COLUMBIA — The 2004 South Carolina Charismatic Conference will be held Oct. 29 – 31 at St. John Neumann School, located at 721 Polo Road.
The keynote speaker this year is Jesuit Father Matthew Linn, superior of the Cenacle Retreat House program in Minneapolis, Minn. He is a member of the Association of Christian Therapists and has advanced degrees in sociology, spirituality, and theology. For many years Father Linn has focused his ministry on integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Since 1970 he has taught courses and given retreats on healing in over 50 countries.
Father Linn was ordained in 1973. He lives with Jesuit novices in St. Paul, Minn., where he trains spiritual directors in the Five Year Sacred Ground program. Father Linn has written 18 books with his brother Dennis and sister-in-law Sheila. Most of his books focus on healing and have been translated into 20 languages. His books and collaborative efforts include: “Healing of Memories,” “Healing Life’s Hurts,” “Healing the Dying,” “Belonging,” “Healing Spiritual Abuse and Religious Addiction,” and “Sleeping with Bread” — based on the Ignatian examination of conscience as a way to find daily direction in our lives.
A Mass followed by a healing service will be offered at 7 p.m. Oct. 30.
The conference begins at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 and concludes with a Mass by Bishop Robert J. Baker from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
The cost is $25 for the weekend; youths, religious and clergy attend free.
Registration information is available through diocesan parishes, by e-mail at rrfalter@cs.com or