By Dorothy K. LaMantia|Correspondent

As many took to the highways and shopping malls on the first Saturday of Advent, 250 women of all ages from the four counties of the diocese came together in St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Middletown, Dec. 7, for a full day of joy, hope, and healing in preparation for Christmas.

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Themed “Blessed and Highly Favored,”  the women’s conference highlighted the specialness of women as God’s beloved daughters, through teachings and meditations, and included a healing service, celebration of Mass and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Sponsored by the diocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal, the day was the first of what is hoped will become an annual event. 

Adriane Gullotta-Gsell, a member of Holy Cross Parish, Rumson, Catholic psychologist, third order lay Carmelite and retreat leader, uplifted her audience with her discussion of God’s love.

 “Ask the Holy Spirit what you need to let go of to keep your relationship with God strong,” Dr. Gullotta-Gsell said. “In Genesis, Adam and Eve heard a seductive voice instead of the Father’s loving voice. Be mindful that the world view leads us away from God.”

She discussed how to deal with negative emotions, bad habits and sin with an approach integrating prayer, Scripture, and behavioral strategies.  Each participant received packets containing Scriptures to turn to in difficult or painful times, relaxation techniques, and advice on managing negative emotions and communicating feelings.

A young woman simply named “Danielle” mesmerized the audience as she told of what she considered to be her fall from grace and subsequent redemption, through the intervention of her family and her own return to God.

Father Jeffrey Kegley, pastor, and diocesan liaison for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, celebrated Mass. 

In his homily, Father Kegley stressed, “You are God’s daughters, and we must be people of joy. The joy of knowing Christ transforms.  We cannot come to the throne of God alone.  We must bring someone else to know Christ.” 

Posing  a question for reflection, Father Kegley asked, “Are you a fan or a disciple of Jesus?  Fans know about Jesus, but a disciple encounters Jesus Christ and knows him, not just of him. ”

For many participants, the conference allowed precious time to gather as women of the Church, to renew themselves and restore the spiritual side of the hectic season preceding Christmas.

“What called me to this day of prayer was renewal because it is Advent.  I needed to take time to stop the rush, to give myself strength for myself and my family,” said Mary Jo Grauss,  St. Justin Church, Toms River.  “Adriane spoke to me with her words and sense of humor, and Danielle’s witness was powerful.”

Grauss’ s friend and fellow parishioner, Debbie Gries, agreed, “I came to recenter and refocus, which goes hand-in-hand with strengthening.  Hearing the speakers is exactly what I needed to bring me back to the center.”

Andrea Reynolds, St. John Baptist Church, Allentown, expressed appreciation for the Charismatic Renewal, saying “I am humbled to be part of this first women’s conference.  There is something so special about being with spirit-filled women.  It is so exciting for me as a Catholic.”