Last weekend I had the opportunity to participate in much of the "Arkansas Holy Fire Ministries" annual convention at the Wyndham Hotel in North Little Rock. This used to be called the "Catholic Charismatic" Conference until recent times. I suspect that the change happened, sadly, because there are people who have preconceived ideas about charismatic Catholics that might keeping them from going to the conference. Personally, I have found participation in the annual conference a great blessing and a bolstering of my spiritual life and commitment to the Lord and my Catholic faith. It seems every year the conference has nationally known speakers (lay and clergy) who are fired up for the Lord and always present engaging and inspiring talks that benefit all who attend and would inspire any person of faith. It's not firstly about "knowing" Christ in terms of what he taught and did for all of humanity. It is about a "relationship" with Christ that is heartfelt and is a daily encounter with him under the inspiration the Holy Spirit. During the conference, the opportunity is given for people to come up and be "prayed over" by a priest, deacon, or lay person and in some cases some people are "overwhelmed" by an outpouring (or what is called a "Baptism of the Spirit) and find themselves falling back into the arms of "catchers". Most will tell you that they are changed by that experience in a wonderful way! Admittedly, I have not presented myself for the possibility of such an experience, but I pray I will sooner than later (maybe at an upcoming priest retreat from September 16-18 at Subiaco). What I can testify to is the reality that such people are not at all shy about participating fully in the Mass (with minds, hearts, voices and sometimes hands lifted up in praise of the Lord) which to me is a foretaste of heaven when EVERYONE will be outgoing and full of continual joy in giving praise to God. As I compose this pastor's column, I regret not sharing all of this with you weeks ago in the hopes that some might consider coming to the conference. I hope I will remember to do so next year and find some of our Sacred Heart parishioners attending. If so, some might be inspired to come back from that experience and share it at our weekend Masses. Anyone who gives a weekend's worth of their time for this or any other spiritual "retreat" from the cares and challenges of this world will not regret it and will leave "refreshed in the Lord". It might also lead to changes in priorities and relationships that will reflect a life lived more with and for the Lord (which is the best way anyone can live)!