in her history? If all the PRAYER GROUP MEMBERS would only SHOW UP A NEW EVANGELISATION, especially in the western …TO honour THE One who was LIFTED UP, THEN we church. This requires a new Pentecost; it requires people would have the most powerful Charismatic Renewal the on fire with the love of God for those who do notknow Church and the World has ever seen BRINGING GLORY him; people transformed by the experience of God’s love TO JESUS AND THE FATHER. “For such a time as this!” poured into their hearts, received through a total, personal surrender to the living lordship of Jesus Christ. It requires Amen! people who are open to the “charismata pneumatica,” the spiritual charisms of 1 Corinthians 12 which require our Billets required! obedience to whatever the Lord asks of us. The “Holy Spirit Come!” conference being held in Melbourne What is the Lord asking of CCR today? from 14 - 18 January 2013 will be a National Event. If you He is asking us to stay faithful to this grace of new life are able to offer billets during this week to people from in the Spirit; to stay faithful to him, faithful to his Gospel interstate please contact the CCR Office on 9486 6544.

3 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU Teaching & Formation Which fruit would you choose? Excuse me, would you Fruit of the Spirit vs. fruit of the flesh: like some rotten fruit? Understanding where most Christians fall short: Of course not! Anyone By GREG TRAINOR, Catholic Lay Missionary would choose a nice, fresh piece of fruit over a rotten, Some of my favourite scriptures are what I call “Jesus in a nutshell.” Little mouldy piece of fruit. In a snippets from the Gospels and Epistles that describe the life and ministry of Jesus in just a sentence or two. One of my all-time favourites is in John 10: similar way, anyone would quickly choose to have a “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (v.10) life characterized by the This beautiful promise shows us a key to living the abundant life that Jesus came fruit of the Spirit rather than to bring us. Jesus came to give us an abundant life; we are to receive it from the fruit of the flesh. The him. God wants you to make a decision of your will to open to his transforming key is to open your life to a grace. Too many Christians spend their lives trying to achieve on their own what new flow of the grace and God will give them as a gift! power of the Holy Spirit to The beautiful and the ugly produce the “beautiful” fruit When writing to the Galatians, Paul teaches about the fruits of the Spirit and the of the Spirit in your life: fruits of the flesh. These are very contrasting lists: Love Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, Joy impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, Peace hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of Patience selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of Kindness envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn Gentleness you, as I warned you before, that those who do Faith such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Generosity In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, Self-control peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:19-23) I call the fruit of the Spirit the “beautiful list” and the fruit of the flesh the “ugly list.” The choice here is a “no brainer.” Given the choice, who wouldn’t want a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit? The fruit of the Spirit is a list of things that we all strive for. The fruit of the Spirit are precisely the things that you would want for people to use to describe you when they eulogize you at your funeral. The issue here isn’t merely choosing which list you would like to characterize your life. The central issue is: how do you live a life filled with the fruit of the Spirit?

An ongoing battle Greg Trainor is married. Greg and his wife, Lydia In his writing to the Romans, Paul says that he desires to do what is right, but have four children. Since often finds himself doing what he knows to be wrong: 1986, they have worked full What I do, I do not understand. For I do not do time as Catholic missionary what I want, but I do what I hate. Now if I do evangelists. what I do not want, I concur that the law is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that good does not

