The Upper Room Fellowship was a prayer group that met for several years, first at St. Mary in Old Town Alexandria, and then at St. Charles Borromeo in Arlington. They met for prayer, praise and worship, teaching, and fellowship.
2015 National Leaders' and Ministries' Conference
We welcomed people from across our diocese and the country to Herndon from November 13-15, 2015, for a conference with the theme "In the Spirit, through the Cross, one Body" which is based on Ephesians 2:16-18. The conference included praise and worship, Masses on Saturday and Sunday, Workshops and General Sessions with talks from dynamic speakers, Prayer Ministry, a Healing Service, meals, fellowship, and an evening of praise before the Blessed Sacrament. This conference is sponsored in a different city each year by the National Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.
POWER SURGE - Faith Boost for the New Year Young Adult Day of Encounter
Saturday January 31, 2015, 9am-4pm
St. Charles Borromeo Church, Arlington, Virginia
This event included talks, witnesses, Praise and Worship, discussion and prayer to help young adults encounter the Father’s Heart in a deeply personal and transformational way.
We welcomed people from across our diocese and the country to Herndon from November 13-15, 2015, for a conference with the theme "In the Spirit, through the Cross, one Body" which is based on Ephesians 2:16-18. The conference included praise and worship, Masses on Saturday and Sunday, Workshops and General Sessions with talks from dynamic speakers, Prayer Ministry, a Healing Service, meals, fellowship, and an evening of praise before the Blessed Sacrament. This conference is sponsored in a different city each year by the National Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.
POWER SURGE - Faith Boost for the New Year Young Adult Day of Encounter
Saturday January 31, 2015, 9am-4pm
St. Charles Borromeo Church, Arlington, Virginia
This event included talks, witnesses, Praise and Worship, discussion and prayer to help young adults encounter the Father’s Heart in a deeply personal and transformational way.
Charismatic Retreat
September 5‐7, 2014, Friday 7:15 p.m. ‐ Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
Directed by Deacon Marques Silva
Dominican Retreat
7103 Old Dominion Drive
McLean, Virginia 22101
703-356-4243
www.dominicanretreat.org
The Weekend Program Included:
Celebration of Eucharist
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Reflections on Scripture
Charismatic Prayer and Praise
Prayer Teams
Conferences
Small Group Sharing
All Night Adoration
Dive In! Family Retreat - Deep Faith in a Shallow World
Saturday, July 26, 2014
All Saints Catholic Church
Retreat held in Parish Activities Center (PAC)
8:45am - 5:00pm
For Families who –
· Want God’s peace and joy to reign in their homes
· Desire greater spiritual intimacy with Christ
· Want to grow in power to resist the culture’s temptations
· Desire to be Christ's light to our world
This event included:
For Adults –
· Contemporary Praise and Worship
· Dynamic Teachings: Faith & Encounter, Repentance, Forgiveness, Renunciation, Blessing & Empowerment
· Powerful small group prayer sessions
· Family Eucharistic Adoration
For Kids (ages 2-12, under 2 bring favorite toys, cry room available) – Age Appropriate:
· Teachings & songs
· Crafts & games
· Outdoor play
IGNITING FAITH - YOUNG ADULT RETREAT (AGES 18-35)
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Arlington, VA
Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9, 2013
Want to leave the busyness of your daily life in DC for a chance to get away, develop your relationship with Christ and build community with other young adults? Looking for a time of Spirit-filled and uplifting praise, powerful teachings, and explore ways to use your gifts and interests to make a difference for Christ?
"Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.’” - Jesus, in John 7:37-38
Retreat Schedule:
Friday, November 8, 2013
7:30PM-7:45PM Prayer and Praise
7:45PM-8:15PM "Becoming" (Fr. James Searby)
8:15PM-9:20PM Eucharistic Adoration. Confessions and
prayer ministry are available.
