Publication of the National Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal PENTECOSTToda y October/November/December 2001 Volume 26, Number 4

RENEWAL AROUND THE WORLD

What in the world is going on? ...... 1 LEADERS FOCUS Over the past thirty-four years, the Catholic Charis- matic Renewal has spread across the globe. Today Opening our ears to God ...... 9 the movement thrives In some parts of the world; in Joseph DeBlassie shares how the prophetic other areas, it struggles. We asked four leaders to gifts of the Holy Spirit can help us recognize share their perspectives on what is happening in the the quiet ways God speaks to us in our ev- Renewal in their countries. eryday lives.

The fruit of Jubilee 2000 ...... 5 Newsbriefs ...... 11 Put Gerry Mader recounts the wonderful ways the Char- ismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee The Catechism and the New Life in the marked the Jubilee, and the abundant fruit which their Spirit Seminars ...... 12 out celebrations continue to produce. The new seminar format makes extensive use of the Catechism of the Catholic Church Miracles in Asia ...... 6 to deepen participants’ awareness of Scrip- “Our God is truly alive and working wonderfully in ture, writings from the saints and church our midst!” proclaims Bob Canton as he recounts into the healing and evangelization which accompanied teaching. crusades in Thailand and Malaysia. Chairman’s Corner 2 Friends of the NSC 14 the Spiritual Formation The world and the Christian ...... 7 From the Director 13 Ministry Update 14 Dorothy Ranaghan invites us to realize that what 2000 NSC Financial deep we do in this world really does make a difference. Statement 2001 Index 15

Photos: www.Comstock.com, Bob Canton Photos: www.Comstock.com, Renewing the grace of Pentecost in the life and mission of the church. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ PENTECOSTToday Chairman’ s

Executive Director

○○○○○○ Corner○○○○○ Walter C. J. Matthews by Fr. Patsy Iaquinta Editorial Board 2001 Fr. Art Cooney, OFM Cap. Dr. Michele Greischar Virginia King

Editor witnesses from throughout the world, we Ron Ryan Beyond borders come to the realization that we are a part of Production Manager For in one Spirit we were all baptized that body. Somehow, someway, we are con- Jean Beers into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, nected to what is happening in all parts of slaves or free persons, and we were all the globe. We affect and are affected by the For Your Information given to drink of one Spirit (1 Cor. 13:13). actions of other brothers and sisters. Although This is a publication of the National Service Committee of the Catholic our primary responsibility may be elsewhere, Charismatic Renewal of the United o often I question how we listen to we must realize our connectedness to all States, Inc. The mission of the NSC is and open the Scriptures. How univer- Christians. to stir into flame the grace of Pentecost Ssally do we apply the truths of the within and beyond the church, to Gospel? Do we indeed understand that we As St. Paul traveled, he shared gifts, person- broaden and deepen the understand- ing that baptism in the Holy Spirit is the are individual members of the world-wide nel and finances with communities that he Christian inheritance of all, and to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ church family? What does this mean on the did not establish. He spent little time in the strengthen the Catholic Charismatic local level? What are the roles of brothers and Jerusalem community, yet he begged finan- Renewal. sisters as they relate to one another nation- cial assistance for the poor there. He wrote to ally and internationally? the Roman community before he met them, The National Service Committee- Chariscenter USA is a 501(c)3 non- giving instruction and encouragement. He profit organization. Contributions to We can never turn in on understood the body of Christ to be beyond defray the cost of this publication are ourselves because love the people to whom he directly ministered. gratefully accepted and are tax deduct- Although his primary ministry was to the ible to the extent allowed by law. Please demands that we reach out. Gentiles, he reached out to all, and through mail to: NSC-Chariscenter USA his writings continues to do so. PO Box 628 As a gifted and blessed people, we are to share Locust Grove, VA 22508-0628 this gift with those around us. How do we do If we are comfortable with where we are Tel. (540) 972-0225 this in the local prayer group and parish? right now, then the Lord is calling us to www.nsc-chariscenter.org What of the prayer group or the parish next growth and conversion, to take the next National Service Committee door? Do we have a sense of responsibility as step, to stretch. It may be within our local members: a part of the larger body? When we identify group or beyond it. But our life with the Fr. Patsy Iaquinta (Chairman) the gifts that we have in our assembly, how Lord Jesus is always growing and stretch- Dcn. William Brennan broadly do we apply them? When brothers ing. We share on regional, national and in- Josephine Cachia Fr. Art Cooney, OFM Cap. and sisters who are beyond our “usual” range ternational levels through publications and Dr. Michele Greischar of ministry are in need, how do we respond? gatherings. We become aware of other parts Rosbel Hernandez We can never turn in on ourselves because of the body of Christ. We can respond and Virginia King love demands that we reach out. If all that we strengthen the body as we challenge and Aggie Neck have is placed at the disposal of the body of are challenged to grow. Mark Nehrbas Rudy Pruden believers, then even this world is too small an arena. We are to reach out to the farthest lim- Let us become mindful of where the Lord © 2001, National Service Committee of its. Jesus’ death and resurrection impact not has placed us and of our responsibilities in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the only our lives but all of creation. our present circumstances. From here we United States, Inc. Not to be reproduced become aware of the Lord’s activity in our without permission. Our challenge is to move beyond “our” par- lives. And from his presence within, we A limited amount of advertising space ish, “our” prayer group, “our” diocese, and reach out into the deep. ✤ is available. For information call Jean understand that we are a part of something Beers, (360) 331-4860. much larger. As we live our life of Christ from Fr. Patsy Iaquinta is chairman of the National Service Committee. He is pastor of Sacred Heart Advertisements for events not spon- where we are, that love is extended beyond sored by the National Service Commit- what we can dream and imagine. As we read Parish in Bluefield, West Virginia. tee do not imply endorsement by the NSC/Chariscenter USA. 2 PENTECOST Today October/November/December 2001 FRANCE BENIN INDIA JAPAN

India What by Fr. Fio Mascarenhas, S.J.

he Catholic Charismatic Renewal began in the Tin India in 1972 and has spread to prac- tically all of the 140 dioceses of the three Rites (the Latin, the Syro-Malabar, and the Syro- world Malankara). It is most widespread in Bombay, Goa, Kerala, Delhi, Andhra, Bangalore and Madras. The National Service Committee has been officially recognized by the Catholic is going on? Bishops Conference of India, with Bishop Valerian D’Souza as Ecclesiastical Assistant. Cardinal Ivan Dias of Bombay and several other bishops are personally involved. I serve Benin France as Chairman. by Jean Pliya by Cathy Brenti