4 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. The willing is Life becomes difficult when we try to accomplish what God ready at hand, but doing the good is not. For I do desires to give us as grace - a free, undeserved gift. God never intended for us to produce the fruit of the Spirit of not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. our own doing. Jesus made this clear when he spoke of (Romans 7:14-19) the vine and the branches: “I am the vine, you are the We are all familiar with the struggle that Paul describes in branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear these verses. The fruit of the flesh is the untransformed much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” (John part of our sinful nature that rears its ugly head in everyday 15:5) God “remains in you” through the indwelling presence life. I don’t even have to plan for it; it just seems to happen. of the Holy Spirit that you received in Baptism: “Do you not I don’t get my car keys and say to Lydia, “Honey, I’m going know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of to run over to the store and really yell at a clerk when they God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16) You remain in God do a little thing wrong!” by opening your life to his grace and transforming power, not by depending on your own strength. In order to keep the ugliness of the fruit of the flesh from rearing its head, the power of “sin that dwells in me” (Rom. Ask for the fruit! 7:20) must be defeated. Ask the Holy Spirit to to flow with power in your life and The key to victory in this area is turning to God and bear the fruit of the Spirit. Use whatever words come receiving his grace. You need to take ownership of the naturally to you. The key is that, through this prayer, you sin and repent: “Father, I am sorry for these times that I make a decision of your will to open to a transforming flow have been angry. I repent. Please forgive me.” We often of Holy Spirit power in your life. You no longer depend on talk about the grace of the Sacraments (such as “the yourself to produce the Holy Spirit’s fruit. You can pray and grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation”) without even ask for an increase of a particular fruit of the Spirit in your thinking of what that means in practical terms. Grace is a life. For instance, you can pray for God’s love to flow in free, undeserved gift. When you repent of sin and come your marriage or in your relationship with your children or to God’s grace, God will transform your sinful nature and grandchildren. You could pray for joy to flow in your life. make you more perfectly in his own image and likeness: The key is in the asking, in surrendering to the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit in your life. Expect great things to “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things happen. have passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) God is a great and mighty God. When you open your life to his transforming grace and power, the results are likely You make the decision to repent and come to God’s grace; to far exceed your expectations. it is God’s grace that transforms your life. So, “sin in me” is defeated by repentance and opening to God’s grace. Bring on the beautiful This is really a two-fold process. You must defeat the power of sin that produces the fruit of the flesh and open to a flow of Holy Spirit power that produces the fruit of the Spirit. At the risk of stating the obvious, the fruit of the Spirit is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life. A flow of Holy Spirit power will produce more of the fruit of the Spirit in your life. The way to have more of the beautiful list of the fruit of the Spirit in your life is making a decision of your will to open to a deeper flow of Holy Spirit power in your life. Not a matter of personality When you read through the list of the fruit of the Spirit, there are probably a few people that come to your mind as you consider each fruit. For instance, who do you know that is a very joyful person? Who do you know that is a very peaceful person? I’m convinced that most Christians see the beautiful list of the fruit of the Spirit to be a collection of desirable personality traits. All would quickly concur that it is the more desirable of the two lists of fruits. They admire these “traits” in other people but don’t realize that they are readily obtainable for their own life! Vine and the branches The key to living the abundant life that Jesus speaks of in John 10 is allowing God to give you an abundant life.

5 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU WHAT GOOD WORKS ARE OUR PRAYER GROUPS DOING?

