There’s a lot of misunderstanding about Prophecy: the popular image is that it’s all about dire predictions of the end of the world. But, as Pope Benedict XVI wrote: “It should be kept in mind that prophecy in the biblical sense does not mean to predict the future but to explain the will of God for the present, and therefore show the right path to take for the future.” (Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini 2010)
On September 21st there is an opportunity to participate in a free retreat that will explore in more depth how we can ask the Holy Spirit to stir up in us the gift of Prophecy, for the encouragement and comforting of God’s people. This meeting is hosted by “ADoRE” one of the longest-running charismatic days of renewal in the country.
The session includes Mass, Adoration, Praise and Worship, inspired Teaching and Prayer for all participants to develop Prophecy and other charisms of the Holy Spirit. It is part of the 2024 ADoRE programme encouraging us to respond to God’s call to holiness; co-operating with the Holy Spirit as He inspires and empowers us to love and help our neighbour.
“Prophecy is a seriously undervalued ministry in the Catholic Church,” said ADoRE Leader Alastair Emblem. “Pope Francis has consistently encouraged this gift of the Holy Spirit. Last year he said that we are all called to be modern-day prophets who guide others to see the Holy Spirit at work in everyday life. (Angelus St. Peter’s Square July 2 ,2023)
“We at Alton Day of Renewal have been guiding people to the Holy Spirit for the last 49 years at our monthly Days of Renewal, and we invite people from across the country to find out more at what promises to be an exciting session.”
The retreat day takes place at St. Dunstan’s Church in Woking, Surrey from 10.00am to 3.00pm. The main talk is given by Geoff Poulter, former Director of the Catholic Bible School, who has a powerful ministry of Prophecy and Healing. This is one of only two in-person meetings this year, as ADoRE sessions now take place mostly on Zoom, since Covid forced them online four years ago. Over this time, monthly meeting attendance has risen to as many as 150 from all parts of the UK and overseas.
The live format means there will also be opportunity for individual face-to-face Prayer Ministry in the afternoon., when people can receive prayer for spiritual renewal or healing from experienced lay ministers. There is no charge for attendance but donations will be welcome. Attendees should bring a picnic for lunch. Those unable to attend in person can view the Mass, Praise and Talk by live-stream, with no need for advance registration.
Supplementary information
This is part of ADoRE’s monthly Zoom course to inspire Catholics to respond to God’s call “Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Leviticus 20:7). Details of the year’s programme can be found at www.altonrenewal.com/2024. There is also a wide range of free information, resources and other videos on the website, explaining many aspects of renewal in the Holy Spirit.
People from all over the country have been joining the ADoRE mini-retreat Zoom mornings over the last four years and thoroughly enjoying them. Here is what a recent participant said about ADoRE:
“It was an extraordinarily powerful and anointed morning – every component beautifully flowed resulting in what seemed such an elevated experience.”
ADoRE (Alton Day of Renewal) is a monthly meeting of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Formed in 1975, it is now one of the longest continually running Charismatic Days of Renewal in Britain, dedicated to the encouragement of a personal relationship with God, through Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
It is affiliated with CHARIS, an international body established by Pope Francis in 2019 to support all those working to share the current of grace which is the charismatic renewal. “Charismatic Renewal is a great force at the service of the proclamation of the Gospel, in the joy of the Holy Spirit.” – Pope Francis June 2014
