Many Catholic charismatics testify to a greater sense of the presence and love of God, a greater taste for prayer and Scripture reading, a desire to witness to others and the experience of one or more of the charismatic gifts already referred to. Pope John Paul II has met with members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and their leaders on numerous different occasions. Many bishops and priests are active participants in the Charismatic Renewal. Local Prayer Meetings Catholic Charismatic prayer meetings began in New Orleans in May 1969. Currently there are approximately 60 groups in the Archdiocese of New Orleans .
Some groups meet during the day whole others hold nighttime meetings.
A typical prayer meeting includes singing, spontaneous prayer and praise of God, reading from Scripture, personal testimony and exercise of the charismatic gifts, especially tongues and prophecy. Also offered at St. Benilde is an eight-week course called the Life in the Spirit Seminar . The Center of Jesus the Lord is a retreat center located at 1236 North Rampart Street in New Orleans. Introductory Talk and Life in the Spirit Seminars at weekly prayer meeting open to all in the area. Growth seminars, Scripture courses and other teachings at prayer meeting open to all.