Having the attitude "thankful for the grace of renewal" is essential for renewal, general assembly speaker Jim Murphy emphasized at the annual SCRC Catholic Renewal Convention last weekend.

"This is about you and I living in a relationship with a person, and that person is Jesus," said Murphy in his talk at the Anaheim Convention Center. "Don't ever underestimate the power of prayer." Through personal stories he emphasized, "How great is the power of the Spirit!"

"We Give You Thanks" was the theme for this year's convention, which celebrated the year of the Eucharist and the importance of giving thanks through prayer. During the weekend, attendees from all over the U.S. prayed often for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. They listened to speakers like Franciscan Friar of the Renewal Father Benedict Groeschel, Jesuit Fathers Robert Faricy and Bill Delaney, Ronda Chervin and Kay Murdy. Household of Faith Catholic Charismatic Ministry from St. Columban Church in Los Angeles, Spirit of God, Light in the Lord, and other parish groups provided music and leadership in prayer before and after general assemblies.

A frequent SCRC speaker, Divine Word Father Mike Manning, demonstrated through guided prayer the importance of using the psalms, especially in giving thanks. Using the psalm verses, Father Manning said that Catholics must be people of faith. By submitting themselves to the presence of God they are saying, "I thank you for being God."

But sometimes, Father Manning noted, the greatest challenge of the psalms is to say, "Lord, thank you" in the midst of "overwhelming odds. God opens doors and lets miracles happen in the simple words of thanks, and he opens doors of blessings."

Lupe and Freddie Lopez, members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Riverside, and married 47 years, were attending their fourth SCRC Convention. For this couple SCRC gatherings "enhance our Catholic faith and encourage us. This is part of our heritage," said Lupe.

"I really like to come down here and listen to the praise and worship," added Freddie. "This is a way to praise God. Everyone is so upbeat and we glorify him. And the Holy Spirit is here. I can feel it."