Called to Be a Prophetic People Ophetic People

LEADERS FOCUS

CalledCalled toto bebe aa As we look at the gifts of tongues, interpreta- prpropheticophetic peoplepeople tion of tongues and prophecy (gifts that say something), word of knowledge, and word by Aggie Neck of wisdom (gifts that reveal something), they all have something in common. These are gifts “Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Pro- that require listening and knowing whose phetic gifts on the rise! Dramatic re- “voice” we hear. Scripture clearly tells us that sults are reported all over the world! we can know the “voice” of the Lord and dis- Hearts are being changed! Lives be- tinguish it from other voices. Jesus tells us ing renewed! Grace does abound in that the “shepherd walks in front of his sheep our land!” and they follow him because they recognize his voice; they will not follow a stranger be- ouldn’t that be a headline story? cause they do not recognize a stranger’s voice” Wouldn’t that be good news? I (Jn. 10:4-5). When we have learned to listen Wguess then, the question we must and truly know the Master’s voice we will then ask ourselves is, “Why isn’t it?” be able to speak with confidence about that which God is trying to say to us. It is like When Jesus spoke with the woman at the well, “knowing that you know that you know.” their conversation progressed from her see- Prayer meetings are places of training and ing him first as a Jew, then as a prophet, then practice where we become comfortable with Being a prophetic people as the Messiah. This progression of under- hearing and knowing when God is leading means being a herald of standing resulted from the fact that he re- us to speak out and to distinguish what is vealed truth to her and even pointed out her truth from fable or lie. the Good News, at all sins (Jn. 4:4-42). What is most amazing and times, whether it is conve- apparent is that she never became angry, but We are called to be united to Jesus as a branch nient or inconvenient. rather seemed excited with the revealed truth. attached to the vine, for we are told that apart So much so, in fact, that she couldn’t wait to from him we can do nothing (Jn. 15:5). It is tell everyone in her town. As a result they our union with Jesus that equips us and helps too came to believe because “we have heard us to speak out. When we try to speak to for ourselves” (v. 42). Jesus was indeed a pro- members of our family or people in our neigh- phetic voice and an example for us to follow. borhoods or workplaces without God preparing the way, you can be sure that you will be All the gifts that God gives us are meant to met with resistance, hostility or outright an- be used daily, not just at prayer meetings. ger. However, if we are acting under the pro- God’s gifts are needed tools, tools for the phetic power of the Holy Spirit—having lis- building up of the kingdom, until the prayer tened and heard the words that God would that Jesus taught us becomes reality: “May have us say—the results are always different. your kingdom come, your will be done on earth God does gives us the right words to say at All the gifts that God gives as it is in heaven.” At a recent gathering of the right time. It can be a word of comfort or us are meant to be used leaders, one of the men gave a prophecy that it can be profound truth spoken in a way that daily, not just at prayer has stayed on my heart: “You have worn out causes others to listen and believe. the gifts I gave you without ever learning how meetings. to use them.” It is learning how to yield to od is always opening doors for us, and use the gifts that will help and equip us. whether in a group or with an indi- That is how we will become a prophetic Gvidual. We may hear statements people to the church, families, friends and made that we know are not correct (for ex- those to whom God sends us. ample, New Age teaching that has found its ▼

July/August/September 2001 PENTECOST Today 9 LEADERS FOCUS

God is always opening doors for us, whether in a way into churches, or misunderstandings of group or with an individual. church teachings). In fact these statements are deceptions that have been taught as truth. with joy by some and ignored by others who In the Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. God can and does give us words that will re- were not even aware of the graces that were 951), under the subtitle “Communion of veal the fallacy of false beliefs. He could call available. God used many people to speak out charisms,” we are told: “Within the commun- to mind a simple Scripture to be spoken in and bring this message to family and friends. ion of the church the Holy Spirit ‘distributes love. Or, we might be filled with such a logi- Being a prophetic people means being a her- special graces among the faithful of every cal explanation of the error of such thinking ald of the Good News, at all times, whether rank’ for the building up of the church.” Our that it causes the person to really examine and it is convenient or inconvenient. We have a God does speak to us and gifts us for the task. look at their reasoning. It could be a know- task to perform, a ministry to fulfill, and that Hesitation and fear can no longer be reasons ing within our spirit that God is revealing is to evangelize (2 Tim. 4:2, 5). for not speaking. His message is hope, hope something that needs to be addressed in for everyone. We cannot let it go unspoken!◆ prayer. When we recognize the prompting of As we enter this new springtime for the the Holy Spirit and the voice of our Lord, we church, we are now more than ever called to Aggie Neck is a member will not hesitate to speak out in love about be a prophetic voice, sounding like a trum- of the National Service the God who heals the broken hearted and pet the glorious news of salvation. Doing so Committee. She co-di- waits for the sinner to return to him and to must be done in the power of the Holy Spirit rects Servant House, a wholeness. and by using the gifts that God gives. The house of prayer in the gifts are tools for preparing the hearts and Diocese of Alexandria. Being a prophetic people, however, is not just minds of those to whom we are sent. This is Aggie and her husband, about revealing error or sin. The Jubilee Year the only way we will be able to complete the Clyde, live in Marksville, offered a prime example. It was celebrated task to which we have been called. Louisiana.

