With the charismatic “Spirit” for which it has become known, the Diocese of Trenton’s annual Rally and Retreat Day is slated for May 14 in St. Mary Parish, 19 Cherry Tree Farm Rd., New Monmouth.

Using the theme “Creating The Culture of Pentecost,” the multicultural day of faith event that brings together a rich mix of ethnic communities of the Charismatic Renewal in an experience of unity, praise, worship and Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., is expected to draw attendees from all over the Diocese to St. Mary Parish, where the celebration will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration will be held from 8 to 8:55 a.m. It’s important to note the change in venue with this year’s celebration being held in St. Mary Parish and not in the Great Auditorium of Ocean Grove.

Co-sponsored by the diocesan Office of Pastoral Life and Mission, Hispanic Ministry Initiatives and the diocesan Anglo, Hispanic, Filipino and Haitian Catholic Charismatic communities, the rally embraces the multicultural idea of the day and of the Church, during which music and presentations will be offered in English or Spanish. Though the day is sponsored by the Catholic Charismatic communities – which emphasizes the Holy Spirit, faith healing and social service and derives its inspiration from the first Pentecost when Jesus’ disciples began to go into the communities to preach – one does not need to be “charismatic” in his or her spirituality in order to participate in the May 14 rally. All Catholics are welcome and encouraged to attend this multi-cultural celebration. Families are encouraged to bring their children; activities are planned for children ages three to 12.

The day’s keynote presenters will include Catholic evangelist and speaker, Deacon Harold Burke Sivers, and Father Javier Diaz, pastor of Christ the King Parish, Long Branch.

Other key coordinators of the day include Father Jeffrey J. Kegley, diocesan liaison to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and pastor of St. Mary Parish, who will serve as the day’s master of ceremonies, and Deacon Benito de Jesus Torres, liaison to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for the Hispanic community, will offer his reflections.

Bishop O’Connell will be the main celebrant and homilist at an 11 a.m. Mass. The cost for the rally is $10 for adults 13 and older and $5 for children ages three to 12.

To register, see www.dotccr.org. For more information, contact Sandra López at 609-403-7138 or [email protected]; call St. Mary Parish at 732-671-0071 or email: [email protected].