9:20PM-9:30PM Announcements
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Morning Session:
9:00AM-9:30AM Mass in Church
9:30AM-10:00AM Registration/Coffee and Donuts
10:00AM-10:30AM Prayer & Praise
10:30AM-11:15AM Living an Authentic Witness (Joe Curto)
11:15AM-12:00PM Small Group Discussions (Confessions available)
12:00PM-1:00PM Lunch (Confessions available)
Afternoon Session
1:00PM-1:30PM Prayer & Praise
Breakout Sessions (1:30PM-3:00PM)
TRACK 1: The Encounter
- Track 1A: Encounter the Son (Fr. James Searby)
- Track 1B: Encounter the Father (Fr. James Searby)
TRACK 2: The Power of the Spirit
- Track 2A: Receive the Holy Spirit (Fr. Stefan Starzynski)
- Track 2B: Spiritual Gifts Workshop (Terry Riggins)
3:00PM-4:30PM "Stir into Flame the Gifts of God and Go Out!" (Deacon Marques Silva)
4:30PM-5:00PM Closing Prayer and Song
5:00PM-6:00PM Mass
6:00PM - Dinner afterwards at a nearby restaurant in Clarendon
Freedom Living a Life in the Power of the Holy Spirit
An Evening of Prayer, Praise, Eucharistic Adoration & Vigil Mass for Pentecost
Saturday, May 18; 7:30-9:30pm
“Living Your Life in the Freedom of the Holy Spirit”
Presented by Rev. John Melmer and Rev. Jeb Donelan
Praise and Worship
Prayer teams available to pray for the release of the spiritual gifts.
All Saints Catholic Church
9300 Stonewall Road, Manassas, VA
Pentecost Vigil Mass
Experience the Power of the Holy Spirit as in the First Pentecost
Saturday, May 18; 10:30pm – 1am
Praise & Worship at 10:30pm - Mass at 11pm
Celebrated by Rev. Stefan Starzynski
St. Mary of Sorrows - Historic Church
Fairfax Station Road & Rt. 123, Fairfax Station, VA
UNBOUND: Freedom Conference
In July 2012, the UNBOUND: Freedom Conference offered excellent times of teaching and prayer. People learned about being free in Christ, how to recognize and overcome obstacles in our relationship with God, and also had the opportunity to pray for deliverance from things that interfere with growing in the spiritual life.
Charismatic Retreats
Each year there has been a Charismatic Retreat which has been a wonderful time for people of all ages to a renewed spiritual strength and dedication to live in faith, hope and love, despite the challenges of this uncertain and unsettling world. The weekend usually includes:
- Daily Mass
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Reflections on Scripture
- Charismatic Prayer and Praise
- Prayer Teams
- Small Group Sharing
- All-night Adoration
Young Adult Hiking Trip
This was Arlington Renewal's Young Adult Hiking Trip at Harper's Ferry, WV, that on Saturday, August 13, 2011. We started with attending the 7:30AM Mass at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Arlington, VA. We prayed together for protection and safety outside of Starbucks in Arlington then departed for Harpers Ferry. It rained for about 5 minutes, then turned out to be a beautiful day. The cool breeze helped cool us off as we hiked The Maryland Heights Trail. At the mountain's peak, we prayed the Rosary together. It was a great time of prayer, fellowship and exercise. We give praise, glory and honor to God for all His creation which reveals His great love for us.
July 2011: Charism School and Healing Service with Damian Stayne
Many people attended the Charism School July 8 to 10 and learned about the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit. They also learned not just about the gifts, but how to use them. They practiced praying for each other to help become confident when praying with others.
Many people were healed at the Healing Service on July 9. After teaching about the connection between healing, forgiveness, and repentance, Damian asked everyone to turn to those near them who were sick and pray with faith while laying hands on them. Between prayers for each type of illness we sang songs of praise and worship, and concluded with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. It was held at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish in DC which had a very high ceiling that amplified the sound of hundreds of people praising God!
Learning About the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Series
The Renewal reminds everyone that all can serve God and their neighbor. After attending a Leadership Course with the office from the Vatican that guides the Renewal globally, leaders from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the diocese decided to share what they learned. At each gathering anyone who had interest came and learned learned about an aspect of the Renewal. The sessions also had time for praise and worship and fellowship. The topics were: the Renewal's history in November 2010, evangelization in January 2011, and prayer groups in April 2011.
