When “Holy Experiences” Start to Replace the Holy Spirit
Every so often within a Catholic group, a new tone begins to creep in — not loudly, not maliciously, but softly, like a shift in the wind. Someone begins sharing “holy experiences,” dramatic moments of the Spirit supposedly moving at retreats, conferences, or in prayer. At first it sounds harmless. Sometimes it even sounds inspiring.
But then something begins to feel off.
Recently, in my own study group, these stories have grown… wilder. A friend keeps describing emotional moments — not just at Catholic retreats but even at non-denominational gatherings that, in her own words, “felt strange but powerful.” Add to that the reading of questionable spiritual sources, and suddenly each week becomes a kind of spiritual show-and-tell.
And the group feels it. The atmosphere shifts.
It made me pause and ask: What happens when Catholics start chasing experiences instead of truth?
Our Faith Isn’t Built on Adrenaline
Catholics absolutely believe the Holy Spirit moves. He consoles, convicts, and strengthens. But the Church has always taught that not every spirit is holy, and not every emotion is grace.
The Apostles warn us: “Test the spirits.”
The Catechism reminds us: Private revelations don’t bind us.
The saints tell us: Consolation is not holiness.
We are not a faith of spiritual fireworks.
We are a faith of the Creed, of reason, of a God who revealed Himself through Scripture and the living Tradition guarded by the Church. The Holy Spirit is not a performer who gives one person “special moments” and leaves the rest of us out. He is God — steady, present, sacramental.
Retreat tears are real. Retreat emotions are real. But they are not the center of the faith.
And they are not the measure of someone’s holiness.
When Every Parking Space Becomes a Sign… Be Careful
I’ve watched a strange pattern grow:
Suddenly every good parking spot is “the Spirit.”
Every peaceful conversation is “a move of God.”
Every random coincidence becomes “confirmation.”
And every time, the tone gets more dramatic — more about personal moments and less about Christ and His Church.
Here is the hard truth: the evil one can create illusions of spiritual gifts just as easily as he can tempt with sin.
The devil doesn’t just whisper in darkness. He counterfeits light.
This is why the Church gives us boundaries, not to restrain our joy but to protect our souls.
The Catechism Anchors Us When Emotions Drift
When experiences start replacing doctrine, you need an anchor.
When a group begins drifting into emotional spirituality, you need a compass.
When someone starts speaking with personal spiritual authority that outruns the Church, you need a shepherd.
The Catechism, priests, spiritual directors, and authentic Catholic teaching keep us grounded. They help us discern:
Is this truly of God?
Is this emotionalism?
Is this confusion?
Or is this spiritual pride disguised as revelation?
The Church has spent 2,000 years discerning spirits.
Your friend’s retreat speaker has not.
Your emotions have not.
We need the Church because truth is objective; feelings are not.
Walking With Charity, Not Fear
None of this means cutting off the friend, mocking their stories, or shutting down the group. It means gently guiding the ship back to the safe channel.
Bring conversations back to Scripture.
Bring questions back to the Catechism.
Bring uncertainty to a priest.
Bring everything to prayer.
We don’t abandon people when they drift — we anchor them.
A Prayer for Our Group
Lord Jesus Christ,
Guard our study group with Your truth.
Calm every restless spirit and silence every confusion.
Teach us to seek You in faith, not in emotional highs.
Purify our hearts from illusions, pride, and spiritual noise.
Give us the humility of Saint Joseph — steady, quiet, obedient.
And lead us, by Your Holy Spirit, not into spectacle,
but into the deep peace of Your Church.
Amen.