Parish Renewal Experience
The Parish Renewal Experience is based on the concept expressed by Pope Paul VI: “The Church is an evangelizer, but she begins by evangelizing herself by constant conversion and renewal, in order to evangelize world with credibility” (Evangelii Nuntiandi). It is an attempt to answer the three questions posed by Pope Paul VI in the apostolic exhortation mentioned:
- What has happened to that hidden energy of the Good News which has such a powerful effect on man’s conscience?
- Is the evangelical force of the Gospel capable of transforming lives?
- What method should be followed to insure that the Gospel may have the proper impact?
The Parish Renewal Weekend is a conversion experience. It is a strong recall into belonging to the people of God, the Church. The reestablishment of belonging occurs through an emphasis on, and an experience of, reconciliation. It is an attempt to respond to the search for direction and approaches to strengthen and deepen the life of our parishes. It advances the parishes (priests, religious and laity together as a family) toward the goal of a faith community.
The Parish Renewal Experience at MMGC was facilitated by parish priest Msgr Jose Bernardo from August 26 to 28, 2005. It gathered 25 lay leaders of the parish in a life-changing spiritual formation program.
