CELEBRATE CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL SERVING THE CHURCH
DISCOVER HOW THOUSANDS OF CATHOLICS ACROSS THE UK AND BEYOND HAVE FOUND NEW INSPIRATION IN THEIR FAITH THROUGH THE CELEBRATE CONFERENCES £1.00 CELEBRATE WILL BE A BLESSING AND A JOY TO ALL WHO ATTEND. IT WILL PROVIDE AN evening off ers special entertainment for the younger THE CELEBRATE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL WHO PARTICIPATE WELCOME TO children, followed by the Celebrate Concert. TO DEEPEN THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND LOVE CELEBRATE’S OWN RADIO STATION VISION OF JESUS CHRIST, TO SHARE THEIR FAITH At CELEBRATE we encourage everyone to pace CELEBRATE SEEKS TO: IN HIM AND DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE CELEBRATE themselves, so for those who may choose to take • Provide an atmosphere of friendship RICHES OF THAT FAITH IN THE LIFE OF THE THE FAMILY CONFERENCE some time out in their chalets, or are involved in baby- and close fellowship, thereby CHURCH. sitting, we off er CELEBRATE FM the Conference’s very promoting a real sense of community WITH A DIFFERENCE own radio station, carrying the Conference events and for formation and mission. +GEORGE STACK CELEBRATE is now in its talks, Christian music, interviews and news, it adds an • Celebrate the Liturgy in the best ARCHBISHOP OF CARDIFF possible way for the people present. 19th year, so what is it that extra dimension to the Conference experience. makes CELEBRATE diff erent? • Off er the best available teaching, SINCE 1994 THE ANNUAL CELEBRATE REGIONAL WEEKENDS based on the Scriptures and the FAMILY CONFERENCE HAS BEEN A GREAT Simply the fact that it was We always wanted to see the CELEBRATE vision teaching documents of the Catholic ENCOURAGEMENT TO ADULTS, YOUNG conceived as a Conference extended to include local weekend events, and we Church. PEOPLE AND CHILDREN OF ALL AGES, for ALL the family, where we started the fi rst CELEBRATE Weekends in 2008. In 2012 • Include among those invited as WITH IT’S EMPHASIS ON GOOD, PRACTICAL do our best to cater for the there will be seven Weekends around the country, speakers men and women from CHRISTIAN TEACHING, CELEBRATION, particular spiritual and social all following the vision and providing for the whole Protestant, Pentecostal and Non- needs of everyone at every age and state of life. This Denominational charismatic churches SERVICE AND FUN. family. is why our vision statement includes the commitment and fellowships, so that we benefi t Finally, I want to refer to two other quotations from +CRISPIAN HOLLIS that Celebrate seeks “to provide spiritually for children, from their gifts and thereby promote our vision statement, both emphasising values which BISHOP OF PORTSMOUTH teenagers and young adults in streams or groups unity among Christians. lie at the heart of what we are trying to do. Firstly, according to age or academic year”. The children and • Hold to the central truths of the we seek “to celebrate the Liturgy in the best possible Catholic faith without emphasising CELEBRATE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY young people are just as important as the adults, way for the people present, and to off er the best those devotions which are a matter of THE COMPANY OF OTHERS OF A LIKE which explains why almost half the 1,500 who attend available teaching based on the Scriptures and the personal choice. MIND AND A LIKE FAITH. IT'S A CHANCE the main Ilfracombe conference are aged 22 years and teaching documents of the Catholic Church”. So Mass • Provide spiritually for children, TO RECHARGE BATTERIES, THINK MORE below and most of the children’s streams and the on- is celebrated in the diff erent streams as well as all teenagers and young adults in DEEPLY, AND BE INSPIRED TO PUT FAITH site accommodation are booked up very quickly. streams or groups according to age or together in the Main INTO ACTION. academic year. SEEING THE VISION BECOME REALITY Hall, we encourage • Show our young people in particular LORD ALTON To make this part of our vision a reality, we depend people to read and that it’s exciting, fun, and challenging on the commitment and hard work of the seven study the Bible, and we to be a Christian today. I AM VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO gifted and qualifi ed teams who run the streams from try to help everyone • Encourage on-going friendship CELEBRATE, AND TO TAKING PART WITH The Crèche up to The Pulse, as well as the leaders become more aware among those who attend Celebrate of the 200 young adults in Joel’s Bar. We also off er events. YOU ALL IN THIS WONDERFUL, SPIRIT- of the wonderfully rich some afternoon sessions for those in their 20s and • Give everyone the freedom to be FILLED AND SPIRIT-FUELLED WEEK. I VALUE and comprehensive 30s. This is in addition to the very full programme for fully charismatic, while remaining THE FREEDOM OF OUR WORSHIP AND THE teachings of the sensitive to those not coming from JOY OF OUR FRIENDSHIP TOGETHER. THE adults, which includes the evening Celebrations and Church. Secondly, this faith experience. RISEN LORD BREATHED THE HOLY SPIRIT the morning talks based on the Scriptures and the Celebrate seeks “to • Off er Baptism in the Holy Spirit & Life INTO HIS APOSTLES, GIVING THEM POWER teaching of the Church with a wide range of afternoon include among those in the Spirit Seminars. TO LIVE THE GOSPEL AND PROCLAIM workshops addressing appropriate spiritual and invited as speakers • Encourage creative activities and THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST; HE practical issues to help us live as Christian men and men and women use drama, mime, art and music to women in today’s challenging world. All this makes from Protestant, emphasise the Gospel message. DOES THE SAME FOR US TODAY, AND AT CELEBRATE WE REALLY DO EXPERIENCE CELEBRATE a genuinely inclusive Family Conference Pentecostal and Non- • Invite everyone to participate in THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND ARE RENEWED and to complete the picture, the evenings conclude Denominational lively praise and worship, and include with The Fringe, a time for everyone to relax, dance, the exercise of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. SPIRITUALLY AND PHYSICALLY. charismatic churches and join in family games in the friendly on-site John • Off er personal prayer by trained MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL! and fellowships, so that Fowler Centre. Whilst we ensure that there is always prayer teams. we benefi t from their +MALCOLM MCMAHON age-appropriate spiritual content in every part of the • Use money raised in the Celebrate gifts and thereby promote unity among Christians”. Off ering to sponsor training and BISHOP OF NOTTINGHAM programme, we are also very aware of the importance Whilst CELEBRATE is a Catholic conference, we are development for individuals, of giving opportunities for fun and relaxation for delighted to welcome brothers and sisters from other communities, groups and special THE JOY AND ENERGY OF THE FAITH OF ALL everyone. Our vision statement says that Celebrate parts of the body of Christ, both as participants and as ministries. THE PEOPLE WHO TAKE PART IN CELEBRATE seeks “to provide an atmosphere of friendship and contributors. We have so much to celebrate together, • Promote and support an awareness HAS AN INFECTIOUS QUALITY AND IT IS close fellowship, thereby promoting a real sense of and so much to learn from one another. of social, moral, ethical and justice GOOD FOR DEVON AND WEST COUNTRY community for formation and mission”. issues, and provide funds from the I hope this has given a fl avour of what CELEBRATE is Off ering for Christian work in disaster CHRISTIANS TO BE TOUCHED BY IT. ONCE As part of this social aspect, the Wednesday is a free all about, and may I encourage you to come along. areas. AGAIN THANK YOU FOR COMING AMONG US, day, off ering everyone the chance to visit some of the CELEBRATE is not ours, it belongs to God and we • Support fi nancially and practically AND I LOOK FORWARD TO BEING WITH YOU local Devon beaches, and giving all the hard-working willingly give Him all the glory. Christian organisations which share a ON EASTER MONDAY. teams the chance to re-charge their spiritual and similar vision, and work for renewal in physical batteries! To complete the day-off , Wednesday CHARLES WHITEHEAD, CELEBRATE CHAIRMAN the church. +CHRISTOPHER BUDD BISHOP OF PLYMOUTH
