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A Day of Renewal for Young Adults – 4th July 2026

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Young adults are warmly invited to a one-day Life in the Spirit Seminar on Saturday, 4th July 2026, held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Rottingdean, from 11am to 6pm.

This day is designed as a time of renewal and revival, offering an opportunity to deepen faith and encounter the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. The seminar will feature talks by Deacon Phil Richardson and Alice Hall, who will guide participants in understanding how to receive and live in the power of the Holy Spirit in everyday life.

The programme will also include prayer ministry and a reconciliation service, creating space for reflection, healing and spiritual growth.

A simple lunch will be provided.

All young adults seeking to grow in faith, be renewed in spirit, and experience God’s presence in a deeper way are encouraged to attend.

Lighthouse: A Day of Renewal in the Holy Spirit – Coming to Bexhill-on-Sea 28th November 2026

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Lighthouse Day of Renewal

“Lighthouse” is a growing initiative within the Arundel & Brighton Diocese—a day of renewal shaped by the vision of the Charismatic Renewal and rooted in prayer, worship and encounter with Jesus Christ. As we have seen in previous gatherings, Lighthouse is an invitation to be immersed in the Holy Spirit and to experience the life of the Church in a fresh and dynamic way.

Each Lighthouse gathering brings together the Catholic faithful to worship, pray and receive from the riches of the Church. At its heart, the day is simple but powerful: times of praise and worship, sound and Spirit-filled teaching, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic adoration, the celebration of Holy Mass, and opportunities for personal prayer ministry. These elements come together to create a space where people can encounter God’s love, experience healing and encouragement, and be renewed for their daily lives and mission.

Lighthouse events are deliberately open and accessible, welcoming individuals, prayer groups and parish communities alike. They reflect the deeper vision of the Charismatic Renewal: a Church alive in the Holy Spirit, rooted in the sacraments, and growing in unity, expectancy and joyful faith. In this way, Lighthouse serves not only as an event, but as a catalyst—helping to build a renewed, Spirit-filled culture within the life of the Church.

Part of the vision is also to bring this experience of renewal to different parts of the Diocese. By moving from place to place, Lighthouse invites wider participation and strengthens connections across communities. Each gathering has its own particular character, shaped by its location, theme and speakers, while remaining grounded in the same core mission: to create space for the Holy Spirit to renew hearts and strengthen the Church for mission.

We are therefore delighted to announce that the next Lighthouse event will take place on Saturday 28th November 2026 at St Martha’s Catholic Church, Bexhill-on-Sea, part of the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary. Set in this welcoming coastal community, the day will provide an opportunity for the Diocese to gather once again in prayer, worship and renewal in the Holy Spirit.

While details of the theme, speakers and full programme are still being finalised, the day will follow the familiar Lighthouse pattern of Spirit-filled worship, faithful teaching and rich sacramental life. Whether you have attended previously or this will be your first time, you are warmly invited to come and experience a day set apart for encounter with the Lord.

Please do keep the date free and watch this space for further details. Lighthouse offers a precious opportunity to step aside from the busyness of daily life, to encounter God afresh, and to be renewed in the power of the Holy Spirit—so that we may return strengthened for the life of the Church and the mission of the Gospel.

“Everything I Have is Yours” Birmingham Catholic Charismatic Conference 10th – 14th August 2026

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The Birmingham Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference is one of the key gatherings of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the UK, offering a rich opportunity for prayer, worship and spiritual renewal in the power of the Holy Spirit. Held annually in Birmingham, the conference brings together Catholics from across the country and beyond for a focused time of encounter with God.

At the heart of the conference is a simple but profound vision: to gather in praise and worship, to receive sound and Spirit-filled teaching, and to celebrate the Eucharist at the centre of daily life. Each day is structured around worship, talks from experienced local and international speakers, and the celebration of Holy Mass—“the source and summit” of the Church’s life.

The conference is deeply rooted in the life of the Catholic Church while fully embracing the grace of the Charismatic Renewal. It provides a space where the gifts of the Holy Spirit—teaching, prophecy, healing and prayer ministry—can be exercised in a way that is faithful to Catholic doctrine and open to renewal. Participants are invited not only to deepen their personal relationship with Christ, but also to experience the transforming work of the Spirit in a communal setting.

