Come Celebrate!
Believe it or not, this year will mark the 20th annual Lift Jesus Higher Rally in Toronto. That’s half as long as Israel was wandering in the desert. We know our destination, and the Rally will give us energy and direction towards that heavenly goal.
This year’s Rally will take place on Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. to accommodate all the people who come by bus.
The theme is multi-faceted—“Give Thanks, Be Healed, Restore Your Hope!” With all the turmoil going on in the world right now, it’s definitely time to give thanks for all the blessings God has showered on us, including 20 years of these Spirit-filled rallies. We’re all in need of healing, and that’s what God is offering us during this special gathering. And the result of giving thanks and being healed is that our hope and trust in God will be both restored and strengthened.
Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Ralph Martin as Consultor to the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization, and we are blessed to have Ralph back with us this year. Sister Ann Shields will be again be sharing, as only she can share, the warmth of God’s abiding love for us. Peter Herbeck will spread the fire of the Lord, and Monsignor Gregory Smith, the Chair of the Canadian board of Renewal Ministries, will cover its many outreach programs initiated thanks to your generosity. Also, Father Jonathan Morris, author and analyst for Fox News, will share his in-depth knowledge of our times.
As always, there will be uplifting music, prayer, Confessions, and a Eucharistic Healing Procession. His Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, will once again be in attendance and will be the celebrant of the closing Mass.
The youth rally will be held in the John Bassett Theatre for young people from age 12 to 20. It will be led by Father Scott McCaig, Debbie Herbeck, Craig Pohl, Peter Burak, and Kelsie Norton. Chris Bray will again bring his music to round out the day. After this dynamic day with the Renewal Ministries team, the future of our Church will be on fire for the Lord.
We’d appreciate your help! Obviously, we’d like to see you there; but we’d also request your assistance in getting the word out. Ask your Pastor if he would announce the Rally from the pulpit and in the bulletin, or even better, that he come and join us free of charge. Why not invite your friends, too? The more, the merrier—and it’s a great way to evangelize. Should you get more than one of these flyers, please don’t throw them out but pass them to others who need to hear the word. We really appreciate your support.
We all have busy lives, but the Lord is calling you to this day of abundant grace. March 3rd will be an inspiring, encouraging, and empowering celebration during which you’ll give thanks, feel His healing power, and have your hope restored. See you there!
To His Glory,
Paul Kromer
Catholic Renewal Ministries
