Sunday, November 29, 2009

RENEW International Publishes “Longing for the Holy”

RENEW International has published a highly acclaimed literary companion to Fr. Ronald Rolheiser's "The Holy Longing," called "Longing for the Holy." "The Holy Longing" was on the Catholic Book Publishers' Associations best-sellers list for almost six years. Readers appreciate its spiritual guidance and information about the four dimensions to becoming a happy and spiritually healthy adult. The book teaches Catholics how to celebrate their spirituality in everyday life through practical wisdom and suggestions.

In "Longing for the Holy," RENEW International takes select ideas from "The Holy Longing" and presents them in a format which is ideal for small community faith sharing or personal refection. It is comprised of twelve sessions which explore different aspects of spirituality through sharing questions, reflections, prayers, and real-life anecdotes from the faithful. Readers of this material from RENEW International learn how to channel their longings as they realize the obstacles which may prevent the realization of their desires. "Longing for the Holy" explores the themes of church community, sexuality, justice, and the conduct of truly spiritual people. It presents these Christian concepts in contemporary terms which have helped many gain greater understanding of their faith and acheive deeper peace.





Saturday, November 21, 2009

RENEW International Explains…Why Catholic?


Many people born into the Catholic faith accept the teachings of the church without really knowing why they are Catholic. They may participate in their parishes' religious education classes and attend regular mass yet remain unfamiliar with the Catechism of the Catholic Church's foundation of faith. While Catholics should have acceptance of their beliefs, many would benefit from a deeper level of understanding of the Catechism. After further Catholic study, people have experienced a sense of contentment and peace, which comes from their new knowledge and renewed spirit.

RENEW International makes it easier to gain this insight through their four-part series on the Catechism called, "Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism." These four books present the core teachings of the church by analyzing scripture and connecting it to direct quotations found within the Catechism. Among the information, the series examines the Liturgy, and discusses the significance of all of the sacraments. In conjunction with the materials, RENEW International also offers faith formation workshops centered on Christ's presence in the Liturgy and a retreat for Catholics that further explores the sacred sacrament of the Eurcharist."Why Catholic?" is an easy-to-use reference tool for individuals or faith-sharing material communities can read and pray over. RENEW International has used this rich literary resource in their efforts to bring faith to communities and people in need all around the world. Catholics everywhere have held these teachings in their heart. They have become even more spiritually fulfilled by their wisdom and through their everlasting faith in Jesus Christ.

Monday, November 16, 2009

RENEW International and Its Commitment to Latin America

RENEW International has a long history of helping the people of Latin America build their faith. They started their ministry work in Belize and it quickly spread to El Salvador, Honduras, Puerto Rico, and other parts of Latin America. The efforts of RENEW International in this part of the world were pioneered in El Salvador by Dr. Irma Chavez in 1987. There, she helped organize hundreds of thousands of Christians into small communities within different dioceses. She then effectively applied the principals of RENEW International and used their faith-sharing materials to strengthen their sense of Catholic community, build their faith in God, and positively impact their society.

Many of those which were helped by Dr. Chavez were poor young people who were strongly in need of a positive focus in their lives. They had been plagued by gangs, ravaged by civil war, and existed in a disordered society where people no longer helped one another. RENEW International's leadership training had a tremendous impact on these at-risk youth. They were taught new job skills through craftsmanship programs. These young adults were encouraged to support themselves while helping their families and greater community. RENEW International gave them a feeling of pride in themselves and the confidence and comfort which comes from knowing God's love.

When news of the success RENEW International was having in El Salvador spread to Honduras, Father Delio Diaz reached out to them for similar help. Father Diaz, along with three other priests, had to administer to the spiritual needs of over 220,000 parishioners. Dr. Chavez went to Honduras and where she helped establish smaller Christian communities within the parish. The materials of RENEW International were used to help the faithful better understand how to apply the principals of Catholicism to their daily lives. Their programs also reached those spiritually in need, renewing their faith and enabling them to bear witness of Christ among them.

Today RENEW International continues its work in Latin America and other countries. The organization is committed to helping people all over the world create an environment where people can experience the glory of God's presence and support one another in a true Christian community. Through their members, materials, and programs, they are assisting struggling Catholics become happier, more productive people who can better help themselves by strengthening their relationship with God.



Friday, November 13, 2009

RENEW International Connects Scripture to Life

Reading Scripture is a source of comfort, way to deeper understanding of Catholic doctrine, and a path to spiritual reawakening. Catholics make connections from Scripture which reinforce their moral foundation and influence the way they move through their life. While the bible can be recognized for its historical and literary terms, its greatest value comes when integrating its teachings into the present. RENEW International is a canonically-recognized Catholic organization which offers many resources that make Scripture accessible to people of faith around the world.

RENEW International realizes that people in different stages of life will have spiritual challenges which can be solved through Scripture. The resources they provide have helped young adults answer questions, parents experience spiritual awakening, and seniors obtain inner peace. The materials of RENEW International have brought Scripture within reach of Catholics in other countries and to families everywhere who are looking for faith-sharing materials. Their resources in Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and other languages have benefited Catholics in parishes and dioceses all over the world. Many with physical disabilities, such as the seeing- impaired, have used their large print Braille materials or audio versions of reflections from Scripture. College students have learned from Lectionary-based materials developed specifically for them. There are even prison outreach programs to help those in need find their way back to God. RENEW International serves Catholics by teaching them how to connect Scripture to their personal experience and rediscover the ways the Word of God can truly transform their lives.



Thursday, November 12, 2009

RENEW International Helps Parents Build Children's Faith


All children want to feel like they belong somewhere and question where they fit into the world. They have natural doubts and insecurities as they learn about themselves and build their identify. While they grow, children wonder what they'll do when they are adults and how their lives will be. Childhood is a time of questions and discovery and the young have fears about the unknown. They need reassurance, support, and guidance. Teenagers especially can be in positions where they are exposed to unhealthy temptations. To ensure that they make the best choices, it is important that they have a solid moral foundation and an appreciation of core Catholic values. One of the biggest gifts Catholic parents can give their children is the comfort of their unconditional love and the peace from having faith in God.


RENEW International has programs which help parents strengthen their own faith so they can better teach their children. Through a series of books based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church called, "Why Catholic?" parents will be able to answer their children's questions and be a ready resource of information. They can also help children prepare for their First Communion with the publication, "In Memory of Jesus." Through their programs, RENEW International has helped Catholic communities experience spiritual renewal. This fresh celebration of faith is brought back into the homes and hearts of parishioners.


Parishes offer children formal religious education; however, parents are a crucial part of passing on Catholicism as a way of life. While most Catholic family attend Mass, parents need to go further in demonstrating their own love of God. Children and young adults need to embrace their identity as Catholic, build a relationship with God, cherish their family bond, and have a sense of belonging to a greater Catholic community. They also need to know how to fit their faith into their daily life and that's where parents can provide the best practical example. RENEW International works within parishes, campuses, and dioceses. Their programs help parents realize their own spiritual growth and show their children the true and everlasting beauty of God's presence in their lives.