There is reason for hope, because am very grateful to the Holy Spirit who he Jubilee years have given the Catholic many youth are being drawn, includ- Ihas blessed the Catholic Church of Benin, TCharismatic Renewal in France many op- ing some non-Christians who are West Africa, with the Charismatic Renewal portunities to interact with other Catholics finding in Jesus the answers to many movement. In 1975 the Christian faith in my and to be involved in various projects, at vari- of their life-questions. country was under some threat from the dic- ous levels. However it is clear that we are now tatorship of the Marxist-Leninist ruling at a turning point. Shall we go on trying to The Catholic Charismatic Renewal runs a power. Humiliated, Christians were fright- keep running those existing renewal groups residential Catholic Bible college for lay ened. I asked the Lord to show his power, so and other old church structures? Or shall we people, has a bimonthly national magazine, as to deliver us. He told me to proclaim the let the Lord set our hearts on fire for the re- CHARISINDIA, publishes many books and Good News according Mark 16:15-18, and newal of the whole church and all society? teaching materials in English and in ten other led me in 1977 to the renewal in Spirit. regional languages, and organizes at both na- Chains of prayer and fasting are developing tional and regional levels regular conventions, Nowadays there are more than 150 in order to intercede for loving relations leaders’ seminars and retreats, through which prayer groups, each one of them be- within families, for unity among Christians, it pastors the approximately 100,000 Catho- tween two hundred and a thousand for renewal of political life and a more hu- lics actively involved in the Renewal. (Per- members strong. mane economy. Indeed, as French Christians, haps another half-million Catholics have at- our diminishing ranks and shrinking institu- tended charismatic retreats and programs). My first experience of charismatic prayer took tions and budgets do not leave us any options place in my own family. My children were other than interceding for a new Pentecost. The use of the gifts of the Spirit, joyful praise praising, clapping their hands and laughing. and deep worship, many initiatives of social My parish came to know the Catholic Char- We need not be afraid of our weaknesses, to service (pro-life, literacy, etc.), a committed ismatic Renewal, then other parishes and the proclaim our faith and to testify to our love. witness in daily life to the lordship of Jesus, fire spread through all the dioceses of Benin More and more people are convinced of the and efforts at evangelization are some of the with the support of the bishops. necessity of such a change, but it implies both tested characteristics of the Renewal in gen- personal and collective surrendering of our eral. Still we recognize that we have many Nowadays there are more than 150 prayer beloved projects and pride. miles to go in reaching the full stature of groups, each one of them between two hun- Christ! One area of concern is that large num- dred and a thousand members strong. Their On Pentecost 1998 at the first meeting of bers of people are attracted to retreat centers main activities are teaching Life in Spirit semi- ecclesial movements and communities, Pope which focus on healings, visions and other nars, strong and living praise, healing prayers, John Paul II said: “Since the very beginning signs and wonders, which encourage a neo- and evangelization in Benin and in other West of my ministry as the successor of Peter, I have Pentecostal praise and spirituality. As a re- African countries (even in Muslim ones). Ev- always considered these movements as a won- sult, authentic “Catholic” renewal almost gets ery two years more than twelve derful spiritual source for the church and the hijacked. thousandpeople participate in the pilgrimage that we organize. See India p. 4 See Benin p. 4 See France p. 4

October/November/December 2001 PENTECOST Today 3 FRANCE BENIN INDIA JAPAN

Japan India from p. 3 by Francis Mathy, S.J. We are divided into six regions, each with its n the other hand, there is reason for he Charismatic Renewal in Japan re- own leadership, each with its own yearly three- Ohope, because authentic Catholic Char- Tsembles the bonsai. While small in size, day regional conference, and each regularly ismatic Renewal is also finding new dynamism it is teeming with vitality, growing steadily, conducting Life in the Spirit seminars. Every and fruitfulness all over the country, and many tended and shaped by the expert hands of the third year there is a national conference. Re- youth are being drawn to it, including some master gardener. sponsible for the over-all planning is a na- non-Christians who are finding in Jesus the tional committee of five members assisted by answers to many of their life-questions. I think The obstacles to the movement’s growth have an auxiliary committee composed of repre- it is right to conclude that through the Catho- been formidable. The resistance of the aver- sentatives of each region. There are only a few lic Charismatic Renewal, the Spirit is equip- age Japanese Catholic to charismatic renewal regular prayer groups that meet once a week, ping and motivating the church in India to is probably greater than anywhere else in the but there is a vast number of small groups of “launch out into the deep,” in accord with world. Because of the natural reluctance of four or five that meet in homes. For these, Pope John Paul II’s apostolic letter for the Japanese to display their emotions and the for- the national and regional conferences serve third millennium. ✤ malism of a Catholic Church life that is cold, an important purpose, since they provide the duty-oriented and lacking in true community, opportunity to praise and worship the Lord A former director of International Catholic charismatic renewal has had tough going. to their hearts’ content. Charismatic Renewal Services office in Rome, Most of the Japanese bishops and clergy sel- Fr. Fio Mascarenhas now serves as Chairman dom have a good word to say for it and keep Another characteristic is that from the begin- of the National Service Committee of India. it well at a distance. (The priests involved in ning the leaders have encouraged those re- the Renewal are mostly foreign missionaries.) ceiving baptism in the Holy Spirit to use their But even so, people have kept coming to us, See Japan p. 15 making the Life in the Spirit seminars, receiv- ing a new in-filling of the Holy Spirit and Benin from p. 3 France from p. 3 then acting like Spirit-filled people all over the world! hanks to the Charismatic Renewal’s bless- Their strength is to search—even in Ting, many people have converted them- their diversity—for unity between them At a time when converts are becom- selves to Jesus Christ and most of those who and also with the diocesan church. ing fewer and fewer, a great number left the Catholic Church to join sects are com- of Japanese have had their first en- ing back. The occult practices of the voodoo whole humankind, gift of the Holy Spirit for counter with Christ in our prayer religion are being rejected. There are also char- our time, sign of hope for all…each commu- groups and have gone on to baptism ismatic groups in some high schools and at nity is different, but all are united in the very and a full church life. the university where the Holy Spirit is also same communion and for the same mission.” stirring up vocations to the priesthood. In Our numbers have continued to increase at a 1994, as national leader of the Charismatic ince 1975, many of these Catholic char- small but steady pace. Charismatic Renewal Renewal, I was invited by Pope John Paul II Sismatic communities have existed in arrived in Japan in 1972, when two Spirit- to attend the Synod of African bishops in or- France. Their strength is to search—even filled Sisters from the United States came to der to speak about evangelization and human in their diversity—for unity between them Japan with the express prophetic mission of advancement in Africa. and also with the diocesan church through planting the Renewal here. Their efforts, common events as varied as walking pil- aided by the Protestant Canadian evangelist However, in the last three or four years, we grimages for youth, social or health pasto- Les Pritchard and his team, resulted in the are noticing some problems such as a de- ral initiatives, and common times of reflec- first Japanese Catholic charismatic prayer crease in the size of prayer groups or an tion. Some of the largest among these are meeting being held at the Redemptorist excessive emphasis on physical healing and Béatitudes, Chemin Neuf, Emmanuel, Pain church in Tokyo in mid-November. The first deliverance. Now the Holy Spirit is leading de Vie, and Verbe de Vie. Life in the Spirit seminar followed shortly us to live out a new blessing, to open evan- after. Assembly of God Pastor Yoshiyama and gelization schools and to promote activities The Christian world longs for our country to other Japanese Pentecostal ministers and lay for the youth in our groups. be faithful to its tradition. The Holy Spirit is people were very helpful to us in this initial taking us back to our roots so that we may period. Members increased week by week, and Praise the Lord and glory to Jesus! ✤ fully follow its lead. ✤ soon this prayer meeting—later moved to the campus of Sophia University—became a kind Jean Pliya serves as National Leader of the A leader of the Charismatic Renewal in of center for the expansion of the Charismatic Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Benin and is France, Cathy Brenti is a member of the In- Renewal all over Japan, as far north as also a member of the International Catholic ternational Catholic Charismatic Renewal Hokkaido and as far south as Okinawa. G Charismatic Renewal Services Council. Services Council. 4 PENTECOST Today October/November/December 2001 by Gerry Mader

ow wonderful of the Catholic Church to remind us in the year 2000 of the HHJubilee of the Old Testament. In the The Archdiocese of Milwaukee it was truly a The blessed and joy-filled year.

