– Jessica Larson, MPM
“For every tree is known by its own fruit.” (Lk 6:44)
For nearly three decades, parishioners have been serving one another to win hearts for Christ. On a warm June morning, 250 former Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) retreat members from 16 parishes gathered at San Juan del Rio Parish, enjoying the embrace of friendship and a renewal of spirit.
The Ministry
Since its inception in 1969, CRHP has touched over 1,400 parishes in 100 dioceses and 40 states, transforming lives and parishes. This retreat, run by parishioners for parishioners, features confidential witness stories of God’s work in the lives of former retreatants. The ministry opens attendees to genuine connections with the Holy Spirit and one another, resulting in lasting relationships, parish renewal and evangelistic disciples.
The late Father Daniel Cody, Deacon Jerry Turkowski and Sister Andrea Zbiegien introduced CRHP to the Diocese of St. Augustine in 1993. The first men’s retreat occurred in March 1995 at St. Joseph’s in Jacksonville, and a women’s retreat soon followed.
In 2015, Dynamic Catholic partnered with CRHP to rebrand the ministry as Welcome CRHP 2.0, distributing it to parishes through its network. Some still refer to it as Christ Renews His Parish, while newer members call it Welcome. Despite the dual names, it remains the same ministry.
The Impact
Welcome has borne many fruits. Three of the 16 men from the first retreat pursued the diaconate, including Deacon Jerry Turkowski. Welcome emphasizes evangelization and ignites parishes.
After attending CRHP in 2013, Bob Hart, Dr. Don Barnhorst, Jim Moore, Terry Williams and others organized the Sister Parish Ministry of Our Lady Star of the Sea. They began mission trips to the Dominican Republic, serving the poorest of the poor by building schools and chapels and a medical mission.
On another retreat, Dr. Tony Vetere initially doubted attending a Welcome weekend. However, he met his best friend, Bob McKeefrey. When the Sister Parish Ministry suggested his medical assistance in the Dominican Republic, Dr. Vetere questioned his calling due to his rare eye disease resulting in his loss of sight. McKeefrey encouraged him, saying, “Let’s go, I will be your eyes.” Dr. Vetere and Bob served together on three missions a year for five years. “Serving on the mission was one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done,” reflected Dr. Vetere.
Another story comes from Joyce Moore, who never had grandchildren. During the retreat, she met Alicia Weldon, a young pregnant mother whose in-laws had passed away. The two formed such a connection that Moore and her husband, Jim, stepped in as extra grandparents. Thirteen years and two additional babies later, Moore explained, “This gift keeps giving.”
From friendships to healing missions, “We witness souls heal through these weekends,” shared participant Anita Cruz.