02 WELCOME TO CELEBRATE WELCOME TO CELEBRATE 03 experience the deep joy incapacitated daughter, and so expectancy begins there is no atmosphere of expectancy among those of God’s presence and to build in the viewer. Then it happens! Slowly over around us, and hope is not evident. the expectation that a few days we see the young woman begin to move CONTRAST OF EXPECTATION through Him all things until eventually she can leave her wheel chair and is Celebrate is a wonderful contrast, full of expectation, are possible. able to walk. hope, and belief that God will meet us. It is a place The contrast to this At this point I was thrilled that the fi lm actually that is precious to feeding our faith and witnessing to hit me recently while showed the healing power of God and so was now the fact that Jesus is alive and wants to work in and watching a fi lm called expecting to see a change in the pilgrim’s attitude through us. To be surrounded by people who love to ‘Lourdes’. It was a from cynicism to one of delight. However, that praise and honour what God is doing in their lives is strange French subtitled wasn’t the case, instantly there began jealousy uplifting. Conversion can happen in an atmosphere ATMOSPHERE OF FAITH fi lm that I had chosen and debate over ‘Why her and not me’. Slowly…. like this, a new excitement can be born even in the to watch based purely very slowly, you see the young healed woman, youngest or oldest of people. on the title and the who was full of excitement and anticipation, To be involved in the main conference and the brief accompanying notice the envious looks and comments. To begin regional weekends is such a privilege. To hear the When compiling the last Celebrate magazine, which review. As the title suggests it was about a pilgrimage with she appears undeterred in her joy but in the stories of how God has changed lives through these is full of testimonies and stories, I was struck by to Our Lady’s shrine in France by a young woman fi nal scene, the pilgrim’s farewell party, while she faith-fi lled events, gives me such a desire to want how many commented on the personal aff ect that with multiple sclerosis accompanied by her mother. is dancing with a handsome man, we see her fall more people to come and see for themselves what is the faith-fi lled atmosphere had on them and their I watched the fi lm with trepidation concerned that it to the ground. She gets up hastily and makes her possible when we stand and declare our faith in the families. would ridicule the Marian shrine. The fi lm was very way to the edge of the dance fl oor where she God that can do all things. slow and would not be high on my ratings, and had becomes acutely aware of the whispers around her ‘With the hall bursting with people of all ages, it not been for the subject matter I would not have commenting on what they have decided is not a This year the main conference is at Ilfracombe from the worship was awesome and the atmosphere persevered. The pilgrims and the place were portrayed miracle after all. Then comes the saddest part of Easter Sunday and seven regional weekends will take was charged with faith……With the power of our as fairly grim, in total contrast to the Lourdes I have the fi lm, her mother silently agrees with the crowd place to include a new location in Torquay (come and renewed faith, we came away with the strength to visited and had found to be full of hope and joy. It and pushes the wheelchair across the room towards have a Celebrate weekend on the English Riviera!) tackle the challenges of everyday life.’ Claire Healy really did not at all convey the true picture of this her daughter. The young woman states clearly she To fi nd out more visit ‘Having seen the eff ect the fun faith-fi lled activities wonderful place of faith and selfl ess service of others. doesn’t need the chair, but as we watch her for a www.celebrateconference.org had on my young children, I was keen to continue long time we observe her faith level dropping. The ATMOSPHERE OF SCEPTICISM or see contact details on p.27 this for them and all our parish children.’ Federica Ali pressure of the thoughts and views of others dilute The story begins amidst an atmosphere of scepticism her hope and her belief in her healing and she to a belief in miracles amongst the pilgrims, apart It made me realise that an atmosphere of faith not quietly gets back into the chair. JENNY BAKER is the only deepens our desire for God but it can also be from the mother of the young woman who is fervent CELEBRATE Regional contagious –to witness people in her approach to attain a miracle for her totally For days after I refl ected on this fi lm and the Coordinator demonstration of how faith can be eroded when
FR CHRISTOPHER ILFRACOMBE FIRST annual gathering of Catholic is deepening faith in Christ all parts of the Church are given when they arrive, nevertheless, JAMISON is a families in the country. The within the context of the power a platform, creating an event they simply joined in with Benedictine CLASS PLEASE organisers are exceptionally of the Holy Spirit. Charismatic that is uniquely catholic and everybody else. In the Church, monk and Celebrate lives up to its name good at enabling parents to Renewal is the tradition from Catholic at the same time. I will there is no First Class. Hang Director of the and I was happily pleased to attend adult events while the which Celebrate springs, so never forget leading a Celebrate on a moment, that’s not right: National Offi ce discover that it’s more festival young are engaged creatively the presence of the Spirit is a workshop on vocation when Celebrate reminds us that in the for Vocation. than conference. Like all the by enthusiastic youth leaders. constant theme but never in way Ann Widdecombe came into Catholic Church, the rich and the He is best known for his work in best festivals, there are plenty The inclusive ethos of the week that excludes those who are not the room accompanied by Lord poor, the young and the old, the TV and radio, as well as his books of surprises. Among these is the strikes everybody who attends so familiar with this aspect of Alton. While it’s diffi cult for such famous and the unknown, all and articles. fact that Celebrate is the largest but the centre of every activity the Church’s life. Speakers from a pair not to make an impact alike are travelling First Class.
04 ATMOSPHERE OF FAITH ATMOSPHERE OF FAITH 05
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CANON MATTHEW JONES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CARDIFF REFLECTS ON .
HIS EXPERIENCE OF CELEBRATE COMING TO WALES FOR THE FIRST TIME A FAMILY . . . ENCOUNTER .
A week or two after being. As a parish priest of three busy communities, we soon realise how much we all need that. In the CHRISTIAN MAHONEY WRITES ABOUT Celebrate Wales, I asked I know that many, many parishioners long for that Gospel we have so much to teach our world, a world HIS FAMILY’S EXPERIENCE OF A CELEBRATE Pam, whether she had same renewal in their own lives. The possibility which can seem to be fragmenting or breaking up. WEEKEND enjoyed the experience. of attending a retreat or pilgrimage is not always It needs a model of unity. Jesus himself forms part Pam had decided to there, but a weekend is something that most could both of the divine community of the Trinity and It all started one Sunday morning at the end go with a friend, both manage. What a diff erence I think it could make to of the Holy Family, and we must build the Church of 10:30am Mass with an inspiring address of them parishioners, parish life if more and more people could fi nd out founded by him into a community of love that is that by Deacon Rev Rob Coyne who invited the and both of them had how Catholic life and worship could be. model for the world. And that is what we can see congregation to a Celebrate Weekend at been a little hesitant at happening at Celebrate. Corpus Christi High School in Cardiff . The the prospect. She now A WONDERFUL SENSE OF COMMUNITY weekend was promised as a way of showing looked a little alarmed at my question. “Enjoyed?!” I believe we must be off ering opportunities - times, Mention of the Holy Family makes me aware of that faith can be alive and relevant to Pam exclaimed, and I thought perhaps something places - where folks can experience the fullness another feature of Celebrate that has struck me, and everyday life and the needs of families. So had upset her during the weekend. “It has changed of Christian faith and life, and a vital part of that that is its family dimension. So often one of those myself, my wife, and our two children aged my life!” she said, with a big smile on her face, and is Christian community, in its full richness. Many reasons I already mentioned for people being unable nine and six decided to go. proceeded to tell me about her wonderful healing people nowadays speak about a spiritual crisis to attend retreats or events is the lack of facilities during the weekend. I heard many stories like Pam’s where people’s diffi culty is not with the spiritual for the children. At Celebrate events not only are The fi rst day over the following weeks, and it all helped to make life - but with the Church. Sometimes the problem children of all ages taken care of, but they have their kicked off at me so glad that Celebrate had come to Wales for the is that they have never enjoyed the experience of own streams, geared to the diff erent age groups. It around 9:00 am fi rst time. In Wales we sometimes feel that we get a the welcoming, learning, worshipping and caring made such a diff erence to the families that I knew at on a Saturday little left behind, in church as in other matters, but community that the Church should be. Jesus spent Cardiff to know that their children were being looked morning with again and again at the Cardiff “Celebrate” people three years forming the apostles, and that meant after, and that they were enjoying good teaching a great talk by were saying how sure they were that this was a not only forming them in the Gospel but also and activities aimed appropriately to their ages. a husband and great chance for things to really start moving here in forming them into the Church. They had to learn What a blessing for our families, and what a great wife team. It Wales. that they belonged to one another as well as to him. message it gives about how important we believe was heartening Pam came away from the weekend renewed and During a Celebrate event it’s amazing how quickly family life to be. to see so made whole, in her faith, and simply as a human a wonderful sense of community springs up, and many families present as well as people of every age. Any initial formality was quickly dispelled with some really good music. This was a great way of joining the community of all those present by together praising God.
