Catholic Center for Charismatic Renewal Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas CharisLetter Official Newsletter of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal

December 2005 Volume 5, Issue 12

MERRY CHRISTMAS “2005”

May the Lord bless you and your family with Peace, Love, and Joy during this Christmas Season! Let us all rejoice in the Lord, for our Savior is born to the world. True peace has descended from heaven.”

We wish to thank each of you for your loyal and consistent sharing of your time, your talents, and your financial support that maintains the Catholic Center for Charismatic Renewal. We are proud of it and more proud of you who volunteer your time to keep it open and to keep it going. We are also proud & thankful to you who help minister through your prayers and love offerings. Thank you dear friends and may the Infant Jesus bless you abundantly. Merry Christmas!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bishop Tom’s Annual Reconciliation Mass & “Washing of the Hands”

(This will be the December Day of Renewal)

Saturday - December 3, 2005

St. Henry’s Church 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

There will be a Christmas fellowship afterwards at the CCCR. This is a special occasion, come and bring your families and groups.

Our goal is to have the memorial bricks in place at this time and the Bishop will formally bless the Memorial Brick courtyard.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mark your CALENDARS for these upcoming events:

Bishop Tom Flanagan’s Annual Mass & Washing of the Hands at St. Henry’s Church, Sat. Dec. 3, 2005 9:00 AM

Pre-Conference Breakfast at the Radisson Hotel Sat. 8:30 AM, January 7, 2006

Ecumenical “Pray-A-Thon” at HBG Convention Center 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Sat. January 28, 2006

English Conference February 4 & 5, 2006 at SBC Community Center at San Fernando

Youth Conference February 25, 2006 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (Banquet Hall)

Conferencia en Español, April 21 & 22, 2006 at St. Henry’s Parish Hall

From The Staff

Glory to the newborn King! The season of Advent is a joyous time when we celebrate the birthday of the Son of God and Mary; the King of kings and Lord of lords. We also celebrate in thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother, for giving us our Lord and Savior. Mary, mother of God, pray for us.

We thank Rudy and Delfie Garcia, our youth ministers, and Katie Schneider from the youth service committee, for helping us at the National Leaders conference in Chicago. They made a presentation on the San Antonio model of presenting the life in the spirit seminar at confirmation retreats. They did an outstanding job and we should all be proud. The leaders’ conference was a great success, thanks to God.

We were reminded at the conference that we should know the vision and mission of the charismatic renewal and work towards accomplishing that mission of renewing the grace of Pentecost in the life and mission of the Church. As the Holy Father reminded us again this year, we must help foster the culture of Pentecost in the Church. Much of that material will be discussed at the next quarterly leaders meeting.

Christmas sales are in full swing and the malls are decorated for the holidays. It is easy for some of us to forget the reason for the season. We know better! Our focus is on the birth of Jesus and the daily readings at the mass, where the Jesus History is celebrated. Let’s make a concerted effort to remind others of the “reason for the season.”

Bishop Tom’s annual “Washing of the Hands” is on December 3^rd at St. Henry’s, 9:00 AM, followed by a Christmas fellowship at the CCCR. This special mass is for everyone so bring your groups and invite others to come. This service is a “sign of unity and reconciliation” in preparation for Advent.

Thank you for being faithful servants in your groups, ministries, and parishes. The year has been good to us and we are grateful to God and to you for saying yes to Him. Merry Christmas to you, your family, and your church community. May the Spirit of the Baby Jesus be with you.

