Joe Neumann, a parishioner at Holy Trinity Parish in Winsted, MN, part of the Saint John Paul II Area Faith Community (AFC), was searching for a Catholic evangelization program to aid in the spiritual enrichment of his parish and surrounding parishes.

He learned about ChristLife and, with approval from the parish, attended a training conference with fellow parishioner Roxanne Felder. Following the conference, they took ChristLife for a “test drive” with 8 friends. They wanted to experience it first before deciding whether or not to present it to their Pastor to use more broadly throughout their Area Faith Community (a cooperative between 3 area parishes).

During the first few sessions, the team showed up with clipboards ready to critique the materials. By the third session, clipboards were thrown to the side and everyone was engrossed in experiencing the course. After completing Discovering Christ, the group was eager to begin Following Christ.

After the “test drive” and with their Pastor’s support, they offered ChristLife to their AFC. Over 80 people attended the first year, including table facilitators. Little did they know then how transformative ChristLife would be!

As leaders, both Joe and his wife Melissa have experienced deep transformation through ChristLife. “This series was a key part of transforming my life,” Joe shared. “I have had a complete change of life because of the personal relationship I found with Christ through ChristLife. I have been filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I never knew this was possible. I can’t stop sharing.” Melissa added, “As a Catholic convert, this program ignited my Catholic faith. I went from knowing about Jesus to knowing him personally. I experienced the love of the Father for the first time in my life, and Jesus became alive in the sacraments to me through this program.”

Through ChristLife, the Lord transformed lives in many ways: from individuals returning to the Sacraments, to becoming regulars at daily Mass, to experiencing vibrant prayer lives, to forming authentic community with other parishioners.

A number of other ministries have been inspired and started by ChristLife alum including Revive Women’s Ministry, Widows of Joy, Gift Pilgrimage, Women of Valor, and COR Men’s ministry.