Our Jubilee theme, “Celebration! Jubilation! Exultation! Jesus Christ is with Us,” set the tone and gave us direction in all that we did fruitfruit of of that year. The pastoral discerners—the Archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal leadership team—believed God was calling us to stretch our vision and to be open to newness. We responded by discontinuing our JubileeJubilee 20002000 normal activities for a year, by reaching out in new areas of involvement and collabora- tion within our diocese, and by celebrating great abolitionist, women’s rights activist, and another parish, St. Joseph in Big Bend, Wis- the charisms of the Holy Spirit in all our evan- slave woman, Sojourner Truth. The purpose consin, decided to implement this program. gelization efforts. was to celebrate Christ’s presence in efforts A wonderful fruit of the Jubilee year! to support women in need and to showcase www.Comstock.com Photo: and raise funds for local outreaches and agen- Pentecost Week was celebrated with a flurry We held archdiocesan-wide prayer cies that serve women and children. The of activities around the archdiocese. The cel- meetings to celebrate and rekindle evening was well attended and over $14,000 ebration began with a Life in the Spirit semi- the fire of the early days. was raised for seven shelters; new volunteers nar on Pentecost weekend, with prayer for came forth as well. Truly a work of God in baptism in the Holy Spirit celebrated during Using the theme “Opening the Doors to the Jubilee Year 2000! Pentecost Mass. Other events including prayer Grace of Jubilee,” we opened the year, as well meetings and Masses for healing were offered as our hearts, with a New Year’s Eve celebra- The local Renewal also collaborated with the following week. Our special guest speaker tion which included liturgy, dinner, shared three parishes in a new evangelization effort, was Msgr. William John-Lewis, who turned witnesses and a prayer meeting. Near mid- using the Ashes to Fire process published by out to be one of the greatest blessings of the night, our hearts bursting with joy and grati- CHARISM of the Diocese of Rockville Cen- Jubilee. A gifted preacher and singer from the tude, we prayed-in the Jubilee with a canticle tre. This process uses the Lenten-Easter-Pen- Commonwealth of Dominica, Msgr. Bill was of praise, recalling how hearts have been tecost season as a natural means to evange- used by the Holy Spirit to move hearts in pro- opened through God’s Holy Spirit through- lize. Three parishes in Wauwatosa, Wiscon- found and mighty ways. So moved, we in- out history. sin, desired to bring renewal into their com- vited our new found friend back to produce a munity and to develop greater levels of col- CD! Later he returned to speak and minister Recalling our earlier experiences of being bap- laboration between them. They also wanted at an annual Christmas gathering. tized in the Holy Spirit—the joy, awe and love it to be lay driven, but fully supported by the we felt in our new relationship with Jesus, and clergy. We sat with the leadership team from Jubilee 2000 was the seed for the “new the empowerment of gifts we received to serve the three parishes and worked on the entire springtime” and I believe the growth will one another—we held archdiocesan-wide process with them: workshops on evangeliza- continue well into this new millennium. prayer meetings to celebrate and rekindle the tion, Ash Wednesday services, witness talks Come, Holy Spirit, refresh us! Come, Holy fire of the early days. These also became op- at all the Masses, a three-day mini-mission, Spirit, renew us! ✤ portunities to share this gift with others and scripture study, and a concluding Life in the to be refreshed for the Jubilee journey. Spirit seminar with over one hundred people Gerry Mader is a mem- baptized in the Holy Spirit. ber of the National Ser- In March, keeping with the Vatican Jubilee vice Committee Coun- calendar, our Renewal office collaborated with Because the fruit was so abundant—a new cil, and serves on the the Archdiocesan Offices of Social Concerns grace of collaboration between the parishes leadership team for the and Women by cosponsoring a Jubilee for and a greater zeal for God—they repeated the Catholic Charismatic Women. This included a benefit performance process this year, bringing new parishioners Renewal in the Archdio- of “A Woman Called Truth,” a story of the into the planning process. Seeing these results, cese of Milwaukee.

