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Charismatic renewal conference to feature Bishop Conley, Jesuit Father Robert Faricy
By John Gleason
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Charismatic Ministries Conference Title: Fanning the Flame: Called to Love, Called to Serve |
You just never know what God may have in mind for you when you open your heart to him.
It’s with that spirit everyone is invited to attend the 2011 Archdiocesan Charismatic Ministries conference, “Fanning the Flame: Called to Love, Called to Serve” set for Sept. 23-25 in Aurora.
The conference, sponsored by the Colorado Catholic Charismatic Committee, will feature national speakers, workshops, Mass, confession, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and praise music throughout the weekend.
Presenters at this year’s conference include Denver Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley; author Deacon Alex Jones, evangelization coordinator for the Detroit Archdiocese; and Caroline Gambale-Dirkes, co-founder of 2Tim4 Ministries and member of charismatic renewal’s National Service Committee.
Other speakers include popular charismatic speaker and prolific author Jesuit Father Robert Faricy, theologian and emeritus professor of the Pontifical Gregorian University; consecrated woman and retreat leader Cheryl Nguyen, and local author and youth minister Jim Beckman.
Conference coordinator Monica Hernandez said the purpose of the conference is to help Catholics renew their faith.
“God is here and now,” she said. “He wants to have a relationship with us. This is what we explore at the conference.”
Hernandez said last year’s conference drew 300 people. Organizers are hoping to double that number this year.
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Photo by James Baca/DCR |
Gambale-Dirkes participates in dozens of events like this every year. She said she is looking forward to the September conference.
“Some people attend because they’re weary and need to be re-energized,” she said. “Others want to find ways to be more effective in their ministry and have a better relationship with God.”
She said people should be prepared for God to act in their lives.
“You have to do the ridiculous to see the miraculous,” she said, “and that means that when you agree to answer the call of the Holy Spirit—watch out—because amazing things are going to happen.”
Catholic Charismatic Renewal began in 1967 at a retreat weekend about the Holy Spirit with a group of students at Duquesne University in Pennsylvania. Since then, Catholic Charismatic Renewal has grown to more than 20 million active members throughout the world.
The “Fanning the Flame” conference will be held at the Red Lion Hotel, 3200 S. Parker Road in Aurora. Cost of the three-day event is $30 per person, $50 per couple. More information is available online at www.archdencharismatic.org or by calling 303-745-6157.
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