Anointed for the New Evangelization

2007 National Leaders’ Conference, Nov. 10-12, Albuquerque, New Mexico
by Sr. Mary Anne Schaenzer, SSND

I recall the day that we, the planning committee, felt inspired to title the recent Leaders’ Conference in Albuquerque, “Anointed.” Even on the telephone we could sense the working of the Holy Spirit.

As I walked into the hotel for the conference there was a spirit of excitement and anticipation. The hospitality of the local people drew us into the anointing of the weekend. Even our nametags, also envisioned by the planning committee, called us to enter into the blessing of the weekend with the words, “I am anointed” below each person’s name. This then became the response of the weekend. When asked, “How are you?” The response was frequently, “I am anointed.”

We began on Friday evening with a powerful time of prayer and worship led by Wilfred Romero and Friends. Peter Herbeck, evangelist and member of Renewal Ministries gave the Keynote talk and led us in a reflection on the meaning of being anointed. On Saturday morning we celebrated Eucharist. Again we were blessed by the enthusiasm of Fr. Daniel Balizan, a Pastor and the Liaison to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.

Opportunities for learning and reflection on various topics were fostered by tracks in the areas of Charisms, Evangelization, Healing, Intercession, Praise and Worship, Strengthening Prayer Groups, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and Spanish Language Sessions which also dealt with Praise, Alabanzas, Charisms, Charismas, and Healing, Sanacion.

A Healing Service, led by Judith Hughes and Fr. Ray Introvigne, provided a time of quieting and receiving the grace and mercy of God. They led us in a reflection on areas that may need the grace of healing in our lives. This was followed by a type of mystagogia experience – a way of asking ourselves, “What happened? What did God do here?” Three people responded to this from the stage. This stirred up a response in the those present and many shared the blessing they had experienced. This empowered all of us to claim the many blessings received individually yet in the context of the community. Grace was abundant and we could all rejoice together.

The evening became a time of rejoicing, dancing, singing, exhorting and empowerment. The main speaker was Marilynn Kramar, Evangelist and Founder of Charisma in Missions. Aggie Neck and Paul George encouraged us to be open to the anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The working of God was abundant.

On Sunday morning, Fr. Tom Forrest, founder of Evangelization 2000, spoke to us on “The New Evangelization.” Anyone who has heard Fr. Tom knows that he inspires and exhorts. We concluded the weekend with a celebrative Eucharist. It was truly an anointed weekend! As one participant wrote that it was some of the best praise and worship she had experienced. Another wrote, “It was the best experience of my life!”

One of the many blessings of the weekend was the presence and service of young adults. Their enthusiasm and dedication was a grace in the midst of a powerful weekend. Caroline Gambale and Aimee Mangan gave workshops and their own witness. The sound system for the entire weekend was run by a group of youth, Lion of Judah, from El Paso, Texas.

The communal aspect of Charismatic Renewal was strengthened by the element of love that we experienced. We were encouraged and sent forth to continue to be open to the anointing of the Holy Spirit so that we might share the Good News of the Gospel with others.