‘Catholic Tent Revival’ draws hundreds in Cedar Rapids

CEO organizes a night of preaching, prayer and music

By John Waldorf
Special to The Witness

CEDAR RAPIDS — On Aug. 12, ­Catholic Evangelization Outreach (CEO) held its first Catholic Tent Revival with Immacu­late Conception Parish of Cedar Rapids hosting.  Father Chris Podhajsky was the emcee for the evening.

Music was provided by two Cedar ­Rapids area groups: Blue Rapids, comprised of members of the Smith family from Immaculate Conception Parish, and The Men of Harmony, from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish of Hiawatha. Both did an amazing job of leading praise and worship music for all to enjoy.

The keynote speaker was Father Bruce Nieli, CSP, who resides at St. Augustine Parish in Austin, Texas. Father Nieli is best described as an evangelist and missionary who is fully bilingual and does presentations in both English and Spanish. He presented two talks, entitled “Led by the Spirit to the Heart of Jesus” and “Fed by the Eucharist from the Hands of Jesus.” The priest’s passion for our Lord and our catholic faith was so vibrant. He left us with the desire to continue to develop our own intimate relationship with Jesus. Both talks were very well received by the more than 450 in attendance.

The evening concluded with adoration, including exposition, music and benediction.

CEO would like to thank all people, businesses and organizations that made the first CEO Tent Revival a success! We look forward to 2021 as we present the next CEO Tent Revival!

Please join us on Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Hia­watha, Iowa, for our next outreach.

Come and hear how Teresa and Matt Baumann by God’s grace grew spiritually and personally through the gift of their son John’s life with disabilities.

Daycare will be provided and a little light meal will be served.

Waldorf is a volunteer with Catholic Evangelization Outreach, a lay driven effort to evangelize through personal witness talks and other events.

Father Bruce Nieli, CSP, reads the Gospel to the Catholic Tent Revival crowd.