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 Reflections of the RICM Renewal Weekend at Montfort,
Bay
Shore, Long Island
by
Deborah Santos
Renewal, Renew.....
Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
"But they that wail upon the
Lord shall RENEW their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk but not faint."
"Renew" as it is used in
this verse translated in Hebrew "Chalaph" (khal-af) meaning: To slide by,
to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change: abolish, alter,
change, cut off, go on forward, grow up. . .
Psalm 22:3 (KJV)
"But thou are HOLY. O thou
that inhabitest (sits down among) THE PRAISES of Israel."
"Praises" as it is used here
translates in Hebrew "Halal" (Haw-lal) meaning: To be clear, to shine, to
make a show, to be foolish (clamorously), to rave, to celebrate.
Sums up an RICM weekend!
I do not know how to begin
to describe all that God has done in me through the ministry of RICM. This
past weekend I loved singing the praises (to be foolish - clamorously). I
had some unfinished business that God brought to light (spring up); fears
that he (abolished), demons that were (cut off) so I could finally move
(forward) and (grow up).
I prepared my daughter,
Kelly (15 yrs.), that she may see some people do strange things, but to be
assured that God was in it. . .little did I know I would be the one having
a deliverance (alter, change) and Kelly would be a witness to God's
incredible healing power. How awesome is he? How wonderful is my God to
allow me to see my child receive the gift of tongues as tears flowed down
her face; and how blessed am I to see her arms up, reaching to the
heavens, as she (shines) praises her God? No words can say how grateful I
am that God love us so much that he has put in the heart of RICM to have
weekends for us all to be RENEWED, so we can PASS ON the agape love and
not grow faint.
Clamorously means, by the
way, "stuns with noise". . .Yep, sums up an RICM weekend. (I'll be the
priests upstairs were "stunned by noise" during my, ah, rather loud
healing).
Many blessings to you all,
Deborah
 A Reflection on the
February 05 Renewal Weekend at Montfort
by Kelly Santos
The
first time I ever heard of RICM weekends, it was from my mother when I was
very little. And I always remembered that when she came back, she was
always in a better mood, seemed changed. And I didn't fully understand
until I went to one myself. That happened about a year ago, when I was
fourteen. And it was quite an experience. My mother tried to tell me
about the things that might happen, but no one can really warn you about
what you'll experience personally. Yes, the first time I went was a year
after I was touched by the Holy Spirit, and at that time I was very
excited about it and curious and always wanted more of it. So I was very
open for everything the weekend had to offer. First thing we did was
praise the Lord by singing. Which is my favorite way to express my love,
so I was very happy. Now I love my mother to death, but she is
very
clingy to me during these weekends. So I was kind of hoping to go off on
my own a bit. And sure enough, I was in a great table group without my
mother. So my table group and me go off and pray over each other. Before
that we had gotten to know each other fairly well. They asked me how old
I was, because at the time I was fourteen. After, we all had lunch
together.
I
remember later that night, everyone crowded around Father Gary and started
praying...in Tongues. Now, my mother spoke in Tongues in front of me
before, so I knew what they were and everything. But there was something
about being surrounded by 30-40 people all speaking in Tongues at the same
time! I felt overwhelmed, over-powered almost. And at that moment I
thought, 'Why don't I have the gift of Tongues! They'd be a good thing to
have right about now...'. Well I didn't get them until the very end of
the weekend. That would be my one complaint. It was amazing getting the
gift of Tongues, but if I had had them in the beginning, I could've really
prayed more intently during the weekend.
So
then I went to the last Retreat. I was so excited. I was insistent with
my mother, constantly reminding her that we need to go, it's coming up,
etc. And when we got there, I was so eager to get on with the service. I
was thinking, I have my Tongues, I'm open, I'm going to put the piece of
paper on the cross this time, I'm going to do this right! And of course we
were there about an hour early.
But
I was surprised because I saw Linda from my church directing praise music.
And at church, I sang with her. So I was very happy to see her. Even
happier when she asked me to sing with her. So the first night was
very...intense. After singing with Linda, I went up for prayer again. And
I fell like last time. Except, I started wailing. Like really balling my
eyes out, weeping. Uncontrollably, just sobbing. It was a wrenching sort
of healing. Like it really hurt. I must have been on the floor an hour.
I felt Father Gary pray over me, which led to me crying even MORE. And
then this other woman came over to pray. And I just, went all out. In my
head I could see Jesus on the cross at Calvary. And I could see his face.
I was exhausted by the time the night was done.
So
the next day I sang with Linda again, which was wonderful. And then, I see
my mother going through deliverance. Yeah, that was fun. Seeing my mother
shake and scream, yeah. Well she seemed happy when she got off from the
floor, so I figured she was all right. Father Gary explained what happened
exactly, afterward.
The
groups were good as always. This time there was another girl that was my
age! Ha, the youth are starting to come! So it was nice having someone
my age to talk about all this crazy stuff that goes on. We were both very
happy and eager to get as much out of this weekend as possible.
