CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH RETREAT WEEKEND
CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH (CRHP – pronounced “chirp”) is an effective spiritual renewal 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. Through this process, adult parishioners are brought together in small groups in order to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and each other. The program stresses a clear focus on the Gospel in an environment designed for relaxation, reflection, fellowship, and prayer.
HISTORY OF CRHP
“CRHP” began as a “renewal” weekend at Holy Family Parish in Cleveland in 1969. The program exposed participants to the effectiveness of shared ministry and motivated them to build a Christian community that was more aware that Jesus Christ is its center.
Today there are over 1,000 parishes throughout the United States that have the CRHP process actively in place in their parish lives. There are currently 18 parishes in the Joliet diocese with the CRHP process in place.
As the program manual states: “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 saying, “yes” to God.” CRHP 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.”
Experience it!
What Happens on a CRHP Weekend?
The weekend includes ways in which parishioners have found meaning, hope, peace, and love in their lives. The process is centered around reflections by team members on such subjects as:
- The Father’s Loving Care
- Scripture
- Eucharist
- Christian Community
- Christian Awareness
There is time to pray, talk, listen, laugh, and get away from your everyday life. Sacraments are part of the weekend, with opportunities for reconciliation and celebrating the Eucharist.
What CRHP is Not!
It is often helpful to know what something is NOT. CRHP is NOT a:
- Silent retreat
- Solitary retreat
- Parish organization or parish “clique”
- “Public confession”
- “Emotional cult”
Will I Have to Talk in Front of Others?
No one is required to get up and speak. You may have the opportunity to share your experiences if you wish, but you are not expected nor required to. The talks are given by team members, not by participants.
Who Leads the CRHP Weekend?
The team consists of PARISHIONERS who have previously participated in a CRHP weekend. The presenters are not professional retreat masters. They are women and men, from Corpus Christi, just like you, involved with their families and friends, their jobs, and our parish.
Who May Attend?
All parishioners of Corpus Christi, 18 years and older, are invited and encouraged to attend. Men and women participate on different weekends. CRHP is for anyone:
- Seeking spiritual renewal
- Desiring to build up the Body of Christ
- Searching to gain a deeper sense of purpose within the parish community
If you feel that Christ, through the Holy Spirit is calling you….COME!
How Long is the CRHP Weekend?
It begins at 8am on Saturday and ends by 4pm on Sunday.
WhEN WILL THE CRHP WEEKENDS BE HELD?
There are currently two CRHP weekends scheduled here at Corpus Christi:
- Men’s Weekend February 16-17, 2008
- Women’s Weekend March 1-2, 2008
Where EXACTLY will the CORPUS CHRISTI CRHP Weekend Be Held?
The weekend is held in the worship space, Marian Hall and the parish house. During the weekend you will have the opportunity to:
- Attend chapel in the worship space
- Pray and reflect in Marian Hall
- Share stories on the grounds of the Church
Where will I Sleep?
For the Corpus Christi-based weekends, we’ll be using Marian Hall. Air mattresses will be provided or you may bring your own sleeping bag. If any parishioner needs to sleep at home for health reasons, that is certainly acceptable.
What About Meals?
Meals are provided by the parish and the team members. There will be regular breaks for coffee, cold drinks, and snacks – lots and lots of snacks! Special dietary needs can be accommodated.
What Does it Cost?
There is no cost to the participant. Donations help to defray the costs of the weekend but none are required to attend. All contributions are private and confidential.
How Do I Sign Up?
For the February 2008 weekends here at Corpus Christi:
How Do I Get More Information?
- Call the Parish Office 630-483-4673
- Call Bill Thomas 630-3090-4948
- Contact Mike Sanchez msanchez@tredoc.com 630-440-9402 or 630-762-8187