“It’s almost like a Catholic family gathering,” principal celebrant Father Jeffrey Kegley said before the concluding Mass.

The 13th annual Catholic Tent Revival, hosted by Good News International, took place on the grounds of St. Veronica Parish, Howell, June 21-23.

Complete with dynamic speakers, uplifting music, vendors, entertainment for children and, of course, Catholic fellowship, the revival lived up to the expectations of the hundreds who attended each evening, despite the gloomy weather.

“I think it’s a great atmosphere for fellowship,” Kait McCarthy, a recent graduate of The College of New Jersey, said. Beginning next year, McCarthy will serve as the youth minister for St. Veronica Parish.

“It’s just part of my summer,” she said, adding that it has been an annual tradition for her since 2004.

Raising Catholic Children

Attending and speaking at his first revival was Dr. Ray Guarendi, renowned Catholic clinical family psychologist, who presented parents and families with tips on how to raise children well, and in a Catholic way.

“If you want to raise a “1 in 100” kid, you have to be a “1 in 100” parent,” he said.

The father of 10 adopted children used humor to keep the audience involved, but delivered advice on serious issues aimed at “giving parents and grandparents the backbone to raise their kids counter-culturally.”

“The strongest-willed of my children is not stronger-willed than their mother,” he said when discussing the need for discipline when raising children.

He cautioned parents not to rely too heavily on what the “experts” tell them to do when raising children. “What you value in a child is much different than what 99 percent of the experts value in a child,” he said. “The experts don’t value humility as (something) to instill in a child.”

Guarendi also warned parents that if they failed to discipline their children, someone else would, whether it is a boss, a police officer, or, as he added jokingly, their spouse.

Every Day Evangelists

Also present for the first time was Jim Murphy, an evangelist who once walked across the country carrying a cross to spread the message of Jesus. Murphy encouraged and empowered those gathered under the tent to act as evangelists to the people they encounter in everyday life.

“Wouldn’t it be great, my friends,” he said, “if souls turned back to God because you and I had a change of attitude?”

He also reminded the packed gathering that even their actions could have a positive and evangelizing affect on others. “We have to be careful that our character matches our message,” he said. “You are credible witnesses to the Gospel.”

Father Bill Halbing, pastor of St. Antoninus Parish, Newark, and an annual favorite, also returned to build the spirit of revival among participants. According to Kate Ramirez of Good News International, Father Halbing prayed over the audience until almost 11 p.m.

“You don’t see Catholic faith like that (often),” Ramirez said.

Before the revival even began, though, parishioners and guests enjoyed a concert featuring Tony Melendez. Born without arms, Melendez plays the guitar using his feet. After playing guitar for Pope John Paul II in 1987, the pope kissed him in appreciation, expressing his hopes that Melendez would continue to spread the message of hope to others.

Grand Opening

Ever since, Melendez has performed across the country and around the world, including prior tent revivals at St. Veronica Parish.

“For a while, I thought I would have to call Noah to come out and help us get here,” Melendez said, poking fun at the weather at the beginning of his concert.

However, from that point on the audience was awed by an evening of soothing and uplifting music, combined with talented vocals, insightful lyrics, and personal stories from Melendez’ early life and the many struggles he faced.

“The message is hope,” he said. “I hope (those gathered) can feel a sense of God in their lives.”

Father G. Scott Shaffer, pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, also played clarinet. “I’ll keep going until people get tired of hearing me,” he said.

Father Charles L. Griffiths, parochial vicar of St. Veronica Parish, commented that the event was appropriate for the start of the three-day event. “It puts people in the mood for the revival,” he said.

Miguel Troncoso, a St. Veronica parishioner, saw the message of hope conveyed by Melendez. “Anything is possible,” he said. “Anything, through God, is possible.”

Something for Everyone

The live band, “Refuge,” which is based in the Diocese of Metuchen, provided the soundtrack for the revival. All of its members are part of the same family, and travel to different events to provide praise and worship music.

“It’s great to worship the Lord, no matter where I am, especially here,” Pete Maszczak, one of the band’s leaders, said. “This is holy ground.”

Even the children’s entertainment had a religious message. The Master’s Clowns of Red Bank passed along lessons of tolerance and acceptance. Marlaine Reicharet, aka “Dusty,” said that they perform there every year to help “get the word of God out to the kids.”

The diocesan Office of Respect Life was also present to provide literature and answer questions of those in attendance.

“We’re hoping to raise awareness of the sacredness of life,” Hubert Mador, who sits on the diocesan Respect Life Committee, said.

New this year was the “Good News Grill,” which offered affordable food for families to enjoy.

The revival ended with a Mass celebrated by Father Jeffrey Kegley, pastor of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, and Father Cesar Rubiano, secretary and master of ceremonies to Bishop John M. Smith, along with clergy from St. Veronica Parish.

The date was especially fitting, as it was the vigil of the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, who most consider the greatest and first evangelist.

“Our witness must be like John the Baptist’s,” Father Kegley said during his homily.

Father Brendan Williams, St. Veronica pastor, expressed gratitude to all who attended, both members of his congregation and guests, some of whom traveled long distances to attend the revival.

“I know I would not have the Holy Spirit (here) without you,” he said.