Typically held over several days, the gathering includes vibrant praise and worship, scripture-based teaching, healing services, and opportunities for personal prayer ministry. Many who attend speak of being renewed in faith, healed in heart, and strengthened in their call to mission. The conference is therefore not simply an event, but a time of spiritual formation—equipping people to live more fully as disciples in everyday life.

While clearly Catholic in identity, the conference also resonates more widely with the broader Charismatic Renewal. It reflects that same call to a Church alive in the Spirit—renewed in worship, rooted in Scripture, and united in mission. In this sense, it forms part of a larger movement of renewal that crosses historic boundaries, drawing Christians into a deeper experience of God’s love and presence.

For individuals, prayer groups, and parish communities alike, the Birmingham Conference offers a valuable time to step aside from the demands of daily life, to be refreshed in the Spirit, and to return strengthened for service in the Church and the world.

Monday 10th to Friday 14th August

St. John’s Hotel 651 Warwick Road Solihull B91 1AT

Big Church Festival 28-30 August 2026

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big church festival

Big Church Festival: A Celebration of Faith, Worship and Unity

The Big Church Festival is widely recognised as the UK’s largest Christian music festival, gathering tens of thousands of believers each year for a vibrant weekend of worship, teaching and community. Held over the August bank holiday at the beautiful Wiston Estate in West Sussex, it offers a powerful opportunity to encounter God alongside the wider Body of Christ.

Originally launched in 2009 as “Big Church Day Out,” the festival has grown into a multi-day gathering featuring a rich mix of contemporary Christian music—from worship and gospel to pop, rock and rap. Yet what makes Big Church Festival particularly significant is its deeply ecumenical character. Christians from across traditions—charismatic, evangelical, Anglican, Catholic and more—gather in a visible expression of unity, celebrating a shared faith in Christ that transcends denominational boundaries.

In this sense, the festival represents a valuable and visible dimension of the Charismatic Renewal in our time. It reflects a Church that is open to the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, expectant in worship, and increasingly conscious of its unity across traditions. Here, different streams of the Church come together—not losing their distinctiveness, but enriched through encounter, shared worship and a common hunger for God’s presence.

At its heart, Big Church Festival is far more than a music event. While the line-up consistently features leading Christian artists, the deeper purpose is to create an environment where worship becomes encounter—where praise, prayer and creativity open space for God to move. Across multiple stages, worship tents and ministry spaces, there is a strong sense of expectancy and openness to the Spirit’s leading.

The festival is also intentionally shaped around community and family life. With dedicated programmes for children and young people, alongside creative activities and places for rest and fellowship, it offers a welcoming environment for all ages. Set in the rolling landscape of the South Downs, the experience is further enriched as campsites become vibrant, temporary communities marked by joy, hospitality and shared faith.

For many, Big Church Festival is more than an annual event—it is a sign of hope. It offers a glimpse of a united, Spirit-filled Church worshipping together, and a foretaste of the renewal and unity we long to see more fully realised.

“LOVE ONE ANOTHER” Online Retreat from ADoRE 27th June 2026

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ADoRE 2026

ADoRE spiritual mini-retreat 27th June 10.00-1.00 on Zoom. “LOVE ONE ANOTHER.” Mini retreat morning Including Mass, Adoration, Praise, Prophecy, Prayer for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and inspiring talk from guest speaker Jenny Baker, National Leader of Celebrate Trust and Conferences. Register in advance at bit.ly/ADOREJUN2026 Full Details at https://www.altonrenewal.com/this_month.

On 27th June there is an opportunity to be inspired by a three hour online retreat from ADoRE on the transformative power of God’s love through the Holy Spirit. The theme this month is “LOVE ONE ANOTHER” By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35).

ADoRE leader Alastair Emblem explains: “We are very familiar with this teaching of Jesus and have no trouble agreeing with its wisdom. But, if we’re honest, the practical application of loving one another is rather more challenging!

“As Disciples of Jesus, we are called to pass on to others this “Agape” (selfless, unconditional) love that we have received from him. But we cannot do it in our own strength: it’s by the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us that we can be bearers of light to an ever-darkening world.”

These challenging but vital issues will be addressed by special guest speaker Jenny Baker, the National Leader of Celebrate Trust and Conferences. An inspiring communicator, she previously worked for Catholic Faith Exploration (CaFE) producing and presenting Catholic formation DVD resources for parishes.

The ADoRE meeting will also include live-streamed Holy 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. You can find out all about the full programme for the year – dates, topics and speakers – on our website at www.altonrenewal/2026.

We hope you can let your community know about this opportunity for spiritual renewal and formation and encourage their participation in the meeting. Please could you include the announcement below in your publicity this month? A colour picture is attached, which could be used in your publicity, The colour poster for the month and year, plus other publicity materials, can be downloaded HERE

The retreat is run by ADoRE, 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. You can find out all about the full programme for the year – dates, topics and speakers – on the website at www.altonrenewal.com/2026.

CELEBRATE Festival 15-19 August

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Come to the CELEBRATE festival – a faith-filled event for all the family!

This years theme is “Let There be Light”, and it runs from 15-19 August, at Worth School, West Sussex. Hear inspiring speakers such as Fr Roberto Pasolini (Preacher to the Pope), David Wells and Johannes Hartl, experience beautiful masses, pray in Worth Abbey, fun and formation for children and young people aged 3-24 each day of the festival, and relax in the beautiful Sussex countryside.

There are many ways you can attend, camp in our festival field, stay in school accommodation or travel each day from home.

For more information and to get your tickets visit www.celebratefestival.org.

Download CELEBRATE Pentecost Family Pack

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Celebrate Festival

Download the free family pack for PENTECOST from Catholic charity CELEBRATE. It has lots of engaging activities with things for families to do, pray, watch and read. Includes a link to the ‘Find the Flame’ Pentecost activity. Download the pack now from the CELEBRATE website https://www.celebratetrust.org/onlinefamilyactivitypacks

You might also like to print out the Pentecost ‘Find the Flame’ activity for your family to do at home? Downloadable for free from this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXmEQCaCY91HoBP2vJtnzUp4S36wlMyJ0SC6rWlG3TGHRH1w/viewform. The activity engages the whole family and encourages the children to say a simple prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Prayer Minister Training 19 July

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Prayer Ministry Training

A day of teaching, praise and worship to grow our team of prayer ministers to serve in our parishes and events across the Diocese.

The laying on of hands is a deeply biblical and sacramental gesture, rooted in the ministry of Jesus and the early Church. While it holds a formal place in the sacraments of ordination and confirmation, it also finds expression in the life of the laity—especially those called to serve in prayer ministry.

For lay Catholics, this ministry is not about assuming clerical roles, but about being instruments of Christ’s love and healing. When done with humility, discernment, and under the guidance of the Church, the laying on of hands becomes a powerful act of intercession and solidarity. It is a way of saying: You are not alone. Christ is here with you.

In the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and other prayer settings, lay people may gently place hands—often on the shoulder—while praying for healing, peace, or the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This is not a sacramental act, but a gesture of service, rooted in love for our brothers and sisters. It is always Christ who heals, consoles, and transforms; we are simply the vessels.

This ministry is about facilitating an encounter with Jesus—not through our eloquence or power, but through our faith, compassion, and willingness to be present. As St. Teresa of Ávila reminds us, “Christ has no body now but yours”

The laying on of hands becomes a visible sign of the invisible grace God longs to pour out upon His beloved children.

Open to all Catholics who wish to serve in this way!

Where: St Edward the Confessor Church in Poundhill, Crawley RH10 7EQ

When: 11am-4pm Saturday 19th July 2025

Cost: Free + remember to bring your lunch!

Registration: Email dabcdsc@gmail.com to register

2025 Worldwide Novena for a New Pentecost May 30th to June 7th

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St Elena Guerra

A driving desire in unity for a New Pentecost upon the whole world in this “Pilgrims of Hope” Jubilee Year 2025. “Let’s return to the Holy Spirit, so He would return to us” St. Elena Guerra.

