Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) Retreats
Weekend Retreats are held during the Lenten season each year.
Click here to download the CRHP registration form.
Women: March 20-21, 2010
Men: February 20-21, 2010
This overnight retreat is 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 send an email to Larry Boldt.
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?
Parishioners who have gone through the CRHP formation process conduct the retreat and provide an atmosphere of faith sharing, scriptural reading prayer and reflection. Retreatants can experience spiritual growth, Christian community building, fellowship, and personal conversion. The goal of the weekend is give the retreatants and opportunity to respond to a closer and deeper relationship with Christ.
Who may attend?
CRHP is open to all St. Cletus parishioners and others in our surrounding community who are at least 19 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. Cletus 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 the Eucharist and Reconciliation are provided as part of the retreat.
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:
“My wife and I have lived in St. Cletus Parish for 12 years. My CRHP weekend retreat helped me make changes in my life. It has motivated me to be more active in my faith and my church. I pray that the whole parish will make a CRHP weekend, so we can truly renew St. Cletus Parish.” —Art Minor
“The CRHP experience changed my life. Throughout our weekend, God’s amazing love for us was demonstrated through many beautiful, spiritual women. This experience strengthened my love for God, Church and my Catholic faith. CRHP was truly a blessing for me!” —Celia Stolin
“CRHP has been a terrific experience for me as it allowed me to meet new friends and share some of life's experiences. To see how God's hand is woven into everyone's life and how He has brought people through the difficult times in life is a very affirming, wonderful experience. Every parishioner should try to attend one of these retreats - your life will be forever changed! “ —Mike Sepe
“Thanks to CRHP I am continuing to renew my faith and strengthen my spirit through both scripture and Christian awareness. CRHP has given me a deeper understanding of reconciliation and the Eucharist. As new doors are now beginning to open, I feel comforted, under the umbrella of our Father’s loving care and know I will be able to serve Jesus better in my new Christian community” —Cheryl Meisinger
“My involvement with CRHP has helped me to redefine my Catholic faith and to help me change the way I live my life in a more positive manner. I would encourage ANYONE to come and experience the CRHP formation regardless what kind of person you feel you are.” —Jason Pickens
“The CRHP retreat and gatherings following the retreat have renewed my faith and spirit and prayer life. The friendships grounded in faith and sharing have been a great blessing” —Deb Young
"CRHP helped me realize how incredible our Catholic faith is and created a fire in me to help others develop a closer relationship with our Father in heaven. " —Brian Andrzejewski
“It has been my privilege to be a part of Christ Renews His Parish; getting to know the people of our parish more intimately and feeling connected to them as never before, and seeing the work of the Holy Spirit as He unites and leads His people in the parish. An awesome privilege!” —Nancy Davis
“CRHP has given me a great deal of insight of my faith, my community and myself. Without this experience, I would have never become truly enlightened and known my brothers and sisters at St. Cletus. What an inspirational community our parish would be if everyone would share in this experience” —Ted Coyle
“Through CRHP I have found it so important not only to be “Jesus” to all we meet, but to find Him in others as well. It is through this sense of discipleship that we can truly see our families, our parish and our communities grow in love and faith. Come catch “The Spirit”!!!” —Karen Sepe
“ CRHP has helped me to know many of the faces in the parish as real Christian men and women. I would recommend the experience for everyone in the parish. —Gene Dallas
“CRHP gave me the opportunity to reconnect to Christ thru the wonderful people at St. Cletus. CRHP deepened my faith, strengthened my ability to pray and gave me my CRHP sisters, who are always there for me!” —Jean Weber
"When I first decided to make the first retreat, I had resolved that would be it!! I was not going to return! Well meeting the wonderful men of the parish, sharing all our joys, life experiences, the love and Word of Jesus is beyond description. I returned again, again and again. This is a weekend that every man of the parish should experience”. —Ed Andrzejewski
“CRHP helped me to renew my love of God, Church, and family. The weekend was spiritual, thought provoking, and fun. Yes, we actually had fun! I found a wonderful group of women right here at St. Cletus, to pray with, laugh with, and sometimes to cry with. CRHP was and is a wonderful path to God.” —Mary Ann Dallas
"Participation in CRHP was a crystallizing experience in my journey of faith. In addition to the immediate benefits of renewal - rejuvenation, recommitment, rejoicing, and reconnection - I have harvested a rich crop of friendship, brotherhood, and community. These shall, I think, sustain me a long way in that journey." —John Bauman
“CRHP has given me a much greater sense of the true meaning of church community and I have met so many wonderful people.” —Cathy Gore
“CRHP has helped me to feel a heightened sense of belonging within the St. Cletus Parish Family. I know that I can always depend upon my CRHP sisters to be there for me to talk, pray, help others, and to have fun.” —Sue Hausmann
“The weekend was a very moving and spiritual experience. I found that there were other men at St. Cletus who were looking for the same thing I was - a closer relationship with Christ." —Larry Boldt
Prior to my CRHP weekend I always felt that I worshipped at Sunday Mass with mostly fellow Christians that were strangers. Since my weekend of sharing with a group of great fellas who have stimulated many spiritual thoughts in my mind , I feel part of a Christian community. Also I believe that CRHP has given me a much more positive feeling about life in general. —Bob Harr
I did not know what to expect from CRHP, all I knew was that it could not be a bad thing. I took so much away from the experience that I will be forever changed. I learned that it is never to late to start the journey and that we may sometimes stumble along the way, but God will always forgive you if ask Him because He wants you by His side. —Doug Finkling
Purpose and Mission
The CRHP Continuation Committee provides for the continuation of the ministry and the teams in formation in the following ways:
- The committee is responsible for ensuring that the CRHP process continues to be part of the parish ministry.