October/November/December 2001 PENTECOST Today 5 by Bob Canton MiraclesMiracles inin AsiaAsia “Go into the whole world and the next healing crusade would proclaim the good news to ev- be held so that he could bring ery creature. Whoever believes Our first stop was in Bangkok of Charity, who hails from the his sick friends. He wanted and is baptized will be saved; where a healing workshop was Philippines and now resides in them to experience and to know whoever does not believe will be held on February 24 at the Holy Chiangmai, Thailand, had been the healing touch of Jesus. condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: Redeemer Hall. A healing cru- diagnosed by doctors to have a in my name, they will drive out sade was conducted the follow- systemic lupus erythematose. She The Spirit of Love Charismatic demons, they will speak new ing day at the Holy Redeemer received prayer for healing and on Servant Community has since languages. They will pick up Church. Both events were spon- the following day went for a been conducting a monthly Mass serpents, and if they drink any sored by the Spirit of Love Char- check up at Camillian Hospital. and healing service at the Holy deadly thing, it will not harm ismatic Servant Community and The results of them. They will lay hands on the Holy Redeemer Parish. her blood tests A Thai tailor who also is a sick, and they will recover” and other ex- Buddhist…wanted to know when the (Mark 16:15-18). Of the total Thai population of aminations next healing crusade would be held 65 million, only 2% are Chris- show that her so that he could bring his sick friends. n my heart, I kept on hearing tian; 95% are Buddhist, and 3% lupus has been He wanted them to experience and to this passage while preparing to are Muslim. Some who attended totally healed. know the healing touch of Jesus. Iconduct healing crusades in both activities were Buddhists and Muslims. I had A lady named the opportunity to Hongsiri ask some of them Theeranvavilai had her sight re- Redeemer Church as an answer why they came to stored after six years of blindness to the demands and requests of these Christian caused by glaucoma. Elizabeth the parishioners who attended the events, and most of Phadungjaroen, who had been workshop and the healing cru- them replied that suffering from asthma for twelve sade. The Rev. James Thanu they came to “satisfy years, received her healing. A man Krathong, C.Ss.R, parochial vicar their curiosity”, to born deaf and mute, Nopakeaw of Holy Redeemer Church, has see for themselves ‘Micah’ Nimausa, was able to offered to be the regular celebrant what a healing hear for the first time in his life. of the healing Mass. “The Lord workshop and a Grace Yuktanan’s tumors in her is quenching their thirst for him,” Bangkok, Thailand, and healing crusade were all about. breast instantly disappeared. commented Joan Daengsvang, Kuching, Malaysia, which were The Lord Jesus did not disap- the head servant leader of the held on February 24-March 3, point them. He showed them that Louis Pepper, an American re- prayer community. “The Lord 2001. Deep in my heart, I knew he is the God who heals, a God siding in Bangkok, was full of has opened a wide door for us to that the Lord Jesus would let me who cares and loves them, a God bitterness and anger towards evangelize and to minister to witness again signs and wonders, who saves. people who had hurt him. He Christians and non-Christians healings, miracles and conver- decided to forgive and, as a re- alike who come,” she recently sions of heart for his greater glory Many were healed of every kind sult, he experienced inner peace wrote. She also reports that more and honor. Three people accom- of ailment and disease including and joy. These were only some people are now attending their panied me on these crusades: emotional and spiritual maladies. of the recorded healings that weekly prayer meeting. James Blubaugh of Jesus and The blind were able to see, the took place during both events. Mary Prayer Group, Columbus, deaf could hear again, tumors dis- A Thai tailor who also is a Bud- More signs and wonders, Ohio, and Al Pineda and Victoria appeared, cancers melted away, dhist stated quite firmly that miracles, healings and deliverance Montesa who belong to the San the lame threw away their canes from what he had witnessed took place during the healing Lorenzo Ruiz Prayer Group, Jer- and ran around praising the Lord during the healing crusade, he workshop and crusade in sey City, New Jersey. for his mighty deeds. A nun, Sr. now knows that it is Jesus who Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The Mila Martires of the Daughters heals. He wanted to know when country has a population of ap- See Asia page 9 6 PENTECOST Today October/November/December 2001 Spiritual Formation The world and the Christian by Dorothy Ranaghan Rather than sealing ourselves off, we are meant to form “raid- ing parties.” We have to become offensively engaged in the “The world is too much with us.” This lament of world. I am reminded of a media executive, Bob Briner, whose Wordsworth is often a heartfelt cry of Christians. It’s a mis- 1993 book, Roaring Lambs, questioned the wisdom of Chris- take. Does the world pose problems for us as we try to live tian artists “hiding” in Christian companies that sell only our lives in, but not of it? Absolutely. At times we feel like Christian products to Christian consumers. His dream was we are drowning in the grief of the world, its promiscuity, to sign a roster of artists who were united both by Christian pornography, drugs, violence, corruption, greed, pollution convictions and a commitment to build honest relationships and downright hostility to the gospel. But this same “world” with producers and promoters in the big leagues of “secular” was “so loved” by God that he devised a great plan to save it. music and video. I hope he has succeeded. We are part of that plan. Call me Pollyanna if you choose, but life in the world does not always have to be experienced The “world” which hates Christ and his followers is human as a “valley of tears.” For all the difficulties and challenges life and activity organized in economic, political and cultural involved in living out the gospel of Jesus in this world of unrighteousness, and involves suffering. When we are effec- ours, I see the obstacles as challenges to be met joyfully, not tively opposed to such a world, we incur its hatred; but at the roadblocks leading to gloom and depression. same time, we participate in the happiness of those who are persecuted for righteousness sake. That is part of our joy. But Recently I read about an interview conducted by Johnny there is more. We are not just to oppose the unrighteousness Carson many years ago with Dolores Del Rio (a Mexican in the big issues of abortion, euthanasia (and the whole cul- actress who was quite famous in the 20s and 30s). She was ture of death), economic disparity, racial discrimination, re- at the time over 70 years old, and Carson asked her the source shortages, the arms race, and many others, but also to secret of her flawless skin. She said she had decided years work actively to bring righteousness, peace, order, beauty and ago “never to laugh or smile too broadly, nor to frown or cry all kingdom values to every environment in which we live— without restraint.” How sad. Wrinkles and laugh lines, like in education, business, politics, culture and entertainment, stretch marks, are visible traces of life lived to the fullest. art, music, media technology, the internet. We intersect all of Some Christians have a “Del Rio” approach to the difficul- these “circles.” Christ, risen and alive, is in us, and through ties and challenges of living out the gospel in the world. Do us he is still in the world and in each and all of these “circles.” nothing excessive, nothing radical, just “lay low” and hope In us and through us God still loves the world. Every day as that you make it through unscathed. we climb out of bed we can plant our feet on the ground and pray as Christ himself, “Father, show me what I can do today These coping mechanisms are not solutions. They are un- in the power of your Spirit to order the world in which I live derstandable, because when evils in the world surface we according to your plan.” can feel overwhelmed and instinctively enter retreat or avoid- ance mode. We begin to look like settlers circling the wag- We can then look for ways to make a difference. They surely ons or racing for the fort, escaping together into a safe place. won’t come about by letting fear rule us, or by inventing clever But, we will not have truly lived, nor will the gospel ever ways of fleeing the world. In the immortal words of the cap- take root, if we turn away from the world. If there is any tain in Tim Allen’s comic movie, Galaxy Quest, “Never give wisdom in the “run for the fort” approach, it is in banding up; never surrender.” together. If we are isolated we may well get picked off—and no Christian is meant to go it alone. There is not only more Perseverance is difficult. But individual pleasure is the idol of safety in numbers, but we will be more effective in all that our secular age. Just because something “feels good,” does we do if we stand together as the “body” of Christ. not make it right, and suffering for the sake of righteousness ▼

October/November/December 2001 PENTECOST Today 7 Spiritual Formation Discernment will not feel glorious. But my personal plea- nation in our world has changed our world sure is not large enough for a moral universe. forever. Heaven, or the happiness to which There is a wider horizon to the gospel, which we are called, is, as Pope John Paul II has re- is more concerned with the relationship of minded us, a “living, personal relationship Teaching Outline humans one to another, and with the social with the Holy Trinity.” That “meeting with A. The world: obstacle structures so necessary to making that com- the Father, which takes place in the risen or challenge? mon good or happiness possible. We would Christ through the communion of the Holy do well to de-emphasize the mournful aspect Spirit,” has already begun in this world, there- The “Del Rio” approach: of life in the world, and begin to enjoy build- fore, in those who have entered into the life avoidance/escape ing the kingdom here and now. of Christ. If heaven isn’t in your heart now, it won’t be in any future world, either. “For af- B. Engagement together as the The world is indeed very much with us, and ter we have obeyed the Lord, and in his Spirit body of Christ that is not all bad. In fact, a form of this nurtured on earth the values of human dig- present life will go with us into the next. nity, brotherhood and freedom, …we will find What we oppose The work we do now will usher in the new them again, but freed of stain, burnished and heaven and the new earth. Every good song, transfigured. This will be so when Christ What we bring to the world every amazing book, every righteous busi- hands over to the Father a kingdom eternal ness deal, every discovery, every right rela- and universal: a kingdom of truth and life, of tionship, every decision of our daily lives, holiness and grace, of justice, love, and peace” C. Christ still in—and still therefore, pulses with eternal significance. (Gaudium et Spes, n.39). ✤ loving—the world It is building the kingdom of God. If we really put on this mentality, depression will Dorothy Garrity Building the kingdom vs. ease up because our daily activity will not Ranaghan is a founding individual pleasure look as transient as footprints in the sand, member of the People of slated to be washed away, but rather will Praise Community. A Eternal significance of our be activity filled with meaning and a form former member of the work in and for the world of permanence. To think differently is to National Service Com- labor under the old Platonic dualism, the mittee and former edi- D. Ushering in the new heaven delusion about escaping this mortal body tor of the Chariscenter and new earth and this world and going to heaven. USA Newsletter, Dor- othy currently does writing and retreat work. For us that dichotomy has been bridged. She and her husband, Kevin, live in South Reflection Questions Heaven has entered earth. All things were Bend, Indiana, and have six children and What is the “Del Rio” approach created in Christ and for him, and his incar- seven grandchildren. and what do you think of it as an approach to Christian life in the world? The Halo on the Internet ® What are some ways to band to- gether for Christian action in the www. world? Why should we be moti- sfSpirit.com vated to do this? What attitude toward the world is fostered by the realization that Articles/Teachings, Scripture, Books, Music, “heaven has entered the world?” The Mass Live, Videos, Prayer Requests, In what way does our work in Holy Spirit Conference Oct. 5-7, 2001, Registration the world really matter or make Evangelization by the Archdiocese of San Francisco, a difference? Office of the Charismatic Renewal Phone: 415.564-PRAY Email: [email protected]

