Charisletter March 2013 Volume 14 - Issue 3

Transcription

1 Charisletter March 2013 Volume 14 - Issue 3 April 6 April 20 May 4 From the Staff pg. 2 Spring Teaching Series.....pg. 3 Serie de Enseñanzas de Primavera..pg. 3 From the English Service Committee. pg. 4 Christ s Answers Reach Mankind pg. 5 Living the Victorious Life.pg. 6 Youth Explosion pg. 6 Bookstore News.pg. 6 Charisletter Focus Group NEWS pg. 7 Shout Out to Volunteers....pg. 7

2 Most Rev. Thomas J. Flanagan Liaison for CCCR Father Bob Hogan, BBD Associate Liaison Conference Thanks Some of you will get this newsletter before the conference and some of you after the conference. I am grateful to so many people who help with our conference. Mary Esther Lopez has been the administrator of the conference the last two years. She has not only done a wonderful job with the conference, but she has also put together a folder with all the planning information concerning the conference, which will help all future administrators of the conference. Thanks, Mary Esther! Our office administrator, Norma Alaniz, puts in a large amount of time with registration, the conference booklet, the bookstore and much more. Thanks, Norma! Thanks to the Spanish and English Service Committees for CCCR who meet every month and do so much for the conference and for CCCR throughout the year. Thanks to all the registration, hospitality and bookstore volunteers. Youth Explosion Please promote, and keep in prayer, our Youth Office s yearly Youth Explosion on Saturday, March 16, The theme is Faith Infusion. The deadline for sign up is coming quickly. Call them at You can find more information in this newsletter. Spring Teaching Series on Baptism in the Holy Spirit On the front cover you see the information about our Spring Teaching Series. There will be separate sessions in English and Spanish on the three Saturday dates (April 6, April 20 and May 4). I cannot say enough to you about how important this book and topic is for Catholic Charismatic Renewal and for the whole Church. It is important that all our prayer group members can explain Baptism in the Holy Spirit to your family, friends, co-workers, parish priests, members of your parish, etc. We can all learn how to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and how to pray for people for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Please set aside these dates. We will be much stronger in Charismatic Renewal if we have many people attend. Every prayer group should encourage your members to attend (come together). Please promote this series. I want to see our Upper Room overflowing. Leadership Teams of prayer groups should definitely not miss this series. However, this series is for everyone who wants to understand how the Holy Spirit can renew your life, the life of the Church, and renew the face of the earth. The book, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, from the International Office for Catholic Charismatic Renewal (ICCRS) is being promoted around the world and has been supported by the Vatican. We should all know this book well and be able to explain its contents to others. This can be a great time of renewal for all our prayer groups. As our faith has received a new fire through our conference, let us now grow in our understanding, and receive practical tools, to grow and promote life in the Spirit. MAR 2013-Page 2

3 Spring Teaching Series Serie de Enseñanzas De Primavera 2013 Interna onal Catholic Charisma c Renewal Services (ICCRS) in Rome has published a book called Bap sm in the Holy Spirit, which comes from years of study and consulta on, and has been supported by the Va can Congrega on for the Laity. We will be learning about this important book. Everyone is invited. You will learn about the role of the Holy Spirit, the purpose of Charisma c Renewal in the Church, the purpose of being Bap zed in the Holy Spirit, and how to pray for people for Bap sm in the Spirit. Catholic Center for Charisma c Renewal 1707 S. Flores St, SATX Time: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm Speakers: Fr. Bob Hogan, BBD; Gail Dereszewski (M.A. in Theology; Director of Adult Educa on at St. Ma hew Church). NO COST OR REGISTRATION A LOVE OFFERING WILL BE TAKEN Topics That Will Be Covered: 1) What do the Scriptures teach about Bap sm in the Spirit? 