With end-of-summer activities, the return of 9-to-5 workdays and back-to-school preparations, September can be a stressful month.
Let the annual Camden Diocese Catholic Renewal be a bright spot on the horizon.
“This is a joyful event,” said Father René Canales, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lindenwold, and Bishop’s Delegate for the Catholic Renewal. “When people arrive on Friday, I see many who are downcast, exhausted. They are bringing their worries, their tiredness, their prayers – and they are looking for more than a pep talk. They are looking for hope with a capital H.”
“By the end of the first evening, their faces are already transformed, and by Sunday, they leave with joy. People make friends; new relationships are forged,” he said.
With such goals in mind, Father Canales encourages faithful to attend the Catholic Renewal being held Sept. 15-17 at Holy Spirit High School, Absecon. This year’s theme is “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) In addition to guest speakers, highlights of the three-day event include Masses, a healing service, opportunities for the Sacrament of Confession and Adoration, a Eucharistic procession, Rosary prayers, praise and worship, and more.
“It is such a spirit-filled opportunity,” Father Canales said. “There is a lot healing, both physically and spiritually, and a lot of reconnecting with the Church. Every time we have this event, I hear how people are looking forward to firing up their faith. Some plan a year in advance; others come from out of state.”
In addition to Father Canales, this year’s keynote speakers include Father James Blount, SOLT, an internationally known preacher, confessor and spiritual director; Father Franklin N. Opara, MSSCC, part-time parochial vicar at Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, Northfield, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Galloway; Father Cesar Pirateque Serrano, parochial vicar at Saint John Neumann Parish, North Cape May, and Rebekah Hardy Marier, coordinator of Heritage & Mission for Ursuline Academy, Wilmington, Del. She is also the former Catholic campus minister at Rowan University, Glassboro. Tommy Doyle, head of the music ministry for the diocesan Catholic Renewal Steering Committee, will lead the musical accompaniment.
Father Canales said the renewal is perfect for people looking for some personal time with the Lord. “Some may be looking for ways to embrace God; others, for a spiritual push or new ways to pray.”
While each day’s schedule is unique – from prayer to witnesses talks – attendees leave with an overall retreat-like experience.
“It’s beautiful to see faith at work. People witness to the faith after the renewal by going back to their parishes to form new prayer groups or become part of existing ones. This event really strengthens their personal relationship with God,” Father Canales said.
Tickets for the Camden Diocese Catholic Renewal are $65 for adults, $60 for seniors, $20 for young adults and $10 for teens. Those 12 and younger are free. To register or for more information, visit camdendiocesecatholicrenewal.org. Walk-ins any day of the event are welcome. For questions, call Colleen at (609) 703-7880, Tracy at (609) 803-7967 or Sheila at (609) 652-7729.
Holy Spirit High School is located at 500 S. New Road, Absecon, 08201.
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