St. Norbert Catholic Church, Florissant, MO

This overnight retreat is a focused on allowing Christ to renew each and every parish member and is designed to bring our parish community together in Christ. The retreat is conducted by parishioners for parishioners. Time is provided for prayer and reflection on Catholic-based topics like the Eucharist, Discipleship and Renewal. The retreat is open to all parishioners, but space is limited to the first 25 participants on each retreat. There is no charge for the retreat.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Joe Garger.

WHAT IS "CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH"?
Christ Renews His Parish is an ongoing process to bring members of a parish together in Christ. All of our commitments, including our commitment to Christ, need continued renewal if we are to be faithful. Christ Renews His Parish is an effective spiritual renewal process which calls together members of the parish in order to experience personal conversion and Christian community in the environment of our own parish.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WEEKEND

What happens during the weekend?
The actual Renewal Weekend takes about 32 hours of your time, early Saturday through Sunday afternoon. It consists of small group participation, witnessing and sharing by previous members; exercises in the group process and community building; and sharing set in a scriptural and prayerful atmosphere. It also provides those attending with an opportunity for experiencing deep personal conversion through prayer and reflection. This experience would hopefully initiate a process of spiritual growth, Christian community building, good old fashioned fellowship and lay ministry formation. The weekend may be an opportunity for you to respond to a closer and deeper relationship with Christ.

Who may attend?
CRHP is open to all St. Norbert parishioners and others in our surrounding community who are at least 18 years of age.

Where do the weekends take place?
All activities are conducted throughout our own parish facilities.

How long do the weekends last?
The weekend begins in the Parish Center at 8:00 am on Saturday and will end by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Where do I sleep?
Sleeping accommodations are in the parish center. You are asked to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow, along with your own towels, soap and other toiletries that you might need. Air mattresses are provided for added comfort.

What about food?
Meals are provided by the St. Norbert CRHP community. There will be opportunities during the weekend for regular breaks for coffee, soft drinks and snacks. If you have a special diet, please let us know when you register so we will be able to provide for your needs. You will find that you will eat extremely well.

What should I wear?
Casual and comfortable clothing is appropriate and highly encouraged. The key is to be relaxed.

What about the sacraments?
An opportunity for Mass and reconciliation will be provided.

How much does the weekend cost?
The weekend experience is a gift from the parish community and is free to all who attend.

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. Cell phones, pagers and watches will not be allowed since they detract from the retreat experience.

TESTIMONIALS
What past attendees have said about their CRHP Experience:
“Being able to listen to others and share my own story has helped me realize more and more how God works through each of us. We are called to serve one another and be representatives of Christ to each other. The CRHP weekend was and will continue to be a wonderful time to renew my faith.”

“I was looking for a retreat that would renew my faith and help me take the next step on my faith journey. The CRHP weekend did that and so much more. My faith life was strengthened and new relationships were formed between me and other spirit-filled women.”

“Strong bonds are created with men of St Norbert which would have never been possible without the weekend. You get to know guys you've seen in church for years and then ask yourself, what took so long’? It’s a special invitation by the Holy Spirit that I pray you are called to accept. I feel the retreat encouraged me to be a better husband, father, family member, neighbor and employee.”

“The warmth that was experienced in the weekend was terrific. I was invigorated with the Holy Spirit and called to action by my CRHP brothers. I went from not knowing anyone at this parish to now feeling a closeness with 30 other men.”

“I am sharing this with you today to urge you to get out of your pew and do something! A good start would be to get involved with the next CRHP weekend.”

“Ambivalent about attending yet another retreat (I had been on several), I reluctantly accepted an invitation to attend the CRHP weekend. After the first day, I thought to myself, I know these guys! A new fire was lit which is still burning.”

The CRHP weekend was an amazing experience of people giving voice to their faith. The witness, unconditional acceptance, and faith sharing of such a diverse group of women confirmed the presence of the Holy Spirit among us. I have a renewed sense of power of prayer within community.

St. Norbert Christ Renews His Parish Information