June 26, 2008

Mass and Healing Service Offered in Jackson

In anticipation of the beginning of the Pauline Year, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Memphis is hosting a Mass followed by a Healing Service at St. Mary Church in Jackson, Tennessee. Mass will begin with Praise and Worship at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 28 at the church, located at 1665 Highway 45 By-Pass in Jackson. The celebrant will be Father Tom Kirk, pastor of St. Mary Church. assisted by Deacon Edward Kutz from Sacred Heart Church in Humboldt. There will be a reception after Mass and a 30-minute video will be shown on the history of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

Pope Benedict XVI has proclaimed a year dedicated to St. Paul, in preparation for the 2,000th anniversary of the apostle's birth. The Pauline Year will run from June 29, 2008, to June 29, 2009. This commemorative year will include symposiums and special publications devoted to the writings of St. Paul. During this year, Catholics are asked to rekindle a love for the Eucharist and the Church in the Year of Saint Paul.

One of the classic Pauline images is that of the Body of Christ as a communion of individuals with specific charisms and talents which build up of the Body. Paul shows that the Eucharist is the source of unity, harmony and communion in the Body. As Catholics, the reception of the Eucharist is the great spark of missionary activity that leads us, like Saint Paul, to the ends of the earth to bring the Good News and heal the hurting and wounded.

Jesus continues to heal the Church today as He did 2000 years ago. At the Healing Mass, participants bring needs and infirmities to the Lord through the Eucharist. We believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist and we ask for His healing to come upon us as we say before Communion, "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and I shall be healed."

When we think about it, every Eucharist is a healing celebration. In it we receive the Lord Jesus. We are transformed by Him, and we let Him meet us in our needs. In every Mass, we celebrate God's love for us. With the priest we offer ourselves in sacrifice, giving thanks to the Father, through Jesus, our great High Priest, in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is He who makes us a community who worships God in Spirit and Truth.

The leaders of the Charismatic Renewal invite everyone to "come and experience God's Healing Love." For further information about the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Memphis, please contact Carlene Inzer at 901-545-4256 or 901-327-3627, or visit our website at www.catholicstuff.org. - - Submitted by Jan Courtney, Communications Chair, Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Memphis

Theological Studies Award Presented

The Office of Catechesis has awarded Cynthia Messier with the Theological Studies Catholic Faith Formation Certificate.

She has completed more than 100 hours of study in the areas of Catholic Bible Study, Catholic Belief, Worship, Morality, Prayer and Spirituality, and Church History and Other Faith Traditions.

Messier is a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit.

Ministry to the Sick Growing to Meet Needs

Thirteen members of the Incarnation Church Ministry to the Sick were commissioned by their pastor, Rev. William Parham on Sunday, June 15, 2008.

They were challenged to be examples of Christian living and to exercise this pastoral service with greater love for Christ and the members of their church who are suffering.

A total of twenty-five members of the Ministry to the Sick at Incarnation Church are scheduled to bring Holy Communion to the sick, homebound and elderly of the parish of approximately 1,350 families in Collierville, Tennessee.

From four to seven ministers are sent out each Sunday to visit between twelve to fifteen parishioners in nursing homes, senior communities, hospitals and homes.

Led by the Holy Spirit and inspired by God's word; "When did we see you sick Lord and visit you?" they faithfully minister to God's people. - - Submitted by-Deacon Dave Lucchesi.

Catholic Charismatic Conference Planned

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Nashville, TN, has announced the 25th anniversary of the Mid-South Regional Catholic Charismatic Conference. The conference is planned for July 11-12 at St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, located at 601 Bell Rd. in Antioch, TN.

The theme for the conference is Hidden Treasures … Wealth Untold. Father Mitch Pacwa, S. J. will be this year's speaker. Father Pacwa returns to the conference after speaking at the first Conference, twenty-five years ago.

"We are very excited to have Father Pacwa return to speak at this year's conference," said Teresa Seibert, Conference Chairperson. Father Pacwa is a world renowned Lecturer and has traveled extensively leading over fifty pilgrimages to the Middle East, Europe and the Holy Land. He is president and founder of Ignatius Productions as well as hosting shows on EWTN Television and Radio.

This year's theme reflects the hidden treasures of the Catholic Faith, the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. "These very Sacraments that we often take for granted are given to us freely by the power of the Holy Spirit. They are truly the great treasures of our faith. Through them we draw closer to God the Father through His Son, Jesus. Father Pacwa will explore these treasures with us and provide us with the wealth that they hold," added Seibert.

Included in the conference is a Teen Track. This will be open to participants between the ages of 13 and 20. The Youth Ministry of the Alleluia Community will be leading the young people in discovering the joy and excitement in a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.

"We are really excited to once again sponsor this annually conference. When we first started we never anticipated that this would become an annual event," Seibert said. "Through the years we have formed some really close friendships with the Conference participants and look forward to spending time with them. One of the great blessings of this conference is the music. Again this year, music will be provided by the Music Ministry of the Alleluia Covenant Community from Augusta, GA. They have been part of this conference for more than twenty years and I cannot imagine having a conference without the special blessing of their music."

Attendance for the 2008 Mid-South Regional Catholic Charismatic Conference will be limited to the first 750 people.

Advance registration is requested. To request a brochure, or for more information, contact Teresa Seibert at 615-430-9343 or by e-mail at tseibert@bellsouth.net.

Celebration Planned for 40th Anniversary of Humanae vitae

The Diocese of Memphis NFP Center is planning a family celebration on Friday, July 25, with a special Mass at 6 p.m. followed by a pot luck dinner for the 40th anniversary of Pope Paul VIs encyclical, Humanae vitae.

The celebration will be at St. Paul Church, located at 1425 E. Shelby Dr.

Father Ben Bradshaw will be the celebrant for Mass and give the homily with special teaching about the encyclical.

This celebration is for everyone, Catholics, non-Catholics, married couples, singles, and especially families with children. This is a time to celebrate Gods plan for marriage and His gift of children.

Humanae vitae reiterated the Church's teaching that every life is sacred and that children are the supreme gift of marriage.

Plan to join the fun and family camaraderie with other families who appreciate the truth and freedom that was taught in Humanae vitae in 1968.

Participants are asked to bring a dish to share at the pot luck dinner. Call the NFP Center at 901-373-1285 or send an email to marypat.vanepps@cc.cdom.org to to reserve a spot or for more information.