Who has been to CRHP?

[Hellisreal]

Hello John, I am very happy for you and hope you will start posting! Up that post count John. (the backfence is a good way to do that

I find so many interesting posters at CAF that never post!



I think I just condemned myself with that comment too!

Have a blessed day and thanks to all my CAF friends who posted their thoughts!

 

[happyseppy]

Both CHRP and Marriage Encounter are offshoots of the Cursillo movement, and Cursillo did not come from the Charismatic Renewal. No tongues or being slain in the spirit.

Hi, Hellisreal,

Have to just echo this poster…Cursillo is not Charismatic, so if you are wanting to avoid Charismatic groups, no fear here.

God Bless you on your journey,

Peace,

Kelly

 

[maherite1977]

I met some people that talk about it and have seen it in the bulletin but, never really gave it much thought until now. There is a womens group and a mens group. I was talking to one of the priests about it recently, and instead of answering my questions he said to just do it. That is not going to work with me. I need to know what I am getting into before I do, and frankly I was upset by his flip reply to me. I shouldnt be, but its frustrating sometimes.

I would like clear points about it, good and bad, what goes on, what kind of spirituality is it? Good links to explain would also be nice, and if you are willing to share anything else, go for it.

What kind of background or preparation would make it more fulfilling an experience? Anything you would have done differently?

Is this run throughout the USA? Or all over the globe? Who started it and when?
What are the dangers if any? Is there any controversy about it? Is there pressure put on people to do this to do it year after year? Is there pressure to recruit others in it? What is really going on is basically what I want to know.

Tell me everything you know, and if you forget something, come back and add anything you forgot.

I have been on 2 CRHP retreats, one as a participant and the other, which was just this last weekend, as a Team Member. I found the whole experience absolutely amazing! I was moved by the witnesses the team members gave on my first retreat and was moved by the Spirit to give a witness talk during the last retreat. It’s hard to completely describe the whole weekend without actually going on a CRHP weekend. I don’t think the priest was being flippant toward you - it’s just hard to include everything that happens at CRHP in an answer.

CRHP was started in Cleveland back in the early 1970’s and has spread to half the country. There are 5 Parishes in Toledo and the outlying suburbs who have done CRHP weekends and I have heard nothing but positive things about their weekends.

If you do go on a retreat, here is kind of what to expect - at least this is how our retreat weekends go…

• DO NOT bring cell phones, watches, money, etc. The experience is free and we find phones, watches, etc. take away from the experience. Keep your mind open to God. Use the weekend to fully open yourself to the Spirit.
• DO NOT enter the weekend with a closed mind - be open to the Spirit and He will move you!
• DO enjoy yourself! You have absolutely nothing to worry about on your CRHP weekend - you are fed (quite well actually!), you will get a chance to attend Mass - we went twice on our weekend.
• DO experience every emotion possible during your weekend. I guarantee, you will be moved to tears; you will laugh, you will think, you will learn more about your faith, and you will be a better person afterward!
  Just remember, the team putting on the CRHP weekend are not doing all the planning for themselves, they are doing it for you and for CHRIST! It wouldn’t be CRHP without CHRIST!

I hope you get a chance to go on a weekend. You will enjoy it immensely.

 

[branski]

I’ve never been to CRHP…although I (like most catholics) have been pressured to do so on many occasions. I am not one to give in to peer pressure.

One thing I don’t like is that they pronounce it as Chirp. How do you get Chirp from CRHP? A more appropriate pronunciation would be ****.

Also, if you do attend…be sure to bring your checkbook. If it’s like most Catholic functions you’ll certainly be asked for a donation.

I imagine there are many instances where you will be made to feel uncomfortable…think Duck Dance.

-Bill

 

[water]

I’ve never been to CRHP…although I (like most catholics) have been pressured to do so on many occasions. I am not one to give in to peer pressure.

One thing I don’t like is that they pronounce it as Chirp. How do you get Chirp from CRHP? A more appropriate pronunciation would be ****.

