Charismatics mark Pentecost

Sponsored by the Diocesan Service Committee for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, the celebration will include prayer and praise, a banner procession, and Mass celebrated by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard.

The homilist will be Rev. Martin Fisher, pastor of St. Mary's Church in Glens Falls. Deacon Jerry Grigaitis and his wife, Marie, from St. Edward the Confessor Church in Clifton Park, will be installed as the DSC's new liaisons/coordinators to the Bishop.

The annual Pentecost Sunday Mass, begun in the 1970s under former Bishop Edwin B. Broderick, brings together charismatic prayer group members from across the Diocese to recommit themselves to the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, reading of Scripture, and a deepening relationship with the Trinity. New members of the DSC are introduced at the Mass, and current members are recognized.

In his homily, Father Fisher plans to discuss the history of the charismatic renewal in the Diocese and its impact on parishes. He also will encourage those in attendance to recall their baptismal vows and refocus their lives in following the Holy Spirit.

Father Fisher first experienced the power of the Holy Spirit as a layperson when he attended a Mass in Lake Luzerne. The feeling of rebirth has stayed with him during his priesthood, and he has seen how such charismatic-related acts as hand-holding, hugging and clapping have become accepted forms of expression during liturgies.

"When I first got involved, what we were doing seemed strange," he said. "But now it's not so strange." The charismatic renewal "can bring life, spirituality and conversion in people's lives."

Mr. and Mrs. Grigaitis have been involved in the renewal since its beginnings; as the new liaisons to the Bishop, they will meet with other committee members four times a year to discuss liturgy, teaching, healing, communications, Hispanic celebrations and stewardship.

The charismatic renewal helps Catholics to grow closer to Jesus, and Mr. Grigaitis described his involvement as "basic ministry. You try to get people in touch with Jesus personally."

(The Pentecost Sunday celebration begins at 4 p.m. with prayer and praise, followed by word gifts at 4:30 p.m., a banner procession at 4:45 p.m., and Mass at 5 p.m. For more information, call Bill Szumiloski, 370-4957.)

(05-20-99) [[In-content Ad]]