Summer institute

planned for leaders

            Catholic charismatic prayer group leaders from across B.C. are invited to a week-long summer formation program Aug. 9-15 in Kelowna.

            Titled Our Lady of Pentecost Summer Institute, the event will take place at St. Elizabeth Seton House of Prayer, a retreat centre near the Okanagan city. The theme is "Behold, I am doing a new thing" (Isaiah 43:19).

            The program will feature two talks each day by priests and lay leaders, on topics including theology, scripture, evangelization, and teachings ranging from St. Paul to Pope John Paul II.

            The day will begin with Mass, panel discussions will follow each talk, and prayer meetings, Eucharistic adoration, a youth rally and other events will take place in the evenings.

            The institute, plus accommodation and meals, will cost $300 for those who register before June 15, $350 afterward. Commuter rates for those not staying at Seton House will also be available, as will a day rate for those attending only part of the institute.

            The institute, sponsored by the charismatic service committee of the Diocese of Nelson, grew out of a presentation by Fr. Gabriel De Chadarevian OP of Vancouver at last fall's B.C. service committee leaders' workshop in North Delta.

            Fr. Gabriel, who will be one of the institute speakers, told the workshop apostolic, spiritual, community and theological formation are all necessary for a revival of the Catholic charismatic renewal, which has seen participation dwindle in recent years.

            "There was a time in the renewal when we didn't think we needed theology, but that's behind us now," he said. "The Lord has not finished using the charismatic renewal to bring renewal to the Church."

            Other speakers will include Fr. Don Wilson of Kelowna, a pioneer in the renewal in B.C.; John Connelly of Burns Lake, a popular conference and retreat speaker; Gladys Miller of Grand Forks, chair of the Nelson service committee; and Richard Dunstan of Nanaimo, chair of the B.C. service committee, which is endorsing the institute.

The institute is designed for prayer group leaders, core group and leadership team members, and those seen as having leadership potential.

            More information is available at bccharismatic@yahoo.com . Registration may be sent to Seton House of Prayer, 5819 Chute Lake Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4L5. Cheques may be made out to Our Lady of Pentecost Summer Institute.