10 PENTECOST Today July/August/September 2001 LEADERS FOCUS NEWSBRIEFS

Torres who left the CNSH after US Hispanic serving two three-year terms.

Renewal CNSH members are excited leaders gather about plans for the Second His- panic National Conference which for ECCLE XVI will be held October 26-28 of this Hispanic leadership of the Catho- year at the Pavillion of the Uni- lic Charismatic Renewal in the versity of Illinois in Chicago. The United States gathered April 27- first conference was held in Mi- 29 for ECCLE (Encuentro ami in October 1999. This year’s Catolico Charismatico Leideres conference bears the theme “His Hispano)—an encounter for Kingdom Will Never End.” In- Catholic Charismatics of Latin vited speakers include: Horacio America in the US. A time for Trujillo (Tucson); Mother prayer, networking and teaching, Evangelina (Mexico); Fr. Mario the meeting was the 16th ECCLE Castaneda (Miami); and Msgr. since its establishment in 1989. Joseph Malagreca (New York). For further information call Association of Diocesan Liaisons All dioceses with a substantial Steering Committee 2001-2002: CNSH Secretary Pupy Dee Doucet, Roy Handy, Hispanic population are invited Mendizabal at 305-631-1007. ◆ Theresa Seibert, Judith Hughes, to send delegates. This year, some Fr. Larry Carew two hundred Hispanic leaders met at Our Lady of the Rosary Liaisons meet kind of healing as a way of en- plead his forgiveness on our Parish in Albuquerque, New for annual gaging life by bringing repentance forebear’s behalf, as we simulta- Mexico. The theme of the En- and forgiveness first to our own neously pour out our own for- counter was “Servant—Chosen, conference in history, then to our family’s his- giveness upon those sins or hurts Gifted and Sent.” Florida tory, and finally to the history of of theirs which may have some- The annual conference of the nations and churches. This warm how brought pain into our own Fr. Diego Jaramillo was the main Association of Diocesan Liaisons and engaging speaker illustrated lives. speaker at the event. Fr. Diego has was held at San Pedro Center, his talks with fascinating anec- spearheaded the Catholic Char- Winston Park, Florida from April dotes and examples of how hu- On May 4th, while the liaisons ismatic Renewal in Colombia for 30 to May 4. Forty-three partici- man hurt roots itself and then re- were concluding their reflections many years and has served on pants and speakers attended from produces itself through the gen- on and prayers for generational ICCRS, both as a member and across the US. erations. healing, Pope John Paul was in as chair. Besides his talks on the Athens, Greece. He had traveled ECCLE theme, he also shared the The first day and a half were set The second speaker was the Rev. there to publicly repent for those teachings of his two books on aside for a retreat, consisting of Patricia Smith, an Episcopal sins committed by Roman papal addresses to the Charis- prayer, praise, sharing of testimo- priest and author of From Gen- Catholics which had many cen- matic Renewal. The weekend also nies and listening to the Holy eration to Generation, widely con- turies earlier helped precipitate featured a number of workshops, Spirit. Prophetic words and scrip- sidered to be a classic on the topic. the split between Eastern and liturgies and a holy hour. tural confirmations challenged all Pat’s pastoral and practical ap- Western Christendom. Hearts to be unafraid of the new things proach proved to be a refreshing were truly softened and healing The ECCLE is coordinated by God will be doing in our midst, balance to Doug’s lucid yet sci- undeniably happened as a result the Comite´Nacional de Servicio as he opens new doors for us. If entific presentations. From her of that prayerful apology. The Hispano (CNSH), the Hispanic we are to move in a new way with perspective, generational healing Roman pontiff and the Orthodox National Service Committee. The new power, we will need to re- is the outcome of intercessory archbishop were then able to pray five member body recently dedicate ourselves to listening for prayer, and the most powerful the Our Father together in a stun- elected two new members. his voice and moving in faith. form of intercession is the Mass. ning historical breakthrough. Demetrio Ortega (Delaware) and Carlos Hernandez (Miami), join Dr. Douglas Schoeninger, a pio- At the Mass, Pat believes, time No liaison who read about this Esther Garzon (Los Angeles), neer psychologist in the integra- stands still. Somehow we are truly in the next day’s newspaper could Danilo Chamorro (Maryland) tion of psychotherapy and heal- present to Our Lord’s passion, escape the connection between and Gavino V’azquez from ing prayer, was the first presenter death and resurrection. Since all what the Pope was doing in Michigan. Gavino is the new co- on this year’s theme of genera- the dead are alive to Christ, we Greece and what they had been ordinator, succeeding Ramonita tional healing. He explained this are able, during the Eucharist, to doing in Florida. ◆

