'We witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit' Middlesbrough Day of Renewal hailed as 'powerful, beautiful, inspirational'

By Andy Drozdziak

A Holy Spirit themed Day of Renewal before Christmas has been hailed as “a beautiful, inspirational day.”

On Saturday 13 December 2025, 60 people gathered at St. Aelred’s Church, York, for an Advent Day of Reflection. Organised by the Middlesbrough CDSC, the day included a number of faith building elements, including praise and worship, talks, prayer for healing and prayer for baptism in the Holy Spirit, reconciliation and adoration.

Middlesbrough CDSC coordinator Sharon Daniel pointed to the prayer for baptism in the Holy Spirit as a highlight. “It was humbling to see parishioners receiving Baptism in the Holy Spirit for the first time,” she told CHARIS England and Wales.

“It was a beautiful, inspirational day and those who attended embraced every aspect of the day. It was wonderful to welcome young people and families especially.”

Gerry Connor prays for a parishioner to receive baptism in the Spirit

'God is preparing us now to receive more of Him in our hearts'

During the day, Anne Connor from the Middlesbrough CDSC gave a talk entitled “Prepare the Way of the Lord”, in which she underlined the importance of preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus. Revisiting key moments in salvation history in anticipation of the coming of Jesus, she said: "Just as God was preparing the people for hundreds of years for the birth of Jesus, so, too, God is preparing us now to receive more of Him in our hearts today.”

Anne also highlighted the importance of healing, saying: “If we come out of the shadows and allow the light of Jesus to illuminate our hearts (and) change us, we can be set free and healed.”

Gerry Connor from the Middlesbrough CDSC said Anne’s talk had made an impact on people. He told CHARIS England and Wales: “After Anne's talk, I was chatting to a man who recognised the need to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation due to something Anne expressed in her talk. Later in the day we had an opportunity to pray for Baptism in the Holy Spirit.”

Echoing Sharon’s earlier comments, Gerry Connor said: "What a powerful Holy Spirit-filled day.  I believe everyone came forward for an anointing and we witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Many people were so touched that they were resting/slayed in the Spirit.

“We believe that the Holy Spirit will be working in individuals’ lives and guiding them to a deeper relationship with God.” 

Worship was led by Brian Devitt and Anne Connor

Plans For The Future

Worship was led by Brian Devitt and Anne Connor, with participant Marie Drozdziak commenting on the power of the Spirit present.  She told CHARIS England and Wales: “I found the day to be very healing and enjoyed getting to know people. It was great to get to confession so close to Christmas. The Spirit was moving powerfully through the worship and talks.”

Building on the success of the day, Sharon Daniel said the Middlesbrough CDSC is “planning our next day, 'Beauty for Ashes', a day of reconciliation and healing for Lent on 21 February at Sacred Heart Church in Middlesbrough.”

For further information, contact Sharon Daniel via email cdscmiddlesbrough@gmail.com or on 07932420809