Our 2026 online retreat programme on the transformative power of God’s love got off to a fantastic start last month with a session described by participants as:
“the most powerful and meaningful renewal meeting I have been to.”
“lovely, very inspiring and helpful… medicine for my soul.”
“extremely powerful…amazing!”
“wonderful and moving.”
On 28th February there is an opportunity for people to be inspired by the next session in the series: “JESUS – NO GREATER LOVE.” “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
ADoRE leader Alastair Emblem explains: “We are very familiar with the teaching that there is no greater love than that of Jesus who laid down his life for us. But how do we as individuals relate to Jesus in our own lives? Do we have a ‘personal relationship’ with Him through an active prayer life? Is Jesus ‘Good News’ to us? How would we describe the Jesus we know to others?”
“These challenging but vital questions will be addressed by our special guest speaker Charles Whitehead KSG, the highly respected Catholic Renewal leader. He has taught all over the world and is author of many books on Catholic Renewal. He worked with Pope St. John Paul II as Chairman of the International Catholic Charismatic Office in Rome. With his wife Sue, he founded the Celebrate conferences which have inspired countless families and young people in their faith.”
As always, there will be live-streamed Mass, Adoration, Prophecy, Praise, and Prayer for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be fanned into a flame, so that your community members can be ambassadors of love to a world that so desperately needs to know the compassion and peace of our heavenly Father. ADoRE is a monthly meeting of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, dedicated to the encouragement of a personal relationship with God, through Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Formed in 1975 in Portsmouth Diocese, it is one of the longest continually running Charismatic Days of Renewal in Britain.
“Whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” — John 4:14
You are invited into the mystery of Christ’s transforming love
As we journey through Lent and towards Easter, we’re invited evermore into the love of God. The Promise of the Father, our Life in the Spirit Seminar, is a journey over seven sessions where we can reflect on the abundance of the Father’s love and prepare for the outpouring of His Holy Spirit this Pentecost. The seminar allows us to be gently led into the presence of God, to hear His voice, and to receive the grace that He longs to give.
About The Promise of the Father
“The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” — Romans 5:5
This Life in the Spirit Seminar is wonderful experience. It helps us to move from knowing about Jesus Christ to knowing Him personally in a heartfelt, living, personal way. Each weekly session includes:
Teaching rooted in Scripture and the Church’s tradition
Inspired talk from an excellent speaker
Personal testimony
Small-group sharing and support
This is the heart of The Promise of the Father, which for 2026 is hosted from St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Redhill. The seminars begin on 14th April 2026 and the seven sessions prepare us to receive His grace more deeply and to open our hearts to the outpouring of His Holy Spirit this Pentecost. You can take part in person, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Redhill, online (using a computer or mobile phone) or from one of our many Parish Hubs spanning across the Diocese.
Who is it for?
“Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink.” — John 7:37
Wherever you are in life or in your journey of faith, this seminar is for you. Through Baptism, the Holy Spirit dwells within us and our loving Father desires to renew and deepen that grace. He longs to pour out His Holy Spirit afresh, drawing us into a deep, loving and personal relationship with Him. You don’t need to be confident in prayer or certain of your calling, you simply need to be open to the possibility that God wants to meet you and let you experience His love, personally and powerfully.
What Past Participants Have Said
“I came with doubts. I left with peace.” “I felt seen, known, and loved by God.” “It changed how I pray — and how I live.”
Many describe the seminar as a turning point a moment of clarity, healing, and renewed purpose. Most importantly this isn’t about learning; it’s about receiving the fullness of the promise our loving God has for you.
While registration for The Promise of the Father is completely free, spaces are limited and early booking is recommended.
Each session of ‘The Promise of the Father’ will bring depth, clarity, and warmth. We are very grateful to have such excellent and renowned speakers whose teaching is rooted in scripture and lived experience. They will help us hear the Word of God not just with our minds, but with our hearts.