2) How does Bap sm in the Spirit relate to sacramental bap sm? 3) What do the early Church Fathers teach us about Bap sm in the Spirit? 4) The way Bap sm in the Spirit opens us to the love of God and knowing Jesus in a personal way. 5) The ways Bap sm in the Spirit opens us to the charisms (spiritual gi s). 6) How to explain to others what Bap sm in the Spirit is? 7) How to pray for people to receive the Bap sm in the Spirit? Servicios Internacional Católico de Renovación Carismá ca (ICCRS) en Roma ha publicado un libro Llamado Bau smo en el Espíritu Santo, que viene de años de estudio y consulta y ha sido apoyado por La congregación del Va cano para los laicos. Vamos a aprender acerca de este libro. Todos están invitados. Usted aprenderá sobre el papel del Espíritu Santo, el propósito de la Renovación Carismá ca en la iglesia, el propósito de ser Bau zados en el Espíritu Santo y cómo orar por personas para el Bau smo en el Espíritu. El Centro Católico de Renovación Carismá ca 1707 S. Flores St, SATX Hora: 10:00 a 12:30 pm Predicadores: Padre Will Combs, BBD Mario Fernández-Presidente del Comité Hispano SIN COSTO O REGISTRO SE TOMARÁ UNA OFRENDA DE AMOR Temas que se tratarán: 1) Qué enseñan las escrituras acerca del "Bau smo en el Espíritu?" 2) Cómo se relaciona "Bau smo en el Espíritu" al bau smo sacramental? 3) Qué nos enseñan los primeros padres de la iglesia acerca del "Bau smo en el Espíritu?" 4) La forma en que el Bau smo en el Espíritu nos abre al amor de Dios para conocer a Jesús de una manera personal. 5) Las maneras en que el Bau smo en el Espíritu nos abre a los carismas (dones espirituales). 6) Cómo explicar a los demás lo que es el Bau smo en el Espíritu? 7) Cómo orar por las personas para recibir el Bau smo en el Espíritu? March 2013-Page 3

4 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, By: Mary Esther Lopez - Chairperson I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported the Catholic Center for Charismatic Renewal (CCCR) by either attending or serving as a volunteer at our 2013 Faith on Fire South Central Texas Regional Conference on March 1-2, 2013 at St. Mary Magdalene Church. Our ability to succeed in this endeavor could not have been possible without You! I also want to take this opportunity to recognize in a very special way a group of individuals who continue to give of themselves time and time again and who have demonstrated over and over again that since the CCCR is important to God it is important to them. The next time you see any of these individuals, please do not hesitate to thank them for their service; pray for them and their families; and ask God to bless the Center with more leaders like them to continue His work. English Service Committee Members under the Spiritual Direction of Fr. Bob Hogan, Liaison to the Archbishop for the CCCR: Mary Esther Lopez (Chair), Rachel Coronado, Connie Alvarado, Karen Adams, Carmen Frankel, Jim Coronado, Rudy & Esme Ramirez, Edward & Domingo Flores, and Mario Ortiz. Spanish Service Committee Members under the Spiritual Direction of Fr. Will Combs, Pastor Vicar of St. Mary Magdalen Church : Mario Fernandez (Chair), Lupita Lozano, Sandra & Francisco Gonzalez, Victoria Steward, Eduardo De La Garza, Monica Reed Webb, Ignacio & Rosalba Silva. Kick-Off Conference Consecration Mass & Brunch: Liturgical: Frs. Bob Hogan & Will Combs, Readings: Deacon Roy Munoz, Sandra Gonzalez, & Louis Alvarado, Music Ministry: Rebecca Rocha and the St. Mary Magdalen English Prayer Group, Emcee s: Fr. Bob Hogan, Mary Esther Lopez & Mario Fernandez, Love Offering: Sandra & Francisco Gonzalez, and Esme Ramirez, Brunch Buffet: Ruth Siller and the St. Mary Magdalene English Prayer Group, Conference Registration: Norma Alaniz and Maricela Solis, Praise & Worship DJ: Edward & Domingo Flores Conference, Ministries, and Kick-Off Consecration Mass