I've said it before and I'll say it again -- I'm not big on Charismatic things. It's not that I have anything against it (per se), it's simply not a big part of my spirituality. Perhaps I have an excessive bias against it because of the free-love hand-holding social-justice-without-the-Gospel hippies I've seen who recommend it so highly. Whatever the reason, it's just not my bag. Maybe God will grant me a special grace to see the outpouring of His Spirit differently, as authentic Charisms are clearly Biblical and have every place in the Church.

...but that's just me. Others see things differently. So here's the talk:

The Charismatic Renewal

mp3

Deacon Tom Vicknair

11/02/05

The Charismatic Catholic movement isn't exactly what I'd call a big part of my personal spirituality, but I realize that there are many for whom it is essential. With that in mind, here's a talk:

Speaker Bio

Carole Brown graduated with a Master's degree in Theology and Christian Ministry from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in 1997. She several years as a Youth Minister, teaching in a Catholic High School, and has worked at Franciscan University for the last 8 years as the Director of Evangelistic Outreach. She is currently in Ireland as a leader in a Catholic lay ministry organization, contributing to the re-evangelization of Europe.

Download Lecture Audio
(53min., MP3, 15MB)

Topics include: the person and work of the Holy Spirit, practical steps to experiencing the charismatic gifts (tongues, visions, prophecy, etc.), as well as exceptional encouragement from the highest levels of Roman Catholic leadership for receiving from God in this powerful way.

Reference Handouts:

Near the end of the talk Carole references several handouts, a few of which are listed below for members of the Fellowship who are Roman Catholic.

• JPII Pentecost Homily (especially sections 4&5)
• Grace for the New Springtime - US Catholic Bishops Conference statement on the Charismatic Renewal.
• Sober Intoxication - challenge from Fr. Cantalamessa (the only person allowed to preach to the Pope) encouraging all for the full power of the Spirit!
• Baptism in the Holy Spirit - part of Fr. Cantalamessa's lecture referred to in the audio

[Note from the TNF Coordinator: Though the talk was given to a Catholic audience, the content is ecumenical (appropriate for the Fellowship), and enormously helpful for everyone desiring a greater release of the gifts of the Spirit. Because Protestant members of the Fellowship generally have more resources available on this topic, the talk is especially helpful for our Catholics.]

Here are a couple of talks that I managed to find from the Diocese of Kalamazoo. I'm afraid I don't know too much about Msgr. Tom Martin, other than that he's the rector of St. Augustine's Cathedral in Kalamazoo, but Deacon Alex Jones is quite an interesting fellow. Here's a snippet from an article the CERC did on him:

"When Pentecostal minister Alex Jones came into the Church this past Easter he was not alone. He brought much of his congregation in with him.

When Detroit-born Alex Jones became a Pentecostal minister in 1972, there was little question among those who knew him that he was answering God's call to preach.

Now, many of his friends and family have dismissed the 59-year-old pastor as an apostate for embracing the Catholic faith, closing the nondenominational church he organized in 1982, and taking part of his congregation with him..."

Here are the talks:

The Last Things: Death, Judgment and Eternity - Msgr. Tom Martin (March 26, 2007)

The Sacrament of Marriage: Not Just a Private Matter - Msgr. Tom Martin (March 19, 2007)

The Sacrament of Baptism: A New Creation - Msgr. Tom Martin (March 12, 2007)

Created in the Divine Image: What it Means to Be Human - Msgr. Tom Martin (March 5, 2007)

Newman Seminar: No Price Too High - Deacon Alex Jones (July 17, 2007)