And
by the time Sunday morning came, I wished it hadn't. The service was
wonderful and I just didn't want to leave. Father Gary offered to give
the gift of Tongues to anyone who wanted them. He said he knew better
than to assume everyone had them this time. And sure enough, a few people
went up to receive the gift.
There's
something about going away somewhere to be with God, where you can't get
preoccupied, or busy, or anything. Where you are just in tune with God for
3 days. It's so hard to come back home and get back into the cycle of
things.
My
friend once said that he thought Heaven would be like a place where we
forever praised God and sang and worshiped him. When I told him about the
weekend he said, "Sounds like you're experiencing a bit of Heaven." And
it certainly feels that way. (I plan on bringing him next time too...he's
17, so he's allowed...^_~)
God
bless,  Kelly
Montfort Renewal Weekend, Bay Shore, NY, February, 2004
by Bonnie Rampone
Father Gary and Judith
Dalmasso held their Renewal in Christ Ministry at the Montfort Spiritual
Center in Bay Shore, New York on February 27-29, 2004. The theme for the
weekend was "Growing in Holiness" and was attended by approximately fifty
people.
Friday evening commenced with introductions, prayer requests
and worship. Judy spoke on holiness and used the words holy, wholly and
holey to create a very interesting program. Following her program there
was time for repentance and healing.
Saturday began with worship through song and prayer. The
music program throughout the weekend was fabulous. Father Gary gave
uplifting direction and encouragement when he sermoned on how to become
more holy. He successfully taught us that, "It's not what one does; it's
all about what one allows God to do in our lives."
There were several witness speakers who told their stories. I
found their presentations to be genuine, up front, and clear. Small groups
were established in which we shared and prayed for each other. There was
time during the weekend for fellowship, fun and rest as well as a place to
shop for some wonderful books, tapes and music. Individual ministry,
prayer and healing were available, too.
We concluded on Sunday afternoon with Holy Eucharist and a
time for sharing our thanksgivings.
I found this weekend to be well planned and orchestrated by
everyone in attendance. The message was positive, constructive and
healing. For all us fortunate enough to attend, it was a
Renewal In Christ Weekend.
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 Reflections
on the Renewal Weekend in New York in June of 2002
by Debra Bennett
"No eye has seen, no
ear has heard, nor has it even entered into the heart of man the things
that Godhas prepared for those who love Him." 1Corinthians 2:9
This verse from 1 Corinthians, sums up for me the experience
I had on the RICM healing weekend held at Monfort in Long Island, NY in
June. I didn't know what to expect, since this was my first RICM weekend,
but my Friend Jackie had suggested I attend. And since Jackie was going
and my friends Karen and Alison were going to attend as well. As the
weekend approached, I grew excited because I knew something "good" was
going to happen. I wasn't apprehensive. I was really looking forward to
attending the weekend because I was in great need of healing or as I put
it in my prayer request, I was in need of getting my zest back. What I
found and received was far beyond anything I ever imagined.
When Karen, Alison, and I arrived at Montfort, I could sense
a change in my spirit as we entered the doors. There was a
lightening of sorts. It was as if the Lord had reached through those doors
and wrapped each of us in His powerful loving arms.
As the night continued to unfold, and we learned from Fr.
Gary the importance of forgiveness--being forgiving and receiving
forgiveness--and how forgiveness helps in the healing process. That
portion of the weekend was the door for me through which my renewing zest
could enter. It happened when we sang the song Light the Fire. The words:
"Stand to praise you, but I fall on my knees, the spirit is willing but my
flesh is still weak; Light the fire in my soul, fan the flame make me
whole, Lord you know just where I've been, so Light the fire in my heart
again," mirrored the words I had written in my prayer request -- just a
few moments before. It was as though I was being washed on the inside with
a flood of tears that at first were full of sorrow and very shortly gave
way to joy. From that moment on, there was as the psalmist has said "a
fullness of joy."
Greg's talk on Saturday about the obstacles to spiritual
healing and tools to use for healing was quite thought provoking, because
I think too often we are just not aware of some the barriers that prevent
us from receiving our healing. Or those we actually put in the way of our
healing, like being unforgiving or resentful. I think it also enabled us
to be more sensitive to what we need to do to remain spiritually healthy.
I felt so good on Saturday, that during dinner I commented to
my friend Alison that I felt really good, like that James Brown song "I
Feel Good." I even did a little dance. I could certainly identify with
David when he did his dance of praise.
We were there to be spiritually healed and in the process to
praise the Lord. All weekend there were wonderful healings taking place.
And the praise was so powerful, that the presence of the Lord was every
where. The more we praised Him, the more we felt His presence. As a matter
of fact, I had this feeling of peace and serenity as though I were in my
mother's arms just being loved. I just wanted to stay in that place and be
surrounded by his warmth. And I felt I couldn't get enough of Him.
I had a wonderful time on this weekend. It was special for me
in many ways. It enabled me to be open enough to be renewed in the Lord
Jesus and to have His spirit just fill me up, so that I got my zest back.
