Catholic Charismatic Renewal – National Service Committee

Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a “Current of Grace” within the Church that incorporates aspects of the Charismatic Movement practice. Taken from the Greek word “charismata,” meaning “gifts,” proponents believe that certain gifts are still bestowed by the Holy Spirit today as they were in early Christianity. Catholic Charismatic Renewal includes an emphasis on having a personal relationship with Jesus, and expressing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

According to “Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Rockville Centre,” the movement as it exists today grew from a retreat of faculty and students at Duquesne University in 1967. It then quickly spread to University of Notre Dame and others. Regarded favorably by the last four Popes, Catholic Charismatic Renewal continues today, existing in over 238 countries having touched over 100 million Catholics in its nearly 40 year existence.

Cardinal Léon-Joseph Suenens described Charismatic Renewal as: “not a specific Movement…in the common sociological sense; it does not have founders, it is not homogeneous and it includes a great variety of realities; it is a current of grace, a renewing breath of the Spirit for all members of the Church, laity, religious, priests and bishops. It is a challenge for us all. One does not form part of the Renewal, rather, the Renewal becomes a part of us provided that we accept the grace it offers us.”

The Holy Spirit not only brings Jesus to life in believers, but also (as confirmed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church) gives them charisms, or gifts, for the building up of the Church.

To learn more about Charismatic Renewal, contact Phil Mandato at pmandato@drvc.org or call 516.678.5800

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