Charismatic prayer group - hopefully correct forum

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I was at a workshop at St Dominic’s parish today and one of the fellow attendees started talking about her experience with a charismatic prayer group. I felt cautious while listening to her and wonder if this is proper. I heard that Catholics have a charismatic movement but I really don’t know anything about it. Searching here and online left me a bit confused. Does anyone have a distilled simplified explanation of what is and what is not an authentic Catholic charismatic prayer group.

In addition to the general info, she also spoke specifically about “praying over” a person, “stirring up the Holy Spirit”, and “baptizing in the Holy Spirit”. These three items I remember because they could be fine or bad, but without context I do not know what these means. I could have asked her for more details, but I don’t think I would get a clear and objective assessment from here. Particularly “baptizing in the Holy Spirit” concerns me since there is only one baptism and that baptism leaves and indelible mark. In addition we are baptized in the Trinity which is always at work in unity.

Thank you for your help.
 
There isn’t really such a thing as an authentic Catholic charismatic group. The charismatic movement is a Protestant movement. Unfortunately, many Catholic have been deluded by these “witch doctors” (to use the words of the renowned Plinio Correa de Oliveira).
 
About two weeks ago on EWTN, I was quite surprised to find a series given by Father Raniero Cantalamessa regarding his own experience with the Charismatic Renewal. Just a note FYI, Father’s title is “**Pontifical Household Preacher.” **

He was a delightful, joyful speaker, and none could deny his absolute enthusiasm for the movement. I found a talk of his on You-tube, if you’re interested.

There is also an article on EWTN in their document library.
**Q: Briefly, how did you come to the Renewal? **
Father Cantalamessa: I did not come to it. Someone took me to it. When I prayed with the psalms, they seemed written for me from before. Then, when from Convent Station in New Jersey, I went to the monastery of the Capuchins in Washington, I felt attracted to the Church as by a magnet and this was a discovery of prayer — and it was a Trinitarian prayer.

Father Cantalamessa: I am convinced, as the Pope has said he is convinced, that the movements are a grace for the Church of today. An appropriate answer to today’s world, to the secularized world and to a world that priests and the hierarchy can no longer reach and which, consequently, needs the laity.
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CAF is full of very heated lengthly threads, and I caution you to consider whether your eyes have the stomach for confusion and argument, such as the first negative response to your post giving you false information. A simple search using the word charismatic will bring up many of these threads. My advice would be to skip the threads and contact the diocesan liason for the renewal and speak to those who are qualified and knowledgable, without all the angst you are apt to find here.
 
I am glad when someone is honestly searching for answers to their questions with an open mind because that is how i found the beautiful Catholic Church!
I am saddened by the people who do not know what the pope and the church’s position is on charismatic Catholics and the experiences that they miss due to misinformation. I posted on here elsewhere regarding speaking in tongues and the charismatic experience. At the turn of the century the Pope prayed, Come Holy spirit largely due to the influences of Blessed Elena Guerra-
burningbushinitiative.com/english/history.htm
and the next century received a great outpouring and awakening to something that had largely lain dormant in the common man but was active in the lives of many if not most saints - the Holy Spirit, the same one from our baptism, the same one that is fully released in our confirmation. People have prayed for a greater measure, a stirring up of it, a new awareness of it.
if you wish to go to youtube youtube.com/watch?v=J-QDOcDGDWA
for the history of the Charismatic Renewal.
It can involve speaking in a prayer language of tongues, it can involve - resting in the spirit, it can involved laying on of hands during prayer. It should be done respectfully and calmly but new things can be scary to alot of people.
you can also check out the books written by the papal preacher Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa.
I am not saying that all that carries the Charismatic name is approved. There are abuses by people in all sacred traditions so you need to research, pray, search your catechism, your Bible and talk to your priest so you are not misled by factions that are not in communion with your Church. A true charismatic will lead you closer to Mother Church and your personal walk with God. If you wish you can PM me with any other questions:confused:.
Typically a good place to get more information is a Life In the Spirit Seminar.
God bless!
Lady Mariegraced:)
 
IntegraCatholic said:
There isn’t really such a thing as an authentic Catholic charismatic group. The charismatic movement is a Protestant movement. Unfortunately, many Catholic have been deluded by these “witch doctors” (to use the words of the renowned Plinio Correa de Oliveira).
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Yeah, because clearly a movement endorsed by Rome is not authentic. What you just said I can could say something similar about the Lefebvrists, I suppose.

Oh wait, you mean the Charismatic Order near my apartment is in good standing with Rome and I can go to their totally valid and licit Mass with their totally valid Confession? Valid ministry within the Church? Who knew?

Crazy stuff. I guess in some way they are more authentic than other orders I can think of.

To the OP; the Charismatic movement is endorsed by Rome, with a couple of Orders of Priests having it be one of their Charisms. And what Sirach2 wrote is on the money.
 
StillWondering said:
I was at a workshop at St Dominic’s parish today and one of the fellow attendees started talking about her experience with a charismatic prayer group. I felt cautious while listening to her and wonder if this is proper. I heard that Catholics have a charismatic movement but I really don’t know anything about it. Searching here and online left me a bit confused. Does anyone have a distilled simplified explanation of what is and what is not an authentic Catholic charismatic prayer group.

In addition to the general info, she also spoke specifically about “praying over” a person, “stirring up the Holy Spirit”, and “baptizing in the Holy Spirit”. These three items I remember because they could be fine or bad, but without context I do not know what these means. I could have asked her for more details, but I don’t think I would get a clear and objective assessment from here. Particularly “baptizing in the Holy Spirit” concerns me since there is only one baptism and that baptism leaves and indelible mark. In addition we are baptized in the Trinity which is always at work in unity.

Thank you for your help.
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The terminology of the so-called ‘charismatic renewal’ is probably the most troubling part of it (along with the shade of Quietism and difficulties with rubrics in the liturgy). For example, in Catholic terminology charismatic would equally refer to the charisms of religious orders, the mission and activity of the Church, and that of individuals.

In general, this movement has been improving in its terminology: “baptism in the Spirit” replaced with an “awakening of the Spirit” and “slain in the Spirit” with “resting in the Spirit”.

Outside of Mass, the mode of worship which they promote has a place in the Church, and is very useful for those with an outward, emotionally-, or sensually-, driven spirituality. However, the pastors of these groups need to be careful that they are not given over to sensationalism and are given guidance to direct their zeal into further knowledge and practice of the faith.
 
just make sure that the Catholic Charismatic group is recognized by Rome and has a properly assigned priest or bishop as overseer of the group

some may operate independently and may introduce wrong teachings. so make sure they are recognized and have an appropriate “guardian” who would make sure they do not go beyond the bounds of Catholic teaching
 
If you are looking for a sideshow act then the charismatic movement is for your, but if you are looking for authentic Catholicism then this movement is your worst nightmare come to life.
 
Califman831 said:
If you are looking for a sideshow act then the charismatic movement is for your, but if you are looking for authentic Catholicism then this movement is your worst nightmare come to life.
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why should it be? if this fits the needs of some people and helps them become closer to God. its not for me, but i respect those who follow it. would you rather them go to a Protestant charismatic movement?
 
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