June 2011: Pentecost Praise and Worship
June 14, 2011 at St. Charles Borromeo was a wonderful time for young adults to celebrate Pentecost with Charismatic Praise & Worship. Fr. Tuck Grinnell, Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo, spoke on Pentecost: Its Significance and Its Impact in Our Times. Brian Kissinger lead music. Afterwards, we walked to a restaurant in Clarendon for food and fellowship.
Lent 2011 Retreat: Missionary from Divine Retreat Center
Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C. visited for a retreat. He is the Director of Retreats at Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor in India, the largest Catholic retreat center in the world. He is part of a Vincentian congregation founded by St. Vincent de Paul, and is an internationally known Catholic Charismatic preacher with more than 38 years of gifted, priestly service. Fr. Vallooran has a doctorate in philosophy and is a professor at St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary in India, the largest in the world. He is a prolific writer and regular contributor to several Catholic magazines, including ‘Divine Voice.’
Praise, Worship, Eucharistic Adoration, and Mass for Healing. Obtain a flyer here and invite others.
Music Ministry: Glen and Teresa
Sharing Experiences in God
Terry Riggins (Arlington Charismatic Renewal Services Committee)
Dr. Jayanand
Friday, April 8, (6 PM - 9:30 PM)
Our Lady of Good Counsel
8601 Wolftrap Road
Vienna, VA 22182
Saturday, April 9, (9 AM - 4:00 PM)
Our Lady of Good Counsel
8601 Wolftrap Road
Vienna, VA 22182
Lunch included
Sunday, April 10, (9:30 AM – 5 PM)
Paul VI High School
10675 Fairfax Boulevard
Fairfax, VA 22030
Lunch included
February 2011: Young Adult Day Retreat - "Keys to Unleash Power in Prayer"
Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10am-4pm
St. Charles Catholic Church in Arlington in the School Gym
Fr. Dave Pivonka, Franciscan T.O.R. lead about 300 young adults on a spiritual journey. We learned to open up to the Holy Spirit, get to know Him in prayer, and experience Him in everyday life. We learned about how prayer and trusting God are essential to our relationship with Him, but in order to move deeper in the spiritual life and unleash power in prayer we must confront sin honestly and come to God - since only He can set us free. We need to approach God's mercy not just as a cleansing routine, but to experience Jesus who died for us and rose from the dead because He is waiting for us to let Him transform us from the inside out.
Local musicians lead us in beautiful and heartfelt songs of praise and worship, and we enjoyed fellowship with old and new friends.
You may view the online photo album, and listen to the talks on Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the talk about Suffering.
Learning About the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Series
After attending a Leadership Course with the office from the Vatican that guides the Renewal globally, leaders from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the diocese decided to share what they learned. At each gathering anyone who had interest came and learned learned about an aspect of the Renewal. The sessions also had time for praise and worship and fellowship. The topics were: the Renewal's history in November 2010, evangelization in January 2011, and prayer groups in April 2011.
September 2010: Diocesan Charismatic Retreat - "In Search of Treasure"
Our spiritual director was the Executive Director of the new San Damiano Spirituality Center of the Arlington Diocese. His Songs lead us in praise and worship. We had daily Mass, prayer meetings, challenging talks, small group sharing, quiet time, and great food at the beautiful Dominican Retreat center in McLean.
August 2010: Healing Service with evangelist Damian Stayne
Damian Stayne of Cor et Lumen Christi Community in England uses the gifts of healing and encouragement to evangelize. He is endorsed by the Vatican's center for pastoral oversight of the Charismatic Renewal (ICCRS). Large numbers of people have been healed during Damian Staynes' evangelistic visits to Gaithersburg, Maryland, in 2008 and 2009, and this year the Lord again healed many. At this and previous visits of his, people were healed of numerous afflictions, as well as grew in faith and confidence pray with the sick and use prophetic gifts, People far from God were invited to return to Him, and Damian also lead us through a meditation to forgive others and encouraged us go to Confession as soon as possible.