Time and Date
Session Title
Guest Speaker
Location
7:30pm April 14th 2026
The New Eve
Fr Terry Martin
St Joseph’s Redhill
7:30pm April 21st 2026
Salvation
Dcn Phil Richardson
St Joseph’s Redhill
7:30pm April 28th 2026
A New Life
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
St Joseph’s Redhill
7:30pm May 12th 2026
Receiving The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Michelle Moran
St Joseph’s Redhill
7:30pm May 19th 2026
Mission
Fr Raymond Tumba
St Joseph’s Redhill
6pm May 23rd 2026
Pentecost Vigil
Celebratory Mass with Laying on of Hands
Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, West Grindstead
7:30pm June 2nd 2026
A New Creation
The A&B CDSC Team
St Joseph’s Redhill
There is a special Mass at the Catholic shine of Our Lady of Consolation at West Grinstead on the eve of Pentecost (23rd May at 6pm) for all course participants, where there will be prayers and laying on of hands for the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Don’t Delay Take This Personal Invitation and Receive
“And [behold] I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” — Luke 24:29
Whether you join us in Redhill, from home, or from a Parish Hub, we look forward to welcoming you into this time of renewal. Come and receive the Promise of the Father the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out in love.
A Personal Testimony
Testimonies of personal faith journeys are an important part of The Promise of the Father. Margaret McGettrick’s personal testimony is below.
This is Great, How do I Register?
The course is completely free and registration for The Promise of the Father 2026 is now open. It is recommended that you book early to avoid disappointment as places both at St Joseph’s in Redhill and Online are limited. To register please complete the booking form linked below.
Please contact dabcdsc@gmail.com if you have any questions or need support to register.
Whether you join us in person at Redhill or online from home or as part of a Parish hub, we look forward to welcoming you to a life‑changing encounter with the Holy Spirit.
Parish Hubs
We are inviting parishes across Arundel and Brighton to form Parish Hubs to take part in the Promise of the Father seminars as a community from their local church.
So far we are aware of Hubs forming in the following locations:
Bexhill
Lingfield/East Grinstead
Worthing
Uckfield
As more Parish Hubs are identified the list will be updated. Please let us know if you’d like to host a Parish Hub. Email: dabcdsc@gmail.com
We are very sorry to say that Revival: Rising in Faith – Sent in Mission has been cancelled. The CDSC team are discerning whether to host a future similar event and we will post all details of future similar events on this website.
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” John 10:10
Have you ever felt that pull inside you? — the sense that you were made for something more?
We invite you to Revival: “Rising in Faith – Sent in Mission”, a powerful weekend where you will be equipped to live the miraculous life Jesus promised. This is your invitation to walk boldly in the power of the Holy Spirit, to bring healing where there is brokenness, hope where there is despair, and light into the deepest darkness.
You were never meant for an ordinary life. You were called to move in the same miracles Jesus did — to heal the sick, to raise the broken, to set captives free. At this seminar, you will be set ablaze by the Holy Spirit, and you will learn how unleash that fire upon a world desperate for truth and love.
The world’s economy trades in wealth and fame, but the Economy of Heaven trades in the salvation of souls — you have been entrusted with the most precious currency of all – Love. Every life you touch, every soul you lead to the light, builds the Kingdom of God here on Earth. Heaven grows when hearts are set free, and you are being invited into this glorious work.
This is not just an event. It’s a commissioning. A launching. A moment that could define the rest of your life.
Jesus is calling. Will you answer?
Attendee Information and Guidance
We are looking forward to welcoming you at Uprising, below are some essential details to help you be prepared for the weekend.
Dates: Saturday 28th February – Sunday 1st March 2026 Venue: The Meeting House, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RH Audience: Open to all young people and students (18–30s) across the UK Cost: Free to attend (donations welcome). Catering: Tea and coffee, refreshments through-out the weekend and an evening meal on Saturday. If you require additional food available this is available on site at cost.
Further Information and Guidance
Accommodation Attendees should book their own accommodation in Brighton for: (Optional) Friday night (27th February) – for the Saturday 10:30 AM start and/or Saturday night (28th February).
Where can I stay nearby? Budget hotels in Brighton or Falmer: OYO Ruby Pub & Hotel – 1.7 km from AMEX Stadium; clean, good location Leonardo Hotel Brighton – near Brighton Station; modern and spacious Ibis Brighton City Centre – great location, good value The Southern Belle – boutique stay near the seafront A Room With A View – sea views in Kemp Town Strawberry Fields – clean and budget-friendly in central Brighton
🚗 Travel & Parking
The University of Sussex campus is accessible via train (Falmer Station) and bus. Paid car parking is available on-site. Car sharing is encouraged — we can help connect you with others
🍽️ Food
In addition to the meals provided by our supporters, additional meals and snacks will be available to buy on-site. You’re welcome to bring your own food.
