The ‘electric current of the Holy Spirit’

By Matthew Biddle 

MORE than 160 members of Catholic charismatic prayer groups and communities in the Archdiocese gathered in Yarralumla on October 31 for a day of teaching, led by Fr Ken Barker MGL and Archbishop Christopher Prowse.

Representatives from the Community of the Risen Lord, Jesus Youth, St Benedict’s Mission Centre, the Disciples of Jesus, and several other groups took part in the event, with individuals travelling from as far as West Wyalong, Merimbula and Cooma.

During his presentation, Archbishop Christopher described the charismatic movement in the Church as an “electric current of the Holy Spirit”.

Members of Catholic charismatic prayer groups and communities took part in a day of teaching on October 31. PHOTO: MATTHEW BIDDLE

“It enlivens us, gives us hope and apart from anything else gives us great joy,” he said.

“All charismatic movements in the Church are a great gift of God’s mercy – the gift of the Holy Spirit upon us.”

The Archbishop said all Catholics today are called to be “missionary disciples” who evangelise without proselytising.

“It’s great to see in the Archdiocese many prayer groups that are ecumenical,” he said.

“But I’d like to see also many prayer groups that lead people into the Catholic Church. This is a real priority.”

One of the event’s organisers Susanna Taylor told Catholic Voice it was a “joyful” day for all those involved.

“It was wonderful to see the response of people in the Charismatic Renewal to the Archbishop’s invitation,” she said.

“The talk by the Archbishop was a real highlight. He challenged us to reach out beyond our prayer groups and communities to bring the Good News to the poor and marginalised.

“Fr Ken Barker’s talk was also very profound, teaching us that when we know our own brokenness we will then have compassion for others.”

The event is set to become an annual one, with November 5 already locked in for 2016’s gathering.