Damian used his gift of teaching to clearly show from the texts of the Bible, Catechism, and the saints, that the charismatic renewal is s true, historic, biblical, orthodox gift from God which helps individuals and the whole Catholic Church reach people in our day.
The evening began with praise and worship, which we returned to often throughout the healing service.
People went to the front to tell of how God had healed them during prayer. Some were dramatic such as the restoration of hearing and the ability to walk, and all pointed to the truth that Jesus is alive, He loves us, He sends the Holy Spirit today with gifts which we need to open with faith. God is with us and eager to hear and answer our prayers when we reach out to Him.
Evening of Charismatic Prayer and Praise in Preparation for Pentecost
May 27, 2009, St. Mary of Sorrows
This diocesan-wide gathering celebrated the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. We sought guidance on how to appreciate and use that outpouring in our lives, our Church, and the world. Below is a word and vision describing the purpose of this gathering.
"The closer we get to entering into His full glory, the greater the resistance to pull us back. The power of ONENESS is our strength. In the Spirit I saw the Gladiators as they were in the Coliseum and as the chariots came out, individually they would have all died, but as they came together AS ONE, they found their true strength to defend and defeat the enemy. We are to push forward into the realm of the impossible. It is as if God is saying, 'The everyday Christian life as I have designed is impossible for natural humans, but I have created you supernatural, to be vessels that allows MY GLORY to flow through. You must learn to be One Church, Have One Mind, One Mission, Be One Body, with many members. I cannot allow my FULL Glory to flow through only one or two of you, it will overwhelm you, I need ALL OF YOU ACTING AS ONE, to flow through.'
February 7, 2009 - Charismatic Praise Festival
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
We began with daily Mass at 9am in the church, and then enjoyed coffee and bagles with old and new friends. The Holy Spirit filled us with joy during Praise and Worship, which was beautifully lead by "The Chosen Few." In his talk on being free from fear, Ralph Martin, President of Renewal Ministries, spoke about how God has lead him and his family through uncertain times, relying on God's Providence. The festival concluded with more Praise and Worship while prayer teams prayed with people for their intentions. Many experienced the love of God and His freedom throughout the day, enabling us to live lives that bear witness to His activity in us.
April 17, 2009: Evening of Adoration and music ministry
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
As newlyweds, Mark and Léa - feeling alone in the Catholic Church - considered joining a non-Catholic congregation. However, the Lord spoke clearly in Mark's heart, "Stay, and be light to your brothers." Shortly after that, Mark received another strong word, "Music is a doorway to evangelize." Thus began a burning hunger in Mark for God, and for truth, which has led to a deep love for the Catholic Faith.
April 2008: ADORE 2097 - Evening of Worship and Evangelization
About 500 people gathered to praise God and hear a message for our lives. It was held at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Falls Church.
September 5‐7, 2014, Friday 7:15 p.m. ‐ Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
Directed by Deacon Marques Silva
Dominican Retreat
7103 Old Dominion Drive
McLean, Virginia 22101
703-356-4243
www.dominicanretreat.org
The Weekend Program Included:
Celebration of Eucharist
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Reflections on Scripture
Charismatic Prayer and Praise
Prayer Teams
Conferences
Small Group Sharing
All Night Adoration
Dive In! Family Retreat - Deep Faith in a Shallow World
Saturday, July 26, 2014
All Saints Catholic Church
Retreat held in Parish Activities Center (PAC)
8:45am - 5:00pm
For Families who –
· Want God’s peace and joy to reign in their homes
· Desire greater spiritual intimacy with Christ
· Want to grow in power to resist the culture’s temptations
· Desire to be Christ's light to our world
This event included:
For Adults –
· Contemporary Praise and Worship
· Dynamic Teachings: Faith & Encounter, Repentance, Forgiveness, Renunciation, Blessing & Empowerment
· Powerful small group prayer sessions
· Family Eucharistic Adoration
For Kids (ages 2-12, under 2 bring favorite toys, cry room available) – Age Appropriate:
· Teachings & songs
· Crafts & games
· Outdoor play
IGNITING FAITH - YOUNG ADULT RETREAT (AGES 18-35)
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Arlington, VA
Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9, 2013
Want to leave the busyness of your daily life in DC for a chance to get away, develop your relationship with Christ and build community with other young adults? Looking for a time of Spirit-filled and uplifting praise, powerful teachings, and explore ways to use your gifts and interests to make a difference for Christ?
"Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.’” - Jesus, in John 7:37-38
Retreat Schedule:
Friday, November 8, 2013
7:30PM-7:45PM Prayer and Praise
7:45PM-8:15PM "Becoming" (Fr. James Searby)
8:15PM-9:20PM Eucharistic Adoration. Confessions and
prayer ministry are available.
9:20PM-9:30PM Announcements
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Morning Session:
9:00AM-9:30AM Mass in Church
9:30AM-10:00AM Registration/Coffee and Donuts
10:00AM-10:30AM Prayer & Praise
10:30AM-11:15AM Living an Authentic Witness (Joe Curto)
11:15AM-12:00PM Small Group Discussions (Confessions available)
12:00PM-1:00PM Lunch (Confessions available)
Afternoon Session
1:00PM-1:30PM Prayer & Praise
Breakout Sessions (1:30PM-3:00PM)
TRACK 1: The Encounter
- Track 1A: Encounter the Son (Fr. James Searby)
- Track 1B: Encounter the Father (Fr. James Searby)
TRACK 2: The Power of the Spirit
- Track 2A: Receive the Holy Spirit (Fr. Stefan Starzynski)
- Track 2B: Spiritual Gifts Workshop (Terry Riggins)
3:00PM-4:30PM "Stir into Flame the Gifts of God and Go Out!" (Deacon Marques Silva)
4:30PM-5:00PM Closing Prayer and Song
5:00PM-6:00PM Mass
6:00PM - Dinner afterwards at a nearby restaurant in Clarendon
Freedom Living a Life in the Power of the Holy Spirit
An Evening of Prayer, Praise, Eucharistic Adoration & Vigil Mass for Pentecost
Saturday, May 18; 7:30-9:30pm
“Living Your Life in the Freedom of the Holy Spirit”
Presented by Rev. John Melmer and Rev. Jeb Donelan
Praise and Worship
Prayer teams available to pray for the release of the spiritual gifts.
All Saints Catholic Church
9300 Stonewall Road, Manassas, VA
Pentecost Vigil Mass
Experience the Power of the Holy Spirit as in the First Pentecost
Saturday, May 18; 10:30pm – 1am
Praise & Worship at 10:30pm - Mass at 11pm
Celebrated by Rev. Stefan Starzynski
St. Mary of Sorrows - Historic Church
Fairfax Station Road & Rt. 123, Fairfax Station, VA
UNBOUND: Freedom Conference
In July 2012, the UNBOUND: Freedom Conference offered excellent times of teaching and prayer. People learned about being free in Christ, how to recognize and overcome obstacles in our relationship with God, and also had the opportunity to pray for deliverance from things that interfere with growing in the spiritual life.
Charismatic Retreats
Each year there has been a Charismatic Retreat which has been a wonderful time for people of all ages to a renewed spiritual strength and dedication to live in faith, hope and love, despite the challenges of this uncertain and unsettling world. The weekend usually includes:
- Daily Mass
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Reflections on Scripture
- Charismatic Prayer and Praise
- Prayer Teams
- Small Group Sharing
- All-night Adoration
Young Adult Hiking Trip
This was Arlington Renewal's Young Adult Hiking Trip at Harper's Ferry, WV, that on Saturday, August 13, 2011. We started with attending the 7:30AM Mass at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Arlington, VA. We prayed together for protection and safety outside of Starbucks in Arlington then departed for Harpers Ferry. It rained for about 5 minutes, then turned out to be a beautiful day. The cool breeze helped cool us off as we hiked The Maryland Heights Trail. At the mountain's peak, we prayed the Rosary together. It was a great time of prayer, fellowship and exercise. We give praise, glory and honor to God for all His creation which reveals His great love for us.
