We invite the Men and Women Ascension Catholic Community, who are seeking a difference in their lives, for a weekend of renewal. We will enjoy each other's fellowship, explore the Gospel and how it impacts our lives, and pray for grace. With renewed grace, we hope to impact our families and communities in a meaningful way. This is how Christ Renews His parish.

What is CRHP?

Christ Renews His Parish is a spiritual renewal process, which calls together members of Ascension to experience personal growth in their Relationship with Christ and our Christian community in the familiar environment of our own parish. What makes "CRHP" different from some other "renewal" programs is that those who participate in a weekend continue to meet and grow as a spiritual community and eventually share what they have experienced with others. As program guidelines state: "However sincere and deep our initial commitment to our faith, it requires by its very nature, continuous renewal and deepening. It must be a moment-to-moment process of saying, "yes" to God.”

The Christ Renews His Parish ministry is a response to the need that every follower of Christ has to experience "church" and to experience "being church" and finally, to experience "being church for others". What's the best way to learn about Christ Renews His Parish? Experience it.


"Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another show love and to do good.
Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage
one another all the more, since you see that the day of the Lord is coming near.”
Hebrews 10:25


FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Who Facilitates the CRHP Weekend?

The renewal weekend, to which you are invited, is given for PARISHIONERS, by PARISHIONERS. A team that has previously attended a CRHP weekend, with a Spiritual Director and Assistant Spiritual Director works together in prayer and love to provide you with the two-day, one overnight, live-in experience in our parish facilities. While the work of the retreat is carried out by the parishioners of Ascension, it is overseen by our Pastor Fr. Tobin.

What Happens on a CRHP Weekend?
Come prepared to have fun and renew your heart. The process is centered around reflections by team members with emphasis on small group discussions and activities. You will be free to share as much or as little as you are comfortable with. You and your needs will always be respected

When and Where are the Weekends Held?
The weekends will be held in our Ministry Building from Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon. There will be one men's weekend and one women's weekend held two times each year. Sleeping accommodations will be provided and delicious meals will be prepared by parish volunteers. The entire weekend is informal. Casual and comfortable clothing is recommended. Every effort will be made to accommodate any special needs you may have.

Who May Attend?
This weekend is open to all adult parishioners of Ascension. If space is available, non parishioners of Ascension are welcome as well. CRHP is for anyone who seeks spiritual renewal, desires to build up the Body of Christ, or gain a deeper sense of purpose within the parish community. Praying for guidance is important. If you feel that Christ, through the Holy Spirit is calling you - COME!

What about the Cost?
There is no cost, although donations are welcome. The CRHP weekend is a gift from the parish to all participants.

What Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) is Not:
- It is not a silent retreat
- It is not a public confession
- It is not a pre-selected group
- It is not a parish clique

What do past CRHP Attendees have to say about their CRHP weekend?:

“This weekend really changed my life."

"Even though I am lifelong Catholic and go the mass every Sunday, I really loved this weekend. It was a wonderful way for me to deepen my faith and meet some wonderful men from every walk of life"

"I resisted going to the weekend for years. But I am sure glad that I finally went. It was a terrific way for me to renew my faith and meet a bunch of parishioners that I had never seen before."

"Previous to CRHP, I really didn't feel a part of the parish. But now I feel very much a part of it. It so great to go church on Sunday and worship with some of my CRHP brothers and sisters.”

“I have learned to love Jesus more and enjoy reading my Bible now.”

The spiritual growth I have gained by attending CRHP has been amazing!”

"We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will with the wisdom
and understanding that His Spirit gives. Then you will be able to live
as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases Him."
Colossians 1:9-10


CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH
Upcoming Retreat Weekends:

Women: March 29-30 2008
Men: April 12-13 2008

For more information please contact Bob & Andrea Groppe at rgroppe@bellsouth.net.