Some Ideas to Get You Started on Renewal in Your Diocese

Diocesan Liaisons are appointed by the local Bishop to help grow the renewal in the Church. It is up to you, fellow laity and local priests, to put us to work. Three potential ways are Life in the Spirit workshops, prayer meetings and Bible studies,

A Life in the Spirit workshop can be hosted by a local parish or group within the parish. It is an opportunity to learn more about the working and charisms of the Holy Spirit. Ask your liaison about it. Pray first. Ask the Holy Spirit's guidance and go ask your priest. If you are willing to carry the work load and tell him so, there should be no problem in getting a weekend scheduled at your parish. If your priest doesn't respond positively, don't be discouraged. Talk to your liaison and let them approach your priest. Be persistent in talking to others in your parish to get the ball rolling. When you do get your weekend, follow it up with weekly training that your liaison can provide.

Prayer meetings and Bible studies can be a great source of encouragement and spiritual growth. In a home or in a parish setting, I haven't had a priest turn down a prayer meeting yet. Your liaison can give you guidance, get you started and lead it for you until you feel confident to carry on yourself. Both meetings are a great way to invite the unchurched or lapsed Christians into a God encounter and expose them to a richer spiritual life through the Holy Spirit. You could even do a Bible study, supplemented with great books to read and encourage.

Most of the Charismatics in a parish don't (and shouldn't) identify themselves as a separate group. We aren't a movement. We ARE the Church and in many parishes, the workers in so many other capacities as well (CCD, RCIA, Knights, etc.) Don't be afraid to expose your other brothers and sisters in the parish to the power of the Holy Spirit. Call on your liaison for help!

John 14:12-14 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.