🔥 What to Bring
Bible and a notebook Water bottle Travelcard/train fare (if applicable) Money for additional food or drinks A heart ready to receive and be sent
❓ FAQs
Do I have to be Catholic? Not at all. Uprising is grounded in Catholic tradition but open to anyone longing for more of the Holy Spirit.
Is it really free? Yes. All sessions and ministry are free and donations have been received to support us.
Can I only attend part of the weekend? You’re encouraged to experience the whole seminar. If not possible, get in touch.
I don’t know anyone — is that OK? Absolutely. You’ll meet others from around the UK — this weekend is all about connection.
Do I have to register? Yes! Registration is essential so we can prepare space, food, and team support. The link is above.
Is car parking available? Yes, paid parking is available on campus at the University of Sussex.
Help promote and raise funds for Revival
We want Uprising to be freely available for every 18-30 from across the UK. You can play your part by promoting locally, in your church, parish, diocese and local catholic youth groups, Universities and Colleges.
Revival: Rising in Faith – Sent in Mission “Revival” is a transformational weekend for Young adults (ages 18–30) on 28th February – 1st March 2026 at the University of Sussex. It is a powerful seminar to equip all who attend to live the miraculous life Jesus promised. Pope Benedict said at World Youth day 2009, “Let yourselves be guided by the Holy Spirit to be the leaven of new life, salt of the earth and light of the world.” Uprising is a response to that call — a time of Eucharistic worship, dynamic teaching, and Spirit-led prayer, forming young people as missionary disciples for today’s world. The weekend is free. If you’re aged 18–30 or know someone who is, register at: https://www.abcharismatic.org/revival-rising-in-faith-sent-in-mission/
An evening of powerful praise and worship, adoration and prayer ministry and encounter with the Living God. Come expecting miracles, healings and breakthroughs as we lift up the name of Jesus. On this “all hallows eve” night we gather to shine His light and to declare victory over darkness.
October 31st 7pm-10pm at St Mary Magdalen Church, 55 Upper North Street, Brighton. BN1 3FH.
Lighthouse is a day of renewal for the A&B Diocese brought to you by your Charismatic Diocesan Service of Communion (CDSC) team. Lighthouse is for the Catholic faithful to worship together, receive the sacrament of reconciliation, be inspired by excellent teaching, be immersed in the Holy Spirit and receive prayer ministry from our experienced and gifted prayer ministry teams and to meet friends both old and new.
We are excited to bring you the next Lighthouse event from Guildford on the 15th November 2025, starting 10:30am, at the wonderful St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Guildford. Doors will open at 10:00am. The theme for the day is “Pilgrims of Hope: Love that Builds Bridges” and we will explore this topic with talks from excellent speakers, including Charles Whitehead and Kristina Cooper.
The day includes prayerful praise and worship, prayer ministry for healing or other intentions with our experienced prayer ministry team, the sacrament of reconciliation, adoration, holy Mass and also you can gain the indulgences of the Holy Door in a Jubilee year. Please remember to bring your lunch and there is time scheduled for us to eat lunch together. Lighthouse will end around 4:30pm.
Our Lighthouse Days of Renewal are Holy Spirit filled events for the whole Catholic community across A&B. Join us on the day, tell your family and friends, and please share details of this event in your parish newsletter, place the poster on your Church notice boards (of course with agreement from your priest!) and spread the exciting news across everyone you know. Let’s together demonstrate “Love that Builds Bridges” in this Jubilee year and let the Holy Spirit fall afresh in abundance, and renew our Church in this Jubilee Year of grace.
Full address of the venue is: St Joseph’s Church, 12 Eastgate Gardens, Guildford, GU1 4AZ.
Travel and Parking
There are two paid for car parks close to the church. One is underneath the church, the address for navigation is 3 Denmark Rd, Guildford GU1 4AZ the other is G Live Car Park, 16 Dene Rd, Guildford GU1 4DB.
Guildford train station is a 17 minute walk from the Church and is served by trains from London Waterloo, Woking, Epsom, Portsmouth Harbour, Haslemere, Farnham, Reading and Gatwick Airport.
If you have any questions please contact the CDSC team via email: dabcdsc@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you in Guildford!
