May
2007
CRHP (Christ Renews His Parish): A review of an experience
I recently just completed a CRHP formation experience through my parish in Austin, Texas. For those of you who don’t know, CRHP (pronounced “chirp”) sounds for Christ Renews His Parish. It is a retreat renewal experience program given on the parish level. It begins with the renewal weekend and continues with a team formation in preparation for giving the next renewal weekend. Opinions of this program vary widely amongst my Catholic friends. Having been through the whole nine yards, I thought I’d put in my two cents.
There are generally two camps in regards to feelings towards CRHP. One group loves it and swears by every word of the CRHP formation book. I think some people in on this side of fence fail to see CRHP for what it is, a parish program. It’s not the only way to conversion, grace, or salvation. It’s just a means to an end, all be it a solid, biblical, sacrament-centered means, but a means to an end nonetheless. The other group of people see CRHP as a parish program for developing cliques, those are with the CRHP group and those who are not. I agree that the strong bond and friendships that are developed as a result of experiencing the formation portion of CRHP can appear to be exclusive to the parish community. It’s hard for this not to happen due to the nature of a group of people putting on a emotional and spiritual retreat.
As for my viewpoint, it’s tough to say. I definitely see CRHP for what it is, a parish program. It isn’t a “must-have” in every parish or in every Catholic’s life. Many people have come to Christ without it. On the other hand, CRHP is very centered on the sacraments especially that of the Eucharist and Reconcialition which is the sign of a solid program. I have seen it produce many good fruits, and Christ tells us in Scripture that we can judge a tree by its fruit. CRHP also focuses on Scripture and incorporating the Word into the renewal weekend as well as formation. I think that is a great way to bring Catholics back to a love for Scripture. Overall CRHP is a positive Catholic program that can be useful in bringing a desire for the sacraments and Scripture into a parish. It is helpful to keep in kind that it isn’t a perfect program in that it is run by imperfect human persons, so just be prepared.
Feel free to add your own comments and experiences! I’m curious to hear what others have to say about CRHP.