The children were then organised into their own groups called "streams" and had a wonderful time thanks to their helpers who brought the faith of the children alive in a vibrant and fun way. The mixture of colourful music over the course of the two days coupled with inspirational talks gave us all a real and tangible experience of the Holy Spirit. We as a family truly discovered and encountered in a special way the Third Person of the Holy Trinity at the Celebrate Weekend and we will defi nitely be attending again when it returns to Wales.
06 A TASTE OF COMMUNITY A TASTE OF COMMUNITY 07 09 re, OFF CAMPUS! our passion for from owing INVITED THE BRISTOL UNI CHAPLAINCY AND THE BRISTOL INVITED BROUGHT FRIENDS ALONG FROM NOTTINGHAM BROUGHT FRIENDS ALONG This is amazing considering most of the students is amazing considering This God has truly of Celebrate, heard even had never in our chaplaincy!’been working was Nottingham University, Rosanna, a student from in the weekend looking attending really to forward Charismatic a Catholic been to ‘I hadn’t St Albans and I had forgotten a number of years for conference these makes of the Holy Spirit that the sheer power It was be a part such a blessing to gatherings of. people of were there that realise so beautiful to and Christ, the same passion for all ages who felt gave conference The the Church. for the same love bring this eagerness it is possible to me hope that and atmosphere The all parts Christ into for of life. probably the conference at and worship the praise heart set my been enough to on fi have would but the talks that I heard blew me away. The ones The blew me away. I heard but the talks that the on me were made the biggest impression that World a lot at I had heard talks about evangelisation. about the importance Day of evangelisation, Youth and the world bring Christ to need to and the urgent quite was but really with it all, agreed I had readily The the task of actually by daunted going about it. it is not a that made me realise Celebrate talks at it should be the but rather by, be daunted to chore fl progression natural for weekend, the Celebrate for I am so grateful Jesus. each and every person talks and for the transforming it inspiring’. I found who attended. LUKE DOWLE DOWLE LUKE er, there there er, to ROSANNA CASSIDY or six of ve STUDENTS. CELEBRATE IS FOR EVERYONE AND IS DELIGHTED TO WELCOME UNIVERSITY WELCOME TO AND IS DELIGHTED IS FOR EVERYONE CELEBRATE of ten Over rst time. coming. fteen people were ort them, which talk to to to went talks and everyone ve has group and worship our praise conference the ‘Since had an importantnitely impact. erent ones!’ ones!’ erent
OFF CAMPUS! Luke explains ‘we had started a regular prayer had started prayer ‘we a regular explains Luke the University at each week evening and praise had just fi begin with we to chaplaincy, us but as time went on fi us but as time went a and it provided the evenings enjoying were They experience the Uni to at Catholics for good chance which is new to Renewal, a bit of the Charismatic a small group encouraged this we Through many. The in Bristol. weekend the local Celebrate go to to and came back to the conference loved newcomers of the chaplaincy the rest how witness to as to give the then was This it. much they gained from Cardiff going to group a larger to catalyst the fi for Celebrate experience It it. great was and every person enjoyed us went and this was was everyone interested seeing how particularly underlined when in the afternoon on off were session a number of workshops of fi a choice was diff experienced ‘they had never students said The and they Church this in the Catholic something like particularly was Luke events!’ more go to to wanted the so friendly to people were that impressed and made an eff group defi Cardiff take hoping to are we and now grow to continued Easter. at conference the main Celebrate to a crowd
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. Contact our Course S.O.S. PRAYERLINE 7.30 - Telephone: 01243 377331 . See our online shop at: . for a copy of our current . www.catholic-bible-school.org enjoyed the talks I heard’ the talks I heard’ enjoyed It then be surprise to was a total take up the off asked to ‘I was very pleased during the Mass. be partand humbled to of the me it took procession, Eucharistic childhood as I had done my back to of things like that in the Church England’. House Farm Lane Farm Chichester Nutbourne Nutbourne PO18 8SD. PO18 01243 371766 01243 This Georgian farmhouse, together with its Conference Facilities in the adjacent barn conversion, can accommodate groups from 5 - 80 people in a peaceful setting and provides an ideal venue for awaydays, retreats, meetings and conferences. In addition to a full range of courses and study days, the Catholic Bible School has a wide range of CDs talks given by “Celebrate” speakers and many others. However, the work was made much easier because the work However, it a pleasure I found and joy. enjoyment of everyone’s and friendly people I happy meeting so many had an unexpected impact conference Celebrate The home they started On return on both of the husbands. on and then went Church to their wives accompanying for in preparation RCIA followed do an Alpha course, to 2012! at Easter the Church into being received Opening times: Celebrate Celebrate Resources for Resources Quantity discounts Sale or return schools & churches book-packs for events
z z z Mon – Sat 10.00 4.00 01582 571011 rst Welsh Conference I Conference Welsh rst You can still browse our website on: can still browse our website on: You ATWHATYOUÚNDè www.goodnewsbooks.net You’ll be surprised [email protected] range of books and cards. range of books and cards. Come and visit our new shop in Luton to see extensive Our family run 15 year old business has a new venture... Christian UNEXPECTED WELSH FRUIT help out with car park duties When asked to at the Cardiff stewarding and general Ebsworth didn’t Heseltine and Steve Tom Conference, know expectreally what to and without a doubt they got far more Both imagined! than they ever events had been to their wives but not them, and like this before, of going intention any they hadn’t the site Sharon had it not been for manager askingteam them to help out. and non non Catholic ‘As said Tom like to would asked if we were when we goers, Church be on the service at the fi team right! were - and we work be hard thought this could we equipment, car parkingMoving got so wet (we on the go all time. were get changed), we had to for adults and children books Goodnews Books St John’s Church Complex 296 Sundon Park Road Luton, Bedfordshire LU3 3AL ALICE HALL is a member of the Sion Catholic Community, and has been involved in Celebrate for many years where she led the 'Joel's Bar' stream. She spoke at Brighton Celebrate on the theme of the conference: “Who do you say that I am?” In this extract of her talk she explains that the answer to this question leads us to explore who we are!
“WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?” MATTHEW 16:15
Jesus is unique for each of us, and to every single person in the Gospel Jesus was someone diff erent. Although the Church enables us to understand our faith, we mustn't forget that Jesus is asking us this question personally ‘ Who exciting adventure than do you say that I am?’ the one we’re planning. I'm beginning to realise that C S Lewis, said: “Jesus is either who he says he is, this is a choice I need to and he's God, and we have to listen to him, or make everyday, to let God he's a liar, which means he's a bad man, or he's drive the car, to let Him be insane. The one thing we must not say is that he in control. other. David Matthews said in the previous talk is merely a man, a great moral teacher. You must THE INNER JOURNEY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT “Only lovers can delight in such wastage”. We can make your choice, either this man was, and is, Recognising who Jesus is and making the THAT WE'LL EVER MAKE. 'waste' time just looking into the eyes of the Lord the Son of God, or else a madman or something decision to follow Him is only the start of the in prayer. We waste so much time in front of the worse.’’ If Jesus is who he said he was, then the journey. What happened to Peter after he made This exchange between Peter and Jesus reminds TV and on our smart phones so how can it be a Gospel is true. He is God. He rose from the dead. this response to the Lord? “Peter answered Jesus’ us of what is needed to build a relationship. In waste of time to spend it with the Lord in prayer. He is alive and with us. He promised always to question 'You are the Christ, the Son of the Living order for this exchange of off ering myself to be with us, so He’s with us right now, and this God.’’ Then Jesus said ‘‘Blessed are you, Simon son the Lord, and Him off ering Himself to me what I think this is a challenge for everybody, however demands a response. of Jonah, fl esh and blood has not revealed this to needs to happen is I need to know myself. I need many Celebrates we've been to. How can you be you, but my Father in Heaven. And I tell you, you to know myself to be in relationship with him. in a relationship with Jesus if you don't talk to WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT JESUS IS LORD? are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, This journey of coming to know ourselves is Him? If we treated our best friend like we treat It means entering into a relationship with Him, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. phenomenally important for us to be Christians, Jesus, would they be our best friend? inviting Him to be a part of our lives. It means I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, to be in this relationship with Jesus. St Teresa We’re very busy people, and there is constant asking if He's got an idea for my life that maybe and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound of Avila says that ‘‘the inner journey is the most noise in our lives. At times we’re almost afraid is better than mine! I like the analogy of driving in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall important that we'll ever make”. St Bernard of to be silent, because the fi rst thing we meet in a car, I humbly get out of the driving seat, and be loosed in Heaven.” (Matthew 16:16-20) Whoa! Clairvaux says: “Self-knowledge is knowledge of prayer is ourselves, our thoughts. To overcome say: “Lord, do you want to drive my car? He's That's a response! Peter is then catapulted into God”, so this journey of self-knowledge must be this we often do a lot when we’re praying...I’ve not going to leave us behind, I get to be in the this crazy mission that takes over his life, the fi rst a worthwhile one, as it is how we come to know experienced being stripped of my doing in prayer, passenger seat and go for the ride. He made this Head of the Church, the fi rst Pope. He's been God. which means you come naked before the Lord, car, He knows how fast it can go, and He doesn't given authority over Heaven and earth. Jesus So how do we practically live this journey? Just and this can be very uncomfortable, as we’ve get any speeding tickets! If we let the Lord drive prophesied what's going to happen to him, He's look at people in relationship, at people falling in got nothing to hide behind. We then have to say our lives it's going to be so much more of an giving him his mission. Jesus told Peter who he is! love with each other, they spend time with each ‘Lord, look at me, this is who I am.’
10 “WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?” “WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?” 11 LED TO WORSHIP Worship is an essential part of the Celebrate conference. We recognise that we are all diff erent and some delight in raising their hands and singing aloud while others prefer the silence of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There is no right or wrong way, and at Celebrate we off er the opportunity to experience and participate in many kinds of worship. Worship fulfi ls a profound need in us, to be loved by Him, and then to respond to that love. At the conferences we use the talents of a variety of people to help us fi nd ways to refl ect on and convey our gratitude to God for all A DAMASCUS that He has given, from mime artists to dancers, actors and musicians, bringing heartfelt expression to our liturgy and praise. ROAD MOMENT Eamonn Pugh a longstanding worship leader at Celebrate Ilfracombe explains ‘There is a sense of anticipation, excitement and expectation each day. When I see people walking down the road from the holiday site to the college where the main conference is held, and ascending Two RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) The speakers I heard were each highly eff ective in the hill up to the entrance, I often have a sense of what it must have helpers came to see what Celebrate might have to off er their own way and the workshops off ered a frustrating been like in biblical times for the people of God going up to the those who were on the journey of faith. Sue Hollow a choice – I would have liked to have gone to at least temple to worship. I have been involved in leading worship at the retired deputy head from a Catholic School, and James two simultaneously!’ conference since it started, and have been blessed to experience the Swale a convert of fi ve years, both volunteer with the sense of the magnitude, awe and wonder of God as the enthusiastic CELEBRATE IN CONNECTION WITH AN RCIA busy St Peter's Church RCIA group in Hove. throng of voices sing out to the vibrant music. As a worship leader, there PROGRAMME? is nothing more fulfi lling than to look out at a sea of people with their ‘The fi rst thing I noticed’ said James ‘was the ‘Many people arrive at RCIA as ‘searchers’ says Sue. hands and their voices lifted high.’ organisation and planning of Celebrate. Caring came ‘They will be exposed to, and interact with, the through in how comfortable and smoothly things programme provided. In the time we have we can give Drama, mime and dance also play a part within the conference and went. There was a delightful mix of tradition and joyful glimpses of scripture, an exposé of the sacraments, bring a diff erent dimension to the way in which we worship. We have worship. The talks and workshops were very good pray with the group, introduce the person of Jesus, our home grown drama company ‘RISE’ who attend the main Celebrate and gave me lots to unpack, particularly the exploring introduce the catechism etc. However, we must not conference and many of the weekends, as well as the beautiful dancer prayer workshop. There was a busy schedule of events forget that the Holy Spirit calls people into relationship Kate Snowden, and the much loved mime artist Steve Murray as well as but many opportunities for quiet refl ection and prayer. when He chooses. Celebrate could provide a chance Monica McArdle, whose creative performances can move us to refl ect I found Celebrate inspiring, being surrounded by for a RCIA candidate to have that ‘Damascus Road’ more deeply and impact our praise and worship times. moment, a time for the Holy Spirit to light the fi re in a people who loved God.’ ‘At the regional weekends we want to ensure we don’t deliver a context where the large number of others present can lukewarm version of the main Celebrate conference’ says Eleanor Sue, who in the past taught pastoral skills at St John’s give support and affi rmation. I was both surprised and Agius who is part of the band at Brighton Celebrate. ‘We are called to seminary Wonersh, explains ‘I went to Brighton impressed by the number of local clergy who came draw regular ‘Celebrators’ and newcomers together into one praying Celebrate with some trepidation. I confess that my to support the event and the system for follow up; community. It has been a great privilege to be part of the worship team attendance was more fi lled with curiosity than hope. something very necessary for someone new.’ over the last few years, working with the Holy Spirit to create a space for people to be renewed and awakened. We are aware that a fi rst experience of Celebrate can be rather daunting for some but for others it is hugely liberating, allowing them to praise God with their whole self when the limits of language have been reached. Just as in our parishes we stand, we kneel, we make the sign of the cross, at Celebrate we hope to introduce people to new languages for expressing their love of God, not forcing anyone to pray without integrity, but rather giving them the freedom and challenge to step out in faith and meet Christ.’ In all areas of our worship at Celebrate from the rousing hymns, the moving dramas, to CaFE (Catholic Faith Exploration) - Equipping you to reach others! the silence of our hearts as we adore Christ Check out www.faithcafe.org to fi nd a wide range of easy to run DVDs, music CDs in the Eucharist, we pray that all may fi nd and books to help your faith grow and to resource you to spread the Word. their way to a deeper encounter with the living Lord.
12 A DAMASCUS ROAD MOMENT LED TO WORSHIP 13 DAVID MATTHEWS who spoke last year at Celebrate Bristol, has been a regular speaker for many years at the Celebrate Conference in Ilfracombe and at the regional weekends. He is a larger than life character with a warm Northern Irish sense of humour who leads audiences to experience the love of Christ through laughter and stories. His interesting journey of faith has led him to recently embrace Catholicism after decades as a Protestant Pastor. HUMBLED BY LOVE
I have been involved with the RECEIVED INTO THE CATHOLIC Celebrate conference for more NO CHURCH years than I care to recount. I have PRESSURE been privileged to be a speaker at TO Since that time it has been my great many diff erent kinds of conferences CONVERT OR privilege to be received into the around the world and in my CONFORM Roman Catholic Church, on Easter opinion Celebrate is one of the very Saturday (2011). As you can guess Celebrate is best! that was a momentous decision for a Roman Catholic AN EVANGELICAL me and my wife Mary and we have Why do I say that? Well it is conference that has PROTESTANT PASTOR prayed, laughed and cried over it. charismatic and full of life. It is maintained a very GIVING A TALK ON also very well organised and healthy and productive MARY! We as a couple are now living administrated. On site there are ecumenism. I attended for out ecumenism, as I enjoy the numerous people from stewards to many years as a Protestant I will never forget that night. sacraments and friendships ‘stream’ leaders who work tirelessly Pastor. In that time I was always Having boldly put myself forward at my local parish church and to make your stay pleasant and respectfully received and warmly I was now wracked with doubt she remains part of our local enjoyable. I really appreciate that. listened to while speaking, and foreboding. What was I doing! evangelical church where we enjoy It’s what allows Celebrate to be with even a few ‘amen’s’ of How can an evangelical protestant fellowship and good Bible teaching. so ‘spontaneous’ and spiritually encouragement thrown in for good Pastor give a talk on Mary to a Many have asked me why I have enriching. measure! This aspect of Celebrate Roman Catholic audience, not taken this step. It is hard to explain. is particularly important. Often to mention all the Priests and Celebrate is a family conference. I feel a bit like Peter in the house of we have wrong ideas about each Religious that were present!! To my It is not full of holy people doing Cornelius (Acts 10). It all feels a little other simply because we don’t get with the warmth of thoughtfully felt that amazement, gratitude and relief holy things 24/7! It is full of families bit alien and I know the church is a chance to meet the other side or love and appreciation I “we have not honoured Our it was warmly received and even of all kinds with a full programme where God wants me to be, but am interact with them. received. Let me give you Lady yet”. applauded. That is Celebrate for of activities with something for one example of that. you. still trying to understand more fully everyone. You can opt in or opt out This interaction at Celebrate allows Charles, the Chairman, the customs and language of this to whatever level you like after all it for healthy social encounters and Some years ago I was sitting in suggested that we pray and discern I have given that talk on Mary household. is a holiday! even theological discussion (for on a Celebrate team meeting. We what we might do. I being an many times since but it was my My wife’s advice is both practical those who like that kind of thing). were reviewing the progress so far evangelical Pastor and not known involvement with Celebrate that The all age aspect in my view is and spiritual. She simply says, “Let Having said all that there is of and praying for the few days left for my shyness’, shared that I had a taught me that if we speak in its strongest aspect. From ‘Little the dust settle and then we will see course no pressure whatsoever that we would be able to follow teaching on Mary quickly adding love and respect to each other Lights’ to grandparents they all fi nd the way forward”. So watch this to convert or conform. In many the Holy Spirit. By the way there the condition that it was only what we just might discover that a place with lots of encouragement space as the dust settles. I do know many years of involvement with is a lot of prayer before after and the Scriptures said about her. “That there is more that unites us than and support. Over the years it that Celebrate and its people had a Celebrate I cannot remember during Celebrate. Much of it, not all, is what we want” said Charles divides. Ecumenism at Celebrate has been my greatest joy to see lot do to with my joining the church even one attempt to get me to is ‘hidden’ and maybe all the more encouragingly and so with the full is a healthy holding to one’s own teenagers and parents rediscover as I have seen there a Catholicism become Roman Catholic. I can powerful for that. Anyway back to approval of all present I was duly traditions and norms while seeking their faith and fi nd their level of that is charismatic, vibrant and say that I was many times almost the committee meeting (must we appointed to deliver said talk to the to understand and listen to the service in the Church and society. very very attractive. embarrassed and often humbled I hear you say), one person there conference. others point of view.
14 HUMBLED BY LOVE HUMBLED BY LOVE 15 The programme had four contact events >> IT WAS SO during the year; one week where we met at Worth Abbey, two weekends (one sadly called off because of snow!) as well as a service project. Through the marvel of the internet a ‘cyber’ community was created during the year and support and friendship was shared as well as the swapping of thoughts and advice. The young leaders were given a wide CLEAR variety of spiritual and practical teaching TO EVERY ONE OF US THAT at each of the events and supplied with a number of resources; books, magazine subscriptions, accountability partner guidance, daily Scripture reading, and a website with downloadable podcasts. Many of the delegates mentioned how valued they felt by the investment in them. The launch week at Worth Abbey was a great start to the year. CLAIRE ASHBOURNE reports ‘the week was GOD packed with incredible teaching and a loving HAD CALLED US ALL community atmosphere. We were given the opportunity to join with the monks in their RELEASE daily rhythm of prayer. God moved very AND WAS DOING powerfully during that week, and while most A CELEBRATE INITIATIVE FOR YOUNG LEADERS of us had started the week wondering why AMAZING THINGS IN OUR we were there and feeling that we were not quite strong enough Christians or leaders, by The Main Celebrate Conference prayer and community. Some them so much. Recently, the the time we left, it was so clear to every one of has been running for 19 years of these young people have opportunities for service have us that God had called us all, and was doing and many of those who have now moved into serving at the extended, with the growth of amazing things in our hearts. The teaching was been through the children’s conference and have begun to the conferences and requests for broad and inspiring, ranging from a history streams and have ended up in help at the regional weekends. To young people to speak and help HEARTS of Scripture by Fr Paul Keane, to training Joel’s Bar, the16+ stream, proudly be asked to serve at Celebrate is at other events where their living in preaching to young people from Soul project”, by either volunteering to help at a Celebrate describe themselves as ‘Celebrate regarded as a privilege to these faith can challenge and teach Survivor's Andy Croft, who as a leader of a huge regional weekend, work in our parishes or get involved in Babies’. Over the years they have young adults, following in the others. Evangelical Charismatic Youth Festival left the received teaching that has been footsteps of those who have some sort of Christian activity that would help us to start Last year the Celebrate Abbey saying that he felt “inspired, encouraged relevant to their age group and been their role models using the skills and advice we had received.’ leadership team recognised and humbled”. The week was particularly have engaged with the worship, and have taught there was a challenge to practical in its emphasis, and gave us ways to The challenge of the service project meant that a be met to equip these new put into practice all that we had learned. We number of the RELEASE leaders took up the baton and young leaders. Formation had were also challenged to take part in a “service got involved in a variety of activities. to be available to help them take the step from receiving to giving, and there needed to be JOHN WRIGHT helped out at his parish church this summer with ‘Blaze’ a one-week a structured approach, so that youth event for children in Years 3-6. The theme of the week was “Outer Space”, they were properly supported, focusing on the book of Exodus, and the Israelites journey out of Egypt. It was a not just ‘thrown in the deep end’. hectic but fun fi lled week with 60 children all enjoying faith related activities, a RELEASE: A Celebrate Initiative number of which were pretty noisy, especially the infamous “Blaze Olympics”, in for Young Leaders was launched which the groups competed in activities such as space-hopper races! The week to meet this challenge. A number ended with a bang when a circus skills workshop taught them juggling, plate- of young ‘Celebrators’ aged 18-24 spinning, uni-cycling, and many other exotic skills. It was a pretty exhausting week years were approached to attend but John was helped by his experience at RELEASE using the practical advice he the year formation programme had been given and the confi dence that God had called him to be there. During and 25 of them took up the the year he also lead youth streams at both the Cardiff and St Albans Regional invitation. Weekends building on his gifts of communication with young people. John has now begun an internship in his parish while studying for a degree in youth work.
16 RELEASE RELEASE 17 EMILY BAKER spent a month in Indonesia with an orphanage full of children that had been aff ected by the recent Tsunami. JOHN WRIGHT It proved to be a explains the impact tough time with of the Celebrate challenges in communication, cultural diff erences, Conferences on his food and living conditions. Despite this she got stuck life - and his cycling into the routine by helping with the everyday duties and work of the orphanage and prayed that she could make a diff erence in a small way to the lives of these children. She believes she learnt more about herself during that time than anything else and felt that the Lord was underlining the words ‘you are called to serve and not to be served’. She drew on her previous experience of volunteer parish youth work and what she had learned through RELEASE, knowing that many friends were supporting her in prayer, which helped her to face each day with patience and humility. FROM CAROL PARRA has been heavily involved in media CELEBRATE at her university, and during RELEASE she shared TO CYCLING! how the week at Worth Abbey had About fi ve years ago, when I fi rst attended To satisfy this desire I was encouraged to go helped her to feel Celebrate, I was a non-Catholic husband doing on an Alpha course in Baldock, and spent time more equipped and Keep in touch with Goodnews his best to support his wife, Clare, and our thinking about what God meant to me - love challenged about working in - a Catholic Charismatic magazine. children, Izzy, Joe and Amy, in their faith. Back and union. My son was now preparing for his this area. So when World Youth Day asked her to come then we'd been married for just over ten years, fi rst Holy Communion; I wanted to fully support and work on social media for them in Madrid this year, but I had a distant memory of Father Phelim him in this so while he was going through his she jumped at the opportunity to be evangelising in - helpful teaching articles - inspiring stories McGowan, of Edge Hill, telling me that getting preparation, I went through mine. Weekly this medium. It was a busy time for Carol and she was - 5 pages of coming events - retreats, conferences etc married to Clare meant that I was promising to discussions with our parish priest, Canon Eddie rushed off her feet with the work, constantly updating bring up our children in the Catholic faith. At the Matthews, culminated in a joint celebration of the Twitter and Facebook aspects of WYD and sharing with the world what was happening in Madrid. She time I nodded, but didn't really put much though new life, the baptism of our fourth child, Emily, learnt that there is a great need for Christians to to what that meant. and my confi rmation at the Easter vigil mass. witness in social media, not only through sharing with I'd always encouraged my wife to go to Mass But it was at one of the regional conferences friends and family, but also through actively engaging and parish events, and it was through a family- in St Albans that after being prayed with I felt with the issues discussed. focused faith group that we met a family who fi lled with the Holy Spirit and a desire to explore have been regulars at Celebrate for probably my faith with others. I now talk about my faith Through the RELEASE programme, which will twenty years. Their living testimony intrigued me openly at work and have helped run the Alpha run for a new group of young people from and it was because of them that I found myself at course in our parish. I’m also thinking of setting September 2012, we hope that this experience Celebrate. up a Christian Cycling Club, where something as and the investment in the future of these simple as wearing a Christian Cycling Club jersey I was open-minded but by no means a incredible young people, will help them discern will prompt questions and provide me with an committed Christian. I was bemused by all the what God is calling them to, how they can opportunity to witness and bring Christ into smiling faces and passionate praise and worship, contribute to the future of Celebrate, and how other people’s lives! we can further equip them for this journey. but reassured that this charismatic declaration of faith was backed up by thought provoking talks Celebrate is now the fi rst thing that goes in our If you are aged between 18 and 24 years from grounded in scripture. By the end of that week family diary every year, it provides a time for our Sept 2012 and would like more information about of indulging myself in the possibility of a life with family to come together in Christ and unite us in applying for RELEASE 2012 please send an email Bimonthly. Only £19.95 a year. Christ, I found an amazing sense of peace and a His love. to [email protected] Contact Goodnews 020 7352 5298 longing to know more. www.ccr.org.uk [email protected] 1818 RELEASERELEASE CELEBRATE TO CYCLING 19 A PERSONAL NOTE FROM SUE WHITEHEAD, CO-FOUNDER OF CELEBRATE WITH BEYOND THE BARRIERS HER HUSBAND CHARLES
Although Celebrate is most defi nitely a Catholic Conference it has an ecumenical heart. GOD'S AGENDA IS NOT Jim, Anne and Steve Each year we invite speakers from diff erent Churches who bless us with their teaching. DENOMINATIONAL, IT IS have been part of In 2011 both Rev. Jim Graham from Gold Hill Baptist Church in Buckinghamshire and RELATIONAL our lives for many, many years – much loved Steve Murray a Pentecostal international mime artist spoke at Southampton’s regional brothers and sisters in Christ. I'd like to add a few weekend. REV. JIM GRAHAM a words as an Anglican - mainly about the Easter long serving Baptist conference in Ilfracombe. minister was brought Celebrate is a real joy - a truly Catholic up in West Scotland, STEVE CHRIST AT THE CENTRE Conference with contributions from other where rivalry between MURRAY members of God's family. Many of us never Protestants and has been Celebrate has adopted me and I don’t feel left need to step outside our denominations in our Catholics was a normal serving the outside looking in, I feel as one. I never think about daily walk with the Lord but at this conference part of everyday life, and it was not until he conference for diff erences because the people, the beautiful people we also experience riches from other traditions. moved to England many years later that he and many years of Celebrate and other Catholic events that I serve We realise, sometimes for the fi rst time, that his wife discovered that there could be anything and is much at, have taught me over the years how it is only God's children come in many shapes, sizes and other than hatred between denominations. Even loved by the through ignorance and lack of understanding that confessions. more of a shock was the discovery that there audiences sectarianism is created. The Catholic Church is could be unity, understanding, and love. Having Mass is celebrated beautifully every day but he ministers Christ centred and I feel at home in it. All churches come across a local Catholic prayer group in a during the week we also celebrate a communion to through and denominations have faults and bad tastes, Catholic Convent that many of his congregation service of another denomination. Everyone his creative why? Because people go there! But my vision is were attending he decided to drop in and cast is invited to join us and when communion is expression of to see the scaled eyes between groups melt away an eye over the proceedings. He was surprised distributed, the Catholic delegates come forward the Gospel. and then we shall see ourselves as Christ sees us. to be welcomed by “Godly people”, full of to receive a blessing, as we have done during the Steve talks Of course I know church history has created rifts warmth and love. Through this introduction into daily Eucharist. Very often the Holy Spirit moves about his and divisions but the fact is clear, we are human Catholic circles Jim met Charles Whitehead, and very strongly at this time as we experience the fondness for the conference and how much beings and we are all diff erent, each to enjoy through him became involved in Celebrate. His pain of division in the body of Christ - a reality he has learnt that has taken him beyond the diff erent fl avours and diff erent colours and it’s our attendance at the main conference a number of that exists; a brokenness that needs healing. denominational barriers. diff erences that help make up the wonderful multi coloured tapestry of the Kingdom of God. years ago left him feeling “warmly welcomed” and ‘Celebrate is a conference I have been performing at commented that the priest who blessed him and It has been a privilege to help organise Celebrate for many years and still enjoy every single moment I thank God for all the denominations, because they his wife, Anne, when they came up for a blessing - a blessing to meet so many people on fi re for of it. It is a true Charismatic Catholic conference provide for all the diff erent diversities of the body at communion “prayed as if he had known us all God. The theme is always a scripture verse and and yet with a strong ecumenical ethos. This I of Christ. Some people like to be more meditative his life”. Jim and Anne continued to be involved based on that, Christian teachings are developed am sure, is because Charles and Sue Whitehead whilst others like to be more spontaneous. In my in ecumenism and particularly in Celebrate. and shared. The diversity of the delegates embrace an ecumenical marriage and have ministry I have worked in all styles and fl avours of Jim says he's learned that “God's agenda is not refl ects the natural mixture in families and we all ensured this is foundational to the vision. Through church and I would be a liar if I said I enjoy every denominational, it is relational”. When asked if learn that more unites us than divides! When we their acceptance of my ministry they gave me, a type of service. But what I really do enjoy is that he feels things have moved on in ecumenism, go home at the end, many of us feel that we have Pentecostal mime artist, a platform to serve God Christ is the centre in all denominations.“ Jim said: “Unquestionably”, and his continued experienced "church" - a week of community, and opened up the doors into the Catholic world. contribution to Celebrate shows his enthusiasm teaching and friendship. And above all - loving to keep this moving forward. acceptance of each other.
20 BEYOND THE BARRIERS BEYOND THE BARRIERS 21 sake of the Gospel. I meet people who work and I have spoken at many conferences and weekends pray without losing heart, with young people, with within Charismatic Renewal and have loved them those who go out on the streets to pray with people all. I have spoken at many not within the confi nes of and talk about their faith. I meet people who live Renewal and they too have had their own unique heroic lives of service and who don’t see themselves quality, but for me Celebrate has a rare ability to draw as anything out of the ordinary. In their openness to together all elements of the Church and to celebrate the Spirit I sense hope for the future and that fi lls me them. with hope. As a priest that fi lls me with hope for the future. It I also see the institutional church at its best in the reminds me of what the Church can be. It is fantastic liturgy at Celebrate. Yes it’s free, with the Spirit of to see so many people working together to proclaim God leading people to praise in a liberated way the Kingdom of God. The Christian Church is often with hands outstretched and singing and dancing. pilloried in the Press and sometimes deservedly so. The Yes it’s anointed with the gifts of the Spirit fl owing Catholic Church in particular has deserved much of the in tongues and prophecy. To some it can appear criticism levelled against it in recent years. Celebrate strange but there is a sense of dignity and awe that stands as a reminder to me that in the words of Julian only comes when really faith fi lled people come of Norwich, ‘All shall be well, all manner of things shall be TWO together to worship God. well’. DIMENSIONS “I AM NOT A CHARISMATIC!” HELEN SUMMERS shares the experience of having FR CHRIS THOMAS WHO SPOKE AT THE MACCLESFIELD’S REGIONAL WEEKEND WRITES ABOUT her faith reignited EXPERIENCING BOTH THE CHARISMATIC AND INSTITUTIONAL DIMENSIONS AT CELEBRATE.