Also, if you do attend…be sure to bring your checkbook. If it’s like most Catholic functions you’ll certainly be asked for a donation.

I imagine there are many instances where you will be made to feel uncomfortable…think Duck Dance.

-Bill

Hi Bill,

Let me share with you what I know - I’ve been to CRHP once and stayed for 6 months and prepared for the next CRHP.

At my parish, we don’t pressure anyone. We just recommend them to go. We don’t want them to go where they are not called to.

I didn’t bring any checkbook and they didn’t ask us to donate anything. In fact, we in turn received a check of $500 dollars from them to help the next retreat. Only 6 months into the information, we then again help raise the fund for whoever comes to the next retreat.

One will never be made to feel uncomfortable. He is the one to make himself uncomfortable. Actually, many feel we all are brothers and get closer together.

I’d suggest that if you think you might want to attend the CRHP, pray about it. I hope you will like it.

God bless.

 

[tobinatorstark]

I have been a part of 3 CHRP weekends and will be attending my 4th in Feb. It was the most rewarding weekend. I can’t tell you what all goes on at the weekend or else it would ruin the fun surprises. But you do learn about Christ, listen to witnesses and share scripture as well as make new friends and come closer to God.
BTW, I am giving a witness on Spirituality this coming Feb. for CHRP weekend

 

[danonwaveland]

I’ve never been to CRHP…although I (like most catholics) have been pressured to do so on many occasions. I am not one to give in to peer pressure.

Most Catholics have been pressured to attend a CRHP weekend? Hyperbole, anyone?

I haven’t been asked to attend one in over 26 years, at my old parish. And it was a life-changing weekend, one that I would highly recommend to anyone. If you let Him, the Holy Spirit will draw you deeper into your relationship with God.

God bless,
Dan

 

[danonwaveland]

I have been a part of 3 CHRP weekends and will be attending my 4th in Feb. It was the most rewarding weekend. I can’t tell you what all goes on at the weekend or else it would ruin the fun surprises. But you do learn about Christ, listen to witnesses and share scripture as well as make new friends and come closer to God.
BTW, I am giving a witness on Spirituality this coming Feb. for CHRP weekend

Wow, good for you! I’ll say a little prayer for your witness and those who hear it.

God bless,
Dan

 

[tobinatorstark]

I was never pressured either. It is so hard to get men involved with CHRP. Any suggestions on how to get men to go to the weekend?? The women have no problem and they even have to turn people away from joining team if they have to many. They only let them stay on for 2 years because so many want to be on team. Us guys have a hard time getting others to go to the weekend and to join team

 

[CHRIS_DICKSON]

I met some people that talk about it and have seen it in the bulletin but, never really gave it much thought until now. There is a womens group and a mens group. I was talking to one of the priests about it recently, and instead of answering my questions he said to just do it. That is not going to work with me. I need to know what I am getting into before I do, and frankly I was upset by his flip reply to me. I shouldnt be, but its frustrating sometimes.

I would like clear points about it, good and bad, what goes on, what kind of spirituality is it? Good links to explain would also be nice, and if you are willing to share anything else, go for it.

What kind of backround or preparation would make it more fufilling an experience? Anything you would have done differently?

Is this run throughout the USA? Or all over the globe? Who started it and when?
What are the dangers if any? Is there any controversy about it? Is there pressure put on people to do this to do it year after year? Is there pressure to recruit others in it? What is really going on is basically what I want to know.

Tell me everything you know, and if you forget something, come back and add anything you forgot.

I don’t think your priest was trying to be flip. If you were to ask anyone, “What’s the bible all about?” they would have to say, “Read it and find out!” because there’s simply too much information packed into that book to give a short description of it and hope to do it justice.

Your priest was right, my dear friend, “Taste and see!”

 

[txsippian]

Christ Renews His Parish has been the first step of my personal spiritual rebirth, parallelling our Parish Renewal:grouphug: . The whole process is The Holy Spirit speaking through each parishoner involved. The structure is not anything to be alarmed about regarding your experience with a Charismatic retreat. My prayer for you is that you are able to open your heart to the retreat FOR THE PARISH. Have faith my fellow seeker. Allow the Spriit of Christ to lead you along this path.

Forward thinking and planning for a parish sponsoring CRHP would be a my heartfelt suggestion. Each CRHP team has 20-36 members. After the Retreat is given, everyone is filled with a desire to perform good works in God’s name, but there is a void that needs to be filled. My team had no immediate plan for an outlet for our team’s fervor.
We have prayed for ways to follow the Spirit
God answered out prayers!

Recently we began a men’s discussion group of Catholic answers to todays challenges. The program is called “That Man Is You”. We started the program the week following the conclusion of the CRHP retreat. NO VOID! TMIY gave all of the men a way to stay connected to the parish. So far we’ve met 3 times at 5:45am on Fridays . Each time we have had over 50 men in attendance and altogether nearly 80 different men total have risen before dawn to seek Christ :bible1: .

Your Brother in Christ

Somebody in one of these threads had a problem with the Anacronym -me too sorta. I just tend to send my personal preference - ChRHP. More phonetically correct I think.
ChRHP is still going strong in Plano, TX at Prince of Peace. The 4th group of women is preparing through the guidance of the Holy Spirit to welcome the 5th group of Women into this renewal process on September 27th and 28th., Our 4th men’s ChRHP team will follow the Holy Spirit guiding the 5th group of male retreatants October25th&26th
Please take just a moment to ask for Mary’s assistance in renewing our hearts in love.
That Man Is You is beginning its 2nd year/3rd semester and the first gathering was over 60 men strong at 5:45am. Renewal of men in Plano, TX is spreading with a strength far more powerful than any Hurricane.
Thank you God.
txsippian

 

[Maedar]

I attended a weekend in '05 and have helped put on 2 since then. I’m on a team now getting ready to present in February. I must admit, I was reluctant to go in the first place. Like most men, sharing wasn’t high on my list of things to do, especially when there’s basketball to be watched. I am glad that my wife signed me up, as it has meant the world to both myself and my wife. She attended the next women’s retreat, and it has brought us both closer with the parish community as a whole. I have also attended a number of Manresa silent retreats, marriage encounter, put on engaged couples pre-cana, and we are members of TOOL (Teams Of Our Lady). We’ve found each of these experiences to be very rewarding, and enriching to different parts of ourselves and our relationships. CRHP is most geared towards enhancing your relationship with your fellow parishioners and the church as a whole.
As a side note: We NEVER ask for any kind of donations at ANY point in the weekend, nor are there free will envelopes of any sort. People are encouraged to leave their wallets, cell phones, etc at home.

 

[mborr12]

I just went through CRHP, litterally got home yesterday. Let me just say this. It was an amazing experience. The team that put it on in my parish (Sacred Heart - Wichita Falls sacredheartwf.org/) was amazing. I, probably like most guys, never really show emotion in front of, well anyone. But, this was so moving that I did break down spiritually and emotionally. I am glad that the Holy Spirit directed me to this and hope that the Spirit directs everyone else too. The Church needs this, Now when I see my brothers in Church I know them and feel I can worship better around them. Not sure if I’m making sense but it was a powerful weekend and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. Just go with an open heart.

Here I am Lord.
Manuel Borrego Jr.

“Speak Lord your servant is listening.”
1 Samuel 3:9

 

[KeepLearning]

CRHP.
Oh my goodness.

I went to a few hours of one weekend and couldn’t stand the “controlling” so I convinced the “key lady” to give me back my car keys. I left. Ew.

Our parish is very “CRHP-happy” It bothers us so much that we may have to petition to change parishes.

 

[tobinatorstark]

CRHP.
Oh my goodness.

I went to a few hours of one weekend and couldn’t stand the “controlling” so I convinced the “key lady” to give me back my car keys. I left. Ew.