By PAUL & MARY SWALA daily feeding of 83 children. This project has no other First of all let me thank you God for Mr. Tom Foster, Jenine financial helpers apart from Foster and the Body of Christ Prayer Group in Vermont, the Body of Christ Prayer Australia. You are such great blessing to this project. Group. We are registered I grew up from a widow, a single mother Justine. She went and the project is called through hard times to raise a family of six children when Hope in Christ the Redeemer my father passed away, which caused some of my other Community School. We are sisters not to have chance to at plot 227/03 Chipata Clinic Road, Chipata Compound, go to school. My dear wife Lusaka. Mary also grew up in a broken Many of the children are orphans; some are HIV positive family. Her mother and father and on drugs, so they need a lot of food. When they come separated when she was to the school, some come in worn out clothing. We have a seven years old. domestic sewing machine; Mary makes uniforms for them Having such hard backgrounds, the Lord called us to show to look like part of a family. We are teaching them Christian love to the younger ones who are going though what we principles of loving one other. went though. It was hard for our mothers to find just one We started without running water. Now we are connected meal a day for the family; sometimes we used to sleep to the water providers; we are paying 180.000 kwacha per without eating. month. In 1994 I joined the Army as a The school needs to be plastered and painted. Thank you soldier and I started supporting for the money The Body of Christ donated this month; we my mother and sisters out of have used part of it to buy roofing sheets. We need only the salary I used to get from the three sheets to finish. All are industrial roofing sheets. Army. But on 27 October 1997 I was implicated in the failed We have started digging the septic tank so that we can put Coup, arrested and tortured for up flushing toilets. The cost will be 10.000.000 Kwacha. seven days, put in prison then acquitted by the courts of We want to put up the tank stand and water tank, which law and discharged from work. will cost 4.000.000 ZMK. We have been educating some prisoners’ children. Two of them will be going to secondary When the Army gave us the last salary, we didn’t buy our schools next year. own things. We bought plumbing fittings and went back to prison and constructed twelve showers because there One may ask why are we in this work. We want to give to was only one tap for water for all the prison, which had the children what we were not given as children. 1225 inmates and deaths were a story of a day because It is our prayer that God will continue blessing the Body of of air borne diseases. Christ Prayer Group members so that they may continue The Lord gave us a ministry to help the Children. We supporting these children. started small; feeding two children. By the grace of God And it is our hope that our dear Tom and Jenine will the number of children grew, so we started a school and continue helping to find more financial supporters for this continued feeding the children. Project. With your help we have come this far. You are part Look at the pictures and of this. He who blesses the poor, God will bless him or her. see the start. It was such Maybe the Lord can speak to more people to help in the a little start. We kept on areas of what we need. May God bless all of you. listening to the Lord, until God moved Mr and Mrs Tom Foster to come to Zambia to visit a former prisoner with whom they had been communicating through letters for a long time. The Lord GOD made them pass by the poor community and they saw the poor plastic school. When they returned to Australia, they shared with the Body Of Christ Prayer Group, who raised money for the project roofing sheets and sent to me and Mary which The first two photos show how we started, and the final photo shows we bought and fitted. Paul and Mary standing at the new The Body of Christ Prayer Group, together with Mr and school. Mrs Tom Foster has been feeding these children every month. They have helped to construct three big class rooms which are up to the roof level. They have paid for all the materials, construction, teachers’ wages and