and Brunch Coordinator: Mary Esther Lopez CCCR Administrator, Registration & Bookstore Coordinator: Norma Alaniz. Bookstore Team: Maricela Solis, Maricela Santana, Aurora Valek, Ricky Ramirez, Sandra Rodriguez and Mike Norris Conference Publicity: Karen Adams Conference Emcee: Edward Flores Onsite Conference Registration Coordinator: Ruth Siller, Beatriz McCoy and all the On-Site Registration Team Conference Parking Coordinator: Ramiro Villafranca Conference Lunch & Dinner: St. Mary Magdalene Life Teen Ministry & Knights of Columbus Conference Hospitality: Victoria Steward, Jose Portillo and the St. Mary Magdalene Spanish Prayer Group Conference Mass Collection Coordinator: Angel & Leonor Madrid. Collection Team: Rachel Coronado, Connie Alvarado, Carmen Frankel, Mario Fernandez, Victoria Steward, and Jose Portillo Conference Head Usher: Jim Coronado Conference English Prayer Team Captains: Rudy & Esme Ramirez, Domingo Flores & Mary Alice Diaz, Gilbert & Ana Najera, and Jim & Yolanda Thompson. Conference English Prayer Team Ministers: Freddie Maraquez, Norma Lara, Nora Garcia, Anna Marie Aguirre, Josephine Rios, Rebecca Rocha, Janet Hollstein, Ruben Gomez, Janice and George Cerda, Yolanda Tenorio, Tony Valek, Rose Ann Garcia, Jose Martinez, Lisa Landry-Lopez, Rick Chavez, Josie Nunez, Jane A Reyes, Nancy Miles, Yolanda Pytel, Rachel Coronado, Connie & Louis Alvarado, Mary E. Gonzalez, Fr. Ed Hauf, O.M.I., Toni Valdez, Norma Wilcox, Ray Miles, Diana & Scott Sowell, Angie & Oscar Gonzalez, Manuela Sielski, Mario Ortiz, Gloria Lopez, Rossana Garza, Gail, Deresewski, Edward Flores, Lupe Pacheco, Lydia Perez, Jack & Lourdes Monroe, Deacon Roy & Irene Munoz, Lee & Yolanda Hohmann, Anita Gonzales, Terry Ramirez, Karen Adams, Carmen Frankel, Prayer Traffic Monitors: Jim Coronado, Pedro & Mary Esther Lopez. CCCR English Intercessory Team Captains: Mary Esther Lopez, Anita Gonzales, Connie Alvarado, and Carmen Ramos. CCCR English Intercessory Ministry: Estela Arispe, Amy Baird, Rachel Coronado, Marcy Gonzales, Steve Trevino, Janet Hollstein, Gilbert & Ana Najera, Mario Ortiz, Terry Ramirez, Mary Rios, Lupe Sielski, Yolanda Tenorio, Jackie Del Toro, Gloria Salazar, Esme & Rudy Ramirez, Freddie Marquez, Mary Helen Segura, and Carol Aguinaga. Thank you and God Bless You! MAR 2013-Page 4

5 FULL RIGHTS OF GIFTED SONS Submitted by: Carmen Frankel While attending a Prayer Group I was drawn instinctively to the Praise music, which was so uplifting. I felt the anointing of peace reign down and replenish my soul (body, mind and spirit). God has given us so much of Himself. Such as imagination and creativity. We use these daily sometimes not realizing the grace. When gift giving, for example, lets say someone s birthday, we take certain steps to secure the perfect gift. First it is necessary to take a pause from the business of the day and reflect inwardly. I call it fishing. I wait on the boat of my mind with my line baited and cast. Then say a little prayer and hope to hook a good idea. While waiting I imagine seeing the intended special person before me, as I decide on a particular gift. I think, Will this gift be right? If what I imagine matches with my good senses then I go to the next step. The next step is seeking the just right gift card. I stand and stare at the ocean of cards and go fishing again! The practice of gift giving is very helpful in understanding the use of spiritual gifts and the expression of love, kindness, and joy, which are just a few of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We use these daily sometimes not realizing the grace. How about us, go fishing right now, together; for a word from God and become better fishers of men. Amen! I mentioned the praise music. Before I got to the prayer group my mind s imagination, open to the Spirit s leading, was already going through the sequence of meeting. What could I expect? Where would I sit? The back is more comfortable was my first impulse but Go Up front came to my mind. So I took a deep breath and walked closer to the front. Next the thought struck me to do a