8 PENTECOST Today October/November/December 2001 Asia from p. 6 walked from wheelchairs, includ- the crusade, commented that the ing seventy-eight year old Joseph Holy Spirit had started a revival Lim. A twelve year old boy named in that city. Pauline Lim, the head Thaddeus Sii had a cast around servant leader of the prayer com- his broken arm. He received munity, said, “This is God’s visi- prayers and the x-rays taken the tation to his people in Kuching, day after the crusade showed that and many of us—for sure—will the bones had fused together as never be the same again. Many if his arm had never been broken. people found a hunger and thirst Boniface Raweh was completely for God like they had never ex- healed of total deafness, and nu- perienced before.” merous other healings took place. Three weeks later, a Life in the n the second day of the Spirit seminar was conducted by crusades, the Holy Spirit the Emmaus Charismatic Com- Oimpressed upon me to munity as a follow up to the heal- exhort the people to renounce ing workshop and crusade. Ms. their practice of idolatry and oc- Lim recently wrote that the Life cultism and to refrain from go- in the Spirit seminar was the most ing to Bomohs or mediums and anointed and the highest at- spiritualists, and to stop consult- tended so far in their diocese. A ing palm readers and fortune tell- seminar for the youth was held a ers because these practices are an month later, and this generated a abomination to the Lord. They new youth ministry for their were encouraged to put their prayer community. Yes, we are in complete trust and faith in the total awe of what we have wit- Lord Jesus who can heal them nessed and experienced in these and give them abundant life. two non-Christian countries in Consequently, many threw away Asia, and we continually give their amulets and lucky charms glory to the Lord Jesus, the di- and, as a result, innumerable vine physician, who is “the same healings took place including the yesterday, today and forever” deliverance of many people from (Heb. 13:8). the clutches of evil spirits. “Now glory be to God who by Every night we prayed for the re- his mighty power at work within lease of the baptism in the Holy us is able to do far more than we The church, which has a capacity of a thousand Spirit and many, including Bud- would ever dare to ask or even people, was so packed on the first night that Fr. dhists, Muslims and Taoists, re- dream of—infinitely beyond our Lawrence Chua, the pastor of the parish, set up ceived the gift of tongues. Many highest prayers, desires, thoughts tents outside the church equipped with a wide people rested in the spirit, not or hopes” (Eph. 3:20). Our God screen T.V. monitor. only those inside the church but is truly alive and working won- also those outside, many of them derfully in our midst. ✤ proximately twenty-eight million tor of the parish, set up tents out- praising the Lord in tongues for and only 5% are Christian. Islam side the church equipped with a the first time. This attracted the is the official religion of the coun- wide screen T.V. monitor. residents who live around the vi- Bob Canton is a member of the NSC try. Two successive days of the cinity of the church, who came Council. An international speaker healing workshop were held at the Once again, the Lord Jesus to investigate closely what they and evange- Continental Hotel and three suc- through the power of the Holy heard. What they saw for sure was list, Bob min- cessive nights of the healing cru- Spirit showed that everything is the glory of God being mani- isters through sades took place at Holy Trinity possible with him. Seven blind fested in their midst. Good Shep- Church. The church, which has people regained their eyesight. herd Ministry a capacity of a thousand people, Cysts and tumors instantly dis- Bishop Anthony Lee from the in Stockton, was so packed on the first night appeared, including that of Diocese of Miri, who celebrated California. that Fr. Lawrence Chua, the pas- Maureen Voon. Paralyzed people the Masses with Fr. Chua during

October/November/December 2001 PENTECOST Today 9 LEADERS FOCUS

asked, “Are you a businessman?” Having an MBA and being a business manager, I re- Opening our ears to sponded, “Yes.” He simply responded with the prophetic words, “You will be doing busi- God’s prophetic whispers ness for the Lord, big business.” by Joseph DeBlassie Our dear friend, Laura, later revealed to my wife that we were about to enter a beautiful “Is there any word from the Lord?” In Jeremiah 37:17, King Zedekiah asked city but my eyes had been blinded because of Jeremiah the prophet this question. This is the question that the world is asking the trauma that I had experienced. today in the midst of a fast-paced society filled with anxiety, stress and a longing for direction. Are you in a predicament? Do you need answers? Is your heart The Holy Spirit continued moving and I hap- crying, “I need a word from the Lord?” Know that the Lord is telling you, “I will pened to run across Eugene’s sister, Kelly Jo, attend to your faintest cries and will answer you!” and we began to pray. The Lord began to speak through her. “You are a vessel broken in a million pieces. I will piece you back to- aced with all the challenging moments, I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all gether as something beautiful and give you financial struggles and many sleepless men to myself” (Jn. 12:32). back double for your trouble.” The Lord con- Fnights that come with being a hus- tinued to speak: “Before year-end you will sell band, father and businessman, I know what As a businessman, I was in a heavy career strait your house for a healthy profit, obtain a new it is to yearn for God to speak words of deliv- awhile back and had all the associated finan- house that is even nicer than the one you have, erance and be in the immediate presence of cial burdens that go along with it. The spirit and I will grant you another job that will pay my situation. As I have progressed spiritually, of poverty was threatening to hang me as I as much or more than what you have been I have come to recognize that he, in fact, is was sweating blood amidst the stress. Sound making.” To add to my faith, my precious near to his people and longs for us to awaken familiar? Been sweating any blood lately? Start brother/mentor in the Lord, Delano, came to his prophetic whispers. Our problem is that worshipping Jesus! to my house to pray and bubbled forth the we do not recognize the way the Holy Spirit words, “How could I not come through for speaks. There are parts of our inner workings I went to my spirit-filled neighbor, Eugene, you when you have come through for me?” that have been lost in the culture we live in and we began to minister to Jesus in praise and our souls have been damaged. What helps and worship. Soon prophetic whispers In less than two weeks of being on the mar- us overcome this? Opening our hearts to wor- started to bubble forth out of Eugene: “Stay ket, my house did sell for a healthy profit. ship the Lord. quietly in my presence and do not rush out Furthermore, the Lord did lead me to another in an attempt to salvage your career. The well-paying job in a new city, affording me If you are like me, you have petitioned the stresses associated with your career have the ability to buy a beautiful new home. Lord a million times over for his help. But we nearly cost you your life. It is the prayers of fail to realize that we were created to minister your wife, Cyndee, that have saved you In retrospect, I stand in awe wondering what to him. We need to lift him up in praise and from premature death.” type of confusion I would be in were it not worship. If we are to hear from God, we must for the Holy Spirit’s prophetic whispers. Pro- first minister to him, which then places us in ives, stand in the gap for your husband! phetic words can expose strongholds in our an atmosphere of being able to hear his pro- WYou are his saving grace! I felt a deep lives and show us the way out. It is no won- phetic whispers. Father Robert DeGrandis, sense of relief. Early the next morning while der St. Paul admonishes us to “follow the way in his book The Gift of Prophecy, reveals: worshipping the Lord, prophetic whispers of love, eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially “Praising God is difficult for most Catholics once again began to come to me revealing the gift of prophecy” (1 Cor. 1:14). because we have been reared on petitioning that I had done nothing wrong. It was a the Lord rather than praising him. The diffi- generational curse that was causing my ca- Do you desire to have your ears awakened culty with petitioning is that it makes us the reer to be shipwrecked. With this piece of to the Holy Spirit’s prophetic whispers? center. It is difficult for people to maintain information now exposed, I quickly moved Begin worshipping him and eagerly desire an attitude of praise for any length of time to put this curse under the blood of Jesus. the prophetic gifts. because people naturally want to go back to A few weeks went by and the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit longs petitioning the Lord and talking to him of again spoke and revealed that the curse of to speak to you! ✤ their needs. However, if we hold up Jesus—if poverty had been broken. we lift Jesus higher—if we focus on him and Joseph DeBlassie is a worship him, then he will minister to us! If A few Saturdays later, during a prayer meet- leader in the Charis- you want to be blessed and hear his message ing in Beverly Hills, the leader of the meet- matic Renewal in Albu- to you, seek him through praise.” “And when ing (who did not know me) looked at me and querque, New Mexico.

