ACT

A ran across a very cool Christian ministry today called the Association of Christian Therapists- with the subtitle- the healing presence of Jesus in healthcare: mind, body, spirit

Intriguing... From their Web site-

Members are committed to Jesus Christ and are open to integrating his healing ministry and the gifts of the Holy Spirit into their lives and work. The Association has strong Catholic and Christian healing roots and invites and encourages members of all Christian denominations to join in its mission.

Good stuff! And they have a lot on their Web site. A journal on Christian healing, links, regional groups, etc.

AND

They are hosting a retreat this weekend at a hotel at BWI airport focused on healing. Fr. Richard McAlear, a priest who travels internationally and who is known for his healing ministry, is the main speaker and celebrant.

As part of the retreat (and open to others) is a healing mass around 7:30pm on Saturday night, June 7. More info about all of this can be found on Fr. McAlear's schedule.

So, what ACT does, is very impressive. So often I don't see the medical field integrated with healing - and vice versa. The integration achieved in the mission of ACT is impressive.

Finally, their final statement of purpose is very relevant to ChristLife's evangelization ministry-

Witness: To train and equip members in outreach and evangelization; To liaise, network and collaborate with individuals and organizations with similar and complementary visions and missions; To initiate, encourage and support scientific research dedicated to testing and demonstrating the holistic benefits of Christ-centered healing methods and techniques, and; To creatively impact the field of integrative medicine with Christian spirituality.

This type of association is akin to what the Pope has been referring to as a "movement" in the Church. A reality many Catholics are unaware of. But, increasingly the Church is calling structures in the hierarchy of the Church to be open to movements.

On May 18, 2008 Pope Benedict addressed the hierarchy of the Church regarding the movements-

“Go out to meet with much love the movements and new communities; let us make an effort to know their reality adequately, without superficial impressions or reductive judgments.

"It also helps us to understand that the ecclesial movements and new communities are not a problem or an extra risk that further weighs on our grave duties.

“No! They are a gift of the Lord, a precious resource to enrich our whole Christian community with their charisms. Thus, a confident welcome that gives space to and values their contributions in the life of the local Churches must not be lacking.”

Yeah buddy... But certainly a challenge which calls for prayer-

Lord Jesus please help your body in the United States to work together - clergy and laity, black and white, english and spanish speakers, charismatic and traditional, conservative and liberal, catholic and non-catholic - to build your kingdom - to hasten the coming of your kingship! Come Lord Jesus heal our divisiveness and wounded hearts! Come Holy Spirit, make us one!