Recent studies point out that the reality of baptism in the Holy Spirit, accompanied by a full rang of charisms, was a normal part of being initiated and baptized into the early Church.

Claudia Bouhaidar is a devoted wife to Dr. Doumit Bouhaidar and mother of three adult daughters. She grew up in Lebanon, where she was active in a charismatic prayer group, a Marian group, and her parish. After moving to the U.S., Claudia missed the charismatic community she had in Lebanon. In 2007, she was led to the Charismatic Prayer Group at St. Michael Parish. The following year, she attended a Life in the Spirit Seminar where she was prayed over, sparking a deep hunger for the Word of God and a lasting transformation in her faith. Today, Claudia is an active member of St. Anthony Church, serving on the Parish Council and as a Sunday School teacher. She is also a former faculty member of South University.

Originally from India, Raymond moved to Dubai in 1988 and later to Richmond, Virginia, in 2004. Active in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal since 1995, he co-founded the St. Michael Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group in 2005. He has served as a catechist in Abu Dhabi and at St. Michael Parish. Raymond holds a Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS), is a certified Spiritual Director, and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. He also holds a Master of Science in Telecommunications from George Mason University. Raymond and his wife, Jasmine Meena, have been married for 37 years and are blessed with a daughter, son-in-law, and son.

Rosario is a cybersecurity professional working for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Rowen is a dialysis nurse with a degree in Philosophy and studied Theology at San Carlos Seminary.  He has given religious retreats and seminars in the Philippines, particularly the Youth Encounter.  Rowen and Rosario  have been involved with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for at least 30 years. They are active in the Filipino Community in Central Virginia, volunteering services during Filipino religious celebrations, like Simbang Gabi and Sinulog. They have provided reflections and teaching on various topics during retreats.

Rosario served in various advisory councils for the Diocese of Richmond, including the Diocesan Pastoral Council, the Diocesan Planning Commission, and the Filipino Commission. Over the years, she volunteered in various ministries at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish:  Be the Change Team, Parish Council, catechist, lector, CHRP, Little Rock Scripture Study facilitator, Christian Formation Chair, and Filipino Festival Chair. 

 

Rowen and Rosario have been married for 31 years and have a daughter and a baby dog.

Deacon Glen Leo Mendonca is a married permanent deacon of nineteen years, of Indian origin, living and working in New Jersey. He has been active in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal since 1977 and is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others. He serves in the OCIA ministry at St. Joseph Parish and works full time as a hospice chaplain. Known for his zeal, faith, and engaging speaking style, Deacon Glen is currently pursuing a master's degree at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University. He and his wife have a daughter, a married son, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter. In his free time, he enjoys reading spiritual books, traveling, cooking, gardening, and fishing.

Deacon Darrell Wentworth has been married to his wife Geriann since 1985. Together they have five adult children and seven grandchildren. He was ordained a Roman Catholic Permanent Deacon in 2003.

For more than four decades, Deacon Darrell has served renewal-oriented Catholics and Christians from a variety of traditions. His involvement in ministry began after attending St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1972. Encouraged by Bishop Joseph McKinney, he became active in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in 1982 and has since devoted himself to evangelization, renewal, and Christian unity.

He is a missionary member of the Alleluia Community in Augusta, Georgia, serves as North American Coordinator for Evangelization 2033, and is President of Evangelize Americas, Inc., a nonprofit ministry promoting missionary discipleship and evangelization throughout the Americas. As the primary instructor for the St. Francis Missionary Discipleship Training Academy, Deacon Darrell provides online formation and mentoring to help Christians live the Gospel as a way of life. He also serves through parish missions, retreats, days of renewal, and pilgrimages, encouraging believers to become intentional missionary disciples.

Maryann Wilson is a wife, mother of six, and grandmother of seventeen. Her journey with the Holy Spirit began just weeks into her marriage, when she experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit at the close of her husband’s retreat. That encounter set her family on a joyful and unexpected path, deepening their love for God and inspiring them to share their faith in everyday life—at home, in the parish, at work, and wherever they go. She is grateful for the New Creation Community, a charismatic, covenant community that helps keep her life in the Spirit vibrant. Maryann also serves on the Pentecost Today USA Council and is blessed to have a son who serves as a Catholic priest.