10 PENTECOST Today October/November/December 2001 LEADERS FOCUS NEWSBRIEFS

Regional Leaders’ Gatherings For more information, National Service a challenge. The Committee will Committee and NSC November 2-4 Phoenix, Arizona contact Chariscenter meet again with the NSC Coun- December 7-9 Columbus, Ohio at 1-800-338-2445. Council meet cil in October. The National Service Committee and members of the NSC Coun- Recently Deacon Ron Ochner, a cil met briefly at the end of the member of the NSC since 1996, 2001 National Catholic Charis- resigned. His solid wisdom will matic Renewal Conference in be missed. Houston in early June. The meet- ing was graced by international Plans are underway for our 35th guests Cardinal Ivan Dias of Anniversary Conference to be Bombay, India, and Carmel and held in Pittsburgh, September Allen Panozza of Australia, the 13–15, 2002. See the conference relatively new Chairman of ad on the back cover for more ICCRS. Cardinal Dias had come information. to the US for the first time spe- cifically to experience the Catho- In brief: lic Charismatic Renewal here. t Le Conseil Du Renouveau Charismatique Catolique Des The NSC and NSC Council Haitiens D’Outre-Mer (the lead- business consisted chiefly of ership of the Charismatic Re- prayerful reflection on the expe- newal among Haitians in the US NSC honors Rev. Kilian McDonnell rience of the conference, which and Canada) held their national n the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of your ordi- had been held in the midst of conference in August in Massa- O nation to the priesthood, and the soon celebration of tropical storm Allison. Cardinal chusetts. 2450 people attended. the eightieth anniversary of your birth, the National Service Committee, on behalf of all the participants in the Dias shared that “I saw the Spirit Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the United States, thanks working powerfully…the Lord t In May over two thousand and honors you for your faithful service to the Lord Jesus has great plans for the Catholic gathered in Los Angeles for a Christ, the church and this Renewal. Charismatic Renewal.” His pres- conference sponsored by the Al- ence and that of the Panozzas was liance of Filipino Catholic Char- Through your past and on-going service as a Theological a great encouragement to the ismatic Renewal Communities. Consultant to the National Service Committee (1973-), your leaders gathered. involvement in early theological reflections on the Charis- t The Catholic Fraternity of matic Renewal such as the Malines documents, and your The National Service Committee Charismatic Communities and more recent very important work with Fr. George Montague, S.M., entitled Christian Initiation and Baptism in the Holy then met for two days following Fellowships held a North Ameri- Spirit: Evidence from the First Eight Centuries, you have the departure of the NSC Coun- can Regional Conference in sought to help this Renewal remain firmly planted in the cil members. Much time was Tempe, Arizona, in March. good earth of the Roman Catholic Church. spent in prayer and reflection on Bishop Stanislaw Rylko of the the unity, vision and mission of Pontifical Council of the Laity You have also led the way through your Chairmanship of the National Service Committee. and Bishop Albert de Monleon the Vatican sponsored Roman Catholic-Pentecostal Dia- This was the first opportunity for of France were the featured speak- logue in helping all of us, and the church as a whole, better three new members of the NSC ers. Over 200 community lead- understand the grace of this Renewal also as an ecumeni- (Ros Hernandez of San Antonio, ers and invited guests attended. cal grace. Virginia King of Seattle, and May the Holy Spirit continue to empower you as you con- Mark Nehrbas of Steubenville) to t On June 9 Dean Condon, tinue to serve and to create, and to use your gifts for the meet in person with the continu- former member of the NSC glory of God. ing members. (1992-1999) and currently Pas- toral Administrator of Good June 2, 2001 The Committee considered new Shepherd Parish in Rochester, initiatives in networking leaders, New York, was ordained a dea- Presented at the National Catholic Charismatic Renewal future national conferences and con. We pray God’s blessing on Conference, June 8-10, 2001. its own finances, which are always this new servant to the church.✤

October/November/December 2001 PENTECOST Today 11 LEADERS FOCUS

New Life in the Spirit Seminars

Catholic Edition 2000

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

The Catechism and the New Life in of the Catholic Church to our repertoire of teaching tools. the Spirit Seminars We are fortunate to have this tool since it is the first universal catechism since 1566! The Catechism is now e greet you, Holy Spirit, in the words of the a primary reference point for teaching. It is like a large WRussian bishop and saint, Dimitrii of quilt on a cold and rainy day, stitched together from all Rostov: “Come, my Light, and illumine my dark- the important pieces of fabric that make us who we are ness. Come, my Life, and revive me from as church—Scripture quotes, writings from the saints, death…Come, Flame of Divine Love, and burn council documents, and church doctrine. In its four up the thorns of my sins, kindling my heart with parts it explains the four pillars of our faith: creed, sac- the flame of your love.” raments, morality and prayer.

God has blessed the Charismatic Renewal with a pro- Life in the Spirit teams will have a particular interest in found confidence in the Holy Spirit as a source of life, the section on the creed, since the new seminar is written light, conversion and faith. We have experienced the with the creed in mind and because the “creed is the spiri- fulfillment of the promise of Jesus in John 14:26: “The tual seal, our heart’s meditation and an ever-present guard- Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, ian; it is, unquestionably, the treasure of our soul” (St. will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I Ambrose, Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 197). Semi- The New Life in the have said to you.” Hundreds of people have responded Spirit Seminars Team nar teams might choose to study sections together at their Manual: Catholic to this promise by offering witnesses and teachings for meetings. A person who is preparing a teaching could use Edition 2000 sells at the building up of the body of Christ. Praise God! related passages for personal prayer and study, or might $9.95. A bulk discount use the index to look up the Scriptures from a particular of 30% is available for Those on Life in the Spirit teams have relied on the talk and see where they are quoted in the Catechism. It is purchase of five copies inspiration of the Spirit in a particular way. Team mem- important to realize that the Catechism is not a textbook, or more (shipping and bers have probed important passages from the Scrip- so we would not normally quote from it during a talk. It is handling extra). For tures and meditated on the meaning behind the words. a valuable resource for broadening our understanding of more information, call They have sorted through personal faith stories for ones the faith. Chariscenter USA at that would bring others to Jesus. Finally, they have 1-800-338-2445. prayerfully taken all these pieces and wed them with Accompanying this article is a list of Catechism sec- an outline from a seminar manual. We have all grown tions associated with particular talks from the the New as a result of this spiritual approach. Life in the Spirit Seminars. They can be used for prayer or study or to deepen an understanding of the material One of the goals of the New Life in the Spirit Seminars in the seminar. Don’t be surprised if a particular sec- Team Manual: Catholic Edition 2000 is to add impor- tion raises questions. Don’t be afraid of questions and tant and exciting church documents like the Catechism new adventures in faith formation. Those we teach are not only inspired by our love for the Lord Seminar Session Topics Catechism Sections and by an openness to God’s voice in Explanation session Importance of the creed in faith, 186-189, 194-197 Scripture, but also by a desire to learn. Jesus is Lord, baptism 426, 537 Questions can be a sign of someone who God’s love Belief in the Father, Creator 268-274, 315-322 is teachable and docile to the Holy Spirit.