prayer of petition, Oh Lord please let me be an instrument of your will, come Holy Spirit Come. As I waited my imagination began to stir within my spirit, offer up your voice for praise came to mind. My voice was weak for weeks. A thought came No, you re not able. Then a question surfaced Can your voice be made strong? YES! In Jesus! The praise music continued. I was willing and yielded my voice over with no other thought than to praise, although in the natural sense my voice was weak. During that heavenly praise time my voice was made clear and projected like I was using a mega-phone! Unexpectedly another thought flashed like lightening. I saw myself reaching for my journal and write down an expression of encouragement from the Lord. I listened more intently as the music permeated the room and consumed the air. What a heavenly idea and at the perfect time! Yes! I was captured in my spirit to write what I was hearing in my soul. I read somewhere that Einstein confessed that his greatest ideas where heaven sent. As I was jotting down the reflection of what was ruminating in my thoughts. I saw God s right hand, Jesus, break through the dominion of the heavenlies. His encouragement came from the following scripture: "But when the time had fully come God sent His son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5). As His arm broke through the clouds His hand was fully out-stretched openly appealing to us to accept and agree to take His hand in a gesture of an exchange of a mutual commitment as to accept his mercy. Each finger became a staircase and upon each finger written: God gave to the world at just the perfect time a: Perfect Purpose-to redeem us. Perfect Timing-according to Paul, the time had fully come. Of God by the suffering of Christ on the Cross that in-full has appeased God. Perfect Ransom-from the slavery of sin. Damnation because it, ruin, destruction, captivity of Satan, curses and bondage of the law, death and the grave, hell. Perfect Atonement-Infinite defense through reparation (repairing something) or expiation (to end the rage, sorrow and wrath) Perfect Message-freedom for everyone! WOW! A message of freedom for all, now that s what I call a great idea! His idea became at the exact perfect time my idea! I received a heaven sent message. In an orderly progression, following a proper sequence at that exact perfect right time. Mother Mary accepted at a perfect time. I was speaking to Father Joseph Mary Marshall about this newsletter and he mentioned (at just the perfect time) that he had been reading Witness To Hope a biography of Pope John Paul II by George Weigel. He directed me to a passage in the book about Mary. As I was reading, I knew it would be perfect to share with you since she is the woman in Galatians 4:4-5, To be like Mary, prepared to dispose oneself utterly to the will of God. Marian piety was authentic when led beyond Mary to a more intense relationship with Christ, which meant with the Holy Trinity itself. Marian piety was a special path into the mysteries of the Incarnation and Redemption. She is the perfect example of exactly the way our path is laid before us by God who gives us so much, even our ideas! Which produce goodness and righteousness. God didn t decide just on the spot to take advantage and create the opportune time for Mary to say Yes! God planned the Perfect Purpose & orchestrated the perfect time to make sure the sequence of events for the, Time to fully come would manifest: Meaning that when He sent His only begotten Son, born of a woman, into the world, it would be perfectly right. (Galatians 4:4) Christ gave Himself as a perfect sin sacrifice for all. He desires that all men to be saved? Christ agreed to be the provision, a PERFECT blood sacrifice of the only atonement that could be accepted by God to cover original sin. He has given us as Son s and Daughters of God rights, and we can and are able and must live by them. (1Timothy 2:6), We are blood relations now, given the birth right of Christ fully adopted into the Kingdom of God. (Colossians 1:13) Jesus is our mediator between