HUNTLEY—St. Mary Parish here hosted its annual Gifts of the Holy Spirit seminar Sept. 3 in its new parish center.

More than 135 people traveled from 24 parishes around the Rockford Diocese for the Spirit-filled day of prayer, eucharistic adoration and 11 presentations given by Diocesan priests and members of St. Mary’s Charismatic prayer group.

Father Max Streidl, pastor of the host parish, and Father Christopher Kuhn, pastor of St. Mary in Elgin and associate Spiritual Director for the diocesan office of Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services, were among the presenters. They offered a Scriptural examination of the nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit, defined in 1 Corinthians.

Most of the presenters included witnesses of their own personal experiences as both “receivers” and “bearers” of the gifts.

The full day seminar also included a light breakfast and  hot lunch, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, ending with prayers for what is commonly known as “Baptism in the Holy Spirit,” a personal conversion experience to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Further information about this seminar or about bringing the presentation to other parishes is available from Howie Gielow at 847/669-6041 or the Office of Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services in the Diocese of Rockford, 815/654-8420 or from Ron Bergman at r-cbergman@att.net.