With the charismatic “Spirit” for which it has become known, the Diocese of Trenton’s annual Rally and Retreat Day is slated for June 13, bringing together a rich mix of ethnic communities of the Charismatic Renewal in an experience of unity, praise and worship.

Following up on last year’s first-time event, “Come and Rejoice in the Lord” is again expected to draw a crowd large enough to fill the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove.  Billed as a multicultural day of faith, the event will begin at 7 a.m., with an optional sunrise prayer service on the beach, and will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Doors will be open for registration for the indoor celebration from 8 a.m. to  8:55 a.m.

Co-sponsored by the diocesan Anglo, Hispanic, Filipino and Haitian Catholic Charismatic Renewal communities, the rally combines a number of similar cultural gatherings which have attracted thousands of faithful in the past. Embracing the multicultural idea of the day and of the Church, music and presentations will be offered in English or Spanish.

The Charismatic Renewal movement, which emphasizes the Holy Spirit, faith healing and social service, derives its inspiration from the first Pentecost, when Jesus’ disciples began to go into the communities to preach. All, even those who might not be a member of a Charismatic group, are welcome to attend and take part in the rally and retreat planned for June 13.

Hailing from Puerto Rico, keynote speaker Dr. Fernando Casanova, internationally renowned for his energetic yet spiritual charismatic conference presentations, will deliver his address in Spanish.

Dr. Casanova served as a Pentecostal pastor before converting to Catholicism in 2003. He has served as dean of faculty of the Theological Seminary of the Dominican Fathers, Bayamon, and is a sought-after author and public speaker. Dr. Casanova hosts the EWTN television series “Spiritual Combat” (Combate Espiritual) and serves as general producer of “Apologia” series in Puerto Rico. He also hosts Catholic Radio’s “Reasons of our Hope (Razones de Nuestra Esperanza)”

Father Jeffrey J. Kegley, diocesan liaison to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and pastor of St. Mary Parish, Middletown, will guide the experience as master of ceremonies. Father Kegley is a key coordinator of the event.

Deacon Benito de Jesus Torres, liaison to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for the Hispanic community, will offer his reflections.

Father Bill Halbing, a nationally known charismatic priest and speaker who lives in residence in St. Mary Parish, will be the main celebrant and homilist at a 5 p.m. Mass. There will also be an optional 6 p.m. prayer service on the beach.

The cost for the rally is $15 for adults 13 and older and $5 for children ages three to 12. There are special children’s activities during the rally (children under three must remain with their parents/guardians). Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch or purchase food from area restaurants.

The Great Auditorium is located at 54 Pitman Ave., Ocean Grove. All are welcome.

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