|
AN ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST
"Take a Christian or a handful of Christians who, in the midst of their own community, show their capacity for understanding and acceptance, their sharing of life and destiny with other people, their solidarity with efforts of all for whatever is noble and good. Let us suppose that, in addition they radiate in an altogether simple and unaffected way their faith in values that go beyond current values, and their hope in something that is not seen and that one would not dare to imagine. Through this wordless witness these Christians stir up irresistible questions in the hearts of those who see how they live: Why are they like this? Why do they live in this way? What or who is it that inspires them? Why are they in our midst? Such a witness is already a silent proclamation of the Good News and a very powerful and effective one."
-Pope Paul VI's Apostolic Exhortation on Evangelization in the Modern World. -
WHAT IS CHRISTIANS ENCOUNTER CHRIST?
Christians Encounter Christ (CEC) is a Catholic movement within the Archdiocese of Omaha. The Christians Encounter Christ Movement believes that Christianity can penetrate all areas of the secular world, living, growing and transferring Christ's values to society. The CEC Method is introduced in a highly structured three-day "weekend'' experience, beginning on Friday evening and ending on Sunday night. It is a combined effort of laity and clergy toward evangelization of the world in which we live, by strengthened spirituality, lived and shared in everyday environments. When the weekend concludes, one begins their 4th Day.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CHRISTIANS ENCOUNTER CHRIST?
"Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples;" (Matt 28:19). Pope John Paul II has asked us to evangelize and the purpose of the CEC Movement is to promote the transforming of environments through Christian leaders who are willing to live and share their principles of being Christian. Through the ongoing development of their Christian Personality, strengthened by their 4th Day, these leaders strive to instill the spirit and sense of gospel to all environments in which they are actively involved.
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE "WEEKEND"?
On the weekend you will live and study together in song, prayer and discussion. The discussion is centered on fourteen talks given by priests and laity. These talks present the theme of God's Grace in you, how Grace comes more alive in a Christian Community, and how to share this Grace with others. There is also daily celebration of the Eucharist. This is not a retreat experience, rather a lively, joyous opportunity for you to allow Jesus to work in your life, see and experience Him in the lives around you, and learn a method of perseverance to keep Him in your life and bring Him to others through your Christian leadership.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE "WEEKEND"?
CEC develops in adult Christians an awareness of their power and mission to become leaders in the work of evangelization, and provides support to sustain them as they persevere in their work as Christian leaven in family, civic, social and economic life. This support is provided through their ongoing participation in the 4th day reunions. In a Group Reunion, 4-5 people meet weekly to reflect, pray and encourage each other in their discipleship. Ultreya is a reunion of the larger 4th Day community. At an Ultreya, the community spirit of the weekend is continued through group reunion, witness, reflection on the witness, shared prayer and fellowship.
WHO SHOULD BE INVITED TO ATTEND A CHRISTIANS ENCOUNTER CHRIST WEEKEND?
Invitation is extended through sponsorship from a 4th Day member, to Christian leaders who:
- Wish to strengthen their spiritual lives
- Understand that being a Christian involves responsibility
- Are willing to evangelize through their everyday Christian actions
- Meet the guidelines developed by the movement to ensure a successful 4th Day.
WHEN ARE THE WEEKENDS?
The weekends are held in Norfolk three times a year. The schedule is listed on the front page of this website.
|
