Cal’s Corner
Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Local Prayer Groups
Charismatic
St. Anthony's R.C.C., 501 Summit Ave., Reading
Marie Slusser 610-
St. Columbkill's R.C.C., 200 Indian Spring Rd., Boyertown (HC)
Sue Techman 610-
St. Mary R.C.C., 94 Walnut Road, Hamburg
Carolyn Bonkoski 570-
St. John Baptist de la Salle R.C.C., Kerrick & Mitti Rds, Reading
Charismatic / Intercessory
St. Benedict R.C.C., Box 1346 R.D. 1, Mohnton
Joseph Voelker 610-
Charismatic / Marian
St. Ignatius Loyola R.C.C., 2810 St. Alban’s Drive, Reading
Marcia Charlton 610-
St. Paul R.C.C., 151 N. 9th St, Reading
Louise Sweeney 610-
The following list is comprised of Prayer Groups in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown PA which are open to the public and under the headship of the Catholic Church. Shown are each group's affiliation, date and time of meeting, and a contact person.
Other groups will be added as requested and their status confirmed. We ask that visitors contact us to provide information on any additional groups.
Codes -
CC =
Child Care available
HC =
Handicapped access
BERKS SERVICE COMMITTEE HISTORY
On Monday, May 17, 2004, the Berks County Service Committee made the decision
to dissolve itself. The reasons for this were many and, while this was a sad change
in some ways, it was also an encouraging one in many others. The mark of the Spirit’s
work is evident in almost every parish in our diocese -
While the renewal has slowed, even declined, in our area, it continues strong growth in other parts of the country and the world. As a group we felt it was time to make the hard decisions that needed to be made and, indeed, perhaps should have been made some time ago. Fr. Robert Quinn of St. Columbkill parish in Boyertown, as our Spiritual Director, was consulted prior to the BRSC meeting and was supportive of our action.
This page will remain on-
Leaders are asked to confirm the accuracy of their group’s contact information and let me know of any changes that need to be effected.
There are many individuals who have labored in ministry and support to the renewal
and they should know that their efforts have been appreciated. I will not attempt
to name them, because I am certain that I would forget some names. As the co-
A God felt thanks to all, and keep in touch.
Yours In Christ, “Cal” Emerich, Past Co-
A Basic Background of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal
At the start of the Second Vatican Council, Pope John XXIII prayed that the Holy Spirit would initiate a “new Pentecost.” Today the Spirit IS breathing new life into the Church.
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal had its birth at Duquesne University in 1967 with
a small group of theology students who believed that if they petitioned the Holy
Spirit, the power of the early Christians could be theirs. During a Pentecost weekend
retreat they read about the Holy Spirit’s power as recorded in the book of Acts.
As they prayed and studied, an act of God occurred -
From that humble beginning over 50 million Catholics have experienced this infilling of the Holy Spirit, and this “new Pentecost” has blossomed around the world!
We sincerely believe that our enthusiasm is what Jesus wanted as the norm for His Church. With expectant faith, we approach the promises of Our Lord not as possibilities, but as facts. Periodically, we offer seminars explaining this type of spirituality in depth.
At the beginning of the renewal's history many of the clergy were unsure -
After viewing the fruits born of this movement, the leaders of the church began not only allowing it, but actively supporting it. Priests were encouraged to provide shepherding to this new flock to insure its proper growth. Every Pope, Church Council, and Bishop's Conference since its inception have sanctioned and praised the charismatic (or Pentecostal) renewal.
Many people have attributed the Prayer of Pope John XXIII which opened the Second
Vatican Council as the preparation for the renewal. Few, however, know that the Protestant
Pentecostal movement which preceded may well have been God's answer to a prayer of
Pope Leo 13th. On January 1, 1901 -
That same day halfway around the world at the Bethel College and Bible School in
Topeka, Kansas the first signs of the modern Protestant neo-
The display and use of the Pentecostal gifts has always been a part of the church
throughout its history. This is not a charismatic NEW thing -
About Us & What We Offered
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The brochures mentioned here are available on-
Until its devolvement in May of 2004, the Berks Regional Service Committee was the recognized instrument to foster the charismatic renewal within the Roman Catholic Church in the Allentown Diocese in Berks County, Pennsylvania. We worked in cooperation with the Diocesan Service Committee, the Bishop’s liaison (Rev. Larry Hess), and our regional spiritual director, (Rev. Robert Quinn) of St. Columbkill’s R. C. C., Boyertown.
The Berks Regional Service Committee attempted to serve the church by being a “resource” for both the clergy and laity of sound, orthodox information concerning the renewal. Literature is available on what it means to be a “charismatic Catholic.” Our regular countrywide services, and special events for spiritual growth such as workshops, seminars, and prayer breakfasts have been discontinued as of May 17, 2004.
A series of brochures intended to help answer questions concerning aspects of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal were made available by request.
“Newcomers’ Information Sheet” provides a basic background of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and a contact listing for the prayer groups in Berks County.
“What Is A Prayer Meeting?” answers the most frequently asked questions about charismatic prayer groups in the Catholic Church.
“What is Testimony and Witnessing All About?” is designed to help a person prepare and deliver a basic testimony that will glorify God and strengthen His People.
(NOTE: The above brochures can be tailored to your group’s needs upon request.)
We also published a newsletter, The Witness, which contained articles on future worship services and events locally and elsewhere, as well as information of general interest concerning the renewal. INFORMATION NIGHT presentations by members of the Service Committee were available to explain the Renewal to organizations or parishes.
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CLICK ON “FAVORITE LINKS” FOR MORE INFORMATION!