Frequently Asked Questions

What is CRHP?

Christ Renews His Parish is a spiritual renewal weekend designed to help individuals grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and with others in their faith community.  It is an excellent opportunity for Catholics to renew their understanding of the basic beliefs and traditions of their faith.

How long has CRHP been around?

CRHP was started in 1969.  It was recommended by the renewal office of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as the primary instrument of personal and parish renewal for Catholic parishes in the United States and in Italy.

What happens on the retreat?

During the weekend you will listen to a number of individuals who have volunteered to give a personal witness to the power of Jesus Christ in their lives.  Group discussions and responses follow each presentation.  There will be readings of scripture, time for prayer, and time set aside for personal reflection.

Sacraments are an integral part of the weekend.  There will be an opportunity to go to confession and the weekend will conclude with a private Mass.  All experiences shared on the weekend are confidential unless otherwise expressed by the participants.

Who may attend?

All members of St. Raphael's parish are welcome!  Christ Renews His Parish is for anyone seeking spiritual renewal.  You do not have to be a spiritual person to attend the retreat.  In fact many people attend because they are not as spiritual as they would like.  Many attend because they feel something is missing from their lives.  All participants will be welcomed and receive unconditional acceptance.

Where and when is the retreat held?

The women’s and men’s weekends will take place at St. Raphael and are usually held on the last weekend in February and first weekend in March. 

How long does the retreat last?

Both groups come together on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. and end the day around 9:00 p.m.  After retiring at home, participants gather again Sunday morning - women at 7:00 am and the men at 8:00 am.  The retreat is over that day at 2:00 pm for the men's retreat and 2:30 - 3:00 pm for the women's.   

Will I have to get up and talk?

Other than a brief initial introduction you will not have to get up and talk in front of others unless you want to.  The weekend is structured around talks given by previous CRHP participants.  Group discussions and activities take place after each talk.  Weekend participants are usually broken up into tables of 5-6 people.  Most in-depth discussions take place amongst your own table.  You are free to share as much or as little as you are comfortable with.

Who conducts the weekend?

The CRHP weekend is conducted by parishioners who have already experienced the weekend and who have met, prayed, and prepared for the experience to be memorable and uplifting.

What about meals?

You will be pampered with great meals while on the weekend.  There will be many breaks throughout the weekend with snacks and drinks provided.  If you have special diet requirements please let us know when you register and every attempt will be made to accommodate your needs.

How much does it cost?

There is no charge for attending the weekend!  The weekend is put on by previous members of the CRHP program and St. Raphael leadership fully supports this renewal process.

So what about you?

Say a prayer.  Ask God what you should do. I think He wants you here.  Don’t you?