Andy Drozdziak
A Catholic group is hoping that its summer gathering will bring unity and fellowship after the isolation of the Covid lockdowns.
The ‘Overflow’ Conference on 1st July 2023 is being organised by CHARIS England and Wales (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service), the body for Catholic Charismatic Renewal in England and Wales. It will be the first national gathering since the Covid lockdowns.
CHARIS England and Wales Chair Dr. Maria Heath shared her hopes for the day.
“The idea is that, as we gather together in unity to worship him, and to grow in our life in the Spirit, that will overflow in the wider Church and the world as we go back home and share the blessings,” Dr. Maria said.
“We hope that everyone who is open to Catholic Charismatic Renewal will join us on the day, including members of communities and movements, prayer groups, families and individuals. There will be children’s streams, too. Where there is a deep unity, the Spirit moves very powerfully. Psalm 33 teaches us about the overflow of the Spirit that comes from unity.”
CHARIS (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service), which was formally established by Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2019, aims to promote the movement through the Church and create deeper communion between its groups.
It has benefitted from the support of Pope Francis, who was involved with Catholic Charismatic Renewal as a bishop in Argentina prior to becoming pope, when he served as its spiritual advisor in Buenos Aires.
“‘Overflow’ is an invitation to gather in unity just outside Birmingham on Saturday 1st July in the Bethel Convention Centre. There will be streams for school-age participants and a creche for infants alongside events for adults on the main stage-parents must stay with children under 5,” Dr. Maria said.
Under-18s attend free; there is a £12 charge for each adult, but a discount to £10 if a booking is made by Easter Sunday.
Speakers for the day include Northampton Bishop David Oakley and popular American Catholic couple Deacon Larry and Andi Oney.
Visit the CCR website for further information and tickets: http://www.ccr.org.uk/articles/overflow2/
Picture: Bishop of Northampton David Oakley will be one of the speakers at ‘Overflow’.