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The Newman Consultation Questionaire Results
A report on some of the interesting findings revealed through the questionnaire sent out last year in association with the Newman Consultation last year
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As part of the gathering of information and feedback for discussion at the Newman Consultation, a questionnaire was sent out last January 2005, asking people about their experience of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. About 8000 of these were distributed, mainly through Goodnews but also through National Service Committees, Diocesan Service Teams and other groups and individuals. Of these just over 1000 or about 12.5 % were returned. Included with these, 300 people had sent in enthusiastic letters listing the blessings they had received through the CCR and how it had changed their lives. The main things people emphasised were a deeper understanding and experience of God’s love, an awareness of the action of the Holy Spirit in their lives, knowing Jesus in a personal way, a new love of scripture and prayer, a love of the Church and the Sacraments, experiencing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, growth in Christian community and a more abundant Christian life, an ability to talk more confidently about faith and a desire to evangelise, a greater ecumenical openness and desire for Christian unity. Several interesting facts emerged from the questionnaires. The age group of those most active in the CCR and using the gifts of the Holy Spirit seemed to be aged 55-64, who were baptised in the Holy Spirit between 1975-84. These were the core CCR people. Since then although people are still being baptised in the Spirit the numbers seemed to be slowly decreasing. The key way for people to be baptised in the Holy Spirit have been the Life in the Spirit Seminars or through the influence of a particular person. Despite the decline in prayer groups generally, 90% of those who answered the questionnaire belong to one. Sixty seven percent of people attend charismatic Days of Renewal, 55.8% attend conferences and 43.8% attend retreats of various kinds as well as weekends and other formation activities. Many people are involved in other small groups, particularly bible studies and other movements in the Church, and spiritualities. Of those who replied 30 people identified themselves with Franciscan spirituality, 19 with Carmelite, 23 with Benedicitine, 8 Marian, 38 Ignatian, and 74 other spiritualities showing that Charismatic Renewal is something that is not in competition with other movements but can help to enrich an existing spirituality. The huge contribution of the CCR to parish life also came out in the questionnaires. Over 85% acknowledged being involved in at least one parish ministry and some people were involved in several (see table beside). In England, where the majority of the answered questionnaires had come from, 128 people had been or were involved in RCIA, 160 people in CaF? and 203 people in ALPHA. Over 15% (155 people) had received catechetical training, 16.5 % had done theological training and 15% pastoral training since being baptised in the Holy Spirit. Some of these had then gone on to full and part time ministry in the Church. This included 12 priests, 33 religious, 21 deacons, 18 pastoral assistants, 40 chaplains and 38 spiritual directors. Those in CCR are often accused of not being involved in social issues but this is also not the case. Ninety eight people identified themselves as being involved in Justice and Peace, 137 people in pro-life work, while 74 people were involved in counselling, 85 in special care ministries, 15 in politics, 39 as school governors. This highlighted the fact that CCR is very much a grace that affects the individual, and that the Holy Spirit then empowers them to go into whatever ministry in the Church or society that the Lord is calling them to, rather than doing these things in the name of CCR.
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