July/August/September 2001 PENTECOST Today 11 LEADERS FOCUS

New Life in the Spirit Seminars

Catholic Edition 2000

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Charisms and the New Life in the Spirit Seminars pring is a glorious manifestation of new life. neither a necessary, nor certain sign that a person has Alleluia! Spring can teach us so many things been baptized in the Spirit” (page 128). Sabout the spiritual life, as well. There are spiritual seeds that germinate, inner growth, cycles of faith, Such a statement can raise a lot of issues and emotions and spiritual buds that unfold into flowers. The New within the Charismatic Renewal, like the fear of being Life in the Spirit Seminars Team Manual: Catholic Edi- “too Catholic,” or the concern about losing charisms tion 2000 is built on a respect for new life in the Spirit, in group prayer. Even though more discussion is needed but expands on the way that this new life is presented. on this topic, we can look at some of the realities be- hind this statement. If we compare the spiritual life to a plant or a vineyard, then the new seminar offers an awareness of the seeds irst, we know the importance of surrender and and roots of life in the Spirit which are given in the the freedom of praying in tongues—but can we sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Fuse tongues as a sign of baptism in the Spirit? The spiritual life may be either dormant or active in Not many people are taught to expect charisms during those who seek the Lord through the New Life in the their preparation for sacraments, so openness to Spirit Seminars. The team encourages a new blossom- charisms is important and even prophetic. ing of that life, especially through openness to the gifts, charisms and fruits of the Holy Spirit. Secondly, tongues can be evidence of a new release in New tool! prayer. Our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord has experien- Training Sessions The updated seminar takes its cue from the Catechism tial and sensory dimensions. But the wide range of gifts now available, see ad of the Catholic Church in saying: “Charisms are to be that people receive when we pray with them points on page 8. accepted with gratitude by the person who receives towards many charisms as being of equal value. them and by all members of the church as well. They are a wonderfully rich grace for the apostolic vitality The third issue surrounding tongues is the most diffi- and for the holiness of the entire body of Christ, pro- cult. The charisms are sensory. Tongues is about hear- vided they are really genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit” ing and speech. Visions are about seeing and imagin- (CCC, n. 800). This quote appears three times in the ing God. Healing is about touch. We value charisms manual (pages 21, 38, and 108) and underlines the because they can be physical, external evidence of the importance of a respect for all kinds of charisms. The Spirit; and after all, God has a history of becoming manual also encourages a more extensive listing of incarnate and tangible in our world. But using any one charisms. See pages 78, 108, 128 and 152 which name: charism as a sign or proof of God’s activity is like using “administration, celibacy, craftsmanship, discernment, a wedding ring to discern if someone is married. We evangelism, encouragement, faith, giving, healing, in- understand a wedding ring as a sign of love and com- tercession, interpretation of tongues, knowledge, lead- mitment, but the presence or absence of a ring does ership, mercy, inspired music, prophecy, teaching, pray- not prove or disprove that there is a marriage. A ring is The New Life in the ing in tongues, voluntary poverty and wisdom. even less proof of a good marriage. We should be wary Spirit Seminars Team of placing too much significance on externals. Manual: Catholic The new seminar’s approach to praying in tongues is Edition 2000 sells at $9.95. A bulk discount worth mentioning because it brings up an important Charisms are gifts that are meant to direct our atten- of 30% is available for paradox about charisms. The team is encouraged to tion toward God. “Charisms are [or should be] ori- purchase of five copies foster praying in tongues since it is “a common gift of ented toward sanctifying grace” (CCC, n. 2003). In or more (shipping and prayer by which we can surrender our voice and other words, the fruits of the Spirit and growth in ho- handling extra). For thoughts to God, what Father Montague describes as a liness are the only real proof of God’s presence. This more information, call ‘spirit-language’ that gives voice to our inner self be- brings us back to the image of a plant or a vineyard. Chariscenter USA at fore God…Tongues may not be of first importance, The Holy Spirit gives charisms, gifts and fruit to trans- 1-800-338-2445. when we consider charisms like healing, discernment, form us from within and to help us grow together as teaching, wisdom, encouragement and hospitality, but the body of Christ. “I am the vine, and you are the can be a gateway to the charismatic dimensions of faith. branches. Those who remain in me and I in them, will It gives a person a clear experience of being fully active bear much fruit” (Jn. 15:5). For those who live in the in prayer, yet touched by the presence of the Holy Spirit, springtime becomes a way of life and charisms Spirit.” On the other hand, “speaking in tongues is blossom according to God’s own pleasure. Alleluia! ◆