July 2011: Charism School and Healing Service with Damian Stayne
Many people attended the Charism School July 8 to 10 and learned about the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit. They also learned not just about the gifts, but how to use them. They practiced praying for each other to help become confident when praying with others.
Many people were healed at the Healing Service on July 9. After teaching about the connection between healing, forgiveness, and repentance, Damian asked everyone to turn to those near them who were sick and pray with faith while laying hands on them. Between prayers for each type of illness we sang songs of praise and worship, and concluded with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. It was held at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish in DC which had a very high ceiling that amplified the sound of hundreds of people praising God!
Learning About the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Series
The Renewal reminds everyone that all can serve God and their neighbor. After attending a Leadership Course with the office from the Vatican that guides the Renewal globally, leaders from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the diocese decided to share what they learned. At each gathering anyone who had interest came and learned learned about an aspect of the Renewal. The sessions also had time for praise and worship and fellowship. The topics were: the Renewal's history in November 2010, evangelization in January 2011, and prayer groups in April 2011.
June 2011: Pentecost Praise and Worship
June 14, 2011 at St. Charles Borromeo was a wonderful time for young adults to celebrate Pentecost with Charismatic Praise & Worship. Fr. Tuck Grinnell, Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo, spoke on Pentecost: Its Significance and Its Impact in Our Times. Brian Kissinger lead music. Afterwards, we walked to a restaurant in Clarendon for food and fellowship.
Lent 2011 Retreat: Missionary from Divine Retreat Center
Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C. visited for a retreat. He is the Director of Retreats at Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor in India, the largest Catholic retreat center in the world. He is part of a Vincentian congregation founded by St. Vincent de Paul, and is an internationally known Catholic Charismatic preacher with more than 38 years of gifted, priestly service. Fr. Vallooran has a doctorate in philosophy and is a professor at St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary in India, the largest in the world. He is a prolific writer and regular contributor to several Catholic magazines, including ‘Divine Voice.’
Praise, Worship, Eucharistic Adoration, and Mass for Healing. Obtain a flyer here and invite others.
Music Ministry: Glen and Teresa
Sharing Experiences in God
Terry Riggins (Arlington Charismatic Renewal Services Committee)
Dr. Jayanand
Friday, April 8, (6 PM - 9:30 PM)
Our Lady of Good Counsel
8601 Wolftrap Road
Vienna, VA 22182
Saturday, April 9, (9 AM - 4:00 PM)
Our Lady of Good Counsel
8601 Wolftrap Road
Vienna, VA 22182
Lunch included
Sunday, April 10, (9:30 AM – 5 PM)
Paul VI High School
10675 Fairfax Boulevard
Fairfax, VA 22030
Lunch included
February 2011: Young Adult Day Retreat - "Keys to Unleash Power in Prayer"
Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10am-4pm
St. Charles Catholic Church in Arlington in the School Gym
Fr. Dave Pivonka, Franciscan T.O.R. lead about 300 young adults on a spiritual journey. We learned to open up to the Holy Spirit, get to know Him in prayer, and experience Him in everyday life. We learned about how prayer and trusting God are essential to our relationship with Him, but in order to move deeper in the spiritual life and unleash power in prayer we must confront sin honestly and come to God - since only He can set us free. We need to approach God's mercy not just as a cleansing routine, but to experience Jesus who died for us and rose from the dead because He is waiting for us to let Him transform us from the inside out.
Local musicians lead us in beautiful and heartfelt songs of praise and worship, and we enjoyed fellowship with old and new friends.
You may view the online photo album, and listen to the talks on Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the talk about Suffering.