6 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU The Cross SHIELD OF CHRIST of the Renewal PRAYER GROUP, SHEPPARTON

By KERRY ATWOOD Around 14 years ago, your correspondent felt prompted by the spirit to begin a spirit led prayer group in St Brendan’s Parish. The word was clear; this was not to be a house group, but should be located in the church. When approached about this, parish priest Msgr Peter Jeffrey said “you should talk to Pat Cooper.” As so often happens when the spirit leads, without knowing one another, we happened to be standing together at a parish gathering a few weeks later. About half a dozen hopefuls assembled for the first prayer meeting and our fumbling beginning was quickly blessed by the Holy Spirit. The Cross of the Renewal In the subsequent fourteen years, we have seen miracles of healing, endured the has been adopted as the loss of wonderful members through cancer and heart attack, participated in lots of International symbol of CCR events and sampled the fierce joy of Him who has purchased our salvation the Catholic Charismatic for us. Renewal. What we have not seen, is the realisation of the vision which your foolish It is our hope that all correspondent inserted, in place of the Lords plan, when first prompted to begin who have experienced this prayer meeting. My imagination had concocted an attendance of hundreds the baptism in the Spirit with a massive music Ministry, and lots of boom boom music. There was a time will wear this symbol as a when we were blessed with two guitars, and an anointed musical experience witness to the power of the in prayer. This was about the time when our numbers peaked with a regular Holy Spirit in their lives. attendance of about eight. However, lots of things are destined to pass, and such was the case with the presence of guitars in our music. The prayer group did not Some of the products springboard into something gargantuan, but we keep on muddling along meeting offered are the following: every week in our twos, threes and sometimes our fives. Crosses We are still there, having learnt some valuable lessons, seeing the Lord answering Lapel pins prayer and being comforted by his gentle encouragement. We have learnt to be bold in prayer, knowing nothing is too big for Him. We have learned to be Pendants persistent in prayer, knowing the Lord will deliver a response to prayer, within his Rosaries own timeframe. We have learned that Jesus is still happy to keep company with Key chains sinners, and that our own baggage should never stand in the way of our seeking Bookmarks his company or asking him for favours. Finally, we have learned to thank our Father for the blessings we see in our parish and the evolving answers to our and more... prayer, especially those for the youth of the parish. Our Father is honouring the prayers we make in our small prayer group. The Holy Spirit keeps telling us “you are right where I want you to be,” and we sense the presence of Jesus with us as we gather every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm in St Brendan’s Parish Centre. Visitors to St Brendan’s often remark on what a vibrant parish it is. In our little prayer group, we say “Thank you Lord.” Never underestimate the power of prayer, nor the importance of the prayer requests the Holy Spirit gifts to us. We would like to encourage any prayer group, where the numbers are small, to keep going, because, most assuredly, “He will direct your paths.”