I was able to share this experience with three of my friends who are very
dear to me. And, most important, as a result of this weekend, I found
again the Lord's grace as I beheld his face and found my strength in His
loving embrace. I continually am seeking a deeper relationship with God
through Jesus and I never cease praising Him.
I am truly looking forward to attending the next RICM weekend
on Long Island. I can't wait to reconnect with those from my table group
and others and hear what Fr. Gary has to share with us. I thank God for
Fr. Gary, Judith and RICM who help to keep us walking with the King of
Kings.
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Long Island Renewal Weekend at Montfort Spiritual Center
November 22-24, 2002
by John Cassidy
When Judith asked me to
relate what occurred at the RICM Weekend here in long Island, my first
thought was: "How does one begin to describe the depth of what happened?"
Then I came across Zephaniah 3:17 which sums up the essence of the
weekend. " The Lord, your God is in your midst, a mighty Savior; He will
rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love."
I have attended RICM weekends before, so I was used to seeing
God working in many astounding ways. I had personally come to very
difficult decision in my life, and went into the weekend questioning if I
was truly about to follow God's will, or my own desires. Throughout the
weekend I encountered fellow Christians who had gone through the same
heart wrenching decision that I had just made. As a matter of fact,
several were in my prayer group. I am amazed at how often the Holy Spirit
has gathered us together that way. The confirmation and encouragement I
received from them, and the Holy Spirit, was overwhelming.
And what was it exactly, that happened on Saturday night at
the healing service? I have never sensed the presence of God so powerfully
as that night. There was something different about it, that I just can't
express. I felt as though the room was surrounded by angels, and I'm not
one who looks for such things. Many times, a song would enter my mind and
a few moments later Matt would begin playing that very song, as if we were
all connected in some way. I know others felt it as well, because quite a
number of my brothers and sisters "rested in the Spirit" for hours.
The primary theme of the weekend was prayer. The different
speakers pulled together the ways in which the Spirit has taught man to
not only converse with God, but to give voice to His will. We were shown
that oftentimes there is a connection or overlap between the various kinds
of prayer -- some build up our relationship with God, while others draw
upon that very relationship. All of us came away with a better
understanding of this unique part of our being that connects us to our
Lord. A very personal encounter came for me on Sunday. I was not staying
at Montfort, and as I slept at home, I awoke early. God sometimes shows me
things in scripture, and a while ago I wrote a meditation based on Matthew
25, which links it to a form of prayer. I was compelled to fire up the
computer, print out a copy and bring it with me. Several times I inquired
of God, as to what I should do with it, but sensed I was to just keep it
handy. I was speechless for a few moments when Fr. Gary read that very
scripture during the afternoon Eucharist. He then asked if God had spoken
to our hearts and given us something we would like to share, which I did.
I am still stunned by the event.
A secondary theme, that was present throughout this
gathering, was that of Freedom. I heard it pronounced many times during
prayer, and numerous were the testimonies, that God was renewing us, and
freeing us in wondrous ways. Brothers and sisters were freed of their
histories, temptations, and of other barriers that kept them from drawing
closer to God. Some took "baby steps", as most of us have, on a path that
will lead them to freedom that only God provides. God is indeed good!
There is a very simple song, about God setting us free from the need to
worry about what others think of us. It is simply entitled "Free"; the
chorus of which describes some of what I saw and heard this weekend.
You're free to dance, forget about your two left feet -- There was much
dancing and celebration as we praised the Lord; even by those of us who
have "two left
feet". Very undignified!
You're free to sing, the joyful noise you make is music to Me
-- At times I felt as though Heavenly Spirits had slipped in our midst and
joined in the chorus as we sang to our Lord; taking our "joyful noise" and
transforming it into His music. During quiet times, musicians among us
would sometimes play and sing uplifting songs. During the sharing time, we
heard a solo performance that literally caused me to tremble with the
beauty of the performer's voice, and her depth of feeling for God. And
You're free to laugh, My love has set you free -- Laughter was heard
throughout the halls, the lunchroom, and even at times in the prayer
chapel. I doubt anyone will forget "Nate the Snake" which brought such
"lever-tree" (levity) to the gathering, or the mesmerizing performance of
"Tina Turner". Also, There was this lady at the mall......
One of the things that always amazes me about these weekends,
and this one in particular, is how easy it is, to quickly feel comfortable
with the others that come. Even newcomers immediately seem like old
friends. I suppose that's Spirit connecting with Spirit. Also, the timing
of the weekend could not have been better. What more suitable way to begin
Thanksgiving week, than to spend time in praise, worship, and in the
company of the Holy Spirit.
The on sadness for me over this weekend, is the realization
that there were those we invited, who would not, or could not come. A
friend of mine is enthralled with Disney World and makes annual trips with
her family whenever possible. She harps on about all the spectacular
attractions. I gently tell her that an RICM weekend has it beat by a
thousand miles, and best of all -- it's real. I will once again try to
share that with her, because I believe, that this past weekend, she truly
should have been here.
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