I am 47 years old, married to Andy, being suspicious and nervous of it, I have been involved work in harmony with one another and do so often. and have three children. Over the but it doesn’t seem to be the right in Catholic Charismatic When you read the wonderful life-giving teaching years my faith has been found, lost, approach! Renewal since I was fi fteen. rediscovered, neglected and had that emerged from the Second Vatican Council and So, as you may imagine, I ventured In 1975 the Lord invaded a fi re set under it occasionally. The in lots of Documents since then and before then, off to the 2011 Macclesfi eld Though it took a while for me my life when I was least strains of life have often distracted you have to know that the presence of the Spirit is Celebrate with my husband and to relax into the weekend, I did expecting it and turned me from my hope and trust in God, within the Church as well as beyond the Church. daughter Elizabeth, carrying plenty experience another ‘relighting’ of me upside down. That and I have often found myself of confl icting emotions – wanting the fi re of faith. Some of the talks experience took me back AN EXPLOSION OF POWER feeling cynical and doubtful. to Church and made my In that coming together of the institution and the to fi nd ways of deepening my were profoundly moving, and life worth living. I was charismatic there is an explosion of power, the My husband, was a convert to relationship with God, but feeling caused a shift deep in the core of catapulted into a life of kind of power that is available when people stop Catholicism, and came to his faith that I wouldn’t quite ‘fi t in’. I was my understanding of God. Despite prayer and reading the Scriptures. All my free time relying on themselves and start to rely on the Lord. through the Charismatic Renewal. also a little worried for Elizabeth my reluctance, I even found myself was spent at prayer meetings and conferences as I It’s the kind of power that transforms hearts and My renewal of faith also came (aged 9), who is quite shy and gets raising my hands to join in the drank in more and more of God. I was so thirsty for minds and opens people up to the living Lord. It’s through relationship with people anxious about new situations. This shared worship at times! I didn’t God and I knew that I only wanted to live for the that kind of power that will enable the Church to who were actively involved in latter worry was quickly dispelled. feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. Gospel. I was eventually ordained a Priest in 1985 become what God wants it to be. It’s the kind of Charismatic Renewal. But I cannot The overwhelming warmth On the contrary, I felt very much and continued to be fully immersed in Charismatic power that will enable the Church to be prophet and call myself a ‘charismatic’. I am and joy of the team running accepted for who I am, and found Renewal. herald and servant and real community while being drawn by the power and joy of the Elizabeth’s ‘stream’ just drew her comfort and inspiration from both authentically charismatic and institutional. At style of music, prayer and worship, in, wrapped her up and gave her being part of a very diverse group I have never really understood Church without Celebrate I experience both the Charismatic and the and have been deeply impacted by such a wonderful experience of of people all on their own unique the charismatic dimension. The Church by its very Institutional dimension of Church. some of the teaching and example God’s love. She responded with journeys. nature is charismatic, infused and led by the Spirit of of life I have experienced from this her own abundant love and joy, So, my advice to anyone wondering God. Without the Spirit the institution would have HOPE FOR THE FUTURE part of the church. But there has and the sight of her taking part in whether to go to the next no life and no way of hearing the voice of God. The I talk to people whose lives have been always been a part of me that is the shared worship times over the conference is – just try it and see – Church in its fullest expression is both institutional extraordinarily blessed by God and whose afraid of what I don’t understand – weekend was so moving. As for you have nothing to lose, but much and charismatic. It can never be one or the other. awakening by the Spirit has propelled them into the speaking or singing in tongues, myself, I decided to just keep my to gain! The institution needs the charismatic and the the centre of the Church where they work and for example. I have often asked God heart and mind open to everything charismatic needs the institution. The two should encourage and endure all kinds of hardship for the to give me that gift, so I could stop on off er!
22 TWO DIMENSIONS TWO DIMENSIONS 23 There are many temptations placed before you every day—drugs, money, sex, pornography, alcohol— WHAT THE which the world tells you will bring you happiness, yet these things are destructive and divisive. CHURCH OF There is only one thing which lasts: the love of Jesus Christ personally for each one of you. NOW SAY… Message to young people from Pope Benedict XVI, Bellahouston Park, Scotland ERIN went to St Albans Celebrate for the fi rst time ‘I had heard a lot about it so had high expectations for the weekend and it was even better than I WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY GO HOME? expected! The stream leaders were inspirational and fun. I especially loved that we did a lot of worship We encourage the youth to show commitment to with the live band. Most of all I loved that I could their parishes and help them see they have been just be myself. At the end of Saturday evening, we planted in parish for a reason. We are honest had Adoration and the opportunity to be prayed for, ‘‘and explain that it’s not easy, but the more they ‘‘this gave us a chance to refl ect on everything that read their Bible, stay attentive at Church and the had happened that day. The weekend had a huge celebration of the Sacraments, listen to worship impact on me and strengthened my faith. One music, they will build on what they have been given. WHAT’S We put them in touch with other events and promote quote that has stuck with me from the weekend is ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens the idea of keeping in touch with each other. We me.’ My weekend at Celebrate has helped my belief challenge them to be a witness knowing that God has a plan for their lives and explain it’s not about that I can.’ IN IT EVERY YEAR LARGE NUMBERS OF YOUNG PEOPLE ATTEND CELEBRATE. IN 2011 ST ALBANS CELEBRATE what we can get, it’s about what we have to off er REGIONAL WEEKEND HAD 200 UNDER 18’S IN THEIR and learning how to be faithful. Coming to Celebrate HANNAH who is seventeen said ‘I've been to FIVE YOUTH STREAMS. A QUARTER OF THEM WERE is a good way for parish youth groups to bond and every St Albans Celebrate and the larger Celebrate FOR THE IN THE 16YEAR+ STREAM, ‘IMPACT’ LED BY LOCAL learn together. in Ilfracombe has been part of my life since the age PARISH YOUTH WORKER, PETE EMMOTT. HE SPOKE of eight. I've always loved coming to these events. TO US ABOUT WHAT HE THINKS IS THE REASON SO For the past two years, I’ve been in the Impact MANY YOUNG PEOPLE LOVE TO COME TO CELEBRATE. YOUTH? WHAT IS YOUR HOPE FOR THESE YOUNG PEOPLE? stream. This year the talks focused on believing YOU are called by God. I didn't really understand what That we as the Church can off er good input on that meant for me until I heard a great talk that leadership and that we would really mentor them. My explained it in practical terms as being all about our WHY DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN WHY DO YOU THINK CELEBRATE WORKS hope is that we would not miss the opportunity to be life choices and the need to know our own identity. CELEBRATE? FOR YOUNG PEOPLE? a vehicle of discipleship and encourage them in taking The weekend was brilliant with chances for prayer realistic active roles. There is no doubt they need strong ministry and a lot of good worship, ending with the I have been in youth work for 14 years, It allows them to celebrate Church in their support, young people live extremely hectic lives and best bit of every Celebrate for me – the huge fi nal originally as a volunteer, then trained as a own way. They are given opportunity to hear have to cope with many cultural struggles. I want to Mass. My sister and I brought fi ve extra people youth worker and have now spent 6 years from others, positive experiences, testimonies, see the Gospel presented in a relevant way to young between us this year and they really enjoyed it. It's in parish youth ministry. When I left school times of sharing and make friends. Many of people, teaching them life is measured not in what you been a real infl uence on my faith and I can honestly I was doing a totally diff erent job but I had the young people don’t have other committed do, but on what happened on the Cross, which is bigger, say that I wouldn't miss it for the world.’ a bizarre change of career as I started work Catholic friends so being with people who stronger, more faithful than many of the experiences with a fi rm of stockbrokers! Eventually I believe really helps them to know they are not they are being off ered by the world today. That the good realised I had a gift and God called me into alone. news of Jesus is the only thing you can truly rely on. a vocation to serve young people. I was Eighteen year old AARON explains ‘Celebrate brought up as a Catholic; I have always had At Celebrate we always have a stream Mass as What Celebrate off ers is not just words; it demonstrates has been a huge inspiration to my life and my a love of the Church, Catholic theology, well as one with the main conference and they how the Spirit is outwardly working in the Church. It faith. I was privileged to have been brought to the Mass, and particularly the Eucharist. are encouraged to be involved by preparing recognises that Church is not always brilliant, it’s messy, fi rst conference week in Ilfracombe 18 years ago. something to share or the readings. We also but it’s about celebration, community and is our vehicle Every year I leave with a closer relationship with my I came across the Celebrate youth streams have beautiful times of refl ection in adoration for making the world a better place. Celebrate allows friends and more experience of the Holy Spirit. I am at Ilfracombe and I was inspired by the team of the Blessed Sacrament. Surprisingly it people, young and old, to experience the move of the incredibly grateful for what Celebrate has given me ‘Cross Purposes’. They were so creative and doesn’t take long for them to be comfortable, Spirit in the Church in a friendly, joyful, community and it’s been at the centre of my growth towards a put in so much time and eff ort, they lovingly to engage with worship and listen to the focused way. personal relationship with God. I honestly have no and prayerfully prepared to help the young speakers and we see a hunger in them to meet idea where I would be now without it and I can’t people engage with what was being taught. with God. Many say that young people are the Church of the wait to come back each year.’ future, but I believe they are the Church of NOW, and I am excited to see what God is doing NOW!