For more information, please call the CCR Centre on (03) 9486 6544 or visit www.ccr.org.au/resources/ merchandise L-R Kerry Atwood, Pat Cooper

7 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU THE GIFT OF HOSPITALITY IN ACTION... AND IT’S (UNKNOWN) REWARDS!

By DEACON JOHN CUNNEEN Linda and I were welcome to stay to supper and the prayer St. Linus Parish, Archdiocese of Los Angeles. group, and he would drive us back to our hotel afterwards. Noodling about on the web this afternoon It was a large group that showed up. The evangelist I don’t I came across the Catholic Charismatic recall spoke much; he said the bible did his speaking for Renewal site for the Archdiocese of him. His charism was bible verses; he’d look at a person Melbourne, and it brought back memories and call out a verse. I recall that the reactions were quite of an interesting trip I had to your fair city dramatic; all had bibles and looked up their verses. Some about thirty years ago. smiled, some looked a bit grim, a few cried soft tears. He I was working for IBM in Los Angeles as a management looked at me and called out “Romans 12, verses 1 and 2.” training instructor and I was assigned to give a workshop I had to look it up in someone else’s bible; I had mine, but in Melbourne with another instructor, a young lady named it was in my luggage and I didn’t think to unpack it. I recall Linda who had recently “accepted Jesus” and was an the person had a KJV and the verse read, enthusiastic member of a Baptist church in Southern I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of California. I was at the time the lead catechist in my parish God, that ye present your bodies, a living sacrifice, RCIA and also a member of our parish prayer group, so holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable Linda and I had many interesting conversations on the trip, service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye usually with our bibles in our laps. transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may We flew Qantas out of Los Angeles and on the flight there prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, was a pudgy old gentleman at the end of our row who will of God. “Be not conformed to this world, but be ye slept the entire leg of the trip from Honolulu to Melbourne, transformed. snoring and snorting loudly every mile along the way. We were able to get a little nap now and then, but most of Not bad words to live by. the time Linda had her bible out, nudging me regularly to My host and I had a little chat after the prayer meeting ask a question or make a point. Needless to say, a very and I mentioned that in Los Angeles we had good relations interesting trip! with our Cardinal, largely because the Southern California As we prepared for landing, the snoring gentleman finally Renewal Communities provided a coordinating group woke up and introduced himself. Pleased to see our bibles that interfaced between the archdiocese and the prayer out, he indicated that he was a travelling evangelist who groups. Sometimes we scared them a bit and we’d have to had been invited to Melbourne to give a teaching to a back off a little, but that was okay. The Holy Spirit teaches church there. We chatted a bit as we disembarked and patience and humility, too. Would I share that message with then bade him goodbye as we waited for our bags. He his Wednesday night prayer group? he asked. I agreed found his baggage but waited around for the people from and we had a date midweek, where I shared a word of the church who were picking him up. I found mine, but patience and peace. The prayer group and I agreed to Linda couldn’t find hers. After awhile, we three were the pray for each other. We left the following weekend and I only ones left and so we all went to the airline office to find never spoke to the people in Melbourne again. out about her bags. And the news was bad. Her bags had I think though that Linda kept in touch. She was bemused been put on the wrong plane in Hawaii and sent to Japan. by these CATHOLICS who out-Baptisted the Baptists! They would be back in two days minimum. They just didn’t fit any categories she’d ever heard of, But it was Saturday morning. What was Linda to do until and I don’t think she ever got over her experience. The Monday? Our gentleman friend graciously insisted that the generosity and openness of that little prayer group and our people from his church would help and so we all waited hosts had a lasting impression on her. A few years later together. I was honoured to be invited to her wedding… a nuptial Mass with a nice Catholic fellow at Mission San Fernando. When they arrived, a lovely couple with a large Land Rover were more than willing to help. The missus was I’m pleased to see from your web presence that CCR in about the same size as Linda and insisted that we all the Melbourne archdiocese seems to be even healthier go to their house to pick out some clothes from her and spirit-filled than our SCRC in Los Angeles. How mighty wardrobe. So away we went, towards the east side of are the works of the Spirit! Melbourne, I think. It was a bit of a trek, but finally we And looking back, I’d have to say that week in Melbourne arrived at their house. had a lasting effect on me, too. I’ve always carried Rom Their estate would be more accurate. It reminded me of 12: 1 & 2 in my heart. In June of 2003 I was ordained to the Tara in “Gone with the Wind”; an imposing house with diaconate, the day before Pentecost. I’m sure that prayers columns in the front and lots of land around it. The ladies in Melbourne had a hand in that! Thank you and God’s retired to clothes hunting and the gentleman of the house blessings on all of you! showed us around. Fortified with a pint, we came to a Editor’s note: If anyone knows of this Prayer Group, the leader or large room with chairs in it. “This is where our prayer group place mentioned Deacon Cunneen would be pleased to hear from meets.” We found out that the “church” our evangelist them. Contact the Centre on 9486 6544. friend had come for was a Catholic Charismatic prayer group, and their meeting was only a few hours away.