Salvation Jesus, Son, Savior, Christ 430-435, 452-455, 619-623 As we approach the Catechism, let us pray with St. Alphonse Liguori: “Grant me the New life Holy Spirit, giver of life 683-701, 1213 gift of knowledge, so that I may know Receiving God’s gift Holy Spirit, everlasting life, 733-738, 1025-1029 the things of God and, enlightened by confirmation, gifts, charisms 797-801, 1285, 1302-1304 your holy teaching, may walk, without deviation, in the path of eternal salvation. Praying for baptism Gifts and fruits 1814, 1817, 1822-1832 in the Spirit Grant me the gift of counsel, so that I may choose what is more conducive to Growth Church, communion of saints, 736, 753-757, 787-790 my spiritual advancement…Grant me the growth, prayer 946-953, 1116, 2558 gift of wisdom so that I may rightly di- Transformation in Christ Holiness, mission 849-853, 2012-2015 rect all my actions, referring them to God as my last end.” ✤

12 PENTECOST Today October/November/December 2001 NATIONAL SERVICE COMMITTEE OF THE CATHOLIC

From the CHARISMATIC RENEWAL OF THE UNITED STATES, INC. Director○○○○○○○○○○ STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTABILITY for the year ended December 31, 2000 by Walter Matthews PUBLIC SUPPORT AND REVENUE Public Support Dear Brothers and Sisters, Contributions $235,092 In the midst of tropical storm Allison the (Exclusive of Donor Development Receipts of $12,680) 2001 National Catholic Charismatic Re- $235,092 newal Conference in Houston managed to Revenue convene. There we heard Cardinal Ivan Conference registrations and receipts $181,912 Dias of India tell us, “The church of the Interest $444 new springtime is already at work in the Publication and material sales $68,452 United States of America and you are the Other $17,725 $268,533 first fruits.” Praise God! Total Public Support and Revenue $503,625

On behalf of the National Service Commit- EXPENDITURES tee, thanks for helping us continue the work Program Services on the national level of serving the Lord in ICCRS $3,955 “renewing the grace of Pentecost in the life Life in the Spirit Team Manual & workshops $19,158 and mission of the church.” National Conferences $26,826 NSC Council ($84) Jubilee Year 2000 was a productive year for Other Communication $23,504 Pentecost Today $47,912 the NSC. Pilgrimage $7,989 Regional Leaders’ Gatherings $450 ✰ We published the New Life in the Spirit Renewal Resources $11,996 $141,706 Seminars Team Manual: Catholic Edition 2000 (includes Leadership Directory, Lift Your Voice Jubilee Booklet & videos) which by year’s end was in its third printing and had sold over 6,700 copies. Supporting Services Management and general (includes Christener USA) $183,712 Fund Raising $77,414 ✰ We gathered over 5000 Catholics in St. Donor Development $13,084 Louis to join with thousands of brothers and (cost $25,764 less receipts $12,680) $274,210 sisters of other Christian denominations and groups to celebrate Jesus 2000. Total Expenditures $415,916 Excess of Expenses Over Public Support and Revenues $87,709 ✰ We published four quarterly issues of Pentecost Today which has won awards from This Statement of Accountability follows the format recommended by the National the Catholic Press Association. With new color Catholic Development Conference to whose principles of good stewardship the covers and new columns we are working to National Service Committee subscribes. It is adapted from an audit prepared by an independent certified public accounting firm. A copy of the audit is available at the make Pentecost Today the best it can be to office of the National Service Committee upon request. strengthen the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Chicago in February, supported the Inter- inspire in us new energy, and impel us to ✰ We sponsored a major Jubilee pilgrim- national Catholic Charismatic Renewal Ser- invest in concrete initiatives the enthusiasm age to the Holy Land (which became a Catho- vices and the work they do in so many coun- which we have felt.” He then tells us to “go lic Shrines of Italy Pilgrimage in the light of tries, and published the Catholic Charis- forward in hope.” the violence that broke out in Israel last fall). matic Renewal Leadership Directory to keep the Renewal connected. With your continued support, we will be able to do so. ✰ We operated Chariscenter USA as a na- All in all it was a very good year. But in his In Jesus, our Jubilee, tional office for the Catholic Charismatic Apostolic letter, Novo Millennio Ineunte, our Renewal. Holy Father challenges all of us: “What we have done this year cannot justify a sense ✰ We brought together diocesan, commu- of complacency, and still less should it lead Walter Matthews nity and ministry leaders in various regions, us to relax our commitment. On the con- Executive Director held an end-of-Jubilee Prayer Summit in trary, the experiences we have had should National Service Committee October/November/December 2001 PENTECOST Today 13

Friends Ministry

of○○○○○○○○○ the NSC Update ○○○○○○○ by Bob Brown by Aggie Neck

Thank you, Jack! t our January National Service Com- and has served in that position for seventeen ack left a bequest to the National Ser- mittee meeting in Alexandria, Loui- years. They sponsor conferences, healing vice Committee/Chariscenter USA last A siana, three new members were Masses, and have a wonderful youth minis- Jmonth. His gift will allow us to bring elected. I would like to introduce them to you try that works closely with parish confirma- the life-giving message of Jesus Christ’s love and give you some personal information so tion classes. and the grace of Pentecost to the hearts, minds you may come to know them better. and souls of countless others. Reflection: “I believe that Catholic Charis- Rosbel Hernandez matic Renewal can contribute a great deal to the church’s response to the new springtime Over a period of several years Jack had been a Ros was born and raised in Raymondville, and of evangelization. We read in the apostolic regular contributor, supporting the work of now resides in Floresville, both southwest exhortation Ecclesia in America of the need the NSC/Chariscenter USA, helping to bring Texas towns. After graduating from high for each person to encounter the living Jesus the good news of Jesus the Christ to thou- school, Ros joined the Air Force and remained Christ. We in the Catholic Charismatic Re- sands of people throughout the country. on active duty for twenty-three years. The last newal have a responsibility to share with the Through his generosity Jack helped renew the five years he was a Senior Management Ana- whole church what we have learned over the grace of Pentecost in the life and mission of lyst, a position he held as a civilian employee years about helping people encounter the liv- the church in America and abroad. for ten years after retirement. ing Jesus Christ and experience the guidance of the Holy Spirit. These are exciting and Lives had been changed and lives had been A dramatic conversion to Christ in l977 led challenging times for all of us.” empowered by Jack’s gifts over the years. him to answer a call to discipleship and he Thanks to his foresight and estate planning, has been involved since then in parish and Mark Nehrbas more lives will continue to be affected, re- Charismatic Renewal leadership. Ros cur- Originally from Long Island, New York, Mark newed and empowered. Again thank you, Jack. rently serves as Associate Liaison of the Arch- now lives in Steubenville, Ohio, with his wife, diocese of San Antonio and as Director for The state made a will for you! Carol, and their nine children who range in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Center age from 22 to 4½. Mark serves as Senior That is, if you have not done so yourself. there. In l996 Pope John Paul II invested Ros Director of Ministry and Outreach at There are no laws that say you have to make into the Pontifical Order of the Knights of Franciscan University in Steubenville. He has a will or other plans for your estate. However St. Gregory the Great, an honor that makes worked with the FIRE Ministry for ten years, if you do not, the state will decide how to him a member of the household of the Pope! is currently a volunteer consultant for the distribute your assets, large or small. Who will Ros and his wife, Elida, have three children National Resource Center for Catholic Men, receive your property and how much of it and four grandchildren. and served as a charter board member of the varies from state to state. organization. At the university’s annual em- Reflection: “We are blessed to be living and ployees award ceremony this year, he was the You get to make those decisions—if you plan working in the Lord’s vineyard at this time in recipient of the Spirit of St. Francis Award. ahead, as Jack did. history. What an opportunity to serve Jesus Mark’s oldest daughter just graduated from in this new springtime of evangelization! The Franciscan university and one of his sons is Also as Jack did, we ask that you please con- angels in heaven rejoice as we on earth pro- currently attending the university, a fact in sider us, the National Service Committee of claim that Jesus Christ is Lord. ‘Renew us, which Mark and Carol find great joy. the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the oh Lord, as in a new Pentecost!’” United States, Inc., or Chariscenter USA, Reflection: “I was baptized in the Holy Spirit when you have your will drawn up or up- Virginia King at age l9. It was a life-changing experience dated. A bequest to the National Service Born and raised in Seattle and still living there, that set my heart on fire with love for Jesus Committee will help continue the work of Virginia says, “I live in the most beautiful city Christ, brought me back into the Catholic evangelization and service to the church and in the world!” She was baptized in the Holy Church, and gave me a passion for sharing the Charismatic Renewal. Spirit twenty-five years ago and describes it the Gospel. I believe baptism in the Holy as “when life really begins.” She and her hus- Spirit is the most effective means for personal If you have any questions, please call 1-800- band, Richard, have two adult children. conversion and the most powerful force for 338-2445. ✤ evangelization in the world today. It is hum- Virginia is the Executive Director of Western bling and exciting to serve on the NSC to Washington Catholic Charismatic Renewal help foster this grace in the church.” ✤

