Leadership Day – United in Our Vision

February 21, 2009

Members of Boston area prayer groups gathered at the Espousal Center Chapel Hall to revisit the vision of the Holy Spirit’s flame planted in ourselves. Our day began with a period of free-form praise and songs led by Fabien Solomon.

Then Vin Cerasuolo, Director of CRS Boston introduced Msgr John McDonough, Secretary for Faith Formation and Evangelization in the Archdiocese, our liaison to Cardinal Sean O’Mally. Father John welcomed us and described his ecumenical experiences serving in the military chaplain corps for thirty years. He then encouraged us to evengelize people to renewal by displaying the fruits of the spirit as explained by St. Paul in Gallatians 5:22. He presented us with an artistic rendering of these gifts for use at our future gatherings.

Mike Marraffino then presented a three-part look at the Vision of charismatic renewal and how our CRS Boston 2009 vision brings Boston area prayer groups into unity with this vision. The presentation drew on various renewal and church documents and scriptural images such as The Annunciation and Cana.

Each session included a time of group sharing. We were encouraged to recall how the spark of the Holy Spirit initially enkindled a flame in our hearts. Then we shared how our prayer groups fan the flame and help us to grow. Finally, we shared the many ways that the fire of the Holy Spirit helps us to build and defend the Church. Click here for a copy of the handouts used in each of these discussions.

We concluded the day by praying for one another’s needs.