Our parish is very “CRHP-happy” It bothers us so much that we may have to petition to change parishes.

may I ask what do you mean by controlling??

 

[newmex1598]

hi all, i have attended and put on CRHP weekends for almost two years now. i can tell you that the weekend is amazing if the proper process is used. the important part of CRHP is not the weekend however but the team formation for the next weekend to be put on. this is a period for deepening your faith, integrating into the parish for old and new members alike and especially for men, an appreciation for the responsibilities and the role we must play in our families, parish and society.

the most important comment i can make concerning CRHP is that whoever (spiritual and lay directors) is running the weekend and team formation, constantly uses and refers to the official CRHP manual - everyone on the team must be given a copy of the manual and all need to read it - this is the most insightful program manual that i have encountered so far and it provides a solid foundation and guidance for the team formation and the weekend - hands down. those programs who do not utilize the manual are not receiving the full benefit of the program. many who i talk with from other parishs who have been through CRHP team formation are not even aware that there is a manual - this is a complete travesty.

one final comment - beware of parishs where parts of the CRHP program are substituted - i have heard (confirmed) of parishs who defer on Adoration (which is the heart of the program) in lieu of music, dancing, sports watching, alcohol and other partying. those of you on formation teams who encounter these kind of substitutions in the program must be very vocal in their opposition.

sincerely,
david

 

[danonwaveland]

one final comment - beware of parishs where parts of the CRHP program are substituted - i have heard (confirmed) of parishs who defer on Adoration (which is the heart of the program) in lieu of music, dancing, sports watching, alcohol and other partying.

**WHAT??? ** (Sorry, I’ll tone down the volume.) Jesus is the absolute focus of this weekend. How can the formation team – and esp the spiritual director – do this? One should grow closer to our Lord on this weekend, not to line dancing or sports. I am apalled beyond words!

God bless,
Dan

 

[newmex1598]

Dan, i was appalled too but i personally know both a female and a male who attended CRHP at this particular parish and both (independently) confirmed to me that Adoration had been substituted with partying celebration. i discovered this when i commented that Adoration was the most beautiful part of the program and they gave me this clueless look - upon more questioning i found out that Adoration had been replaced by lewd music, dancing and champagne for the women and ESPN and beer for the men. i would hope that any who read this and happen to know first hand or hear that their parish is doing anything in their CRHP program other than the most Holy, this needs to be investigated and corrected. i can assure you that only the most complimentary dialogue should be coming from the participants in the CRHP activities - if they are not then i can assure you that someone is not running the program correctly.

 

[Vincht]

I found CRHP to be juvenile and Kumbayaish. It is straight out of the 70’s. The profound parts are only in the Formation which you don’t find out until the end of the weekend. This was a complete waste of a weekend. I have heard too many testimonials in my life to want to spend a weekend listening to more. I was led to expect more sharing and bonding. All it was was testimonial after testimonial with some prayer sprinkled in. I already had the prayer thing going. The thing I wanted from the weekend is actually in the Formation which is another 6 MONTH commitment. This needs some serious updateing. This style of singing and clapping retreats went out in the 90’s for good reason.

 

[curtm]

Please visit my parish website for info on CRHP (below). I attended CRHP in my parich last fall…and was so moved by the holy spirit that I now am the Lay Director for the upcoming Mens Spring weekend…basically the “quarterback” for the other volunteer parishoners who are hosting the next weekend! Nothing about this experience is negative…and CRHP IS for EVERYONE!

Attending is one of the top 3 decisions I ever made in my life:
-marrying my wife
-having our three girls
-CRHP

www.saintclareofassisi.org
Faith & Ministry tab
CRHP tab

there is a brochure and testimonial video there I think that you will enjoy.

There is nothing secret about this…it is not a club…it was invented BY parishoners in Ohio 40 years ago…FOR parishoners!

Renewal is a journey…NOT a destination!

Don’t do this for others…do a CRHP for yourself! YOU are invited!!!

Yours In The Light Of Christ!