God and us and this Perfect Mediator gave Himself for all at the exact perfect time and HE is our perfect defense while we continually live in the moving of time, an Earthly clock. He is seated on the Mercy Seat. Jesus appeals for us, prays for us continually in intercession for our souls. His mercy reigns in until he comes again, at the exact timing of God s Perfect Plan! Amen! Here s the expression of encouragement from the Lord I wrote down in my journal Beloved Ones, I have heard you, your voice resounding in your spirit confessing that I am Lord. I have heard you, and your claims, I believe in you Lord Jesus, I give you all that I am, all that I have, all that I desire to be in your will. I say, then; in your belief, believe in me still more where I can do more in you for the world. Yes! Give me all that you are, all that you have give to me, that I may live more in My people, and also in those who are lost and still of my flock. Yes, hand over all your desires that you may be lifted up to a higher place where Satan has no power over you! Yes! You have chosen me as I have you. In song I hear your rejoicing, how I am more precious than Silver more costly than Gold more beautiful than diamonds, you are my treasure too. You where chosen before the foundation of the Earth and given to me by the Father and none can take you away from me. Satan cannot snatch you away from me. Yes, I am alive, I have risen, my Spirit is here with you and I rule. Believe that I have chosen you as my dwelling place. Open your heart completely to me that you may be made complete, complete in me, the one who has ransomed you. I am the I am who is here with you now, and forever. Come, come, I give you permission to come to me. Guarantee: Revelation 1:18 Once I was dead but now I live- forever and ever. I hold the keys of death Prayer: Thank you Lord that today I may accept and hold on to the Rights you have provided me by your perfect sin Sacrifice. Thank you that; by your Blood I am sealed for eternity as your blood relation to serve you, and by the waters flowing from your pierced side I am born again as a true child of God. Made willing and able to be the instrument of the Holy Spirit you are training me to become. Amen. MAR 2013-Page 5

6 16th ANNUAL YOUTH EXPLOSION FAITH INFUSION To Be One With God Saturday, March 16, 2013 Lila Cockrell Theatre 200 E. Market (downtown San Antonio) Doors Open at 8:00 am $30.00 Pre-Registration Lunch & Dinner included Deadline: Saturday, March 2, 2013 Speakers: Fr. Jose Robles-Sanchez: Fr. Jose is well-known in the Steubenville, Alexandria, LA circles. Teens are invited to come and hear his dynamic message. He will challenge you to be bold, clear, and free to love God always at any time and at any place. Famous for his slogan. BABY! Justin Fatica: Justin s message is intense, unforgettable and life-changing. He is an international author and speaker and is co-founder of the nationally acclaimed Hard as Nails Ministries Sponsored by: Catholic Center for Charismatic Renewal Youth Office Directors: Rudy & Delfie Garcia For more information: Youth Office: youth_staying_connected@yahoo.com FaceBook: YscSa St. Thomas More Charismatic Prayer Group 4411 Moana, SATX (near I-35 and Eisenhauer) LIVING THE VICTORIOUS LIFE We invite you to experience March blessings A THREE WEEK LENTEN REFLECTION SERIES To help you begin a transformed life from where you are now. Mar 7, 6pm 7pm Mar 14, 7pm Mar 21, 7pm Mar 28, 7pm Holy Hour WE WHO LOVE HIM ARE TRANSFORMED TO VICTORY. He who lives in you is greater and mightier than He who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) UNDERSTANDING THE ROOTS OF YOUR INHERITANCE OF FREEDOM WELCOMING THE OTHER ADVOCATE. In HIM you also have been sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13) THE GIFTS AND ATTRIBUTES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ARE YOURS-EXPECT COM PASSION EMPOWERMENT, PRAYER, FOR GIVENESS AND HEALING. Light arises in the darkness for the upright. (Psalm 112:4) (HOLY WEEK) NO PRAYER MEETING Please bring your bible and an open heart. All are invited to join in lively praise & worship followed by an insightful sharing from God s Word. Praise & Worship by: Jubilee Praise For information: Arnold Lopez, Lolly Bancker, Baptism in the Holy Spirit book now available in our Bookstore! For $9.95 MAR 2013-Page 6

