
YOU ARE INVITED
TO A
CHRIST RENEWS
HIS PARISH
(CRHP)
WEEKEND RETREAT
Retreat Weekend Dates
Men's Weekend: February 29 - March 1, 2020
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Our Savior is calling you to a closer and deeper relationship with Him.
Take it to God in prayer.
God knows all we have to do; but God knows all that we need.
We pray that you will hear the call and your response will be YES!
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Please complete the registration form and return it to the church office or drop it in the offering basket in an envelope marked “CHRP”. You can call the Parish Office at 471-7741 ext. 0 for additional information.
CRHP HISTORY
"CRHP" began as a "renewal" weekend at Holy Family Parish in Cleveland in 1969. The members at Holy Family found the enthusiasm and positive response to this initial weekend overwhelming. The program exposed participants to the effectiveness of shared ministry and motivated them to build a Christian community that understood that Jesus Christ was its center. During the 1970's, news of "CRHP's" success at Holy Family motivated other parishes throughout the Cleveland Diocese to adopt the program. Through the 1980's and 90's "CRHP" spread to 750 parishes in 62 dioceses across 27 states and received the recommendation of the renewal office of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Today, "CRHP" continues to promote the development of vibrant faith communities and full service parishes by transforming the hearts of committed believers.
WHAT IS “CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH”?
Christ Renews His Parish is a program designed to help us renew our Christian faith by bringing members of the parish community together in Christ. It is a spiritual renewal program that provides parishioners the opportunity to share with one another the ways they have found meaning, hope, peace and love in their many times hectic lives. It is a process that enables us to develop a stronger bond with God and fellow parishioners. The process is personal, inspirational, and fulfilling. Many participants feel that the “weekend experience” was among the most powerful and positive of their lives. The renewal weekend is separately structured for men and woman.
WHAT HAPPENS ON A “CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH WEEKEND”?
This is a two-day retreat, each participant arriving at the weekend at a different stage in his or her journey with Christ. The atmosphere is casual and each participant is afforded the gift of time, tools, and experiences of other men or women, just like you, striving to cope with a challenging world. Many of your fellow parishioners, who have previously attended, are happy to share their experiences. There are separate sessions for men and for women offered throughout the year. The “Christ Renews His Parish” Weekend is a break from your busy schedule of personal, business and family obligations so that you can refresh yourself spiritually and renew your heart by meeting with and listening to the experiences of other men or women from our Parish in an informal and relaxed environment of reflection, fellowship and fun. The emphasis during the weekend is on small group participation. Everyone is free to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable doing. Discussion and sharing is enjoyed by all participants. The substance of the weekend is the presentation of a number of personal stories (“witnessing”) in which individuals share their faith with you. Group discussion and response follow each presentation. It is an opportunity to listen and discuss how Christians function in our modern world. It is also an opportunity for individual spiritual renewal through scripture, prayer, personal reflection and connection with others seeking His love. It provides those attending with an opportunity to experience deep personal conversion through prayer and reflection. This experience usually initiates a process of spiritual growth, Christian community building, fellowship and lay ministry formation. The weekend is an opportunity for you to develop a closer and deeper relationship with Christ.
WHEN AND WHERE DO THESE WEEKENDS TAKE PLACE?
St. Dominic Parish hosts separate men’s and women’s retreat weekends at the parish. The activities take place in the Parish Center and in Church. The Weekend begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday and concludes by 4:00 p. m. on Sunday There will be a follow-on formation process which is optional. Your only commitment is for the weekend.
WHO CONDUCTS THE WEEKEND?
The renewal team is comprised of one of our priests and other parishioners who have previously attended a renewal weekend. This team strengthens their own renewal process by giving of themselves and presenting the weekend to a new group of invitees.
WHO MAY ATTEND?
Any person, 19 years of age and over, residing within the boundaries of St. Dominic or registered in the Parish and who has not attended a previous St. Dominic CRHP Weekend, is invited and encouraged to attend a weekend retreat.
HOW DO I SIGN UP? You will find the registration form above. Please print off, complete, put it in an envelope marked “CRHP” and either mail or drop off at the Parish Office or put in the collection basket on Sunday
WHAT ABOUT THE SACRAMENTS?
An opportunity for Reconciliation will be provided for anyone who desires this sacrament. Mass will be celebrated Sunday afternoon.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR & BRING?
Casual and comfortable clothing is appropriate for both Saturday and Sunday. The entire weekend is informal (dress very comfortably). The key is to be relaxed. Don't forget to bring your medications, sheet, blanket, pillow, pajamas, towel, washcloth, soap and other toiletries (showers are not available on the weekend).
WHERE WILL I SLEEP?
Our sleeping area is set up with cots and mattress. Be sure to bring a blanket and pillow or a sleeping bag. We want you to be comfortable to insure a restful night’s sleep Saturday night (bring an air mattress if you wish).
WHAT ABOUT MEALS?
All meals, snacks, beverages are provided and served by fellow parishioners. Please let us know if you have special dietary concerns; we will do our best to accommodate your needs. You will find that you will eat extremely well.
HOW MUCH DOES THE WEEKEND COST?
The weekend experience is a gift from the parish community and is free to all who attend, thanks to the volunteers and food contributions.
HOW CAN I BE CONTACTED IN AN EMERGENCY? An emergency number will be given to you before the weekend which will be answered by one of the weekend team members. Cell phones, pagers and watches are discouraged since they detract from the retreat experience.
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
1. I’m a private person. Do I have to share my feelings? No, you may participate to any extent you feel comfortable.
2. I attended a “CRHP” weekend years ago at another parish. Can I attend? Yes, you are encouraged to attend. This is an opportunity to renew your spiritual faith in Christ as well as bring you together with your parish community. Those who attended some time ago at St. Dominic’s or other parishes are invited to attend again.
3. What if I don’t know anyone attending?Even if you do not know anyone attending, by the end of the weekend you will have made some genuine, caring, and devoted friends. New parishioners are especially invited and encouraged to attend.
4. What if I know nothing about the Bible? There will be people who know a lot and some that know almost nothing. Nevertheless, you will come out more interested in learning about the Bible.
5. I haven’t been to confession in years and I can’t remember anything about religion class. I’m not sure if I should attend. Absolutely, there are no prerequisites for attending. The whole point of attending is to grow closer to Jesus and your fellow parishioners – no matter what your starting point .
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions or need further information, please call the Parish Office 471-7741 to speak with Fr. Jim Walsh, Fr. Chris Lack, or contact Linda Schill at 451-1792 lindaschill@zoomtown.com.
WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE CRHP AT ST. DOMINIC
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON A WEEKEND!
We ask all our Parishioners to Please remember our
Christ Renews His Parish in your Prayers
Christ Renews Prayer for the Spiritual Renewal of St. Dominic Parish
Loving Father,
We are Your sons and daughters,
Sisters and brothers in the Lord, Jesus.
You have called us to be Your family,
A community of faith.
We thank You for the many ways You
Love us, challenge us, and inspire us!
We offer to You our personal lives and
The life of our parish family.
Send us Your Holy Spirit to renew us
And transform us into the likeness of
Your Son, Jesus Christ!
Help us to see as he sees and
To love as He loves.
Help us to follow Him more faithfully
And to be a light and leaven in our neighborhoods.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen!