The "Life in the Spirit" Prayer Group at St. Joan of Arc Church in Farnham celebrated forty five years of activity on 13th September. It has been meeting weekly with almost no breaks since 1980, when it was founded by a former parish priest. 

Current, former and occasional attendees of the group gathered in a joyful celebration, starting with an uplifting Mass and continuing with praise and worship, prayer and a talk about the history of the group from current leader Alastair Emblem; and messages of congratulation from Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa and many others.

The high point of the morning was an inspiring talk from special guest speakers Charles and Sue Whitehead. Charles worked for many years in leadership of charismatic renewal, including eleven years as chair of the International Catholic Renewal Organisation in Rome under Pope John Paul II. Charles and Sue also founded the Celebrate Family Conferences.

They recounted how their faith had come alive through the Holy Spirit and their involvement with running a prayer group and working within the charismatic renewal. The celebrations concluded with a shared buffet lunch and lively fellowship. All participants agreed it had been a wonderfully uplifting celebration.

"We have always tried to emphasise the Joy of the Gospel in our prayer and praise"

As well as meeting every Wednesday evening for prayer, praise, teaching and discussion, the group has put on many different faith deepening courses for the wider parish and beyond: numerous different versions of Life in the Spirit seminars; Alpha and Cafe courses; healing ministry training; and two parish missions. They have also put on worship evenings, holy hours and healing services for the parish.

Alastair Emblem, who has led the group since 1992, commented: “Our founder, Fr. Michael Albonl, was apparently a very joyful character, and we have always tried to emphasise the Joy of the Gospel in our prayer and praise. In this Year of Hope, we hope and pray that the group will continue to thrive and be fruitful for many years to come."

Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa sent a message of congratulations, saying: “I join you, in this occasion, in giving thanks to God through Jesus Christ and I encourage you to transmit to others what you have received.” Another message of congratulation from Bishop David Oakley included the following words: ”Thank you for so generously responding to the Lord’s invitation to become a people of praise and worship. This is what we were created to do. This is our destiny for all eternity! When we respond to the charisms so graciously gifted to us by the Holy Spirit, we serve the Church and our world in a wonderful way. You have much to give thanks for, and please be assured of my prayer for you at this time.”

CNSC offer congratulations and support to "wellspring of renewal"

CNSC coordinator Abhy Thomas shared a message of congratulations and support to the prayer group, which he described as "a wellspring of renewal." Abhy said: "Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, as you celebrate 45 years of faithful witness, I thank God for the gift of your prayer group to the Church and to the world. St. Paul reminds us: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). Truly, your perseverance in prayer and openness to the Spirit is a living testimony to these words."

"For nearly half a century, your community has been a wellspring of renewal—bringing people into deeper encounters with Jesus, empowering lives through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and building up the Body of Christ. On behalf of all who have been touched by your witness, I say: thank you."

"May this milestone be not only a moment of looking back with gratitude, but also of looking forward with fresh zeal, as the Lord continues to pour out His Spirit upon you."

Abhy ended his message with a prayer of blessing for the future, which is set out below:

Heavenly Father,

We give You thanks for the 45 years of grace poured out upon this prayer group at St. Joan’s. You have gathered Your children here, filled them with Your Spirit, and made them instruments of Your love and power.

Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd, continue to guide them in unity and holiness. Let Your Word be their light and Your Cross their strength. May they be bold in proclaiming You as Lord and tender in serving those in need.

Holy Spirit, renew in them the fire of Pentecost. Pour out fresh charisms, new dreams, and deeper love for Your Church. May they, like Mary, say “yes” each day to Your will, and may they be a beacon of hope in the years ahead.

We entrust this community to Your care, O Lord, confident that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”