Louise Barrett: What CRHP means to me

I made my CRHP weekend back in 1986, right after I joined St. Raphael's with two toddlers. It came at the perfect time for me, as I really needed a retreat and the support of other women as a mother of young children.

At the weekend CRHP Retreat, I met women who became my special friends at St. Raphael's for the past 25 years. Because of the CRHP weekend, I felt part of the Parish and learned that my Parish was a special place for me.

During the follow up after the retreat, my 54-year-old dad died unexpectedly. My CRHP sisters surrounded me with love and prayers. I will always be grateful for this very special program. It gave me so many blessings and the strength to endure the loss of my father.

I hope you have the chance to make this weekend, too.

-- Louise Barrett

The St. Raphael Catholic Church Women's CRHP Weekend will be March 10 and 11. If you would like to participate, please send an email to Jocelyn Pedalino at jocelynp619@gmail.com

The Sacrement of Confirmation -- Jan. 8

Photos by Jane Winstead

Some 34 young people of St. Raphael parish were confirmed by Bishop Robert Lynch in a Mass on January 8. Father Sherwood, Father Corona and Monsignor Caverly were concelebrants. Parents, family, friends and parishioners attended the Mass.

Holy habits for busy moms

By Julie Musselman

My dear friend Annie just asked me for ideas on Holy Habits for Moms. As we start the new year, it is good to do just one more thing to grow closer to Jesus. So here are a couple of ideas. Just pick one so you are not overwhelmed. Send me your comments and other ideas and make this into a group effort!

Read this essay on A Catholic Home Journal

Christina Winstead: What CRHP means to me

I made my first weekend in September 2005. It completely changed my life. I was not Catholic at the time and was very nervous as to what to expect.

I received so many blessings that continue to this day. I made wonderful friendships with beautiful faith filled women that will last a lifetime. St Raphael's welcomed Terry and I with open arms. We went through RCIA together following the weekend and I also gave back by sharing my journey and put on the next CRHP in March 2006.

I continue to be involved in CRHP in as many ways as I can. It is life changing and faith building. God has called me to so many ministries I feel truly blessed and wrapped up in the Holy Spirit. Life is filled with constant challenges and without my St Raphael's family and many dear friends in Christ I know I would not be where I am today.

I am thankful everyday that God led Terry and I to St. Raphael's. Our lives are fuller and richer and a lot of that is because of CRHP. I encourage everyone to make a CRHP weekend. It will change your life for the better. I know without a doubt that with God all things are truly possible.

– Christina Winstead

Heather Early: What CRHP means to me

I made my CRHP weekend in September 2010, in the hopes of strengthening my relationship with God and becoming more involved with St. Raphael’s Parish and School, but God blessed me far beyond my expectations. My entire life has changed and it all started with that one short weekend.

In the year following my CRHP weekend, I have changed careers, celebrated my First Communion and Confirmation in the Catholic faith, and made friendships that will last a lifetime. My CRHP sisters are remarkable women who are radiant with God’s love and they have opened my eyes to what a real faith community is.

My spirituality has grown more than I ever imagined and I feel closer to God than I ever believed I could. CRHP and the women involved are forever a part of my life and I am so blessed that they chose to share the amazing gifts that God has given them such an inspiring way. CRHP is an experience that I will never forget.

– Heather Early

Christmas Eve - 4 p.m. - Children's Mass

Photos by Jane Winstead

Christmas Eve - 6 p.m. Mass - Praise Band

Photos by Jane Winstead

Christmas Eve – 11 p.m. Mass - Traditional Choir

Photos by Jane Winstead

Christmas Day -- 9:30 a.m. Mass

Photos by Jane Winstead