Who are we?
We started around 1980 so we're currently celebrating 45 years of almost continuous weekly meeting. We have no formal "membership" but are open to anyone (Catholic or otherwise) who needs prayer support or who wishes to develop their prayer life and spirituality. No previous prayer group experience is necessary.
When and Where do we Meet?
Meetings are usually on Wednesday evenings at 8.00pm in the large meeting room in the Parish Centre, next to the Church of St Joan of Arc and everyone is welcome. The meeting lasts about an hour and is followed by a time of fellowship over coffee and biscuits. (See below for more details of meeting format).
Contact
Alastair Emblem by email alastairemblem@yahoo.co.uk
Affiliation
The group is affiliated to CHARIS (see below) the official body established by the Holy See and inaugurated by Pope Francis on 8th June 2019.
Meetings in 2025
In the Church's Year of "Pilgrims of Hope," we have been taking the first two months to learn and pray about what Hope actually means to us as Christians: it is far more than just vague wishful thinking and more about a confident expectation that God will do what He promises. We will continue this exploration during Lent - see below.
Lent Programme: "We Dare to Hope"
Five sessions exploring aspects of the Jubilee theme of Christian Hope. Each session includes scripture, prayers and reflection with discussion questions for the spiritual growth of participants. No need to book, just come along to St Joan's Centre 8.00pm on Wednesdays 12th March to 9th April. Sessions finish at 9.00 with coffee and biscuits and an opportunity for informal chat. There is a 52 page colour booklet for participants to use and keep, with artwork, readings and prayers to reflect on. (£2.00 donation suggested).
What usually happens at the prayer meetings?
There is no set format, but the meeting will usually start with a time of praise and worship - including contemporary praise songs. There may be readings of short extracts of Scripture, followed by a time of silent meditation. Sometimes we watch a short video on some aspect of prayer. We usually pray for Spiritual Renewal and a fresh infilling of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (more details below); and we always set aside time to pray for the needs of those present, their families and friends, the Parish, other issues of concern, as well as praying for healing.
Some History
We were started in 1980 by former Parish Priest Fr Michael Albon and have met continuously ever since. Follow this link for a summary of our first 35 years. As well as prayer meetings, over the years, the group has arranged several "Life in the Spirit" Seminars for spiritual renewal as well as Alpha,"CaFE" (Catholic Faith Exploration) courses, Parish Missions and other training courses and Prayer Services for the Parish.
Why "Life in the Spirit"?
We are named after the Life in the Spirit Seminars, the foundation course in learning about the Holy Spirit and how to experience the power of God working in our lives. Pope Francis is keen to encourage Catholics to develop a deeper appreciation of the work of the Holy Spirit. "Listen to the Holy Spirit because he is giving people the good news that God loves them and can renew, purify and transform their lives." - Pope Francis, 8th May 2013.
And the Pope would like all parishes to promote renewal in the Holy Spirit: "I ask each and all of you ... organise seminars of Life in the Spirit in your parishes ...to share Baptism in the Spirit" - Pope Francis, Worldwide retreat for clergy 2016. Our Diocese of Arundel and Brighton and our Parish responded to this appeal in 2024 by running "The Promise of the Father" course. We are following up by participating in other activities organised by the Diocesan Renewal group CDSC A&B. More information HERE
What is spiritual renewal and Baptism in the Spirit?
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an action of God, invited by an individual through prayer, which brings about a deeper conversion to Christ, and which gives the Holy Spirit permission to work in that individual's life in a more powerful way. It's not a sacrament, but it re-ignites the graces already given to Christians through the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. And it's also a new, fresh experience of the Holy Spirit and His charisms (or gifts of power) which inspire and equip the individual for service, for mission, for discipleship and for life. More information HERE.
ADoRE
The Prayer Group has been led since 1991 by St Joan's parishioner Alastair Emblem, who is also leader of ADoRE (Alton Day of Renewal), a monthly meeting of spiritual renewal, now held mostly on Zoom and open to anyone. The 3-hour meetings include Mass, Adoration, Prophetic sharing, Praise & Worship, Testimony, and an inspiring talk by a leading Catholic evangelist. 2024 theme is "CHOSEN TO BE HOLY - Transformation by the Holy Spirit." More information HERE
Information about Catholic Charismatic Renewal
At the request of Pope Francis, CHARIS has been formed as an official body established by the Holy See, for the purpose of promoting and developing Catholic Charismatic Renewal as a current of grace in the Church and for the Church.
CHARIS International Website
CHARIS England and Wales Website
CHARIS England Facebook
CHARIS A&B Website
Pope Francis says: "This is a prayer we need to pray every day, every day: