The originator's of Christ Renews His Parish, found that years of pastoral experience have continually demonstrated one underlying need. This is the need to experience 'church'- to experience 'being church' -to experience 'being church for others.' The best of 'church' is conversion, community, and celebration.
In most parishes the need is the same---for small, workable groups of parishioners who would commit themselves to coming together on a regular basis to share their faith, pray, study and eventually become apostolically involved in the parish community & lay ministries.
This process brings parishioners together for a casual but effective communal weekend experience. The Renewal Weekend includes an emphasis on how God has impacted our lives in a prayerful and non-threatening atmosphere. It also provides the parishioners with an opportunity for experiencing deep personal conversion and the fruits of Christian community in one's own parish. This experience is designed to initiate a process of spiritual growth, Christian community building, and lay ministry formation.
The zeal of these few parishioners will affect the spirit of the many. Not a whole parish at once, but patiently, parishioner by parishioner. The seed of the few becomes the leaven of many. Thousands have been reached by this process and Nativity is no exception.
The actual Renewal Weekend runs from early Saturday through Sunday afternoon. It consists of small group participation and sharing by previous members; exercises in the group process and community building; and sharing set in a scriptural and prayerful atmosphere. It is IMPORTANT to note NO ONE is a professional facilitator. The people leading are friends you know, faces you have seen around church and fellow parishioners. People who have been transformed by God's Grace for you.
The problem with most programs is they end after the event. Not here. You will have an opportunity to continue in your spiritual development and growth. After meaningful prayer you may be called by God to other ministries at Holy Spirit. Many find themselves called back to their own family. Many are able to realize that their worldly goals have effectively "cut them off" from a meaningful relationship with spouses and children.
No travel expenses either. You do NOT have to "leave town" or go away. Everything will happen at the same place your children go to school or you come to worship each Sunday.
In the end, God is in charge. We are just called to listen. This weekend is the gateway or the beginning of a journey towards a deep personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
May the Peace of our God guide your decision to attend.
Office: 913-491-5017
