St. Maria Goretti

Now is the Time! Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) is a unique, parish-based faith renewal experience for men and women. This parishioner-led experience is designed to foster a sense of community within SMG. Participants will grow in discipleship and come away with a renewed spirit and strengthened faith. Come away for a day and a half and spend time with others who are on the same journey as you. If you are seeking to deepen your relationship with God and to form community with people of the parish, this renewal weekend is designed for you.

Spring 2024 Weekends

Women: February 24-25, 2024

Men: March 2-3, 2024

What is Christ Renews His Parish?

Christ Renews His Parish (Christ Renews) is a program designed to bring parish members together in Christ. It is a time to grow in your faith and your understanding of the Christian life and it is the most effective and time-tested way to get to know other members of our parish family.

The weekend experience combines presenta­tions, small group discussions, meals, Mass, prayer, social time, and an opportunity for Confession. It is your opportunity to explore Christ's call to you in a relaxed and supportive environment - and for you to re­spond to that call to a deeper and closer rela­tionship with God and others.

What makes Christ Renews different from some other renewal programs is that those who participate in a weekend have the opportunity to continue meeting and growing as a spiritual community and eventually share what they have experienced with others. It is through this process that lifelong friendships are often made.

What happens on the weekend?

You will meet a group of people who, like you, are seeking a deeper relationship with God­-people who also have questions, doubts, hopes, and desires that challenge them to move forward on their faith journey. Come prepared to have fun and renew your heart. The process in which you will take part is centered around reflections of team mem­bers, small group discussions, and activities. No one is required to get up and speak. You may have the opportunity to share your experi­ences, but you are not required to do so. Talk as much or as little as makes you comfortable.

Who can participate?

All adult men and women over the age of 18 in the parish are welcome! A separate weekend is held for men and women.

Christ Renews His Parish is for anyone seeking spiritual renewal, regardless of where you are on your own faith journey. Many attend because they feel something is missing from their lives or have questions about our faith. It is an excellent opportunity for those who have stopped attending Mass or who have lost interest in the church to reconnect with the parish family.

Where does the weekend take place?

The weekends take place on our St. Maria Goretti campus. Sleeping is arranged in the school classrooms. You are asked to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow or other bedding (inflatable mattresses are rec­ommended!). Please bring your own towel, soap, and toiletries.

What do I wear?

This is a relaxing weekend: Dress in casual and comfortable clothing.

What about meals?

You will be fed from Saturday breakfast to Sunday lunch, with lots of snacks, treats, and beverages in between! If you have a special dietary need, just let us know in advance, and we will happily accommodate you.

The retreat begins on Saturday with check in and morning breakfast starting at 7:00 a.m. in Parish Office entry. The retreat ends at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Transportation is provided to and from the retreat.

There is no charge for attending the weekend – it is the parish’s gift to you! The weekend is coordinated by previous Christ Renews participants and supported by the Christ Renews Continuation Committee, Christ Renews Alumni and Parish Staff.

If I have a health problem, may I still attend?

Certainly! Just let us know and we will make arrangements for your special needs.

Have more questions?

Reach out to us in the form below and we'll gladly answer your questions!