Learning About the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Series
After attending a Leadership Course with the office from the Vatican that guides the Renewal globally, leaders from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the diocese decided to share what they learned. At each gathering anyone who had interest came and learned learned about an aspect of the Renewal. The sessions also had time for praise and worship and fellowship. The topics were: the Renewal's history in November 2010, evangelization in January 2011, and prayer groups in April 2011.
September 2010: Diocesan Charismatic Retreat - "In Search of Treasure"
Our spiritual director was the Executive Director of the new San Damiano Spirituality Center of the Arlington Diocese. His Songs lead us in praise and worship. We had daily Mass, prayer meetings, challenging talks, small group sharing, quiet time, and great food at the beautiful Dominican Retreat center in McLean.
August 2010: Healing Service with evangelist Damian Stayne
Damian Stayne of Cor et Lumen Christi Community in England uses the gifts of healing and encouragement to evangelize. He is endorsed by the Vatican's center for pastoral oversight of the Charismatic Renewal (ICCRS). Large numbers of people have been healed during Damian Staynes' evangelistic visits to Gaithersburg, Maryland, in 2008 and 2009, and this year the Lord again healed many. At this and previous visits of his, people were healed of numerous afflictions, as well as grew in faith and confidence pray with the sick and use prophetic gifts, People far from God were invited to return to Him, and Damian also lead us through a meditation to forgive others and encouraged us go to Confession as soon as possible.
Damian used his gift of teaching to clearly show from the texts of the Bible, Catechism, and the saints, that the charismatic renewal is s true, historic, biblical, orthodox gift from God which helps individuals and the whole Catholic Church reach people in our day.
The evening began with praise and worship, which we returned to often throughout the healing service.
People went to the front to tell of how God had healed them during prayer. Some were dramatic such as the restoration of hearing and the ability to walk, and all pointed to the truth that Jesus is alive, He loves us, He sends the Holy Spirit today with gifts which we need to open with faith. God is with us and eager to hear and answer our prayers when we reach out to Him.
Evening of Charismatic Prayer and Praise in Preparation for Pentecost
May 27, 2009, St. Mary of Sorrows
This diocesan-wide gathering celebrated the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. We sought guidance on how to appreciate and use that outpouring in our lives, our Church, and the world. Below is a word and vision describing the purpose of this gathering.
"The closer we get to entering into His full glory, the greater the resistance to pull us back. The power of ONENESS is our strength. In the Spirit I saw the Gladiators as they were in the Coliseum and as the chariots came out, individually they would have all died, but as they came together AS ONE, they found their true strength to defend and defeat the enemy. We are to push forward into the realm of the impossible. It is as if God is saying, 'The everyday Christian life as I have designed is impossible for natural humans, but I have created you supernatural, to be vessels that allows MY GLORY to flow through. You must learn to be One Church, Have One Mind, One Mission, Be One Body, with many members. I cannot allow my FULL Glory to flow through only one or two of you, it will overwhelm you, I need ALL OF YOU ACTING AS ONE, to flow through.'
February 7, 2009 - Charismatic Praise Festival
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
We began with daily Mass at 9am in the church, and then enjoyed coffee and bagles with old and new friends. The Holy Spirit filled us with joy during Praise and Worship, which was beautifully lead by "The Chosen Few." In his talk on being free from fear, Ralph Martin, President of Renewal Ministries, spoke about how God has lead him and his family through uncertain times, relying on God's Providence. The festival concluded with more Praise and Worship while prayer teams prayed with people for their intentions. Many experienced the love of God and His freedom throughout the day, enabling us to live lives that bear witness to His activity in us.
April 17, 2009: Evening of Adoration and music ministry
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
As newlyweds, Mark and Léa - feeling alone in the Catholic Church - considered joining a non-Catholic congregation. However, the Lord spoke clearly in Mark's heart, "Stay, and be light to your brothers." Shortly after that, Mark received another strong word, "Music is a doorway to evangelize." Thus began a burning hunger in Mark for God, and for truth, which has led to a deep love for the Catholic Faith.
April 2008: ADORE 2097 - Evening of Worship and Evangelization
About 500 people gathered to praise God and hear a message for our lives. It was held at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Falls Church.