24 WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE YOUTH? WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE YOUTH? 25 THE CATHOLIC HOW TO CHARISMATIC BOOK RENEWAL For all information and to download booking forms see www.celebrateconference.org AT THE HEART OF THE CHURCH Celebrate Ilfracombe runs for one week from Easter Sunday evening until the following Saturday contact [email protected] People often wonder what exactly the Catholic A PARTICULAR CHANNEL OF GRACE working, and the responsibilities are clearly diff erent Charismatic Renewal is, and worry about whether for Catholics, the grace received is the same. So whilst We Catholics often have diffi culty receiving God’s REGIONAL WEEKENDS 2012 the Church has really accepted it and where it fi ts in. grace – we feel we must somehow earn or deserve the ecumenical beginnings must never be disregarded, CARDIFF 5/6th May Let me make it clear that I am personally convinced whatever God gives us. But by describing the it was always to be expected that the Charismatic there is nothing to compare with being part of Renewal would fi nd its own place and identity in the [email protected] Charismatic Renewal as a grace of Pentecostal BRIGHTON 7/8th July this mighty move of the Holy Spirit. It’s exciting, life of the Catholic Church, bringing with it a call to seek refreshment, Cardinal Suenens meant that it’s a [email protected] rewarding, challenging, stimulating, and fulfi lling in particular channel of grace freely given to individual a continuing outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a radical MACCLESFIELD 15/16th Sept equal measure. You will have gathered that I’m an men and women to bring alive the power of the conversion to Jesus Christ for every Catholic. Its place [email protected] enthusiast, but I hope I’m also a realist. I’m always Holy Spirit they received at their baptism and at the heart of the Church has been secured through SOUTHAMPTON 29/30th Sept seeking a better understanding of what the Holy confi rmation. Those who have experienced the the warm welcome of successive Popes. Pope Paul VI [email protected] Spirit is doing, how this Renewal fi ts into the life of new life it brings are called to promote a personal described it in 1975 as “a chance for the Church and the TORQUAY 20/21st Oct the Church, its particular call today, the eff ects it has, openness to this grace, a lively renewal of individual world”, and Pope John Paul II expressed his personal [email protected] and how I can remain open to whatever the Lord has faith, and a more radical commitment to the Church support on numerous public occasions. On January BRISTOL 27/28th Oct [email protected] in store for tomorrow. It’s now 36 years since I fi rst and her mission to evangelise. The aims of those 22nd 1987 he spoke about it as “a grace directed to ST ALBANS 3/4th Nov surrendered my life to Jesus, praying that he would involved in the Charismatic Renewal are one and sanctify the Church, to renew in her a taste for prayer, [email protected] release the power of his Holy Spirit to equip and guide the same as the objectives of the Church – the to rediscover with the Holy Spirit the sense of freedom, me in my Christian life day after day. The complete conversion, sanctifi cation and salvation of every single of joyful praise, of confi dence in intercession, and to be Watch out for new locations coming in 2013! transformation I experienced then has led me to human being. Our distinctive characteristic is an converted into a new fountain of evangelisation”. On believe that this grace of Pentecostal refreshment will understanding that the role of the Holy Spirit in this May 11th 2008 Pope Benedict XVI publicly challenged CREDITS /THANKS bless and transform every Christian man and woman. work has not changed since the Day of Pentecost, and the whole Church to rediscover what it means to Editor - Jenny Baker We are to receive it enthusiastically and live it out that we can experience his outpouring, his power and be baptised in the Holy Spirit: “Today I would like to [email protected] spiritually and practically day by day. Am I right? Let’s his gifts in the very same way they were experienced extend this invitation to everyone: let us rediscover, Managing Editor - Charles Whitehead look at what the Catholic Charismatic Renewal really is and recognised by the early Christians. The proof of dear brothers and sisters, the beauty of being baptised Design – Matthew van Duyvenbode and at what the Church has to say about it. the authenticity of all this depends primarily on a in the Holy Spirit; let us be aware of our baptism and [email protected] study of its eff ects in people’s lives, for its aim is not confi rmation, sources of grace that are always present”. Cover Illustration – Lindsay Hubbard A SOVEREIGN WORK OF GOD to provide religious experiences but to help people So the hierarchy recognises the need for a strong Printing – Mike Goldsmith No grass-roots movement in the Church has ever live renewed and more eff ective Christian lives. Whilst charismatic dimension in the life of the Church, and Transform Management Ltd travelled as fast or as far as this one. It was and remains emphasising the essential role of the Holy Spirit, the fully understands that a renewed life in the Spirit is [email protected] unlike any other movement in the life of the Church, Catholic Charismatic Renewal remains Christ-centred, the gift brought by the Charismatic Renewal. It is not, Celebrate photographs – Michael Woodward for there is no inspired human founder, no universal clearly proclaiming Jesus as Saviour and Lord of all, therefore, some strange fringe organisation with a Shot with Spirit, [email protected] programmes of initiation or formation. It is simply, and teaching that to know him is man’s only path to private agenda, but an accepted, approved and fruitful & Michael J Davis Editorial Assistance - Claire Ashbourne powerfully and uniquely a sovereign work of God true fulfi lment and peace. This is accompanied by current of new life at the very heart of the Church, whereby he touches the lives of men and women in the realisation that we are children of a loving Father bringing new spiritual power to ordinary Catholics. Our thanks to all contributors and those we didn’t many diff erent settings and circumstances through who wants us to turn to him and receive his love. Our My prayer is that you, like millions of Catholics all over have room for. his Holy Spirit, bringing new faith and setting them on renewed life is then to be lived out in the community the world, will open your heart to the Holy Spirit of fi re with a love and zeal to serve him and his people in of the Church and to be carried forth into the world. Jesus, so that he can bless, encourage and help you to All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in new ways. In the words of the late Cardinal Suenens: live your Christian life more eff ectively in his love and part, in any written, electronic or other format “To interpret the Renewal as a movement among AT THE HEART OF THE CHURCH power, to the glory of God the Father. is prohibited without prior permission of the editor. other movements is to misunderstand its nature; it is a In all of this, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal owes movement of the Spirit off ered to the entire Church and © CHARLES WHITEHEAD IMAGES much to the inspiration, example and encouragement © www.istockphoto.com: p6 - 11467669 timsa; p9 - 3748174 destined to rejuvenate every part of the Church’s life. of many Christians in Protestant and Pentecostal CELEBRATE CHAIRMAN heathernemec; p11 - 11864263 mammuth; p14 - 17482868 The soul of Renewal, Baptism in the Spirit, is a grace of churches who had already experienced this same SaulHerrera; p20 - 6894940 cidepix; p22 - 18766927 DNY59 © www.sxc.hu: p19 – 747803 nicootje; p24 - 1376410 mimbik; Pentecostal refreshment off ered to all Christians”. grace in their own settings. Whilst the context, the out- p26 – 1329447 mrpronto © www.vector.net: p16
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