On Saturday 1st March 2025, up to 100 individuals gathered with Fr Matt Anscombe and Caroline Sadd from Clifton Diocese at St Laurence’s Catholic Church in Cambridge. Despite many parish activities occurring concurrently, the Day of Renewal, organised by the East Anglia CDSC, began with Mass in celebration of the Feast of St David.
In the morning session, both Fr Matt and Caroline shared their experiences of how the Holy Spirit influenced their lives. Fr Matt returned to his Catholic faith and pursued a vocation to the priesthood, leading to his ordination in 2010. Caroline recounted her experiences that led to her making a ‘proper confession’ when the weight of unforgiveness was lifted. Life before ‘that day', and life after ‘that day’, are markedly different.
Caroline Sadd shared a testimony about the power of confession
Two priests were available for an hour each to hear confessions, which many attendees sought. Due to the high demand, attendees were asked to remain patient as queues lengthened, and 3 more priests began hearing confessions. Many also took the opportunity to receive prayer ministry during this time.
Fr Matt led us all to renew our baptismal promises, exposing the Blessed Sacrament for adoration for the last hour of the event. People received prayer, if desired, for a fresh outpouring of the graces of the Holy Spirit.
The praise and worship that accompanied the day was played by a group of musicians brought together for the event who, after Fr Matt had given us a final blessing, ended the day with a song of blessing based on the Aaronic Prayer from Numbers 6:24-26.
Fr Matt Anscombe speaking during the day
Feedback indicated that many felt blessed, grateful, and uplifted by the event. One participant, Maria, commented: “I felt very blessed by this powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit through the most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, confession, worship, prayer, united in He who loves us all. Thank you!”
Thank you to all who came, and all the parishioners who helped with set up or jumped in to help serve refreshments, and particular thanks goes to the priests who gave their time to come and hear confessions.
Listen to Radio Maria - English Catholic News, go to the Diocese of East Anglia website/newspaper or www.charisuk.com for information about our events. Alternatively, contact Pam Smith at renewaleastanglia@gmail.com.
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