14 PENTECOST Today October/November/December 2001 2001 INDEX

Japan from p. 4 Pentecost Today Volume 26, 2001 new gifts in helping—unobtrusively—to re- vitalize their parishes, especially by contrib- The following is an abbreviated listing of ar- Laity ticles from Volume 26 of Pentecost Today. Cooperators in the work of the Lord: Thirty- uting to the formation of genuine Christian For a full listing, visit our website at five years after the Decree on the community there. We have had some success www.nsc-chariscenter.org or call Apostolate of the Laity, Walter Matthews; in this: many of our people are active in par- Chariscenter at 1-800-338-2445. 26:1, Jan./Feb./March, p. 3 ish pastoral committees, religious education programs, music ministry, evangelical out- Chairman’s Corner “The soul of the world”, Dcn. Keith A. reach, social welfare programs, care of the sick, Beyond Borders, Fr. Patsy Iaquinta; 26:4, Fournier; 26:1, Jan./Feb./March, p. 6 etc. And their help is much appreciated. Oct./Nov./Dec., p. 2 Life in the Spirit Seminars he Holy Spirit has been drawing us into Extending the boundaries, Fr. Patsy The Catechism and the New Life in the Spirit Iaquinta; 26:1, Jan./Feb./March, p. 2 Seminars; 26:4, Oct./Nov./Dec., p.12 Tmore intensive prayer in private and into greater praise at our prayer meetings. The Kicking it up a notch, Fr. Patsy Iaquinta; Charisms and the New Life in the Spirit praise often leads to deep adoration in the 26:2, Apr./May/June, p. 2 Seminars; 26:3, July/Aug./Sept., p. 12 strongly felt presence of the Lord. The charisms, especially prophecy and the other Living on the edge, Fr. Patsy Iaquinta; 26:3, Using the New Life in the Spirit Seminars in word gifts, have become more and more July/Aug./Sept., p. 2 the parish; 26:2, Apr./May/June, p. 12 manifest. There is a growing devotion to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and many Charismatic Renewal Spiritual Formation quiet hours are spent before the tabernacle. Called to be a prophetic people, Aggie Discernment, Dorothy Ranaghan; 26:3, Neck; 26:3, July/Aug./Sept., p. 9 July/Aug./Sept., p. 7

At a time when converts are becoming fewer Miracles in Asia, Bob Canton; 26:4, Oct./ Faith, Dorothy Ranaghan; 26:1, Jan./Feb./ and fewer, a great number of Japanese have Nov./Dec., p. 6 March, p. 7 had their first encounter with Christ in our prayer groups, especially the small home The prophetic role of the Charismatic Re- Hope, Dorothy Ranaghan; 26:2, Apr./May/ groups, and have gone on to baptism and a newal, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa; 26:3, June, p. 7 full church life. July/Aug./Sept., p. 3 The world and the Christian, Dorothy The theme of our upcoming Tokyo confer- What in the world is going on? A glimpse at Ranaghan; 26:4, Oct./Nov./Dec., p. 7 international Catholic Charismatic Renewal; ence is Duc in altum, (put out into the deep), 26:4, Oct./Nov./Dec., p. 3 Spiritual Gifts one of the principal themes of Pope John Discerning spiritual gifts, Sherry Weddell; Paul’s recent apostolic letter, Novo Millennio Evangelization 26:2, Apr./May/June, p. 9 Ineunte. This is the very direction in which Called through reconciliation to mission, the Holy Spirit seems to be leading us. Our Mark Nimo; 26:2, Apr./May/June, p. 6 Gifts for the church or gifts for the kingdom? experiences until now, to paraphrase the Holy Fr. George Montague, SM; 26:1, Jan./Feb./ Father, “inspire in us new energy, and impel A movement of evangelization: Evangelii March, p. 9 us” to draw up an effective pastoral plan for Nuntiandi—Twenty-five years later, David the new millennium according to the lines Thorp; 26:2, Apr./May/June, p. 3 Opening our ears to God, Joseph DeBlassie; 26:4, Oct./Nov./Dec., p. 9 he proposes in his letter. Setting kids on fire: Prayer meetings and seminars for pre-teens, Katrina J. Zeno; Upon reconsideration, the Renewal in Japan 26:3, July/Aug./Sept., p. 5 is not so much like a bonsai as it is like the Pope John Paul II on the Holy Spirit mustard seed of Jesus’ parable. The slender What a “yes” can do, Jan Heath; 26:2, Apr./ Fr. Bill McCarthy has compiled all 120 dis- stems that have grown out of that seed are May/June, p. 5 courses of Pope John Paul II —including his still too small to call much attention to them- encyclical on the Holy Spirit. This most char- selves, but promise—in God’s time—to shoot From the Director ismatic of Popes states clearly that the char- up and reach to the sky. The ground in which And the word became flesh, Walter ismatic dimension is an essential element of Matthews; 26:3, July/Aug./Sept., p. 14 the church’s life. This is the most all-embrac- the seed is sown is most fertile: it has been Go forward in hope! Walter Matthews; 26:2, ing, systematic and authoritative book on the fertilized by the blood of several thousand Apr./May/June, p. 14 Spirit—MUST READING! Write for: The th martyrs (of the 17 century) that has not yet Holy Spirit in the Writings of John Paul II by seen its harvest. ✤ Jubilee healing continues, Walter Matthews; Fr. Bill McCarthy. Paperback $19.95 26:1, Jan./Feb./March, p.14 P.O. Box 22, Moodus, CT 06469 Fr. Francis Mathy is a Jesuit missionary priest Fax: 860-873-2357 and leader in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal NSC 2000 Financial Statement, Walter in Japan. Matthews; 26:4, Oct./Nov./Dec., p. 14 October/November/December 2001 PENTECOST Today 15

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ National Catholicelebrate! CharismaticYEARS Renewal Conference th 35 The 35 Anniversary of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal is upon us! The celebrations of our 25th (1992) and 30th (1997) anniversaries were anointed Ctimes of great blessing and joy! The Bishops’ Commit- tee, Association of Diocesan Liaisons, Ethnic Commit- tees on Charismatic Renewal and others are joining with the National Service Committee to plan a momen- tous event in 2002 to thank the Lord for 35 years. Call or visit our website to receive your invitation for our 35th Anniversary Conference. website: www.nsc-chariscenter.org David Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh phone: 1-866-NSC-CONF September 13–15, 2002 (1-866-672-2663)

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