Do any of you know anything about CHRP (Christ Renews His Parish)? My pastor has been persuaded by some of our members who now mostly now attend Latin Catholic parishes, that we need this program. I'm a little skeptical about an Orthodox parish adopting a Catholic program. I'd like to propose something Eastern Orthodox or even Eastern Catholic instead. Any suggestions?

Trusting in Christ's Inextinguishable Light,
Sub-Deacon Lazarus

What about the Theosis/Antioch program of the Melkite Church?
http://www.melkite.org/OES-Programs.htm

I link Pani Rose's suggestion...

But here are a few thoughts that I have run across. It seems very positive:

http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=221318

http://www.archindy.org/evangelization/crhp.html

BTW, you have members of your Orthodox Church who attend the Latin Catholic Church?

Curious...

Fr. Deacon Daniel

I am Catholic of the Latin Rite, so I may not necessarily be providing an answer from the direction you are seeking. I went through the CHRPs program and found it to be very rewarding. My wife also had the same experience with the women's group. I think I came away with a much deeper affection and appreciation of the the church's traditions. I also felt it helped "purge" some long held disagreements or misunderstandings with the church. I am not a "Cradle Catholic" but converted about 30 yrs ago. Being able to be with a group of individuals who joined the church as adults along with those who are life-long Catholics helped me broaden my understanding.

I believe the main purpose of CHRPs is to draw you closer to your faith as well as to better know your fellow parishoners. I really don't think it would be difficult to adapt to the practice to your particular Rite. The presentation is largely put on by lay people within the church but does involve the parish priest at various times throughout the retreat weekend(particularly those concerning penance and the Eucharist). The parish priest should provide oversight and in many parishes serves as the Spiritual Director.

Those individuals presenting the weekend basically gave a witness concerning a particular segment of the program such as confession, the Eucharist, Prayer, etc. Once completing the weekend the participants are asked if they wish to become involved and host the next retreat weekend for their parish.

No one is pressured to participate. Men are in one group and women are in another and do not share the same weekend. It is good to see that you are researching involvement before jumping in. Although I think it has proved to be a worthwhile program for us, you need to decide if it is right for your parish.

Hope things go well for you.