In Jesus, the Lord,

Most Rev. Thomas J. Flanagan, DD

Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio and

Liaison for Charismatic Renewal

Rosbel Hernandez

Director and Associate Liaison

Special Leaders Section - LIVING IN THE SPIRIT by Ray Rossman

Attitude of gratitude! John Maxwell, in his recent book, Today Matters, tells us that we have many choices to make each and every day, but the first choice we make is to choose our attitude. If we open our eyes in the morning and immediately give praise and thanks to God for the new day that He has given us, we are off to a good start. If on the other hand, we look at the clock and bemoan the fact that we have to get out of our comfortable bed and go to work at a job we hate and face a boss and co-workers that aren’t Spirit-filled, we are starting out with a millstone around our neck that we will carry with us for the day. There’s no doubt that some days will be better than others and some days will be filled with heavy burdens, but if we can recognize that God has given us his Spirit and He has promised to be with us always, we will see that God’s eternal presence is enough to get us through ANY trial or burden. Fr. Tom Forrest reminded us at a conference that it is the manifestation of the FRUITS of the Spirit that will allow us to bring Christ to others. Aren’t we naturally drawn to someone who is cheerful and upbeat and don’t we naturally try to avoid Mr. and Mrs. Depression when they come into our lives? Our choice is a simple one – are we going to live with God’s joy and peace in our hearts or are we going to allow Satan to choose our attitude for us? Pray for the courage to choose the right attitude each day of our lives.

Priorities! Pastor Maxwell again points out that another choice we make every day is to set our priorities. What will be the focus of our day? Will God be a top priority or will He get the leftover time of day? Setting our priorities for the day will very often dictate the happiness that will or will not flow that day. When we seriously ask Jesus to be Lord of our day, and we seriously make a commitment to surrender our will so that He may accomplish His will in us, then we have made a choice that will set us on the right course. Given the gift of free will we can deviate from the course – sometimes as soon as someone cuts us off on the freeway. But I think that as we pass through the days of our life, we will look back and see that when we set God as our top priority, those were the days that went well. We have a choice!

Make a Commitment! I am amazed at the attitude of many Catholic Charismatics here in San Antonio! We have committed to the Community Center at San Fernando that we WILL have a conference on February 4 & 5, 2006. We have committed to a number of gifted, spirit-filled speakers that they should come to speak at our conference. We have committed several thousand dollars to promote and advertise the conference. Yet when we ask you to commit $25 to register EARLY for the conference, we receive very little in return. It’s almost as if people say to us, “Yes, I’ll go to the conference – as long as nothing else comes up that MAY be more important.” We most urgently need you to commit – NOW – TODAY. Please call the office and send $25 to register to provide funds for us to pay the pre-conference expenses such as Community Center deposits, printing, etc. Please surprise us with your response!

God bless you. Ray Rossman

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRIESTS’ RETREAT, ARS, FRANCE (Gleaned from ICCRS newsletter May 2005)

More than 850 priests, 16 bishops, and 3 cardinals gathered in Ars, France to participate in an International retreat sponsored by ICCRS (International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services in Rome) in conjunction with the “Catholic Community of the Beatitudes,” and the “St. John Vianney Society”. There were 71 countries represented.

The retreat was held Sept. 25 through Oct. 1 and it coincided with the 100^th anniversary of the beatification of St. John Mary Vianney, the Cure of Ars.

The retreat theme was “Priesthood: The love of Jesus’ Heart.” Sr. Briege McKenna and Fr. Kevin Scanlon were the main presenters at the event, but several priests, cardinals and bishops presided at the liturgies. Those in attendance found it to be a wonderful blend of both traditional and charismatic prayer.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ICCRS PRESIDENT MEETS POPE (From ICCRS’ www.iccrs.org)

Mr. Allan Panozza (Australia), president of ICCRS was officially presented to the Holy Father recently during a visit to Rome. Pope Benedict XVI received Mr. Panozza and gave his blessings and good wishes to the Charismatic Renewal worldwide.

“His Holiness certainly is continuing the tradition of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II,” the president commented after his visit. It is a wonderful encouragement for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal to enjoy such warm support from the Catholic Pontiff.”

President Panozza had the visit while he was in Rome to plan the 2006 Pentecost event with ICCRS Director Oreste Pesare and other Vatican officials.