12 PENTECOST Today July/August/September 2001 Role from p. 4 isible signs of the coming of the Spirit bring to your attention. If my tone has been are generally the rebirth of courage, somewhat high-handed, please forgive me. Vhope and joy. Even in the opinion of I hope we will all cultivate the the public at large, the Charismatic Renewal May the Holy Spirit help us carry the flame signs—courage, hope, joy—and is seen as a movement of joyful people, who of Pentecost, undimmed, into the new mil- avoid the dangers. clap or raise their hands, who seem trans- lennium, so that it may continue to trans- formed, with smiling, almost ecstatic faces. form the lives of many men and women of This is not a wrong perception. Joy is in fact our time, and bring them all to Christ. ◆ one of the signs or fruits of the Spirit. I hope when, instead of being an object of division, we will all cultivate the signs—courage, hope, Reprinted from the ICCRS Newsletter, May/ she would become a positive factor in the joy—and avoid the dangers I have tried to June 2000, with permission. unity of Christians.

ur task as spiritual guides is to help our brothers and sisters to be open Oto the great mysteries of the faith and never to shut themselves up in any short-lived devotionalism, which can never serve to re- evangelize the world. To concentrate on es- sentials does not mean depriving the faithful of space for free expression, or personal pref- erence, and reducing everything to a bland sameness. There is certainly room to cultivate one’s personal devotion as well, but this needs to be kept within the ambit of what is personal. We must not confuse what is de- manded of everyone with things that are to be left to individual choice.

Courage and…let’s get down to work! I would like to end on an encouraging note. There is a perception in some places that the Charismatic Renewal is at a standstill or shrinking, declining in enthusiasm and num- bers. It is true, and it is normal in movements of this kind. They are not made to become institutions, but as the late Cardinal Suenens once said, to transmit an impulse, “a current of grace”, and then if necessary to disappear, like an electric charge that is dispersed in a mass of matter. However, one thing remains the same today as in the early days of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and that is the power of the Holy Spirit. We see it achieve today, in those who come into contact with it for the first time, exactly the same effects as in the early days. Every time we allow him to act, every time we provide suitable occa- sions for his coming, where people gather as in the Upper Room with expectant faith, he does come down. I have had opportunity to see it again very recently. Every time it is a whole new world that opens up before the person who receives him.

July/August/September 2001 PENTECOST Today 13 From the which doesn’t consist in being an ecclesial The National Service Committee has been