8 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU BOOK REVIEW Reviewed By BARBARA FLYNN

A Light for my Path: Scripture Prayer Journal reveres, serves to inspire as well as enrich the participants’ daily prayer experiences of listening and responding to By Father Ken Barker MGL the movement of God in their lives. Father Ken’s attributes St Pauls Publications, Strathfield, N.S.W. 2011. as a skilled teacher, theologian, scripture scholar and In ten years Father Ken Barker has published spiritual director are illustrated in the manageable amount five remarkable books offering theological of material offered daily insights, practical guidance, encouragement Although the sections are arranged sequentially it is not and inspiration to people on their Christian necessary that the order is strictly followed. What does journey. matter is that the participant’s daily prayerful reading of Behind this Australian priest’s several publications, lies scripture and meditation draws them into a state “where his burning conviction that crucial elements for a person’s they are vulnerable to God’s word and its transforming formation into the life of a disciple of Jesus are the person’s effect.” The material is organised to involve the whole knowledge of Sacred Scripture and the teachings and person through reading, meditating by using reasoning traditions of the Catholic Church in regard to prayer and the and imagination, prayerful listening and finally responding gift of the Holy Spirit in the life of Christians. No less than in writing. in any other of his publications is this conviction present Father Ken’s vast and varied experiences in his recent work. It is the driving force behind A Light for in working with youth and adults have My Path, an exercise in prayer journaling, incorporating effectively equipped him to compose a daily prayerful reflection on Sacred Scripture and including scripture journal of exceptional quality. theological insights from the writings of recent Popes and canonised saints. I believe the purpose of A Light to My Path is achievable where that purpose Father Ken is well acquainted with youth through his is “to bring users into deepening of their experiences as pastor and Moderator of the Missionaries personal relationship with Jesus by a life of God’s Love, a congregation of Priests and of men and transformed through faithful daily prayer.” women religious with evangelising outreach to young people. The scripture prayer journal originated in a request made by young people to have available to them “a simple structure for daily prayer.” In the prayer journal, Father Come and have fun with us! Ken offers teaching in the lectio divina prayer experience By SONIA DE CAROLIS linking this to Catholic tradition while being attentive to a Last year I attended the CCR Dinner post - synodal exhortation of Pope Benedict VI “calling the Dance at the San Marco in Lamis Social People of God to deepen their personal relationship with Club for the first time. My prayer group Jesus through faith-filled reading of Sacred Scripture.” decided to organise a few tables so it Essentially Father Ken’s work has a didactic intent. From was wonderful to be together as a social his own and others’ experiences of lectio divina and drawing gathering. I didn’t have any expectations before going on his experiences as a spiritual director, he explains step but I didn’t think it would be so much fun!! by step the process inherent in “praying with scripture” It was not my first time at San Marco Social Club as and then applying the reflection from this experience to this Club had a special significance for me due to the useful prayer journaling. The scaffolding teaching that fact my late grandfather was a member there and often he provides for the journaling exercise is commendable. played cards with his friends. I felt this connection and The clear explanations ensure that people new to prayer it made me feel honoured to be there. The food was journaling as a fruit of meditative listening and responding excellent Italian cuisine and much of the music was to Sacred Scripture, whether as a group or individually, the songs and melodies I had grown up with. benefit from the exercise in their faith development and prayer-life. It’s a rarity to go to a dinner dance where there were also young people involved. It was great to see tables The content is developed in four sections. Each section is filled with young people, and I enjoyed doing dances related, in essence, to a stage in the Christian’s journey like the hokey pokey and tarantella with my friends to becoming an effective disciple of Christ capable and family. I don’t get much of a chance to have fun of witnessing to evangelise others. The sections are: like this anymore as our culture is changing so much. Receiving The Good News; Growth in the Spirit; Disciple of Christ and Witness to Christ. Each section contains I hope that my generation can keep these “fun” several weekly themes. Each weekly theme contains daily traditions alive, especially dinner dances like these. exercises in lectio divina followed by prayer journaling. I definitely recommend it – if you have not already The daily prayer exercise consists of a poignant short been to one then come to the next dinner dance with teaching by Father Ken, a scripture text referred to its your heart open and have a ball. Biblical source and a quotation from the writings of either a Editors note: For tickets and information about the canonised saint or a recent pope. The theological wisdom next Dinner Dance please see details on back page. of the saints and popes whom the Church traditionally

