Opus Novum Catholic Charismatic Renewal Fall 2023

Who We Are & What We Do:

Opus Novum Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a collegiate charismatic community founded at Duquesne in 2018. Our mission is to foster the dynamic charismatic graces of the Holy Spirit within Duquesne’s campus. Our vision—as expressed in our Handbook—states: “Opus Novum invites all students to experience the Holy Spirit who opens us to a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ and the profound encounter with the love of the Father. The Holy Spirit empowers us for personal holiness, renewed Catholic life, and evangelization. The vision is a Collegiate Catholic Community founded upon the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Opus Novum is not an escape from the problems of worldly life, but a visible community of students who seek to enter into the Heart of God and receive the gifts necessary for the building up of the Kingdom” (ONCCR Handbook).

Our name, “Opus Novum,” means “The New Work.” This reflects the mission of the group—to participate in the new work that God is doing at Duquesne, as well as in each of our personal lives. Our group verse is Isaiah 43:19 (RSVCE)—"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” As a group, we seek to be attentive to the Holy Spirit and all that He is bringing about in our lives, as we surrender our plans, open our hearts, and allow God to do a new thing in us.

An essential part of our identity is our community life. We truly revere each other as brothers and sisters, and this intense charity is tangible at every Opus Novum meeting and event. Through communal prayer, personal sharing, and times of fellowship, we come to know each other and build each other up as we strive for holiness together. Though we began with just six students at our first meeting, the Lord continues to bring us new members and grow our community! We have a Men’s House (est. 2020) and now also a Women’s House (est. 2021) where some students from Opus Novum live an even deeper level of community life together.

We hold formal prayer meetings once a week, but all throughout the week, students from Opus Novum remain in communion: going to Mass together, sharing meals, hanging out and studying. Our weekly meetings include things like praise and worship, general charismatic prayer, intercessory prayer, Scripture studies, testimonies, small group sharing, and talks from guests. We are very grateful for the involvement of our Spiritan priests; our group Spiritual Directors Fr. Mike Ackerman and Fr. Mike Faix and other priests from the Diocese of Pittsburgh; the DLJC Sisters from the Ark and the Dove; and our faculty advisor, Dr. James Swindal—among many others who love and serve our community!

Why We Are Seeking Funds:

We are asking for donations predominately so we can organize and go on our annual spring retreat. It is a beautiful experience to take times of retreat together and allow the Lord to refresh and renew us while strengthening our communal bonds. There are, however, many costs that come with planning retreats: snacks and meals, lodging, paying guest speakers or retreat leaders, transportation, etc. The Lord has been bringing many members to our group this year, but as the number of students grows, these costs do, too. Any funds received would go towards covering group costs and the costs for individual members to go on retreat. Donations may also go toward leadership building opportunities and programs that further the spiritual formation of our members. We are grateful for every gift—any amount donated will make a difference!

Thank You!

We sincerely appreciate your financial support of our community! Your donation will allow us to continue to be strengthened as a community as we grow in love, pursue holiness, and live an authentic life in the Spirit. Please pray for us as well. We will be praying for all of our donors!

Come, Holy Spirit!

Have any questions? Feel free to contact us at opusnovumccr@gmail.com!