Celebrate Festival: A Catholic festival for all the family
Join CELEBRATE in the beautiful Sussex countryside for a relaxed faith filled festival situated around our big top! Inspirational Speakers. Have your faith renewed and inspired through talks and breakout sessions. Great groups for Children and Young People. Make friends and experience the gospel in relevant and dynamic ways. Masses and worship. Encounter the presence of God in beautiful Eucharists and anointed worship. Prayer. Spend time in Worth’s beautiful Abbey and also have the opportunity to receive prayer. Fun and fellowship. Get to know others over tea, coffee or a glass of wine and fun family activities. Come and camp in our festival field, or book into residential school accommodation -> Weekend and Day tickets available!
Details: 16 – 20 August 2025, Worth School, West Sussex
Final call for bookings by midnight 9th August. More details and to book: Link
Stop Press: Pope Francis’ funeral will be screened in the Church from just after 10:00am. You are welcome to come along early if you wanted to watch the service immediately before we start Lighthouse at 11:30am.
Be a Pilgrim of Hope and join us for our Divine Mercy Lighthouse marking a Year of Jubilee—a time of grace, celebration, and renewal. Lighthouse is more than just a series of events; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with our faith, to grow as a community, to receive the blessings God has in store for us and to meet friends both old and new.
On Saturday, 26th April, gather with us at St Edward the Confessor Church, Crawley, for a day of teaching, worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. The theme is, “Proclaim the Lord’s Year of Favour” (Isaiah 61:2) and we’ll reflect on what it means to live as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’—a calling that’s especially significant in this Jubilee year.
Dive deep into the grace and mission of this sacred year through uplifting talks by exceptional speakers, including the wonderful Fr Raymond Tumba and a special message from Ross Powell, Together, we’ll worship, receive the sacrament of reconciliation, and pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us, our diocese and beyond.
The day culminates in the Vigil Mass for Divine Mercy Sunday (5:00–6:00pm)—a moment to embrace God’s abundant mercy and love.
Lighthouse is your chance to rekindle your faith and reignite hope. It’s a space where you can encounter God’s presence, find healing, and draw strength from a supportive community. By coming together, we not only renew ourselves but also become a light for others, carrying forward the mission of our faith.
How You Can Help
Spread the Word: Share this event in your parish newsletter (see newsletter entry text below) and display the event poster (linked below) on your church noticeboard (with your priest’s approval!).
Invite Others: Be a ‘Pilgrim of Hope’ and invite your friends, family, and anyone seeking renewal.
Get Involved: If your group or community has something wonderful to share, why not get in contact so that you can showcase your work? Let’s celebrate the many ways God is working through us.
Pray, pray, pray: Join us in praying for the Charismatic renewal, our CDSC team, our Pope, Bishop Richard, Priests and our diocese and for the Holy Spirit to move in powerful ways across A&B.
Let Lighthouse be the beacon that guides you closer to God this Jubilee year. We can’t wait to see you there.
At A Glance Event Details
Date: Saturday, 26th April, 2025 Venue: St Edward the Confessor Church, Hillcrest Cl, Pound Hill, Crawley RH10 7EQ Time: Doors open at 11am; event starts at 11:30am By Car: Parking is at the venue and also at Worth Corner Business Park, Turners Hill Road, Pound Hill. RH10 7SL By Rail: If you choose to come by train, the church is a 20 minute walk from Three Bridges Railway station. Route details here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/51KafxJXyi6JeMfS7
How to Promote Lighthouse
Parish Newsletter Entry Illuminate your life in Christ with “Lighthouse” Saturday 26th April 11:30am in Crawley. Join us on Saturday, 26th April at 11:30am in St Edward the Confessor Church, Crawley (RH10 7EQ) for Lighthouse, a day of renewal, worship, teaching, and fellowship. Explore “Proclaim the Lord’s Year of Favour” (Isaiah 61:2) and grow as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ in this Jubilee year. Highlights include; uplifting teaching and prayer ministry, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and ending with a Vigil Mass for Divine Mercy Sunday. Doors open at 11am—don’t forget your packed lunch! Drinks and snacks will be available. Find details at abcharismatic.org.
Poster A downloadable poster for you to share in your parishes and with your friends: Lighthouse260425poster
Contact Us: For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the A&B CDSC Team via email dabcdsc@gmail.com.
ADoRE (Alton Day of Renewal) is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year and launches a special Jubilee programme on 25th January with a meeting on Zoom, open to anyone. ADoRE is a monthly meeting of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, dedicated to the encouragement of a personal relationship with God, through Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Formed in 1975 in Portsmouth Diocese, it is one of the longest continually running Charismatic Days of Renewal in Britain.
