Charismatics ‘hear his voice’ during annual conference

Photo by Alan M. Dumoff

Father Christopher Bakey celebrates Mass in Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood, on Oct. 9, the second day of the Camden Diocesan Charismatic Conference.

More than 1300 Catholics young and old filled the Wildwood Convention Center to praise God and spread the Good News, at the 22nd annual Camden Diocesan Charismatic Conference, held last weekend.

The Friday-Sunday conference featured speakers and musicians who have dedicated their lives to sharing God’s message. Speakers included Father Gerard Marable, pastor of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, Camden; Peter Herbeck, vice-president and director of Missions for Renewal Ministries; his wife, Debbie, who has worked in women’s and youth ministry; and Kathleen McCarthy, president of In His Sign Network.

Bob Valiante, who has served as a coordinator of the conference for 26 years, was master of ceremonies. Martin Doman, a Catholic musician who has been writing, ministering, and performing for over 15 years, led the music ministry.

Father Chris Bakey, pastor, St. Casimir, Woodbine, and Father Marable were main celebrants of the Saturday and Sunday liturgies, respectively.

Those coming to Wildwood left with “softened hearts…the Holy Spirit compelled people to come, to hear the message” of the conference’s theme, “If Today You Hear His Voice, Harden Not Your Hearts,” said conference moderator, Deacon Joe Garozzo.

Deacon Garozzo echoed the words of Father Bakey, who told participants, “It’s not a matter of ‘If you hear his voice…’, it’s ‘When you hear his voice….’”

In a message to participants, Bishop Joseph A. Galante wrote that the conference theme “echoes the reaction of a vast number of Catholics in the Diocese of Camden and Christians and non-Christians throughout the United States as we face the controversial topics of immigration reform, affordable housing and health care.”

“How appropriate that this theme has been chosen when we are faced with the responsibility of caring for our brothers and sisters in need.”