How you can register
You'll find below the information you need to decide whether to join us on the Life in the Spirit journey. Once you've decided, you can register:
either by filling in one of the Registration Forms you'll find on the table in the porch at Holy Innocents' and leaving it in the box provided or by completing and submitting the online Registration Form - either this link or the adjacent QR code will take you straight there. |
Link to online Registration Form
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A recommendation from a parishioner
We asked a Holy Innocents' parishioner who came on Life in the Spirit last year to write about why she came and how she found it. Here's what she said:
"I attended the Life in the Spirit seminars last year. It’s not something that I usually do but this time I thought I’d give it a go. |
"The reason that I went, apart from Father Victor really encouraging us at mass, was to find out about the Holy Spirit. I had always prayed to Jesus and God but had never paid much attention to the Holy Spirit! As the sessions were held either during the day or in the evening I had no excuse, so I put my name down.
"The sessions were held in the Father Phelan Centre, where we watched a talk from St George’s Cathedral and then went into small discussion groups. These were skilfully led by people who ran the course and were very relaxed and enjoyable. There was no pressure to give your views but it was great to hear other peoples’ experiences and realise that other people had the same thoughts as you. It was also great to meet other people from the parish.
"We then had a day at St. George’s Cathedral where again we listened to talks and had discussions. We were given the chance to attend Reconciliation, which I did for the first time in years!
"I found the whole thing very thought provoking and it gave me a great opportunity to grow in my faith and find a new and deeper relationship with God.
"I would thoroughly recommend that you give it a try."
"The sessions were held in the Father Phelan Centre, where we watched a talk from St George’s Cathedral and then went into small discussion groups. These were skilfully led by people who ran the course and were very relaxed and enjoyable. There was no pressure to give your views but it was great to hear other peoples’ experiences and realise that other people had the same thoughts as you. It was also great to meet other people from the parish.
"We then had a day at St. George’s Cathedral where again we listened to talks and had discussions. We were given the chance to attend Reconciliation, which I did for the first time in years!
"I found the whole thing very thought provoking and it gave me a great opportunity to grow in my faith and find a new and deeper relationship with God.
"I would thoroughly recommend that you give it a try."
What does the Life in the Spirit journey involve?
We are delighted to be running Life in the Spirit again this year at Holy Innocents'. It's made up of:
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"A wonderful experience - perfect and glorious!" -
a participant's description of Life in the Spirit
a participant's description of Life in the Spirit
Weekday sessions - all at 8 pm - Mondays in person, Thursdays on Zoom
- God is love - in person Mon 29 April, on Zoom Thu 25 April
- Salvation - in person Mon 6 May, on Zoom Thu 2 May
- New Life - in person Mon 13 May, on Zoom Thu 9 May
- Growth - in person Mon 27 May, on Zoom Thu 23 May
- Transformation - in person Mon 3 June, on Zoom Thu 30 May
If you can't make Mondays or Thursdays, there are other options available in the diocese - e.g. Cathedral or on Zoom on Tuesdays or Beckenham on Wednesdays: more information available from southwarkrenewal@gmail.com
Retreat Day - Pentecost Saturday 18 May, 11 am to 5 pm
In person at St George's Cathedral, Southwark, 11 am to 5 pm; followed by the Vigil Mass of Pentecost at 6 pm.
What's the journey all about?
On this Life in the Spirit journey, we'll be exploring in the daily reflections, the weekly sessions and the Retreat Day what it means to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, finding a new relationship with Our Lord.
You'll be offered the opportunity to be prayed with for a fuller release of the Holy Spirit in your life. |
This is called the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit". We will explain all about this special gift from God, so you can decide whether or not you would like to receive it.
"It's a special gift from God - a renewal of our Baptism that [allows] the Spirit to flow like a fragrance in the Christian life! - Father, now Cardinal, Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household
Who is Life in the Spirit for?
Pope Francis has asked for Life in the Spirit to be made widely available throughout the Catholic Church, to be taken out "to the peripheries and the poor" and to include our sisters and brothers in Christ from other denominations as well.
In other words, IT'S FOR EVERYONE - which of course means, it's for you!