- Is a support group for the teams in formation and for all who attended a weekend retreat.
- Support the formation teams with prayers and help when they need it.
- Is not involved in the day-to-day activities of the formation teams
Sub-Committees
Three initial sub-committees were formed to support the mission of the continuation committee. Additional sub-committees will be formed on an as-needed basis:
1. Communications: responsible for registrations, HELP letters, CRHP Website, etc.
2. Special Events: responsible for Nights of Adoration, Candlelight Ceremonies, Potluck Dinners, Picnics, and other special events
3. Meals: responsible for arranging meals for the retreats
4. Supplies: responsible for acquiring Bibles and supplies for the retreats.
HISTORY OF ST. CLETUS CRHP
Initiation: In the fall of 2004, a core group of parishioners began meeting with Fr. Jeff Vomund, associate pastor, in an effort to begin the Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) process to St. Cletus. The desire to bring CRHP to St. Cletus was validated by members who had attended and given retreats in other areas of the country.
Initial Retreats: Fr. Jeff contacted Kathy Berra and Tom Moorkamp from the St. Louis Archdiocese CRHP team to help initiate the process. With their help, the initial men’s weekend was held April 9-10, 2005, and the women’s was held April 23-24, 2005. Core group members were Brian Andrzejewski, Cathy Clever, Mike Eisenbath, Jolene O’Brien and Mike and Karen Sepe. Other parish ministries helped facilitate the weekend including Room at the
Inn and the funeral luncheon women who provided and served food for both retreats. These initial retreats were well attended with 19 women and 12 men going through formation to present the next retreats to the parish in the Fall of 2005.
Continuing the Journey: To provide ongoing support for this ministry and future CRHP teams, the Continuation Committee was established in January 2006.
Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) Retreats
Weekend Retreats are held during the Lenten season each year.
Click here to download the CRHP registration form.
Women: March 20-21, 2010
Men: February 20-21, 2010
This overnight retreat is 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 send an email to Larry Boldt.
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?
Parishioners who have gone through the CRHP formation process conduct the retreat and provide an atmosphere of faith sharing, scriptural reading prayer and reflection. Retreatants can experience spiritual growth, Christian community building, fellowship, and personal conversion. The goal of the weekend is give the retreatants and opportunity to respond to a closer and deeper relationship with Christ.
Who may attend?
CRHP is open to all St. Cletus parishioners and others in our surrounding community who are at least 19 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. Cletus 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 the Eucharist and Reconciliation are provided as part of the retreat.
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:
“My wife and I have lived in St. Cletus Parish for 12 years. My CRHP weekend retreat helped me make changes in my life. It has motivated me to be more active in my faith and my church. I pray that the whole parish will make a CRHP weekend, so we can truly renew St. Cletus Parish.” —Art Minor
“The CRHP experience changed my life. Throughout our weekend, God’s amazing love for us was demonstrated through many beautiful, spiritual women. This experience strengthened my love for God, Church and my Catholic faith. CRHP was truly a blessing for me!” —Celia Stolin
“CRHP has been a terrific experience for me as it allowed me to meet new friends and share some of life's experiences. To see how God's hand is woven into everyone's life and how He has brought people through the difficult times in life is a very affirming, wonderful experience. Every parishioner should try to attend one of these retreats - your life will be forever changed! “ —Mike Sepe
“Thanks to CRHP I am continuing to renew my faith and strengthen my spirit through both scripture and Christian awareness. CRHP has given me a deeper understanding of reconciliation and the Eucharist. As new doors are now beginning to open, I feel comforted, under the umbrella of our Father’s loving care and know I will be able to serve Jesus better in my new Christian community” —Cheryl Meisinger
“My involvement with CRHP has helped me to redefine my Catholic faith and to help me change the way I live my life in a more positive manner. I would encourage ANYONE to come and experience the CRHP formation regardless what kind of person you feel you are.” —Jason Pickens
“The CRHP retreat and gatherings following the retreat have renewed my faith and spirit and prayer life. The friendships grounded in faith and sharing have been a great blessing” —Deb Young
"CRHP helped me realize how incredible our Catholic faith is and created a fire in me to help others develop a closer relationship with our Father in heaven. " —Brian Andrzejewski
“It has been my privilege to be a part of Christ Renews His Parish; getting to know the people of our parish more intimately and feeling connected to them as never before, and seeing the work of the Holy Spirit as He unites and leads His people in the parish. An awesome privilege!” —Nancy Davis
“CRHP has given me a great deal of insight of my faith, my community and myself. Without this experience, I would have never become truly enlightened and known my brothers and sisters at St. Cletus. What an inspirational community our parish would be if everyone would share in this experience” —Ted Coyle
“Through CRHP I have found it so important not only to be “Jesus” to all we meet, but to find Him in others as well. It is through this sense of discipleship that we can truly see our families, our parish and our communities grow in love and faith. Come catch “The Spirit”!!!” —Karen Sepe
“ CRHP has helped me to know many of the faces in the parish as real Christian men and women. I would recommend the experience for everyone in the parish. —Gene Dallas
“CRHP gave me the opportunity to reconnect to Christ thru the wonderful people at St. Cletus. CRHP deepened my faith, strengthened my ability to pray and gave me my CRHP sisters, who are always there for me!” —Jean Weber
"When I first decided to make the first retreat, I had resolved that would be it!! I was not going to return! Well meeting the wonderful men of the parish, sharing all our joys, life experiences, the love and Word of Jesus is beyond description. I returned again, again and again. This is a weekend that every man of the parish should experience”. —Ed Andrzejewski
“CRHP helped me to renew my love of God, Church, and family. The weekend was spiritual, thought provoking, and fun. Yes, we actually had fun! I found a wonderful group of women right here at St. Cletus, to pray with, laugh with, and sometimes to cry with. CRHP was and is a wonderful path to God.” —Mary Ann Dallas
"Participation in CRHP was a crystallizing experience in my journey of faith. In addition to the immediate benefits of renewal - rejuvenation, recommitment, rejoicing, and reconnection - I have harvested a rich crop of friendship, brotherhood, and community. These shall, I think, sustain me a long way in that journey." —John Bauman
“CRHP has given me a much greater sense of the true meaning of church community and I have met so many wonderful people.” —Cathy Gore
“CRHP has helped me to feel a heightened sense of belonging within the St. Cletus Parish Family. I know that I can always depend upon my CRHP sisters to be there for me to talk, pray, help others, and to have fun.” —Sue Hausmann
“The weekend was a very moving and spiritual experience. I found that there were other men at St. Cletus who were looking for the same thing I was - a closer relationship with Christ." —Larry Boldt
Prior to my CRHP weekend I always felt that I worshipped at Sunday Mass with mostly fellow Christians that were strangers. Since my weekend of sharing with a group of great fellas who have stimulated many spiritual thoughts in my mind , I feel part of a Christian community. Also I believe that CRHP has given me a much more positive feeling about life in general. —Bob Harr
I did not know what to expect from CRHP, all I knew was that it could not be a bad thing. I took so much away from the experience that I will be forever changed. I learned that it is never to late to start the journey and that we may sometimes stumble along the way, but God will always forgive you if ask Him because He wants you by His side. —Doug Finkling
Purpose and Mission
The CRHP Continuation Committee provides for the continuation of the ministry and the teams in formation in the following ways:
- The committee is responsible for ensuring that the CRHP process continues to be part of the parish ministry.
- Is a support group for the teams in formation and for all who attended a weekend retreat.
- Support the formation teams with prayers and help when they need it.
- Is not involved in the day-to-day activities of the formation teams
Sub-Committees
Three initial sub-committees were formed to support the mission of the continuation committee. Additional sub-committees will be formed on an as-needed basis:
1. Communications: responsible for registrations, HELP letters, CRHP Website, etc.
2. Special Events: responsible for Nights of Adoration, Candlelight Ceremonies, Potluck Dinners, Picnics, and other special events
3. Meals: responsible for arranging meals for the retreats
4. Supplies: responsible for acquiring Bibles and supplies for the retreats.
HISTORY OF ST. CLETUS CRHP
Initiation: In the fall of 2004, a core group of parishioners began meeting with Fr. Jeff Vomund, associate pastor, in an effort to begin the Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) process to St. Cletus. The desire to bring CRHP to St. Cletus was validated by members who had attended and given retreats in other areas of the country.
Initial Retreats: Fr. Jeff contacted Kathy Berra and Tom Moorkamp from the St. Louis Archdiocese CRHP team to help initiate the process. With their help, the initial men’s weekend was held April 9-10, 2005, and the women’s was held April 23-24, 2005. Core group members were Brian Andrzejewski, Cathy Clever, Mike Eisenbath, Jolene O’Brien and Mike and Karen Sepe. Other parish ministries helped facilitate the weekend including Room at the
Inn and the funeral luncheon women who provided and served food for both retreats. These initial retreats were well attended with 19 women and 12 men going through formation to present the next retreats to the parish in the Fall of 2005.
Continuing the Journey: To provide ongoing support for this ministry and future CRHP teams, the Continuation Committee was established in January 2006.