Christ Renews His Parish at St. Theresa

St. Theresa parishioners participated in the initial renewal weekend for Christ Renews His Parish  (CRHP) in February. 2005. The Outreach Team from Sacred Heart shared time, talent and faith to introduce this special parish spiritual renewal program to the participants in St. Theresa Team 1. Since then, dozens of parishioners have been part of ten more retreat groups: five men and five women's teams.

CHRP began in Ohio in 1969 and has spread, parish to parish, to help individuals experience personal conversion and Christian community in their own parish. It is the power of the trinity alive and active in our community. CRHP calls together all members of the parish - priest, religious, laity - and in a simple way offers opportunities for personal rebirth and parish revitalization.

Fr. Larry Hoffmann noted, “CHRP helps build the parish community in an amazing and grace-filled way. I look forward to the growth to come.”

Open your heart and soul to the potential when sign ups are announced for CRHP 9, which will be held February 21/22, 2009(men’s) and March 7/8, 2009(women’s). Please read below to find out more about Christ Renews His Parish.

WHAT IS CRHP?

Christ Renews His Parish or CRHP (pronounced "Chirp"), is a spiritual renewal experience which brings adult parishioners together in small groups in order to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and each other. Since its beginning in 1969 in Parma, Ohio, Christ Renews His Parish has proven to be an effective instrument for spiritual growth in hundreds of parishes across the country. St. Teresa’s Parish has started sponsoring weekends in February 2005. Teams (Men & Women) are currently in formation.

WHAT HAPPENS ON A CRHP WEEKEND?
The substance of the weekend is the presentation of a number of talks in which individuals share their faith stories with the participants. Group discussion and response are invited following each presentation. Opportunities for Scripture sharing, Reconciliation, and Eucharist are provided throughout the weekend.

WHEN AND WHERE DO THESE WEEKENDS TAKE PLACE?
St. Theresa’s currently hosts four weekends a year - two for Men and two for Women. The Women’s and Men’s weekends will be held in February/March and September. Primarily, the weekend takes place in St. Theresa’s school library.  In addition, the St. Theresa’s Church and the St. Theresa’s gym are also used.

HOW MUCH DOES THE WEEKEND COST?

The weekend experience is a gift from the parish community and is free to all who attend.

WHO CONDUCTS THE WEEKEND?

A team of 10-20 St. Theresa’s parishioners, who have previously attended CRHP, prepare the weekend during a six month formation period.  The team is led by a Lay Director and Lay Spiritual Director from our parish.

HOW LONG IS THE WEEKEND?
The weekend begins at about 8:00 A.M. Saturday and concludes by 3:30 P.M. on Sunday.

WHO MAY ATTEND?
Any adult, 18 or older and out of high school, Catholic or non-Catholic, living within the boundaries or registered at St. Theresa’s is eligible to attend a CRHP weekend. There is room for 20 participants for the CRHP weekend.

DO I NEED A PERSONAL INVITATION?
No. We invite you to call the Parish Office at 515-279-4654 for more information and to signup. There will also be a signup sheet at the back of church a couple months before the CRHP weekend.

WHERE WILL I SLEEP?
We sleep on air mattresses in the St. Theresa’s school classrooms or gym. We ask you to bring your pillow, blankets, or a sleeping bag. If you have special needs for sleeping just let us know and you can sleep in your own bed at home.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO THE WEEKEND?

Bring your own toiletries and towel. There are no shower facilities.

WHAT ABOUT MEALS?
We eat in the St. Theresa’s cafeteria/gym. A team of volunteers prepares and coordinates the meals.  Snacks are also provided throughout the weekend. If you have a special diet, please let us know when you register so we will be able to provide for your needs.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Casual and comfortable clothing is appropriate for both Saturday and Sunday.

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.  Please plan to use this number instead of personal cell phones and pagers.

WHAT HAS CRHP DONE FOR ST. THERESA’S PARISHIONERS?
You will hear folks say:

· "Very relaxing!"

· "I grew spiritually and emotionally on the weekend."

· "It's the greatest gift I've ever given myself!"

· "In retrospect, attending CRHP was one of the best decisions I've made!"

· "A wonderful experience that I would recommend to anyone!"

· "It's a great way to meet people!"

· "Its has given me a real love for my family!"

· "The food is fantastic!"

· "It helps you become part of the One Body of Christ!"

· "As a young adult, CRHP gave me my first true feeling of what it is to be an adult in the Catholic church!"

· "CRHP helped me to renew and strengthen my faith and love in Jesus Christ!"

· "CRHP renewed my spirit and rekindled the faith that was long lost in me!"

HELP BUILD COMMUNITY AT ST. THERESA’S – SIGN UP FOR THE NEXT WEEKEND RETREAT!