The Vatican based international Charismatic Renewal Service (CHARIS) founded by the late Pope Francis is calling for everyone throughout the world, united as one heart, to pray the Novena to the Holy Spirit during this Jubilee Year, so that the world will experience a NEW PENTECOST.

There are many signs that our Lord Jesus Christ is giving us, such as great revivals in many parts of the world and we must act on this opportunity! Our Lord is calling us to claim for a great and powerful outpouring of the fire from above. “Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and with one another, let’s go forward, let’s be disciples of the Christ. The Christ precedes us. The world needs His Light. Humanity needs Him as a bridge to be reached by God, by his love” (His Holiness Leo XIV). As Pope Leo XIV asks and repeats: let’s become a bridge. In this case, let’s become a bridge for the Holy Spirit to come upon us all….to come in us and through us!

CHARIS have asked that we use the Novena of Saint Elena Guerra: “A New Cenacle”. The novena starts on Friday May 30th (the day after Ascension Thursday) and continues for 9 days to Saturday June 7th (Pentecost Vigil). You can pray the novena individually or as a group together (even using an online meeting!) – but however you pray the novena, let’s pray from the depth of our hearts, with fervour, hope, and great faith, knowing that all our novena prayers are rising to heaven and being heard.

You can read more about St Elena Guerra here: https://www.charisuk.com/post/a-new-saint-elena-guerra-apostle-of-the-holy-spirit

The Latin American bishops’ document of Aparecida No. 548 beautifully emphasises:
“We cannot waste this hour of grace. We need a new Pentecost! We need to go out to meet people, families, communities, and peoples to communicate and share the gift of the encounter with Christ, who has filled our lives with meaning, with truth and love, with joy and hope! We cannot remain quietly waiting passively in our churches, but rather we urgently need to go out in all directions to proclaim that evil and death do not have the last word, that love is stronger, that we have been freed and saved by the Easter victory of the Lord of history, that He calls us to the Church, and that He wants to multiply the number of His disciples and missionaries in building His Kingdom…”

“When You send forth your breath, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth” (Ps 104:30)

The New Cenacle: Novena to the Holy Spirit by Saint Elena Guerra

Novena_to_the_Holy_Spirit_Blessed_Elena_Guerra_UKDownload

2025 CDSC Event Schedule

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Arundel and Brighton Charismatic Service of Communion Team Supporting the Vision of CHARIS

Your A&B Charismatic Service of Communion team have some wonderful events lined up for our Diocese for the 2025 ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ Jubilee Year. You can see details of these below and this page will be kept up-dated as details are confirmed and if any changes are made.

Lighthouse Saturday 26th April

26th April Lighthouse starting 11:30am at St Edward the Confessor, Poundhill, Crawley, RH10 7EQ.

Lighthouse events are a special Day of Renewal for the A&B Diocese and rotated around the Diocese. The focus of this Lighthouse is to give thanks for and to reflect upon the Jubilee Year, and to support parishes and societies who serve the poor.

Lighthouse day of renewal for A&B

Prayer Ministry Training – Set the Captives Free

Diocesan Charismatic Prayer Group and Community Meeting 19th July at St Edward the Confessor, Poundhill, Crawley, RH10 7EQ.

A day to grow our wonderful prayer ministry team.

Come Holy Spirit

Uprising Life in the Spirit Seminar 11th and 12th October

“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 Uprising: “A generation burning for Jesus”, a powerful seminar 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.

Hosted at the University of Sussex, excellent teaching specially for 18-30s. Full details here: https://www.abcharismatic.org/uprising-a-generation-burning-for-jesus/

15th November Lighthouse

Our final Lighthouse of 2025 will be on Saturday 15th November at St Joseph’s Parish in Guildford, the site of one of the Diocesan Holy Doors. The theme has yet to be announced but will be based on “Pilgrims of Hope”. This lighthouse event will follow-on from the various Life in the Spirit Seminars held around the Diocese through 2025.