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The way forward for the CCR
Michelle Moran, the new chair person of the English NSC and a member ofICCRS(the international link organization of the CCR with the Vatican), reflects on what she feels the Holy Spirit is saying to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal at this time
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This year Peter and I are celebrating our Silver Wedding. It is a great Jubilee occasion where we have had an opportunity to share so many blessings with our family and friends. Inevitably, anniversaries also include looking back and taking stock. Sometimes we look back with emotion remembering happy and sad times; occasionally we may have regrets. Perhaps with the benefit of age, wisdom and experience we would now do some things differently. Hindsight is a wonderful thing as it enables us to see the full picture, the outworking of something that at the time may have been bewildering or perplexing. In February 2007 we will celebrate the 40th anniversary
of Catholic Charismatic Renewal. In the lead up to this important celebration
many people throughout the world who have experienced the graces of
Renewal have been looking back, thanking God and asking what lies ahead.
As you are aware, in our Isles in 2005 we held the Newman Consultation.
Having had time to reflect on this and analyse the feedback from the
groups and the questionaires that were sent out, "Be open to new ways" The Newman process has continued with each of the Isles responding in ways that seem to be right for them. In England we recently held a Newman follow up weekend. Again the same key themes were with us and there was a sense that the Lord was re-centering the Renewal like a potter with the clay. The core essentials remain the same but we need to be open to new ways and structures allowing the Spirit to change things when the time is right. Following the Pentecost celebration in Rome with the Holy Father ICCRS (International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services) held a series of events 'Preparing for the 40th Anniversary of CCR'. The main event was an open conference held in Piuggi where 1200 people gathered together from all the continents. We reflected on the theme, 'Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow'. For me, there were many highlights during this conference. It was inspiring to hear from those who were around at the beginning and encouraging knowing that they are still running the race. Patti Gallagher Mansfield shared with joy and enthusiasm her testimony of the early days when God sovereignly poured out His Holy Spirit upon a group of university students during a Pentecost retreat in Dusquesne USA. "Importance of ecumenical dimension and young people" Kevin and Dorothy Ranaghan also told their story of the beginnings of the CCR. They then shared some things that they felt were important for then and for now. These included the challenge to keep living the essence of Pentecost, the importance of the ecumenical dimension in the Renewal. They also highlighted that at the beginning of CCR the Lord poured out his Holy Spirit on young people, university students. Perhaps in our desire to grow and mature we may have neglected the important contribution of our young people. "Ecclesial maturity is staying forever young" Archbishop Ryiko, the President of the Pontifical Council of the Laity joined the conference during the afternoon when we watched the premier of a DVD that has been recently made. The film tells the story of the last 40 years of CCR. Following this and perhaps inspired by what he had just seen, the Archbishop spoke spontaneously. He said that ecclesial maturity isn't about growing old in the Spirit but about staying forever young. We were to never to lose our youthfulness in the Spirit, our capacity to be amazed about the works of God and our commitment to the Mission of the Church. He then recalled the words of John Paul II in Novo Millennia Ineunte, and encouraged us to be thankful for the past and to live the present moment with passion. He emphasised the importance of commitment. We are to look to the future with hope and confidence. He told us that the Church needs CCR, the universal mission needs us and that we have a place in the Church. "Return to your first love" After the Open Conference there was a leaders' colloquium for 250 invited leaders from all around the world. A large part of the colloquium was small group discussion where leaders were asked to share from their experience. The first question was about the central aspects of CCR. The key things that emerged were the importance of introducing Catholics to, and highlighting the importance of, Baptism in the Spirit. Secondly encouraging the use of Charisms. This was closely followed by the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus, evangelisation and ongoing growth in holiness. The second question asked the leaders to share what they sense the Lord is saying at this time. The key things were, the importance of evangelisation, the need for formation and the raising up new and young leaders. Also highlighted was the call to return to our first love and light the fire again. "Importance of unity" On Saturday evening following all the discussion and sharing there was an hour of silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. We were encouraged to listen to the Lord but remain in silence and if necessary write down anything that we heard from the Lord. On Sunday morning there was an opportunity to share in our small groups what we felt the Lord had said. The key thing that came up in the feedback was that the Lord was reminding us about the importance of unity. Unity within our groups, communities and realities, unity among leaders, unity at NSC/National level, unity among the worldwide CCR, and unity in the Church.
40 years of CCR is in some senses a symbolic landmark. In the scriptures there are about 85 references relating to 40 days or years or unit measurements of things. At the leaders' colloquium we were reminded of Moses who after leading the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years was finally asked to climb mount Nebo so that he could view the land of Canaan before his death (Deut 32:48). I must confess that I have always felt sorry for Moses who did all the hard work but never got into the land. Yet, when Moses looked back over his life he could recall so many wonderful things. He would remember how he was captivated and transformed by the Lord appearing in the Burning Bush and the miracle of the parting Red Sea. He would remember how his perseverance in prayer and fasting helped the Israelites win the battle of Amalek. He would also recall the testing and difficult times of getting it wrong, losing faith and the Israelites slipping into idolatry. However, perhaps the most inspiring thought is that when on the mountain Moses faces his death he looks towards the Promised Land full of hope because the future looks glorious. 'With freedom comes responsibility" Age only permits me to look back over the last 30 years. I do so with profound gratitude to the Lord for His faithfulness. I know that I am so privileged to be someone who has lived my entire Christian life knowing the power of the Holy Spirit. In the CCR we have seen the Lord do some amazing things. We have been blessed with many anointed preachers, teachers and worship leaders. We have received ministry and ministered to others in the power of the Holy Spirit. Many people have experienced a great freedom in the Spirit. However, we know that with freedom goes responsibility. Jesus reminds us in the Gospel that when someone has had a great deal given to them on trust, even more will be expected of them (Lk, 12:48). The true essence of Pentecost wasn't just the experience of the outpouring of the Spirit but the willingness to live this and share it with the whole world. For this to happen we need to remain faithful and committed. Once the initial Pentecostal zeal wears off it is easy to become disillusioned, or complacent like the Israelites in the wilderness. This is why our constant cry needs to be, 'Come Holy Spirit'. "Come Holy Spirit" At this historic time, as we pause to reflect on our
journey of renewal it would seem that the Lord's manifesto is clear.
We are to be Christians who fully embody the life and gifts of the Holy
Spirit (now there's a challenge!). We are called to be evangelisers
sharing this blessing with those in the Church and in the World. We
are to be ambassadors of reconciliation building unity even in diversity.
Then, following the example of Moses, whilst still living the fullness
of our own calling, we are to form and pass on the mantle of leadership
to the next generation (Deut 31:1-8). All this will require a deeper
trust in the Lord and a greater openness to the new ways in which the
Holy Spirit is leading us.
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