2007 National

Catholic Charismatic Renewal

Conference, June 22 – 24.

Spirit filled Catholics from Massachusetts and New Hampshire joined thousands of others from around the country to celebrate 40 years of a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Catholic Church.

The conference was held at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Renewal in the Holy Spirit began with college students in the United States and quickly spread around the world.

The weekend’s ligurgical calendar celebrated John the Baptist’s birthday. Our Sunday homilist, Msgr. Joseph Malagreca noted eight parallels between the Gospel accounts of John and the growth through the Holy Spirit of millions of Catholic faithful.

First, God acted. God moved in the lives of Zechariaiah and Elizabeth to bring about the miraculous birth of John. Also, God moved in the lives of many people to begin the renewal in the spirit.

Second, It’s a mystery. The birth of John the Baptist, the birth of Jesus, the birth of the Church, and the birth of the renewal are all mysteries. People were not in control of these events!

Third, It is a cause of praise. Mary’s Magnificat, Zacheriah’s prayer, and the charism of praise experienced by all who are renewed in God’s Spirit.

Fourth, Being filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, and any follower of Jesus who asks and is open to God’s Holy Spirit will receive this blessing.

Fifth, Prophet of the most high. John and Jesus were prophets of God Most High. We are not the sole prophetic voice in the Church, but we too have a role to proclaim and point to Jesus as Lord.

Sixth, Growth: The growth of a baby who is conceived, born, grew, and manifested in Israel. This weekend is a part of our continuing growth in our relationship with God.

Seventh, I decrease and he increases. John spoke these words about Jesus. Likewise we are bound to seek less for ourselves and more of Jesus.

Eighth, Mary. Where Mary is, so is God’s Holy Spirit.

Pablo Bayona cited a passage from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians that urged all to go on being filled with God’s Holy Spirit.

It’s like drinking a glass of water today. We can’t live if we don’t also drink a glass of water tomorrow.

NSC Director Walter Mathews urged us to bring a culture of Pentecost to our world.

Pentecost means going deeper into prayer and contemplation and dealing with sin in ourselves.

Pentecost means intercession. We are in a spiritual battle and must pray for protecton from the evil one.

Pentecost means living holy lives, a high standard of Christian living.

Pentecost means proclamation. We are witnesses to the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost means renewal of our minds.