Photos by Alan M. Dumoff, more photos http://ccdphotolibrary.smugmug.com
The 26th annual Charismatic Conference took place at the Wildwood Convention Center Oct. 10-12, bringing together worshippers, from all over the Camden Diocese, seeking a deeper relationship to Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
The Friday-Sunday conference was themed “And They Were Filled With The Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4),” and included praise, worship, and evangelization to engage adults, young adults, and youth.
At the start of the conference on Friday, Bishop Dennis Sullivan welcomed participants. In a letter to conference-goers, he called the weekend one “of spiritual renewal and praise of God.”
“As we work to build up God’s kingdom here on earth, may the Holy Spirit ever be our friend and guide,” he said.
“When we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit from the Lord, it is not for us to keep for ourselves,” he said. “The gifts of the Spirit are to be used for the church and for the building up of God’s kingdom.”
Father Ariel Hernandez, pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Newfield, was one of the main speakers for the weekend, along with author Maria Vadia; Father Stephen DeLacy, vocation director of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Catholic radio host Kathleen McCarthy; and the Hearts Afire 4God music ministry.
Sharing the faith with youth during the weekend were Father Kevin Mohan, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Williamstown; Sandy and Jim Scheiner, junior youth track coordinators and co-leaders; and worship band CatholicFX.
Also providing music for youth were the South Jersey group Paging Samuel; musicians Donna Lee and Gretchen Harris from California; and local singer Michael Jones from Holy Family Parish, Sewell.