In the spirit of praise, worship and evangelization, faithful came together in Wildwood at the beginning of this month for the annual Camden Diocese Catholic Renewal Conference.
The three-day in-person and livestreamed celebration included keynote speakers, music, Eucharistic liturgy, a healing service, and opportunities for Confession, Adoration and Rosary prayers.
With this year’s theme focused on Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD,” the Oct. 8-10 conference was an opportunity for guests to learn the joy found in “being obedient to the divine will of God, like Saint Joseph and the Blessed Mother were,” said Father Rene Canales, Master of Ceremonies for the weekend and pastor of the Parish Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lindenwold.
In addition to the main theme, discussions also touched on the Year of Saint Joseph, the 40th anniversary of the purported Marian apparitions in Medjugorje and youth ministry. Speakers included Father Ariel Hernandez, pastor of Newfield’s Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish; and Josip Elez of Medjugorje.
With last year’s conference canceled due to the pandemic, the October Catholic Renewal was even more celebratory. “We had about 300-400 people present, while 40-60 others were on livestream,” Father Canales said.
In looking ahead to next year, Father Canales told participants that they are “ambassadors, to share [the Good News of] this conference and invite one person to come with them in 2022.”
He said he is confident that next year’s attendees, whether first- or longtime, will be just as refreshed and renewed as those were this year.
“What a great opportunity to celebrate the Church and each other,” Father Canales said.
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