God loves a good party, but he also wants us to be still and know that he is God.

It perhaps seems like a contradiction to invite a person who prizes silence in prayer to a hand clapping hand-raising group of people who like to cheer God on with boisterous song and praise. But think again, all of us baptized, called and gifted people, are charismatic if we use our gifts. (Charism means gift, matic means use) eventually sink into quiet prayer, the silent prayer where we really listen. As Catholics we need to treasure both facets of these spiritualities.

Shirley Wanchena, is the founder and director of Hermitage "Pacem in Terris" located in St. Francis, MN. After several years of prayer and discernment and with the help of a spiritual director, the invitation from God became clear: "create an environment where my people can come and be alone with me." Pacem in Terris and the Hermitages are a response to that call.

As with most of us, Shirley began her walk with the Lord long before discerning the building of the Hermitage. In 1960, Shirley began as a Director of Religious Education for a large urban parish for eight years. Since then she has been involved in retreat work and has conducted numerous workshops and lectures on prayer and spiritual formation. It was an increasing awareness of the spiritual hunger among God’s people that stirred Shirley to take continuing education courses in scripture, theology, religious education methods and church history.

As the featured speaker of the annual Renewal Day on March 3, from 9 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Shirley will share her insights and discernment of what the Lord is saying to his people today. St. Anastasia parish of Hutchinson will be the host parish. Anyone wanting to participate in the music ministry is invited to bring their guitars, tambourines, voices and good will. Good News Unlimited will be with us to sell religious articles and books. The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. Shirley Wanchena will speak at 10:00 a.m. followed by lunch at noon and Mass at 1:30 p.m.