movement, with a founder, a rule and a encouraging this deeper reflection and ma- Director○○○○○○○○○○ spirituality of its own, rather, in being a turity for years, certainly, since the publica- by Walter Matthews current grace for the renewal of the whole tion of Fanning the Flame, which was the re- church (ICCRS Newsletter, May-June sult of a consultation convened by the NSC 2000). in 1990. In it the authors twice state, Baptism in the Holy Spirit is captive to no While I wholeheartedly agree with Fr. camp, whether liberal or conservative. Nor And the word Cantalamessa that the Renewal is a “current is it identified with any one movement, nor of grace for the renewal of the whole church” with one style of prayer, worship or com- became flesh (see also the US Bishops’ statement, Grace for munity. On the contrary, we believe that the New Springtime, available on our website), this gift of the baptism in the Holy Spirit rom the beginning of the Catholic the failure to recognize the very human di- belongs to the Christian inheritance of all Charismatic Renewal there has existed mension of the Renewal’s origins and its those sacramentally initiated into the Fa tension between viewing the Re- present existence sometimes prevents partici- church (p. 10: also see p. 21). newal as a “sovereign act of God” or as a pants and leaders from taking necessary steps movement. Neither extreme captures the where correction is needed, and to adapt he US Bishops had hinted at a deeper whole truth. where such adaptation is needed. Treflection already in 1984 when they dis- tinguished between “central elements and Many of the early participants in the Catho- Historical facts paint a slightly different pic- their optional expression.” They continued, lic Charismatic Renewal either stated or im- ture of the Renewal than as a totally “sover- “As the Renewal makes its own what is cen- plied that the Renewal was a sovereign act of eign act of God.” tral to the reality of the Gospel, it cannot be God, i.e. one not connected with human ini- dismissed as peripheral to the life of the tiation. Steve Clark, writing in New Covenant he Duquesne weekend, which is often church.” More recently in Grace for the New in 1982, stated: “Many have described it as a Tcited as the beginning of the Renewal, Springtime, the US Bishops placed the em- spiritual renewal, and it is, but it is quite dif- happened because of the confluence of many phasis not so much on the forms and the ferent from other movements of spiritual re- factors: the fertile ferment of Vatican II; a structures of the Renewal, but on the grace, newal. To begin with, the Charismatic Re- network of relationships both at Duquesne the baptism in the Holy Spirit, that drives newal did not take its birth from something and between professors and students at the engine. It is “baptism in the Holy Spirit” we did, but from something God did.” Dusquesne and Notre Dame and elsewhere; that is “grace for the new springtime.” the influence of the book, The Cross and the No less a voice than the late Cardinal Suenens Switchblade, given by Steve Clark and Ralph Recently, on behalf of the NSC, I attended of Belgium wrote in 1990 that “it was not a Martin to one of the professors at Duquesne the North American regional meeting of the question of a Movement: there is no founder, and read by the students in preparation for Catholic Fraternity of Charismatic Covenant no rule, no precise structure—but of the the weekend. The professors at Duquesne, Communities and Fellowships. Present as breath of the Spirit which was vital for many who led the weekend, had been prayed with speakers were Bishop Stanislaw Rylko of the aspects of life and indeed for all movements several days before the weekend by an inter- Pontifical Council for the Laity, and Bishop whatever they are.” denominational prayer group in Pittsburgh. Albert deMonleon, who was a priest involved Within eight days of the spread to South in Charismatic Renewal in France before be- More recently Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa called Bend, nine graduate students were prayed ing named a bishop. Also present were about the Renewal not to lose its prophetic edge: with by twenty Pentecostals. Bert Ghezzi, who two hundred covenant community leaders Just another movement in the church: is was present then, later commented that the and guests. this what we want to be? The hierarchy Pentecostal leaders’ “explanation influenced have every right to insist that we find our the way the group told others about the bap- The focus of the meeting was the prophetic place within certain canonically recogniz- tism in the Holy Spirit.” call of Pope John Paul II for movements to able realities, so that they know who they develop ecclesial maturity, the challenge of are dealing with. They have every right to It is not a denial of God’s action to recognize “the formation of a deep Christian identity” consider us as one among many ecclesial these influences. Nor is it a denial to exam- in a society increasingly non-Christian, and movements. The point is, do we end up ine them, even now, thirty-four years later, the call of Novo Millennio Ineunte to “put out thinking of ourselves as just another move- to discern what is of the Lord for today and into the deep.” ment like the rest, a force in the church, what is not. This, in fact is seeking the complete in itself, that makes its presence “ecclesial maturity” Pope John Paul II re- If we in the Charismatic Renewal in the US felt in more and more new areas? quested of all movements when on the eve of want to continue our prophetic call, can we Pentecost 1998 he said, “The church expects do anything less? ◆ But we must preserve as long as possible from you the mature fruits of communion the spirit and novelty of the Renewal, and commitment.”

