After Christ Renews His Parish
When someone completes a Christ Renews retreat, he or she can truly be called a parishioner -- a parishioner who is alive in a new and deeper relationship with God. Most past participants go on to be a greater part of parish life. A few participants go on to coordinate this ministry under the authority of the pastor. If we are to build on the retreat experience, we need to continue to nurture our deepening relationship with Christ through study and by engaging with others in community.
Evening of Pentecost provides an opportunity for teams to explore what’s next for them in their own individual faith journeys and possibly as part of a group that may choose to continue to meet. Below are some resources that may be helpful to Christ Renews “alumni” as they seek to grow and serve.
Within Christ Renews
Start a regular prayer meeting or accountability circle with your group
Write HELP Letters for upcoming weekends
Donate food for upcoming weekends
Invite friends/family to attend upcoming Christ Renews weekends
Attend Agape services for upcoming weekends
Spend time in prayer/adoration with your prayer partner
Pray for Christ Renews teams in formation and invitees
Explore serving on a mission team
Explore being trained as a facilitator for History Giving and Faith Sharing, Discernment or Evening of Pentecost. Check in with the Continuation Committee at your parish.
Opportunities to Grow in Faith
Faith Walk is a free resource for Catholics to grow in faith in Christ and appreciation of His Church. This locally curated resource provides links to Scripture, prayers, small group resources and more.
Evening of Reflection was developed as a “spiritual booster” for Christ Renews alumni in the Kansas City metro area. To bring an Evening of Reflection to your small group or parish, contact info@2wind.org.
Other local resources for spiritual growth include:
FORMED.org website, free resources available through most parishes
Accountability Groups: Contact info@2wind.org for best practices in setting up these groups
Adult faith formation: Contact your local parish to see what is offered
Opportunities to Serve
You will find many opportunities to serve within your parish and in the broader community. Contact your parish office for ministries and volunteer opportunities within your parish. Your parish may also have community-sponsored activities in which you can participate.
Other local opportunities to serve the community include:
Hillcrest Ministries
Hillcrest Ministries is a transitional housing facility that helps get families back on their feet in 90 days.
Kansas for Life
Kansans for Life is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to protecting and defending the right to life of all humans from the moment of conception to natural death.Hope Faith Ministries
Hope Faith Ministries serves homeless men, women and children in the Kansas City area.Interfaith Hospitality Network
The Johnson County Interfaith Hospitality Network provides emergency shelter, meals, and assistance to homeless in the Johnson County area.Safe Home
Safe Home provides shelter and community service for survivors of domestic abuse.Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center
Advice & Aid Pregnancy Centers provides help pregnant women and their families make an educated decision about an unplanned pregnancy.
Resources for Small Groups
Reading list:
33 Days To Morning Glory by Father Michael Gaitley
Daily Strength for Daily Needs, One Year of Biblical Inspiration by Victor M. Parachin
Jesus Calling , Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Moore
Pope Francis: Why He Leads the Way He Leads by Chris Lowney
Come Home: A Prayer Journey to the Center Within by Marie Schwan
How Big is Your God? by Paul Coutinho, S.J.
Armchair Mystic by Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J.
The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henry Nouwen
Inner Compass by Margaret Silf
The Discerning Heart by Maureen Conroy
The Discernment of Spirits, Timothy Gallagher, OMV