Cristina Folan (second from left) and the team from Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel at the 2022 DR USA Conference.
“The work – the journey – is never complete. It is ongoing, and it is in many ways unique to each parish, honouring the unique giftedness and calling of its leaders and community.“
Cristina Folan | August 11, 2022
My first experience attending a Divine Renovation (DR) Conference was in the summer of 2018 in Halifax, Canada. Being blessed to participate in the most recent conference in Dallas, I can have a better appreciation of the journey we at Notre Dame have traveled these past few years and how the Holy Spirit has been moving within the Divine Renovation Ministry and other parishes in our Catholic Church.
Back in 2018, the fruitfulness of Divine Renovation was primarily apparent in St. Benedict’s Parish in Halifax. This was the parish that first underwent the movement of renewal through the vision of Fr. James Mallon and the ministry. Those of us who participated in that 2018 conference returned home, renewed and re-energized to support, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the leadership of our pastor, Fr. Paddy, a movement by our leaders and parish community in that direction.
Fast forward to this most recent conference, and I can more broadly and deeply appreciate the growth and impact of DR. We are now looking at a global movement involving thousands of parishes that are supported through the DR regional teams in Canada, the UK, Australasia, and most recently, in the US. No longer featuring a single “model” parish, we were able to hear from-the-trenches, that is, from several parish representatives, individuals, and families who witnessed
“No longer featuring a single “model” parish, we were able to hear from-the-trenches, that is, from several parish representatives, individuals, and families...”
how their “yes” has allowed for the Holy Spirit to lead in the transformation of hearts and of a culture that focuses on bringing others into relationship with Christ. We were also blessed and humbled to have been asked to share how the Holy Spirit has brought fruitfulness in our efforts at Notre Dame.
While there are many takeaways from this most recent DRUSA 2022 Conference, three rise to the top for me:
1 Come, Holy Spirit! The most powerful experience was that of communal prayer; 600 souls celebrating Holy Mass; praising and worshipping Jesus, and opening our hearts to the power of prayer and the movement of the Holy Spirit within each of our hearts and the gathered Church – this was a significant aspect of the Conference. It reminded me that such communal expression of faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit demands utmost priority, attention, and time. I was very much impacted by it, and it was not just an “in-the-moment” experience; this continues to resonate in my heart, and I pray it will affect all that I do as a person, as a servant of my family, and the parish community I serve.
The Notre Dame of Mt.Carmel Team sharing at the
2022 DR USA Conference
2 The work – the journey – is never complete. It is ongoing, and it is in many ways unique to each parish, honouring the unique giftedness and calling of its leaders and community. The journey of renewal is not complete for us either; it never is! We can easily fall into skepticism or “let go” of that spirit and enthusiasm brought upon a new direction; we can easily fall into the status quo and miss the need for self-evaluation; of how effective or fruitful we are as disciples and leaders and as a community at large. So, we must continue to ask: How inward or outward-focused are we? Are we stepping out (physically and spiritually) to invite, create bridges of trust and curiosity, and proclaim with pride, passion, and conviction how Jesus works in our lives, families, and communities? And most important, how much priority and spiritual space are we offering the Holy Spirit, our Counselor and Advocate? Without Him, nothing will be fruitful!
3 We are in good company! It can be enlightening and compelling to step out of our local perspective and into a broader reality of “us.” We can grow and learn from one another and be a source of love and support to one another. We feel stronger, more enthusiastic, and more hopeful! The journey truly makes us one!
The renewal of our Church is here to stay. The movement is way beyond our parish and is growing in momentum through the power of the Holy Spirit. We at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel are a part of that movement! May we fulfill our Lord’s plan and purpose to that call and remain focused on the Greatest Commission:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
— Mt. 28:19-20
Come Holy Spirit!
Cristina Folan
Cristina Folan is the Director of Communications & Evangelization at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Parish located in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, USA.