Father Victor's heartfelt wish is for the rich diversity of our parish to be reflected in a great representation of each of our different ethnic communities for Life in the Spirit. We are hoping to have a number of different language small groups, for example, in addition to a special group for young adults (20 to 30).
We're looking forward to welcoming many of the newcomers to our parish over the past few months and years - this is a great way to become friends with many other parishioners.
Last but not least, we hope to welcome back many of those who attended last year's Life in the Spirit. It's not a case of, "been there, done that" - with the Holy Spirit, there is always more to learn and experience.
In other words, IT'S FOR EVERYONE - which of course means, it's for you!
Father Victor's heartfelt wish is for the rich diversity of our parish to be reflected in a great representation of each of our different ethnic communities for Life in the Spirit. We are hoping to have a number of different language small groups, for example, in addition to a special group for young adults (20 to 30).
We're looking forward to welcoming many of the newcomers to our parish over the past few months and years - this is a great way to become friends with many other parishioners.
Last but not least, we hope to welcome back many of those who attended last year's Life in the Spirit. It's not a case of, "been there, done that" - with the Holy Spirit, there is always more to learn and experience.
"I've been on maybe 10 Life in the Spirit courses - and my eyes have been opened each time!" -
member of our Holy Innocents' organising team
member of our Holy Innocents' organising team
FAQs
Do I have to pay anything?
There is no charge for taking part in Life in the Spirit. It would be helpful if you could make a donation (in cash at one of the sessions, to keep things simple) of £10 to help us to cover our costs (which include the cost of the Guidebooks), but this is completely voluntary. |
Is there a Guidebook?
Yes, we will be providing a Guidebook for Life in the Spirit entitled Finding New Life in the Spirit. The Guidebook includes simple, Scripture-based daily reflections for you to follow in between the weekly sessions.
Do I have to follow the daily reflections?
Of course that's up to you. But we will be encouraging you to follow them, because they are are an integral part of the journey, which will help you between the weekly sessions on your journey to find a deeper life in God.
Who is organising Life in the Spirit 2024?
We have a team at Holy Innocents', including Father Victor and Father Paul, working to make sure that everything goes smoothly. Other volunteers will be helping as small group leaders, providing refreshments and so on.
At the diocesan level, Life in the Spirit 2024 is being organised by the Southwark Catholic Charismatic Renewal team, working alongside the diocesan Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis and St George's Cathedral.
What if I've got other questions?
You will be given more details after you register, but you can raise any questions you might have with Stephen Walsh (07778 612050) or by email to southwarkrenewal@gmail.com
Yes, we will be providing a Guidebook for Life in the Spirit entitled Finding New Life in the Spirit. The Guidebook includes simple, Scripture-based daily reflections for you to follow in between the weekly sessions.
Do I have to follow the daily reflections?
Of course that's up to you. But we will be encouraging you to follow them, because they are are an integral part of the journey, which will help you between the weekly sessions on your journey to find a deeper life in God.
Who is organising Life in the Spirit 2024?
We have a team at Holy Innocents', including Father Victor and Father Paul, working to make sure that everything goes smoothly. Other volunteers will be helping as small group leaders, providing refreshments and so on.
At the diocesan level, Life in the Spirit 2024 is being organised by the Southwark Catholic Charismatic Renewal team, working alongside the diocesan Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis and St George's Cathedral.
What if I've got other questions?
You will be given more details after you register, but you can raise any questions you might have with Stephen Walsh (07778 612050) or by email to southwarkrenewal@gmail.com
About our theme for 2024
"Arise sleeper!"
The vision given for this year's Life in the Spirit journey across the diocese has these familiar words (Eph 5:14)... ... accompanied by the image of a lamp lantern being held, with the holder looking outward into the night... ... referring to the wise and foolish wedding attendants waiting for bridegroom (Matt 25:1-13) |
Data privacy
By registering for Life in the Spirit, you will be consenting to the parish and each of the course organisers holding and processing the personal data you provide in accordance with their respective Privacy Policy/Notice, which you can see on the relevant website: Holy Innocents' - Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis - St George's Cathedral - Southwark Catholic Charismatic Renewal team.