Christ Renews FAQ

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
“The Renewal Weekend”
CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH
 

1. Tell me briefly. What is it?

“Christ Renews His Parish” is a spiritual renewal process which calls together the members of the parish – priests, religious, laity – in order to experience personal conversion and Christian community in the environment of their own parish.

It is completely oriented to the parish in order to give both the individual and the parish an opportunity for renewal and growth in the spiritual life. It is led by a team of parishioners properly formed in prayer and love and instructed in the content of the total process. It was developed in 1969 and has been experienced by hundreds of parishes across the country.

2. What is it not?

It is not a silent retreat.
It is not a parish organization.
It is not a public confessional.
It is not an emotional cult.
It is not a parish clique.

3. What happens during the weekend?

Most who have made it say, “You can’t explain what happens; you have to experience it.”  This is your invitation to the experience.

You will enjoy the 30-hour Christ Renews His Parish Weekend at Cure of Ars. This includes group activities and discussions, prayer and sacraments together, and reflections by fellow parishioners on such subjects as: Father’s loving care for us, Renewal, Scripture, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Discipleship, and what Christian Life is all about.

4. Where and when is the retreat weekend held?

There will be a Men’s Retreat and a Women’s Retreat each Spring and Fall held at Curé of Ars. Women and Men attend on different weekends.

5. How long will it last?

The weekend begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and will end by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

6. Who may come?

Anyone over 21 years of age, Catholic or non-Catholic, who resides within the parish boundaries of Curé of Ars, or who is registered in the parish is invited to Christ Renews His Parish Retreat.

7. I’m doubtful.  Who will invite me?

You will be invited by announcements at Mass, through the church bulletin, and perhaps by someone in the parish who may know you.

Individual invitations may also be made by Invitation Coordinators, provided they have had your name submitted to them by someone who thinks you might be interested.

It is up to you, as an individual, to make up your own mind.  You are not being pressured to go.  Praying for guidance is important.  If you feel that Christ, through the Holy Spirit or through a human mediator is calling you, COME!

8. What about Confession?

There will be a Reconciliation Service held in the church.  The service will conclude with confession for those who desire this sacrament.  There will be priests available for confessions.

9. What about Mass?

The Eucharistic Celebration will take place in the church, which is reserved for the participants of the Renewal Weekend.

10. Where do people sleep?

The sleeping accommodations in the Curé Hilton are a bit unique, but comfortable, with air mattresses provided in the school facility.

Service is excellent, since you make your own bed and provide whatever linens, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags etc., you decide.

11. What about meals?

Hot meals are served.  The food is excellent and the portions ample.  There are regular breaks for coffee, soft drinks, and snacks.

12. What is the uniform of the day?

Casual and comfortable clothes.  Blue jeans and tracksuits are the usual. No extra “Sunday best” attire is expected.

13. Can I afford the price of the weekend?

It’s free!  Volunteer helpers and contributions of some items help keep cost to a minimum.  The cost is supported by Curé of Ars.

14. I’d like to attend the weekend, but I have a health problem.  So?

Mention that you have a special need on the Registration Form. A person from the Retreat Team will contact you about your specific requirements. It should not keep you from coming. There are very few situations we cannot accommodate.

15. I can’t get up and talk in front of people.  Will I have to?

You will not be asked to get up and talk.  No pressure will be on you if others do speak.

The Retreat is an opportunity to meet and get to know fifty people from the parish.

16. I’m still not sure. How do I know if I need renewal?

As Christians, we are called to continually renew our faith and our relationship with Christ. As a parish we are called to continually renew our community, to experience “being church for others”.

Do not worry about your preconceived reluctance to participate.  Come and see.  What do you have to lose?

17. What are Fr. Storey's thoughts on Christ Renews His Parish?

Our Curé priests are committed to Christ Renews His Parish. They have participated in the weekend as retreatants and will continue to be involved as our Spiritual Directors at each retreat. They are always praying for the renewal of our parish and encourage everyone to consider a retreat weekend.

18. How do I register?

Register on the parish website at cureofars.com under Adults / Christ Renews His Parish / Registration Form.  The registration form is also available from the Parish Office. Applications are accepted on a “first come, first served” basis.

“We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will, with all the wisdom and understanding that His Spirit gives.  Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases Him.  Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds and you will grow in your knowledge of God.”

Colossians 1:9-10

For further information, please call the Parish Office – 913.649.1337