A Renewal Experience for
 
St. Thomas of Villanova Parish    

If you said "YES" to any of these questions then Christ Renews His Parish is calling you.  Even if you didn't say "YES," God might be calling you to this weekend experience!  This is a parish wide renewal and we hope everyone will attend. 

What is Christ Renews His Parish?

Christ Renew His Parish (CRHP; pronounced “Chirp”) is a process designed to bring members of our parish together in Christ. Just as all of our other commitments need renewal, so does our commitment to Christ if we're to be faithful followers. It is an excellent opportunity for Catholics to experience spiritual renewal and to strengthen their understanding of the basic beliefs and traditions of our Catholic faith.

The History of Christ Renews His Parish

CRHP began as a "renewal" weekend at Holy Family Parish in Parma, OH in 1969.

The members at Holy Family found the enthusiasm and positive response to this initial weekend overwhelming. The program exposed participants to the effectiveness of shared ministry and motivated them to build a Catholic Christian community that understood that Jesus Christ was its center. Now, over 40 years later, Holy Family has celebrated more than 80 "renewal" weekends and over 3,000 men and women from their parish have participated.

During the 1970s, news of CRHP's success in Ohio motivated other parishes throughout the United States to adopt the program. Through the 1980s, 1990s and into this century, CRHP has spread to 875 parishes, in 72 dioceses, across 32 states and has received the recommendation of the renewal office of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Today, CRHP continues to promote the development of vibrant faith communities and full service parishes by transforming the hearts of committed believers.

Here at St. Thomas of Villanova Parish the CRHP program was started in 1979.  Since that time almost 2700 men and women have attended a CRHP weekend.

Why is CRHP Important to My Faith?

Christ Renews His Parish is an effective spiritual renewal process that calls together the members of our parish -- priests, religious, and laity -- to experience spiritual growth and Catholic community in the environment of our own parish. The secret of the "what" is its simplicity.  The program is based on the basic Christian principles of evangelization, reconciliation, catechesis, initiation, formation, community, and personal vocation.

As the program manual states: "However sincere and deep our initial commitment to our faith, it requires by its very nature, continuous renewal and deepening. It must be a moment-to-moment process of saying, "yes" to God."

What's the best way to learn about CRHP? 

1. The best answer is “Experience it.”

2. But #1 may not help you get a feel for what a CRHP weekend is like. How about watching some people like you talking about their thoughts and feelings before and after their CRHP weekend? Invest 9 minutes to see a great CRHP video. You will enjoy it.
    

What CRHP is NOT:

v     It is not a silent retreat.

v     It is not a public confession.

v     It is not a pre-selected group or clique.

v     It is not an secret cult.

What Happens During the Weekend?

Come prepared to have fun and renew your heart. The weekend is conducted in a very liturgical, scriptural and prayerful atmosphere. Throughout the weekend, a number of individuals, who have volunteered, will give a personal witness to the power of Jesus Christ in their lives. Small group discussions and responses follow each presentation. During these discussions, you'll be free to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. There will be readings of scripture, time for prayer, and time set aside for personal reflection.  You and your needs and privacy will always be respected.

Sacraments are an integral part of the weekend. There will be an opportunity to go to confession and the weekend will conclude with Sunday Mass. 

Who Can Participate?

All are welcome!  The program is designed to help strengthen the St. Thomas of Villanova community. Therefore, every member of St. Thomas of Villanova over 20 years of age and anyone living in the St. Thomas of Villanova community is invited and encouraged to attend a weekend.

Christ Renews His Parish is for anyone seeking spiritual renewal. You do not have to be a spiritual person to attend the weekend. In fact many people attend because they are not as spiritual as they would like to be.  Many attend because they feel something is missing from their lives.  CRHP is an excellent opportunity for those who have stopped attending Mass, or who have lost interest in the Church, to reconnect with the parish family. All participants will be welcomed and receive unconditional acceptance.

What Time Does CRHP Begin?

The weekend will be held at St. Thomas of Villanova Rowley Activity Center.  The weekend begins Saturday morning (8 am) and ends Sunday afternoon following the Mass (approximately 4 pm).  

When Is the Next Weekend Scheduled?

Separate weekends for men and women are held once a year.   The next scheduled weekend:

• Men’s weekend: April 13-14, 2013.

Where Do I Sleep? What Should I Bring? What Should I Wear?

Answers to these and other frequently asked questions are included in FAQs page of this website.  We also have a Christ Renews His Parish Brochure that you can print for yourself. The brochure includes important information and a form to sign up for a weekend.

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?

The team and the St. Thomas of Villanova community donate their time, but we need to defray  the cost of beds, materials and food. The total cost of the weekend is $50.00, which includes a $20.00 non-refundable registration fee. If this does not fit into your budget, please do not let that stop you from attending.  Everyone is welcome!

How Do I Sign Up?

You can pick up a registration form at the Parish Office or “Sign Up” using the registration form on this web page.  You will need to print the form, fill it out, and drop it off or mail it to the Parish Office at:
     St. Thomas of Villanova,
     c/o CRHP Invitation Coord.,
     1201 E. Anderson Dr.,
     Palatine, IL 60074.

You can also contact:
     Bryan Heiser at  708-207-5460
     Joe Pagani at 847-963-1629
     John Heraty at 847-359-5854

You can print out our CRHP Brochure. This contains important information and a form to sign up for a weekend

So, What About You?  Are you ready to register?

If you’ve read this far you must be at least a little bit interested.  As previous weekend attendees and team members, we can assure you that it’s powerful stuff.  It’s a lot of fun and a great opportunity to form meaningful and lasting friendships. 

What If I’m Still Not Sure?

Say a prayer. Ask God what you should do.  We believe He wants you here.   Check out a great CRHP video. 

God Bless,

Saint Thomas of Villanova CRHP Community