9 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU THE FUTURE OF THE CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL

By FR CHRIS RYAN MGL communion in the Triune God through prayer, the Recently I was speaking with a prominent sacraments, the personal moral life, a commitment to American systematic theologian. He hadn’t the transformation of society, evangelisation and yes, heard of the Missionaries of God’s Love, the use of the charisms to build up the Church. All of it and so I was telling him a little about our must take place in the power of the Spirit, or it simply history and charism. When I explained that isn’t the Christian life. Indeed, the Church cannot be our origins lie in the Catholic Charismatic the Church without a conscious, intentional reliance Renewal his demeanour changed. He was still polite, upon her animating principle, her soul: the Spirit of but as he asked some further questions about the MGL God. I could see he believed two things about the renewal that decided in advance how he regarded me: that the time of 2. We need to bring a thoughtful eye to bear upon our the charismatic renewal belonged to the 1970s and 80s practices, and ask if they are truly at the service of and was thus a spent force in the Church, and secondly evangelisation. In practice this means remembering that it wasn’t really theologically credible. that evangelisation is not synonymous with recruiting to our prayer group or community, and it also means The only problem with both those positions is that they recognising that the ethos or ‘culture’ of our groups simply aren’t true. According to Cardinal Walter Kasper may no longer resonate with people looking for a if you add up the various Pentecostal and charismatic deeper experience of God. In the light of that critique groupings across the denominations you end up with we will need to adjust our practices accordingly. 600 million people, which is more than a quarter of all Christians. The World Christian Database estimates that the total number of Catholic charismatics is about 120 EASTERN & SOUTHERN REGION million, which means that 1 in 10 Catholics worldwide identify with the charismatic renewal. Given these sort of RETREAT DAY statistics it is a legitimate position to hold that the future of ‘Broken for You’ one day healing Retreat, organised by global Christianity will be Pentecostal/charismatic. the Southern and Eastern Region CCR Liaisons was From its beginnings serious theologians have written held at St Peter’s Parish Clayton on Saturday 24 March. positively about the Catholic charismatic renewal. These The Day began with anointed praise and worship by the theologians included such important figures as Cardinal St Augustine’s, Bourke St, music ministry who was in Leon-Joseph Suenens, Yves Congar OP, a young Joseph attendance for the day. The image ‘Broken for You’ spoke Ratzinger, Fr Francis Martin, Thomas Weinandy OFM cap, volumes and effectively to each one - as God comforts us and Heribert Muhlen OP. In the early days of the movement in our brokenness - He enters into it and replenishes us. these respected figures brought a much needed legitimacy This event was an outreach to the whole church. to what often seemed like a foreign import in the Catholic Approximately four hundred people attended comprising of Church. As a result Catholic charismatics today no longer families and a perfect blend of many cultural backgrounds need to demonstrate the legitimacy of the charismatic and various parish groups from many parishes came renewal within the Catholic Church. What we do need to together to partake of this Retreat as one big church family. do is continue to offer our distinctive voice(s) as Catholic The sight of all these people especially little children lifting charismatics to the broader theological conversation for their hands during times of worship and adoration was the sake of the Church’s mission. That contribution will quite a moving scene that will never be forgotten by many. obviously be authentically Catholic and theologically rigorous, but it will also bring a certain pneumatological The theme ‘Broken for You’ was also reflected in the ‘eye’ to our reflection upon every aspect of our faith. generous way prayer groups and general parishioners from many parts of Melbourne came together in unity and With this in mind then, what is the future of the charismatic gave of themselves in sharing food platters, in fellowship, renewal? And more pertinently, what is the future of the and in volunteering to be of loving service for others on renewal in Australia, where at least to some extent the the day. systematic theologian’s perspective is justified with the decline in numbers of people involved in parish prayer The Retreat was led by Fr. Aurelio Fragapane, Assistant groups and some charismatic communities. Here’s two Parish Priest St Peter’s, Clayton. In his introduction Fr. keys to the future: Aurelio emphasized that for Renewal to be Renewal we have to reach out to others in the wider church. He went 1. We need to make sure that we are not fooled by our on to say: “this retreat day is a time to stop, reflect and name (or by the box others in the Church sometimes perhaps our life may take a new turn. It takes only one put us in) into thinking that the only thing we have person to be on fire for God, to really touch the hearts to offer to the Church is a renewed focus upon the of thousands. The whole purpose of the life, death and charisms (and especially the more dramatic ones resurrection of Jesus is to create a new civilization, a like tongues and healing). The heart of the renewal new world, a new kingdom, a kingdom of light, hope and is the conviction that the normal Christian life is a forgiveness. Can we see this kingdom in the world as yet? life lived ‘in the Spirit.’ This means that the Spirit is Why not? at work in every aspect of the Christian life: a life of continued on page 11