7 The Charisletter Focus Group members are: Fr. Bob Hogan, Mary Esther Lopez, Rachel Coronado, Karen Adams and Carmen Frankel. In the last year this Focus Group has been steadily moving forward to develop and improve the Charisletter. The Charisletter survey that was conducted in 2011 enabled us to really understand the needs of our subscribers. It is our desire that the Charisletter become the mouthpiece of the Holy Spirit containing a treasure trove of reliable information that the community of believers can use as reference material for personal spiritual growth; in preparing for talks; to include as excerpts in teachings; and last but not least as evangelization material as we go forth to proclaim the Good News in our attempt to help others experience a conversion of faith in their lives. The CCCR will first begin by updating the Charisletter subscriber mailing list. If you have recently had an address change or no longer wish to receive our newsletter, please notify us by at info@cccrsa.net or call our office at (210) Secondly, we need to ensure that all our recipients are current with their subscription dues. We ask for an annual donation of $12 to help cover the costs of printing, paper supplies, copier ink supplies and postage. We currently mail out 1,255 newsletters each month. Only 30% are up-to-date with their subscription dues. Approximately 70% have not paid, which places a financial burden on the Center. We are asking for your help. IN ORDER TO CONTINUE RECEIVING OUR NEWSLETTER, PLEASE SEND US YOUR RENEWAL DONATION OF $12 BY APRIL 15, You can verify if you are current with your dues by calling our office at (210) or by checking the Renewal Date located on your newsletter mailing label right below your name and address. If this date has already past, please send us your payment by check made payable to CCCR and mail to: CCCR, 1707 S. Flores St, San Antonio, TX 78204; stop by our office between the hours of 9:00am - 3:00pm, Monday- Friday, or we can also accept your VISA or MasterCard payment over the phone. We greatly appreciate your help and support and thank you for your faithful interest in our Charisletter. Every year we ask for volunteers to help with our Annual Charismatic Conference and every year we are very blessed with the help of these very committed, loyal and faithful volunteers that are so willing to serve and give of their time. Many of you attend our conference and don t realize how much work goes on behind the scenes to bring it all together. We just can t say enough good things about this awesome group of volunteers. Many thanks and blessings to Ruth Siller and her Team of On-Site Registration Volunteers and to our Bookstore Volunteers who put in countless hours to bring our Bookstore to the Conference. Special thank you to Maricela Solis, Maricela Santana, Aurora Valek, Sandra Rodriguez, Pat Adams, Ricky Ramirez, Albert Olivares and Mike Norris! Norma Alaniz-Administrator MAR 2013-Page 7

8 Archdiocese Catholic Center for Charismatic Renewal 1707 South Flores Street San Antonio, TX Phone (210) Fax: (210) Website: by His Spirit NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN ANTONIO,TX PERMIT No MARCH 1-2 Regional Charismatic Conference, St. Mary Magdalen Church 12 Anointing of the Sick Mass with Bishop Flanagan, CCCR, 10:30am 16 Youth Explosion, Lila Cockrell Theatre, 8am 29 CCCR CLOSED - GOOD FRIDAY april 6 Spring Teaching Series, CCCR, 10am 9 Anointing of the Sick Mass with Bishop Flanagan, CCCR, 10:30am 20 Spring Teaching Series, CCCR, 10am 26 CCCR CLOSING AT 12:00 NOON Catholic Radio San Antonio 89.7 FM KJMA (English) 1380 AM KWMF (Spanish) 3308 Broadway, Suite 400 San Antonio, TX 78209, Helpful Numbers: CCCR-Youth Office: (210) Chariscenter USA: , Website: For General Catholic Information: Archdiocese of San Antonio: (210)