More than 7,000 people of all ages from all over the country and overseas are expected to attend the annual SCRC Catholic Renewal Convention “One Body, One Spirit,” at the Anaheim Convention Center.The Sept. 2-4 conference opens with a morning general assembly followed by workshops and a free night concert in the Arena, open to the public. Archbishop José Gomez will preside at the closing Mass Sept. 4 at 2:30 p.m.Marking its 40th anniversary, a slideshow presentation will offer a quick journey through the history of the Southern California Renewal Communities (SCRC), started in 1972 at Loyola Marymount University by a prayer group that was commissioned by Archbishop Timothy Manning to pastor prayer groups throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.Highlights of this year’s event include the journey of Sister Rosalind Moss, a Jewish woman who later became an Evangelical Christian and finally found her roots in Catholicism, founding the Daughters of Mary, Mothers of Israel’s Hope in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “From Judaism to the Fullness of Christ” will be presented Sept. 2, 2:30 p.m.Another conversion story is that of Deacon Alex J. Jones, a former Pentecostal preacher who 10 years ago converted to Catholicism together with more than 50 members of his former church in Michigan. He will address “The Challenge of Evangelization” on Sept. 4, 9:30 a.m.Hailing from Singapore will be Redemptorist Father Gino Henriques, international director of evangelization 2033, who will share his experience on moving forward as Jesus’ disciple and how to use the “God-given gift of prayer” (Sept. 4, 11 a.m.).Marianist Father George Montague, teacher at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and author of several spiritual books, will present workshops each day on topics including the importance of “moving in the gifts” of the Holy Spirit and St. Paul’s vision of the Church. Following on a tradition, the convention includes a children’s program where kids will have a hands-on experience of the Scriptures through live music, skits and arts and crafts, plus individual prayer. During the three-day Teen Conference, adolescents (grades 6-12) will be exposed to “spirit-filled” workshops designed to help them discover new ways of living their relationship with God. A Young Adult portion of the conference, with workshops tailored for people ages 18-39, will respond to those who question their faith, said event manager Barbara Lambert. Both events will run parallel to the convention.Intercessory prayer sessions in Vietnamese, Indonesian and Spanish will be available during meal times. Nearly 100 exhibitors have signed up for the event.Established as a non-profit organization in 1972, SCRC seeks to provide teaching, communication and guidance in bringing Charismatic Renewal to the Church. From the prayer group started four decades ago, the convention has grown into the largest event of its kind in the United States.By the end of this year’s convention, “we want people to leave with a renewed hope and spirit,” Lambert said, “with a stronger connection to Jesus as their personal Lord.”For more information about the SCRC Convention, visit www.scrc.org, call (818) 771-1361 or email [email protected]. Online registration ends Sept. 2 at 5 a.m. On-site registration will be available the three days at Hall A. All Arena liturgies are open to the public.{gallery width=100 height=100}gallery/2011/0826/scrc/{/gallery}