ADoRE Leader Alastair Emblem explains: “Our Jubilee programme for the year shares the same theme as the Universal Church: ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ Monthly themes will reflect various aspects of the Christian Pilgrimage of Faith, with a particular emphasis on joy in the blessings and gifts of the Holy Spirit for revitalising the Church. “In the first meeting on 25th January ‘Jesus is the Way,’ we remind ourselves of the importance of following His call to follow Him on the Pilgrimage of Faith. Guest speaker is Daniella Stephens, a young and dynamic Catholic Evangelist who travels the UK and abroad speaking at churches, schools, conferences, retreats, prayer groups, youth groups and more.”
As well as the inspiring talk, there will be live-streamed Mass and Adoration, Prophecy, Praise, and Prayer for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The free retreat morning takes place on Zoom from 10.00am to 1.00pm and advance registration is required at bit.ly/ADOREJAN2025 More information at www.altonrenewal.com
Alastair continues: “We are delighted to have received an encouraging message, in our special year of Jubilee, from Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household 1980-2024. Part of his message reads as follows: ‘I want to congratulate you for your 50 years of faithfulness to the Holy Spirit and the current of grace of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal…. I will pray the Risen Lord to pour down his Spirit in a new powerful way upon the speakers and the participants to the programme.’. “The Cardinal’s prayer will be a powerful support for our programme, and we are confident, in this year of Hope, that many new participants will join our meetings and be blessed by the Holy Spirit.”
Our A&B Diocese are hosting an event organised by Rethinking Abortion, a national pro-life organisation.
In the midst of the challenging experience faced by many women in today’s world, Rethinking Abortion will be providing educational sessions looking at the lived experiences and reality of women that led them to facing the lonely choice of abortion.
The aim is to help build an understanding on how to tactfully and empathetically talk about abortion with those around you in a meaningful way. Come along to build a better understanding of the full reality of the pro-life agenda, becoming more articulate and effective in holding conversations with those considering this pathway.
We will begin our day with an optional Mass at 10.00am, followed by discussion and talks on how we can accompany people in their time of need. Please bring a packed lunch.
There is one fear that unites almost everyone in our parishes – the thought of talking to someone about our faith! It’s easy to make many excuses for not doing so, maintaining that our actions speak louder than words. It’s true that we should witness through the way we live, but it’s also vital that we follow St Peter’s advice: “if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Pet 3:15)
On November 23rd there is an opportunity to participate in a free mini-retreat morning that will explore in more depth why and how we can be effective witnesses through sharing our own testimonies. This meeting on Zoom, “YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESSES – giving your testimony in the power of the Holy Spirit” is hosted by “ADoRE” one of the longest-running charismatic days of renewal in the country.
“The key to overcoming our fear and our inadequacy in witnessing,” says the retreat organiser Alastair Emblem, “is to understand fully what Jesus said to his followers immediately before he told them to be his witnesses: ‘you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.’ The purpose of this and all ADoRE retreats is to encourage participants to open their hearts to the action of the Holy Spirit, who transforms us and gives us the courage and ability to carry out God’s commands.”
The retreat includes Mass, Adoration, Praise and Worship, inspired Teaching and Prayer for all participants to foster the presence of the Holy Spirit in them. It is the conclusion of the 2024 ADoRE programme developing our understanding and appreciation of how we are to respond to God’s call to holiness; co-operating with the Holy Spirit as He transforms our lives so that we can be inspired and equipped to help others.
The main talk is given by Allegra Mutanda, Director of Evangelisation and Leadership at St Peter’s Winchester, where she is helping the parish fulfil its vision of bringing people closer to Jesus Christ in hope and joy.
The free retreat morning takes place on Zoom from 10.00am to 1.00pm and advance registration is required. Please register at bit.ly/ADORENOV2024 More information at www.altonrenewal.com
People from all over the country (and beyond) have been joining the ADoRE mini-retreat Zoom mornings over the last four years and thoroughly enjoying them. Here is what two recent participants said about ADoRE:
“The whole experience of the meeting is very comforting and keeps me feeling alive and well in the Spirit.”
“I genuinely feel that these meetings help me to change my life.”
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
We hope and pray that you can attend and can also forward this email and the attached poster to publicise the event.
Alastair Emblem
Core Group Leader,
ADoRE
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