Catholic Brothers for Christ 2018 Fall Ex-Spiritus Conference Opening Statement Rick Self
Channel: Catholic Brothers For Christ
Date: 2018-10-16

Dear Brothers, 

Thank you for attending our 2018 Fall Ex-Spiritus Conference featuring speaker and evangelist Tim Francis. His goals are:

1. Increase belief that the Consecrated Bread and Wine are truly the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, thereby bringing dignity and reverence back to the altar.
2. Increase participation at Mass and devotion to the Eucharist during and outside of the Mass.
3. Increase Eucharistic Adoration; strive for Perpetual Adoration.
4. Increase Confession lines.
5. Increase the Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary by Individuals and Families.
6. Transform the way your children, grandchildren, loved ones and future generations experience the Catholic faith and help turn our culture from a vice-driven culture back to a virtue-driven culture.

God wants you to share your faith with the individuals in your family, church, workplace, and community. There is no more important mission on earth than leading people to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. 

What does Ex-Spiritus mean?
It means filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit into His disciples at Pentecost. This spiritual power renewed their faith, focused their purpose and inspired their boldness in proclaiming the message of eternal salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

They were sent out to the corners of the world to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, share their faith, and demonstrate the power of God. Their goal was to transform the world for the better in the name of Jesus Christ.

There are five aspects of the Ex-Spiritus renewal.
First, we gather together for a meal. You experience true Christian Community when you share a meal with new brothers in the Lord. You learn about their desires, struggles and needs.

Second, we praise and worship the Trinity. This helps you experience more of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It opens your heart, so you can listen, hear and understand what God is saying to you. 

Third, we have amazing, inspirational speakers who share their life stories. Their testimony about the power of God’s love, mercy and forgiveness is very powerful. You will know and understand that you are not alone in your struggles. You can overcome them with Jesus at your side. Your faith will be renewed and strengthened so you can be a strong disciple of Christ in your family and community.

Fourth, you will have the opportunity to participate in Eucharistic Adoration, where you privately listen to God’s instructions for your life. 

Fifth, this gathering will conclude with your opportunity to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There will also be spirit-filled, prayer warrior teams ready to pray with you. Their fervent prayers will help you become stronger in your faith and love God more.

Transform your life through the power of the Holy Spirit! 

So why do you want to participate?
You want to be a better husband, father and friend to those who are important in your life. You realize that you must help us, the disciples of Jesus Christ, change the dangerous course of our culture, to insure a better future for our kids, grandkids and future generations.  

You can’t wait any longer for someone else to do this. Only God can change your heart, so you can be a part of the solution rather than the problem. You must change yourself through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Your spiritual transformation will inspire others in your life to desire the power of love that emanates from your heart. When they witness with their own eyes, ears and hearts the new you, a true disciple of Jesus Christ, they will want to change also.

This is the first order of business. You want to be the spiritual leader of your family. You must live your faith in real time to influence the faith of your spouse and your children.

Saint Paul, in Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform yourself to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”
 
The Beatitudes teach you how to live for God. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, you experience the true meaning of Ex-Spiritus.
 
We challenge to you to join us in the battle against the evils of this age. Renew your faith. Open heart to the Holy Spirit. Allow God to speak to you through your brothers in the Lord. 

Your Brothers in Christ,
Rick Self, Catholic Brothers for Christ non-profit President
Bob Duane, 2018 Conference Lead
Tim Francis, 2018 Ex-Spiritus Speaker and Evangelist