Testimonies

Praise and Teaching Rally

Harrisburg September 17, 2011

The National Service Committee team of Jim Archer, Caroline Gambale-Dirkes and Walter Matthews, joined by Diocesan Liaison Fr. Frank Karwacki, led a powerful Praise and Teaching Rally at the Annual Diocesan Day of Renewal in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, September 17. Yvonne Staub, one of the attendees serving on the Music Ministry, wrote on Facebook, “This was the best Day of Renewal in Harrisburg. So many people were touched.”

The theme of the NSC’s Praise and Teaching Rallies is “Jesus Lives! Pour Out Your Spirit Anew!” Talks focused on Holiness (Jim), Prayer (Fr. Karwacki), Living Communion (Walter), and Proclamation (Caroline). Bob and Linda Metz of the Diocesan Renewal shared a powerful witness.

In his talk on Holiness Jim shared about our being seized by God’s affection and that we are “chosen, blessed, broken, given.”

Fr. Karwacki led us in the Celebration of Holy Mass and in his homily challenged us on the Parable of the Seed: the stony ground are those who take the word for granted because of familiarity, and shallow ground are those attracted to warm fuzzies. In his talk on Prayer Fr. Karwacki shared about the complexity of the universe and that the God who created it desires us to know Him and to show up in prayer. He spoke of the need for perseverance.

In her closing talk on Proclamation, Caroline called us to boldness and the willingness to take risks. The people are ready what stops us is fear. She asked, do we have the fire in us?

In feedback afterwards one attendee wrote, “I came feeling dry and I left like a wet sponge filled with God’s love and urgency to spread his love and his mission.” Another wrote, “I experienced a reawakening and a direction to follow Jesus more closely through the scriptures.” A third, “WOW!! What a wonderful day of praise and teaching. I experienced God’s Presence in so many ways-the National Service Team speakers were wonderful and yet so down to earth, the praise was so uplifting and it is always such a blessing to be with brothers and sisters who have been freed by the power of the Holy Spirit to enter into worship and who share their Faith.”

For more information on NSC Outreach Events click here and to bring an NSC Team to your Diocese call 800-338-2445 or write us at chariscenter@nsc-chariscenter.org. Put Outreach Event in the Subject line.

Praise and Teaching Rally

Atlanta June 18, 2011

The NSC team of Jane Barz and Gerry Mader, along with Fr. Tim Hepburn, formerly of the NSC Council, who is a former Liaison in Atlanta, were used by the Holy Spirit in a powerful way at the Jesus Lives! Pour Out Your Spirit Anew! Praise and Teaching Rally in Atlanta, June 18th.

There were close to 200 attendees. Participants commented, “God is so good. Am still floating on cloud 9.” “His Presence was so powerful, healing, delivering, raising us up. The Holy Spirit was certainly present all day.”

While the four talks that made up the day “were outstanding” particular note was made of Fr. Tim’s “wonderful witness on living in the Holy Spirit” and his “wonderful, challenging” homily.

The praise was very inspiring; awesome and very uplifting. Gerry was emcee and helped focus the Day. Time for quiet prayer was also very good to help settle down for the Mass and to reflect on all that had been heard.

As the Atlanta Catholic Charismatic Renewal Assembly Coordinator, Emmanuela Medina, summarized, “it was a grace-filled day, an awesome day the Lord has made.”

Leaders' Retreat

Chicago March 2011

Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the beautiful retreat given in Chicago on March 26th. It was a day of learning,
growing and worshiping the Lord.

I have been served well thru hearts on fire for the Lord. That I have been blessed to meet and mnister with inghe Chicago Charismatic Renewal. There are no words adequate to express what the Lord has done for me thru the action of his Spirit in partnership with the Renewal. I have come to understand growth and intimacy with God is a life-long journey and that holiness in part comes thru good teaching. I welcome the opportunity to be taught by excellent spirit-filled teachers like you, Sr. Mary Anne and Fr. Bob.

The day was great, thank you again and also to Mark Nimo for his excellent music and spirit led worship.

Kathleen Martz-Betlinski