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

People often ask me ‘what happens at the continued from page 10 Centre with the volunteers?’ As I pondered Let us open our hearts to what God is wanting to do today, the question I thought to myself, ‘there’s let us try to listen to His broken heart that bleeds for a no simple answer except to say that we world that is broken, that is in sin, and is chasing things of are an office which caters to the needs of the world, of the flesh, and not of the spirit.” the Renewal and prayer groups.’ There are two co-ordinators, Lenyce and John, who work two days In the morning there was a each and I am here five days per week. As well, we have time of silent adoration and a number of volunteers who come in to the centre on a many hearts were softened regular basis. So I thought a good place to start would be by the Holy Spirit as the queue to share a bit about each of the volunteers one by one in made their way in silence and successive issues so that you will become familiar with reverence up the stairs to the them and the tasks they perform, although this can vary Sacrament of Reconciliation ministered by four priests; considerably according to day to day needs. I will start with Fr Aurelio was joined by Fr John Quin Parish Priest at the beginning of the week. St Peters Clayton. Fr John Magri, Parish Priest, Sacred Heart, Oakleigh and Father Douglas Harris who is the Firstly, Teresa Ziino volunteers each moderator/ leader of The Apostles of Perpetual Adoration Monday. Teresa was a former bank teller in the Archdiocese of Perth WA. Confessions lasted two at Westpac and commenced work here at and half hours as someone significantly remarked “I have the Centre approximately 18 months ago seen this in Medjugorje: this is the fruit of the retreat.” after taking an early retirement. Teresa had expressed a desire long before joining us It was so evident that people were responding to the love that once she had the time she would love and forgiveness of God which culminated in the mass to volunteer at the Centre. where Fr Aurelio encouraged people to trust God by making Jesus the Lord of their lives. There were many who Teresa answers many of our telephone enquiries, listens to responded to this call by surrendering their life to Jesus people who phone the Centre for prayer and then types up for the first time in their lives. The mass drew to a close all prayer requests (although this is also shared by others), with Benediction and Eucharistic Blessing to every person takes orders for the various items we have for sale and, as present. Many experienced God’s love in a new way and well, prepares some of our banking most especially during there was a great sense of peace and joy. We give God all Seminars, and prepares parcels for mailing from time to the Praise and all Glory for this fruitful Retreat day. time. Teresa has been an invaluable help especially during our January seminar when she totals all our sales in an extremely efficient manner and again prepares all the EARLY NOTICE banking. Teresa has been an asset to the Centre and is 14 day pilgrimage led by Fr Colin Xavier always cheerful and always ready to lend a hand. Teresa is also a long time member of the Blessed Trinity Prayer will leave Melbourne early September, Group and the Healing Ministry at St Oliver’s in Pascoe visiting Tel Aviv, Nazareth, Amman, Vale and has been in the renewal for 10 years or so. Bethlehem, Monte Casino-Pompeii, So you can see that many hands make light work, and Rome, Lanciano and Assisi. it is certainly a case of many gifts are used here in the office. It reminds me of St Paul when he spoke about the gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:4 “There are different kinds of gifts Evangelisation and Healing Prayer Centres but the same Spirit.” We all have different gifts and they Five regional Centres for Evangelisation and Healing are complementary to each other according to the needs Prayer are operating in Melbourne under the direction of the Renewal. Fortunately, we all have the same Spirit of Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and appointments for working in all of us and this ensures a harmonious working prayer may be made by contacting the CCR Centre on environment. 9486 6544. These gifts are often discovered and developed as we Psychological and Counselling Services that work in work with one another and hidden gifts often come to conjunction with healing prayer are available in the central the fore. It’s a challenge we face as we work within an and southern areas of Melbourne. Phone Miriam at the increasingly technological age. Some of us are more gifted Centre for details. than others and this is where we learn from each other. Certainly, whilst much of the work done is like any other Can’t make it to a Healing Prayer Centre ordinary office, the Centre hopes to be a place where work during the week? is carried out with a certain sense of peace and joy in the Then you are welcome to come to the service of the Lord and the Renewal. And most certainly, Open House Healing Ministry Days: volunteers like Teresa are an integral and invaluable part Saturdays 2 June, 1 September of the work at the Centre. and 10 November 2012. 9.30am - 2.30pm at the CCR Centre.

11 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU MARK YOUR DIARIES...

Next Renewal Day: 18 August 2012 Renewal Days Our Lady Help of Christians Hall, 49 Nicholson Street, An opportunity for fellowship East Brunswick. From 9.30am - 5.00pm. with others and growth through NO PARKING IN SCHOOL GROUNDS teachings Public Transport: Train to Parliament Station, Tram No. 96 along Nicholson Street to Stop 22.

Then come along Saturday 23 June 2012 CCR Dinner Dance to the San Marco in Lamis Social Club, Want to have a great night Cnr Canning & Kay Streets, Carlton. out and help raise funds for Cost $60.00 per person or $110.00 per couple. Book a table for your Prayer Group now. ICCRS? Phone CCR Centre on 9486 6544.

Next Ladies Day: Thursday 27 September 2012. Ladies Day 2012 Guest speaker : Mary Spizzica Mary will be speaking about Prison Ministry.

Mark your diaries and book your place for this Conference. National Conference Four International speakers: Charles Whitehead, Cyril John, ‘Holy Spirit Come’ Mark Nimo and Jim Murphy. 14 - 18 January 2013 The Conference will be launched by His Excellency Most Reverend Giuseppe Lazzarotto, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia. The Conference will be held at Central Hall, 20 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Registration brochures out soon.

EACH MONTH CHARISMATIC MASSES Time Venue Each Sunday 5.30pm St Clements, Bulleen 7.00pm Holy Family, Doveton (Ministry after) healing MASSES Time Venue 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 7pm 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 Sunday 12 Noon St Benedict’s, Burwood 2pm Prayer & Praise, 3pm Mass St Dominic’s, Broadmeadows 5.30pm St Francis Xavier, Frankston 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 28 May and 26 November - 20 year Anniversary Mass. All welcome.

12 GOOD NEWS • WWW.CCR.ORG.AU