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CRHP Testimonials
A Renewal Experience for St. Michael Parish
CRHP was a life-changing weekend. The way I feel and think of myself and others right now is 1,000% improved and I am grateful that I re-opened my mind to God. The retreat was exactly what I needed. There were times when (despite going to church weekly) I was certain my batteries were beyond drained. The CRHP program showed me that that love was still there in me, and I am grateful beyond words.
- Brian Korte, Men's 15
I was a new member of St. Michael as well as new to Richmond. I have
renewed my relationship with God many times throughout my life. I found CRHP not
only a way for me to grow deeper in my faith with God, but to establish
relationships with fellow parish members. CRHP and St. Michael are good
things!
- Mark Pozza
In the midst of the hustle and bustle, keeping track of our
business hours and our children's schedules, every once and awhile we get a
feeling something may be missing in our lives. While we spend many hours
teaching our children the value of religious education, we rarely have the
luxury to "re-educate" ourselves. The CRHP weekend offers such an opportunity -
to slow down, to reconnect with God and with our parish members, to evaluate our
direction in life and to choose a spiritual path that makes us happier in all
aspects of everyday life. Consider joining us for a weekend that hopefully and
prayerfully will affect your life as positively as it did mine!
- Stella
Capocelli
I had never been on a retreat before, and wasn't sure what to
expect. That made me just a little nervous. Would we have to spend the weekend
in silence? Would I be forced to recite all those prayers I learned in school
and have since forgotten? It was much more than I ever expected. It truly was a
fun-filled weekend. Not only did we laugh together and pray together, but boy
did we EAT! CRHP helped to renew me in so many ways! Long-lasting bonds were
created with some wonderful women whom I may never have gotten to know so well.
Their strength, courage and support have inspired me in some of my weakest
moments. CRHP has brought me closer to God, taught me new ways to pray, and just
brought a sense of peace to my life. That doesn't mean that CRHP has solved all
my problems and that I'm done growing in my relationship with God, but when I
falter, I've got some great friends to turn to for spiritual support. So when
you hear the skeptics say "CRHP is just a recruitment program for volunteers,"
don't listen to them. Listen to your heart and the Holy Spirit who's calling you
to get involved in an experience you won't regret!
- Nancy Wagner
My experience on the retreat weekend is something that is very hard
to put into words. When the weekend was over, my heart and soul were at peace
for the first time in my life. I've always been searching for a place to find
comfort, and I had finally found it that weekend. I now live my life with Christ
in it, and live each day the way He would like for me to live it. My faith has
truly been renewed. I thank the church for the opportunity and my wish is that
everyone will take advantage of the retreat weekend. It truly is an amazing
experience.
- Kristine Adams
The Christ Renews His Parish weekend was a wonderful experience for
me. As a result of the weekend and the time that followed, I have a deeper,
richer spiritual life, and a greater fellowship with a number of St. Michael
parishioners. I was impressed by the program and the people who put the weekend
together. We laughed, we learned, we prayed, we reflected, we sang, and we felt
God's love in an intensely personal way. As men, we find it fairly easy to talk
about sports, business, politics, and our families. But we don't often take the
opportunity to talk abour our spiritual lives with other men. How nice it was to
take the time out of our schedules to hear from and speak to other men about
things that truly matter - our lives and how our faith has grown, as we've
struggled, listened and matured. My time was very well spent. The CRHP program
delivers what it promises - helping the parishioners feel renewed, grow in
faith, and build a stronger Christian community.
- Kurt
Stiefvater
The CRHP weekend was a wonderful way for me to get away from the
pressures of everyday life so I could spend time on my spiritual growth. It's
people like me who say they don't have time for CRHP who probably need it the
most. I found that it didn't take long to "let go" of work, home, etc. so that I
could really benefit from the weekend and the new friends I met. Through the
weekend and the ongoing formation team, I've met several special women with whom
I feel a new bond. And, of course, my spirituality has been revived!
-
Lisa Hollier
Christ Renews His Parish was one of the most spiritual experiences
of my life. I had recently lost my mother and was depressed. I didn't think I
would ever feel whole again. As I listened and prayed over the weekend, I could
face some of the issues that had been burdening me. What I heard, I already knew
and sensed, but I was renewed, and I know that God loves and accepts me, no
matter what. The Holy Spirit can strengthen us, if we will only let Him guide us
through prayer. Take time to nourish your soul, and give God the time to bring
you in touch with His loving care.
- Pat Damron
Whatever preconceived notions you have about retreats are the same
ones I had before I went. I could think of a million reasons not to go, but a
friend who attended a retreat prodded me into going. Right from the start, the
retreat was nothing I could have imagined. I learned the power prayer and
scripture can have in my daily life. Before the retreat, I would attend church
to fulfill my "obligations," but now I attend to practice actual faith, to grow
in my spirituality and to experience God in the community. Everyday life takes
on new meaning now. I've been hit with some of life's toughest problems since
the retreat, but after being filled with the Holy Spirit and using prayer, I was
able to face those problems without fear, knowing that our God would take care
of me, and He did! I urge you to take the plunge, give up two days of your time,
and get to know Jesus not as someone learned on Sunday, but as the closest
friend you'll ever have!
- Shawn Dreelin
What I found at my weekend was a support group of my peers like
nothing I had ever encountered before. I made friends with people I probably
would never have talked to, even though I might see them every Sunday. What I
also found was that some of the things that were going on in my life were going
to be life-changing and I would need my faith in Jesus to be able to face my
upcoming challenges. Without the experience of CRHP and the support of my fellow
brothers in Christ, I don't think I would have been able to continue on in my
normal everyday life (during those challenges). Anyone who thinks that a renewed
relationship with Christ would be of interest to them should consider going to
the next CRHP retreat. I guarantee you'll come away with the most positive
change of your life.
- Floyd Hollier
It's difficult to find the correct words about the CRHP weekend I
attended. But I've come to realize that as far as my spiritual life before my
retreat, the "door" was just ajar. Now it's opening more and more everyday. I'm
a stronger and better person now because I see God in my life on a daily basis
and I don't assume He is there just because it was taught to me in school. It's
wonderful to feel capable of being able to help others see that Christ is in
their lives at all times and not just when we think we need Him.
-
Darlene Lyon
CRHP was not just a wonderful weekend, but a continued
strengthening of my faith since that weekend and a call to be involved in the
community of St. Mike's. The weekend experience was full of fellowship,
feelings, honesty, faith, comfort, love, spirit and fun. It helped me look at
what my faith and my relationship with God really mean to me. It cultivated a
strong desire to deepen that faith, and introduced me to a lot of wonderful
people who continue to share love and fellowship with me. CRHP? Do it!
-
Pat Bolton
My CRHP weekend helped me discover the Lord in new and special ways
through the witnesses and examples of the CRHP team who served and ministered to
us. This quiet time away from the daily grind allowed me to "re-collect" myself,
and draw closer to the Lord, especially in prayer. I was deeply moved by the
commitment and dedication of the CRHP team that cared for us all weekend. I'm so
glad I gave myself the special gift of a CRHP weekend.
- Ed
Landry
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