Welcome to the Western Oregon Catholic Charismatic Renewal (WOCCR) website. Here you will find information about the Renewal,  a list of events and newsletters to assist you in your growth in the Renewal.

The Renewal in Western Oregon is an integral part of the much larger Charismatic Renewal within the Catholic Church both nationally and internationally.

Please come and learn more about the Holy Spirit and the role He plays in our lives, beginning with the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. Since we have the anointing of the Holy Spirit from our baptism on, how much do we know and rely on Him each day. The  Renewal is all about helping each of us to grow closer to the Holy Spirit and become aware of the Spiritual Gifts He has for each of us. These Gifts are given to strengthen us spiritually, and to help our neighbors and to build up the Church

It’s a personal experience of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who brings alive in new ways the graces of our baptism. The Holy Spirit not only sets on fire all that we have already received, but comes again in power to equip us with his gifts for service and mission.

There are no special, superior people in the Church called “charismatics” – but there are millions of ordinary men and women whose lives have been renewed “charismatically”, in other words by an action of the Holy Spirit. Cardinal Suenens reminded us that

charismatic Christianity is normal Christianity, because the Church herself is charismatic, and we were never supposed to live a Christian life without the full presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Sadly many Christians still attempt to do this.

“. . . we were never supposed to live a Christian life without the full presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Sadly many Christians still attempt to do this.”

So the aim of the Renewal is to bring the life of the Holy Spirit into every part of the Church by bringing it into the life of every Christian man and woman.

The Renewal exists to help people live a new life in the power of Sprit . . .

— Whitehead, Charles, (2003), “What is the nature of the Catholic Ch arismatic Renewal?”¹Note: This article was originally posted on the United Kingdom charismatic website ccr.org .uk. The site was redesigned in March 2024, but the new design did not include this article p. 3. Mr. Whitehead is a former President of the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Service (ICCRS).

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a “current of grace” within the Church that began with the foundational work of the Second Vatican Council (1962 -1965). The renewal began in 1967, at a retreat for Duquesne University students. They had a very powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit and Jesus. We encourage you to read the personal testimony of Patti Gallagher Mansfield, who was one of the participants during that event.

That “current of grace” of the Holy Spirit was so powerful that within five decades more than 120 million Catholics has received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

You have come to a good place. This website is filled with quotes from scripture, the catechism and life experiences from around the world. It also has current information on ways you can grow in the Holy Spirit and the love of Christ. It may seem overwhelming at first, but we are here to help.

If you are active in the Renewal and use the Spiritual Gifts, then let this site encourage you. Let it inspire you to open yourself further to the works of the Holy Spirit including His Gifts, Fruits and Charisms. Now is the time to put them into action for God’s people and for the Church.

We appreciate the time you spend with us. If you are interested in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, please use these pages to find encouragement and resources for your journey.

We also welcome your questions and comments. Please send your thoughts by email to the WOCCR Team.

In any case, browse a bit now and come back as often as you can. Expect the Holy Spirit to guide you and bless you each day!