Some said it was a time of prayer and praise while others described it as a sacred place to worship and witness.

But at the end of the day, all who gathered at the Fifth Annual Charismatic Rally Sept. 25 readily agreed that the event was a catalyst for spiritual renewal and vibrant awakening.

Sponsored by the Diocese of Trenton’s Steering Committee for Charismatic Renewal and held in Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune, the rally was attended by more than 100 charismatic Catholics eager to show their devotion to the spirit of God.

The theme, “Led By the Spirit,” was chosen to not only reflect the diocese’s pastoral plan – which encourages faith sharing and spiritual growth – but also to “unfold the central topics of community, prayer, service, study and Sacraments,” according to Bob Bursley, one of the day’s coordinators.

“We are a committed group,” noted Sherry DelGado, a parishioner in Holy Innocents. “I love the movement; it is part of who I am.”

Anna Quagliato, who is new to the movement and also from Holy Innocents Parish, was quick to agree.

“I went to a Healing Mass, and it stuck with me,” she said.

The nearly 10-hour event featured talks from leaders within the movement, emotional stories of personal spiritual renewal, uplifting music and a Healing Mass.

Principal celebrant Father Jeffrey Kegley, pastor of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, and a respected leader in the movement, characterized the rally as a way for participants to return to the “heart of worship.”

“A fter all, this is what the rally is about – returning to the heart of everything through worship. When the disciples entered the Upper Room, they expected something, anticipated something. We also want that to happen,” he said. In a bold, booming voice, keynote speaker Mark Nimo, who is a representative to the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services in Rome, emphasized that God has a plan for everyone. 

“You weren’t meant to just survive or to just ‘hang in there.’ God has a plan for your life.” he said. Nimo explained that someone has to follow, to be caught, and to ultimately be possessed by the Spirit of God in order to be led by it. “That’s what we call conversion; it’s like ‘falling’ in love. You all remember what that is like,” he said.

Nimo continued with a call-to-action, instructing the audience on how to “be caught by the Spirit.” He said, “Be humble, live in the truth of who you are; accept and acknowledge that you can’t make it on your own; discover who God is and worship him; be obedient and stop your bad habits; change your attitude and forgive – even if you don’t feel like it, and finally, let go, surrender,” he concluded.

Father John Jakub, pastor of Holy Innocents Parish, delivered the day’s homily, emphasizing that people must be open to receiving God’s love. “The Holy Spirit has led us here to pray and to shed our sorrows. If we are not led by the Holy Spirit, our lives are limited. We are all called to bear fruit and to receive gifts from God. We can only receive those gifts if we surrender,” Father Jakub said.

He added, “We need to be led – in our friendships, in our professions, in our marriages, and most of all, in our faith.”

Throughout the day, worshipers were renewed and uplifted by the stirring music of Dan Dirkes, a vocalist and guitarist. Liturgical music provided an important way for group members to express the joy of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Many celebrate by raising their hands, palms up, to pay homage to God.

“Singing, chanting, intonations, and hand-raising deepen the experience. It becomes part of you and stays with you,” said Kathy Walsh of St. Rose Parish, Belmar.

Walsh characterized those who are charismatic as “expressive and embracing.” She commented, “Being charismatic – to me – is freedom. It is the freedom to love God, to be kind and loving, and to totally lose fear. It is to know joy,” Walsh declared. Similarly, during the Healing Mass, many stepped forth to touch the cloth of the altar at the invitation of Father Kegley.

Caroline Gambale-Dirkes, coordinator of LIFE TEEN of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania and a member of the National Service Committee for Chariscenter USA, spoke about the ‘Fruit of Pentecost’ and related a personal story of renewal and conversion. Gambale-Dirkes implored attendees to be bold in their faith and to take risks, speaking of a time when her faith had started to wane as a college student. She felt lost and prayed to God, believing that those prayers were answered through a couple who invited her to a parish event. Going to confession was part of it, and Gambale-Dirkes was clearly not interested at first.

“Well it turns out I did get in line. That night I was set free from lots of big sins. I remember thinking that Satan was out of my life. This was a night of reconciliation for me,” she noted.

Gambale-Dirkes continued to attend what she later realized were charismatic prayer groups and was not at all sure about “the joyful Catholics who went from vertical to horizontal.” She does, however, recall the power of their prayers. “My conversion was like boom,” Gambale-Dirkes exclaimed, “and for the first time Scripture reallyjumped out at me.”

She began speaking to others about God and was even able to guide others into a life of faith, despite the discomfort that she sometimes felt at the hands of some who did not understand.

“The ‘Fruit of Pentecost’ is the boldness to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Boldness means we are willing to take the risks of sharing our faith. Love must conquer our hearts and transform them. People want to be healed, so do not think of the risks. Share your gifts,” Gambale-Dirkes concluded.

Information on the Charismatic Renewal in the Diocese of Trenton is available on the website www.heartsaflamenj.org