Healing Services - St. Dominic’s Catholic Church (5915 Ingram Rd.) Every Sunday after 7:00 PM Mass – Adoration & Prayer for healing.	Healing Mass - Fr. Florencio Rodriguez 7:00 PM at St. Lawrence Catholic Church (236 E. Petaluma) 210 924-4401 Third Wednesday of each month	Healing MASS - Fridays at CCCR - at Noon with Fr. Jorge Baistra, Contact: Laura Montoya and Maria Onzon 210 333-5913
Free Health Insurance Quotes Visit our website www.BenefitSourceQuotes.com 210-340-0777 24 hours a day; 7 days a week Paid Advertisement	Dr. Bob Rice “Healing Ministry” Contact Dr. Bob Rice 505 270-0580 Paid Advertisement	Domingo Setien “Healing Ministry” P.O. Box 722196 | San Antonio, Texas 78279-2196 Phone: (210) 532-1764 www.SetienHealingMinistries.org Paid Advertisement

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS AND JOYOUS NEW YEAR

FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE HEALING MINISTRY

REJOICE! REJOICE! REJOICE! THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS BORN!

"For today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you who is the Messiah and Lord." (Luke 2:11)

Our next “Healing Workshop” will be Saturday, January 14, 2006.

We wish to thank all of you who have supported the Archdiocese Healing Ministry throughout the year. Your commitment to this ministry is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your faithfulness.

We thank your willingness to serve God in the Healing realm. By the Power of the Holy Spirit in you; you strengthen the Church’s commitment to the new evangelization and help guide your steps as you proclaim Christ in your lives. You represent Jesus for many in your ministry and you have shown His great compassion. You give new meaning to the journey we make together in toil and tribulation by your faithfulness, love, and prayer for those in need of healing.

May the intercession of Mary, our Mother, be in union with the prayers of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, Bishops, and all Apostles of Prayer! May the Year 2006 be a time of renewed Hope, Joy, and Peace in the Holy Spirit for the Charismatic Renewal and the whole Church.

We look forward to working with you in the upcoming Conferences of the Year 2006 (English, Spanish and Youth). Check the Charisletter for details. Jesus is Lord forever.

Healing Ministry Directors: Pedro & Nelda Palacios (English) Carla Ayala & Josie Gonzales Español)

Youth and Young Adults Section

Youth “Life In The Spirit” Seminar Schedule 2005 – 2006

December 2005	February 2006	March 2006
03 - San Fernando @ CCCR	08 – Hondo	04 - Prince of Peace
10 - Prince of Peace	11 - Our Lady of Grace (La Coste, TX)
10 - San Martin de Porres-Purity Retreat
14 & 15 - Holy Family (New Braunfels, TX)	18 - St. Brigid
17 – St. Bonaventure
28 - Mission San Jose	25 – Mini Conference & Youth Rally

If any parish or youth minister is interested in LITS, please call Delfie Garcia @ (210) 226-7070

Merry Christmas! Thank you for all you have done to support us. From your monetary pledges to your prayers, it is greatly appreciated. We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous, and Blessed New Year. Katy & the YSC

Mountains of Praise (Young Adults) (Young Adults Meet Fridays from 8pm - 10pm St. Catherine’s, 2200 Hicks For more information: Delfie Garcia: (210) 667-2783

New Generation (Youth – Teens) Meet Fridays 7:30 to 9:30 PM Catholic Center for Charismatic Renewal For more information phone Chiquita: (210) 615-0753

Attention - Single Young Men (18-40): You are invited to the “COME AND SEE” vocational retreat with the Brothers of the Beloved Disciple at CAMP TECABOCA on December 26 through 30, 2005. Contact: Fr. George Montague at (210) 734-6727. www.BrothersOfTheBelovedDisciple.org

FANNING THE FLAME LIVE ON CTSA-TV CHANNEL 15 – Dec. 19 & Every 3rd Monday of the Month at 8:00 PM. Co-hosts for the program are Tony and Rose Buentello with Erica and Michael Rodriguez. Fanning the Flame is a charismatic program carried live so you can call in for prayer, questions, or comments. You may also call the Center Monday through Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM for prayer at 226-7545. Also they will help you with your questions or comments.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CharisLetter en Español

Asamblea Carismática – Día de Renovación

18 de Diciembre - 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM - En el CCCR, 1707 S. Flores, San Antonio, TX

Alabanza, Oración, Plática y Misa

Tema: El Poder de la Fe con Ana Maria Sánchez

Ana es Evangelista Católica laica y residente de Pleasanton, Texas. Tuvo su formación en la Arquidiócesis de Chicago donde sirvió a la renovación en diferentes niveles. Es dócil al Espíritu Santo y proclama la palabra con gran poder. Vengan todos a alabar al Señor y recibir el mensaje ungido con “El Poder de la Fe.”

