CRHP

Comments from the Men’s & Women’s

“Christ Renews His Parish” Weekends

“Christ Renews His Parish has given me a new vibrant spirituality; while making new friends along the way.”

-Ken Ziemba

“The Christ Renews His Parish retreat was like a “Re-awakening” of my faith. We started as strangers and left as CHRP sisters. I was scared and apprehensive yet I felt the Holy Spirit trying to touch my heart with an invitation.”

-Norine Ryan-Abramovic

“I have developed a peace within. A peace with God, family and work.” -David Walsh

“CRHP was full of delightful, enriching, challenging experiences which included the unexpected and even fun-filled but all that bonded us with others and our God.”

-Elizabeth Sivek

“It gave me a chance to reflect and count my blessings.”

-Charlie Murphy

“Nine parishioners lived, prayed, laughed, and played together. God’s spark ignited and united us.”

-Pat O’Brien Kenny

“My hope is to relive at least a token response to parish renewal and a community of Faith.”

-Ed Wozniak

“The CHRP weekend was inspiring! A real down-to-earth experience! The sharing among women was powerful!”

-Donna Gontarek

“Since coming home after attending a CRHP experience, I am more in prayer, talking with God and listening.”

-Joe Rice

FIRST CRHP AT ST. RENE CHARTS THE WAY FOR THE JOURNEY

It was a sunny weekend in September; the perfect time to spend outdoors with friends and family. Yet 17 men said yes to God's call and came together as givers and receivers of the renewal weekend called Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP). This was the beginning, the first CRHP weekend at St. Rene.

A team of seven who named themselves the Pathfinders had prepared for the journey through a twelve week session of formation. During this time together these trailblazers spent most of their time in prayer, witness and planning for the retreat weekend. They did all this for the opportunity to share their journey, to become signs for Christ and to form the path for those who were called to participate.

Ten men walked through the doorway on Saturday morning. They were carrying sleeping bags, toiletries and clothing for their 36 hour time away from the norm. This time was not for work, or for the family, but strictly for them. This was an opportunity to speak one-on-one with God; to witness the Holy Spirit, to stop the world, to listen, to receive, and to even shed a tear.

During the weekend, we ate better than we normally would as the food was wonderfully prepared and presented by volunteers from the women's CRHP team, Martha's ministry and other volunteers from the parish. Participants were refreshed by living water, and renewed by the Holy Spirit. They heard the witnesses of the team, enjoyed the gift of a private Mass,received the prayers of others and had the opportunity to speak with a priest privately just to talk, or if they wished, to receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

This weekend brought the official beginning of CRHP to the parish. Now it moves forward blessed by the Holy Spirit and propelled by the faithful who want to bring God's message in a personal way to those who answer His call to Come and See. .

Christ Renews His Parish Needs Your Support!!

CRHP is an ongoing spiritual renewal process offered at St. Rene. It offers participants an opportunity to grow in their Christian faith and in their daily contacts with others. The CRHP process begins with a weekend retreat. Many that have gone through the retreat process can witness to the wonderful experiences they had, sharing faith and friendship with others, enjoying accommodation and great food offered. We are asking you to consider supporting this renewal process with a monetary donation. If you are able, won’t you consider this opportunity to invest in this important ministry of our parish?

Donations can be given to Father Tom, Deacon Sal or Beth Lema or they can be dropped off at the rectory, in an envelope labeled CRHP.

Thanks again for your continuing prayers and support.