Come & See: CCCRS spiritual renewal

The CRSC delegation consisted of leaders met with Bishop McGrattan in April 2024. Brian Sullivan, the CRSC President from Ontario; Melvin De Paz from Manitoba; Gerard MacDonald from Prince Edward Island; Richard Dunstan from British Columbia; Joannie Farrell from Newfoundland, and Corrine Yakimovich from Edmonton.

April 2024 was a significant month at the Calgary Catholic Charismatic Renewal Society (CCCRS), marking our 36th anniversary. We were thrilled to finally host the much-anticipated conference with the Charismatic Renewal Services of Canada (CRSC), a plan delayed since 2020 due to the pandemic. The event's theme, "Come and See," which was inspired by Isaiah 43:18-19, resonated deeply with us. 

​The CRSC team, comprising leaders from various Canadian provinces and part of the global Charismatic Renewal International Services (CHARIS) in Rome, brought us invaluable guidance. Their presence bolstered our local prayer groups with new confidence and deepened spiritual journeys. Brian Sullivan, the president of CRSC, shared, "It truly felt like an upper room experience, with the Holy Spirit moving among us." He talked about how everyone was keen to focus more on charisms during the meetings with the prayer group leaders. 

On April 11, 2024, the CRSC delegation was honoured to meet with Bishop McGrattan. His warm reception and expression of support were meaningful to us, serving as an encouragement and confirmation for our mission. 

This was followed by our "ALIVE" event, graciously hosted by Fr. Adam Bobola at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Calgary. It was a night that went deep into our hearts, sparking a revival fire in everyone there. 

​Brian shared how he was touched by Fr. Adam's openness, witness to hope, and his need for prayers in the midst of a battle with cancer. He then continued, "The ministry time following the Mass was particularly moving. The physical layout of the church allowed people to come forward, kneel before the Blessed Sacrament, and present their needs to the Lord while the team prayed for them. It was a profound and powerful moment of blessing and healing."

The main conference was hosted at St. Thomas More Parish, and it was the highlight of our week. Fr. Jerald (Jerry) D'Souza and members of the CRSC team, including Brian, Melvin De Paz, Gerald MacDonald, and Corrine Yakimovich, tackled some important topics about personal and communal transformation.

"This conference has been a testament to the power of community and the Holy Spirit. It's inspiring to see so many individuals coming together with a shared purpose," ​someone noted. Brian also added by praising Fr. Jerry for his passionate and insightful talks, saying that his words and presence had a lasting impact on everyone there.
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In my own reflection, our conference really brings us back to the importance of #Renewal within us. "You are called, you matter, you belong," our diocesan Pastoral Renewal theme, is not just a catchy line. Every single one of us is invited on a spiritual adventure, reminding us that we all have value and a place where we fit in.

Accepting this invitation means understanding that we're not just another face in the crowd. We are known by name, appreciated for who we are, and warmly welcomed into a community where we find belonging. It's about moving forward together, towards a closer relationship with the living God.
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We thank our team members and our hosting parishes for their support. This conference was truly a testament to the power of faith, community, and renewal. As Brian remarked, "Your team's exceptional hospitality made us feel honoured and cared for."  

I would like to take this time to express my gratitude for our team members. Sunitha and Sheeja, dedicated leaders of the Divine Shepherd and Divine Spirit Prayer Groups, did an amazing job organizing the April 13th Conference. Dick, along with his St. Luke's Charismatic Music Ministry team and Liza from the CCCRS music ministry, created a beautiful space for us to sing and feel uplifted. Also, a huge thanks to Rudy, Kanthi, and many others who ensured the transportation for our guests went smoothly.

Despite the challenges encountered along the way, the team improvised in the face of unforeseen circumstances, and the spirit of generosity and friendship prevailed. We really couldn't have pulled it off without our dedicated team and those who prayed for us, and for this, we are thankful.

Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." ~Isaiah 43:18-19

Alive 2024 Conference

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Submitted by Maxima Arat, Chair of CCCRS since 2022, and active in charismatic renewal post a spiritual transformation during a Life in the Spirit Seminar in 1992. She attends Corpus Christi Church and serves as lectors in other parishes regularly. A committed participant in church ministries and mother to Maude, Maxima is committed to fostering spiritual renewal and community engagement. 
​Photos courtesy of Maxima Arat, CRSC, and CCCRS.