CCRNO to hold April 5-7 gathering

    The annual Southern Regional Conference of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, with the theme “Fear Not, Only Believe,” will be held April 5-7 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. The theme is taken from the words of Jesus before healing the daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:36).
    For the past 37 years, the conference has gathered thousands of attendees from the entire Gulf Coast.
    “Please be assured that my prayers are with you during your conference,” Archbishop Gregory Aymond said. “I extend to you God’s blessings and hope that this time of prayer and renewal gives the opportunity for the Spirit of God to touch you in order that you may bring his message of love and faith to others.”
    Conference speakers include Third Order Regular of St. Francis Father Dave Pivonka, an author and preacher associated with Franciscan University of Steubenville; Peter Herbeck, vice president and director of missions for Renewal Ministries; and Dr. Carol Razza, a psychotherapist, international speaker, author and seminary faculty member.
    The conference begins April 5 at 7 p.m. and concludes April 7 with an 11 a.m. Mass. Everyone is welcome to attend the conference for a single session or for the entire weekend. There will also be a pre-conference teaching session April 5 at 1 p.m. with talks by Aggie Neck and Johnny Bertucci. A Mass of Intercession, celebrated by Father José Lavastida, will be at 3:30 p.m.
    A youth workshop for teenagers and young adults will be held April 5 at 7 p.m., with a festival of praise led by Matt Bourgeois, Leslie Bertucci and Colin MacIver. The youth session will continue April 6, beginning with a 9 a.m. Mass celebrated by Father Joe Palermo, and last until 10 p.m. Speakers will include Father Pivonka. Youths not covered by family registration may attend for $20. Concessions are available.
    On April 6 from 2 to 5 p.m., there will be a special session, “Passing on the Torch of Faith.” Billed as a session “for the young and young of heart,” this will be an afternoon of music, teaching and prayer ministry for the entire family – toddlers to grandparents. This will also be an occasion for alumni of Franciscan University of Steubenville to come together for a time of reunion with Father Pivonka. Special price for this session only is $20 for the entire family.
    After the Saturday night session has concluded, “Late Night Worship,” a time of prayer and praise from 10 p.m. until midnight, will be offered again this year after a successful debut at last year’s conference.
    On April 7 at 9 a.m., Father Pivonka will give a talk on healing, followed by a eucharistic healing service led by Father Bill Henry. Father Pivonka also will celebrate the Sunday Mass at 11 a.m. The conference will conclude before lunch.
    Seating is limited and early registration is encouraged. Discounts are available for pre-registration. No pre-registration is needed for single sessions. All priests, religious brothers and sisters, deacons and their families are invited to attend the conference at no charge, but pre-registration is requested.
    The fee schedule is as follows: individual adult, $50; married couple, $70; family (same household), $80; single session, $20; youth workshop, $20; all-day Saturday, $40. Registration online is encouraged.
    For additional information, contact the conference office at P.O. Box 7515, Metairie, LA 70010-7515; 828-1368; FAX 831-5810, email: info@ccrno.org; website: www.ccrno.org.