Misa y Servicio de Sanación con Padre Pedro Molina

Musica de Alabanza con Lily y Emilio Mojica y “Los Servidores de Cristo”

Informes: Carla Ayala 734-3696 | Josie Gonzales 924-9976 | Josie Flores 344-1050

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Misa de Sanación (Bilingüe) en la capilla de CCCR – Padre Pedro Molina

Bilingual Mass & Healing service in the CCCR Chapel

14 de Diciembre, Miércoles (Wednesday) 7:00 PM

¿Te sientes enfermo o con depresión? Ven, entrégate a Dios y pídele que te sane.

Do you feel sick or depressed? Come! Turn to God and ask Him to heal you.

Informes (information) - Eleanor Huron 432-1509

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hazme Volar” En Vivo - CTSA-TV – Canal 15 – 8 de Diciembre - 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM - 2^nd Jueves cada mes - Televisión Católica en Español - Programa carismático. Vean este animado programa espiritual y hagan sus llamadas. Si necesitas oración, sanación, o tienes alguna pregunta, llamen al número que aparece en la pantalla. Pueden llamar al Centro Católico de la Renovación Carismática a cualquier tiempo. 210 226-7545

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notice: The CCCR website has moved to www.CCCRsa.net - Email: cccrsat@aol.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CharisLetter is a ministry of the Charismatic Renewal; we will gladly advertise your announcements. Donations are accepted to defray the cost of the newsletter. We gladly send free copies to Pastors to make announcements as needed.

CharisLetter is mailed to all who wish to receive it. An annual donation of $10.00 is suggested. Additional donations to support the ministry at CCCR are gratefully accepted. Send contributions and/or requests to be placed on the mailing list to: CCCR, 1707 S. Flores Street, San Antonio, TX 78204. Phone (210) 226-7545. All contributions are tax deductible.

CharisLetter DEADLINE: News or calendar items to be considered for publication in CharisLetter must be submitted by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

CharisLetter Published monthly for the Archdiocese of San Antonio By The Catholic Center for Charismatic Renewal 1707 South Flores Street San Antonio, Texas 78204-1926 Most Reverend Thomas J. Flanagan Auxiliary Bishop and Liaison for Charismatic Renewal

E-mail: CCCRsat@aol.com www.CCCRsa.net Phone:(210) 226-7545 Fax: (210) 212-9330 Editors: Lon Benedict – General Manager Rosbel (Ros) Hernandez Associate Liaison/Director, CCCR Administrator - General Manager Lon Benedict

Consultants: Rev. George Montague, SM Rev. Einer R. Ochoa Deacon Robert Garza Archdiocesan Healing Ministry Pedro & Nelda Palacios Carla Ayala Youth Ministry Rudy & Delfie Garcia

Volunteer Staff Santa Garza Josephine Torres Book Ministry Anna Marie Aguirre (210) 826-8281 Irene De La Vega Mary Jo Littrell

CCCR BOOK STORE: Thank you for your kind support. We remain well stocked with Bibles, books and teaching material for prayer group leaders. We also have beautiful baptism, 1st. communion, confirmation gifts and other religious articles. Bookstore hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. If you need a book table for your Life in the Spirit Seminar, let us know 3 weeks in advance. We will gladly provide the books you need.

CCCR Service Committee Members

Anna M. Aguirre	Rosie Chavarria	James & Terri Chavez	Eleanor Huron
Rebecca Rocha	Rev. Will Combs	Michael & Erica Rodriguez

Weekly Prayer Meetings and Events at CCCR

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Sat. and Sun.
CCCR Bookstore is open Mon. – Fri. 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM	9:30 AM Upper Room PG & Mass Helen Pickard 830 303-9614	CCCR Bookstore is open Mon. – Fri. 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM	9:30 AM Sala Alta PG Rosie Chavarria 923-2502	12:00 Noon Healing Mass	Special Events As Announced
Monday