14 PENTECOST Today July/August/September 2001

Friends Ministry

of○○○○○○○○○ the NSC Update ○○○○○○○ by Bob Brown by Aggie Neck Stepping into the new parish in trouble: sixteen pastors in millennium Regional Leaders Gathering fifteen years, grumbling and confu- A sion chasing them away. In the midst Pope John Paul II has spoken to us many times The first Regional Leaders Gathering for this of this chaos, a Life in the Spirit seminar was of the coming Springtime and his words now year was held in Nashville. Teresa Siebert, a given and people heard the Spirit call them ring out like a prophetic voice that has come member of the NSC Council, did an excel- to be what they consume at the altar—the to fulfillment. The first quarter of the first lent job of coordinating this event. Approxi- body of Christ. Now as they gather in one- year of the new millennium truly showed mately 20 leaders from the region attended ness of mind and heart, the wind of Pente- signs of the New Springtime beginning to the Friday night to Sunday morning sessions. cost fills the church. Their new life in Christ burst into bloom. It was a time of productive The focus was on the Pope’s invitation to us has even given rise to an outreach mission to outreach for the NSC and a budding forth in Novo Millennio Ineunte to “put out into the people of the impoverished area in which of events that made evident the power of the the deep” so that the larger catch could be they live. Holy Spirit. Reported here are some of the brought in. Talks and small group sharing events of the first quarter of 2001. focused on preparing leaders for such a task. At Chariscenter, we receive hundreds of phone calls, emails and letters each week. Prayer Summit As in Chicago, the Saturday night prayer time was a powerful experience of the action of Some report good news such as this. Others Prayer Summit II, held in Chicago February the Holy Spirit. While the manifestation and seek teaching materials, the New Life in the 9-11, brought together approximately forty direction of the two sessions were quite dif- Spirit Seminars Team Manuals or the Catho- leaders and was a time of great thanksgiving ferent, they showed very clearly the ability of lic Charismatic Renewal Leadership Directory. and intercession. Friday night began with a the Spirit to move in ways that meet the spe- time of praise and thanksgiving for the Jubi- cific needs of those present. Everything that we do at Chariscenter—from lee and an exhortation to enter into the new praying for the prayer intentions you send to springtime with expectant faith. producing the books, videos and teaching Josephine and I were blessed to be the pre- senters at this gathering. We were joined by materials—is made possible by the grace of Saturday began with Mass and was followed Bob Brown from the Chariscenter Office. God through the donations and support our by an upbeat session expressing repentance Future Regional Leaders Gatherings are readers provide. for the ways we did not yield to the Lord scheduled for Brooklyn, September 7-9, during the Jubilee. Afternoon prayer and in- 2001; Phoenix, November 2-4, 2001, and El From your notes and messages, here are some tercession was for the nation, and included Paso and Seattle in 2002. If you are inter- of the blessings that we receive serving you the new administration; being one nation ested in hosting or in attending a Regional and our gracious Jesus. under God; and an inter-generational heal- Leaders Gathering, please contact the ing of our land. This was followed by a time Chariscenter Office. “We asked for prayers for his protection of exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with and for healing of my arthritis. This is a silent intercession. In the evening a talk on thanksgiving offering to God for his love the Pope’s apostolic letter Novo Millennio Time for fellowship and mercy!” Ineunte was followed by a powerful session This year the NSC winter meeting was held focusing on the new Pentecost. The mighty in Alexandria, Louisiana. As is the custom “In thanksgiving, I am sending a gift of move of the Holy Spirit was an evident indi- each year, we met with the steering Commit- $500—my husband had lymphoma cation that this new springtime would be tee of the Association of Diocesan Liaisons and is in remission. Praise the Lord.” marked by a new anointing of the gifts of the for an afternoon outing before our larger lead- Holy Spirit and a fresh empowerment of ers gathering. Members were treated to a taste “We really like Pentecost Today. We use God’s people. of Cajun culture in Lafayette, with a tour of the articles with the group. It is very help- an Acadian tourist center followed by an ful in giving people a broader perspective Sunday concluded the weekend with a time evening of Cajun cuisine, music and danc- of the Renewal as well.” of sharing and the celebration of Mass. ing. Members of the Apple of His Eye Prayer Co-chairing this event were NSC members Group in Marksville provided transportation We at Chariscenter USA are so grateful for Josephine Cachia and myself. Other session for the day and helped host this event. We your support. If you want to talk about ways leaders for the weekend were Walter Mathews, thank them for helping to make this day the that you might assist with raising the money Fr. Stan Fortuna, Fr. Bob DeGrandis, Sr. wonderful outing that it was. ◆ necessary do to the work entrusted to us, give Francis Clare, Judith Hughes, Claire me a call at 1-800-338-2445 ◆ Matthews and Matthew Zwierzyna.

July/August/September 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 Host city and dates to be announced soon. phone: 1-866-NSC-CONF Visit our website for more information!!! (1-866-672-2663)

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Published by the National Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the United States, Inc.