The group later separated into three small communities, led by both a volunteer and an inmate. The program was managed by an inmate and Sr. Honora Nolty, a member of RENEW International. They learned from faith-sharing materials and gained a greater understanding of the Catechism. Inmates were comforted by the teachings of Jesus Christ and internalized the lessons. They met regularly for prayer sessions and those who participated experienced a true spiritual renewal. Since inmates didn't have access to the Internet, RENEW International gifted bulletins to reach out to the community within Wabash Correctional Facility and provide information to aid them on their Catholic journey. It became a model program which can be followed in similar facilities to help those incarcerated find their faith.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Inmates Find Faith through RENEW International
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
RENEW International Brings Together People of Nigeria
RENEW International strengthened the Dioceses by identifying and training leaders. They started at the grassroots level and taught both clerical and layman to be leaders. In many villages, it was the first time women were placed into positions of leadership which broke important barriers socially, politically, and economically. In February of 2002, RENEW International opened in Ibadan, Nigeria "The RENEW School of Evangelization." The goal of the school was to train leaders for parish ministry. The school grew into a renown center for catechists and others leading small faith sharing Christian communities. Participants learned Church doctrine, studied moral theology and the catechism, and ways to lead within a group. It became a strong resource throughout the area which helps train leaders who later return to their parishes and revitalize the faith of their people. RENEW International is proud of their work in Nigeria and seeks opportunites to help similarily challenged people everywhere.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
RENEW International Builds Peace in Burundi
RENEW International worked together with Burundian bishops to stabilize the volatile situation and bring peace and faith to their people. They worked at a grassroots level to repair and rebuild the Christian community in Burundi and develop a model which could be used elsewhere in similarly challenged countries. RENEW staff traveled throughout Burundi, implementing workshops and distributing material which had been translated first into French and then into Kirundi by the local dioceses. They identifed emerging leaders who could help their people find true acceptance of one another and create a spiritually enriched atmosphere for their children. RENEW International divided the people into smaller Christian communities and built trust amongst people who had previously viewed each other as enemies. Once trust was established, they began reading scriptures and faith sharing. These Christian communities became a model for how to live the gospel, including such activities as providing for widows and orphans, helping find housing for those returning from exile, and improving public services. Ongoing peace efforts continue in Burundi today, facilitated from within the country by its own Christian people and their renewed faith in God.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Pastoral Services Team of RENEW International
The Pastoral Services Team also works tirelessly on keeping RENEW International easy to access by parishes, by using today's technology. The team has made enhancements to the website, www.renew-international.org/, so parishes can download files, be globally connected to others in the greater Catholic community, and receive RENEW newsletters electronically. They've made accessible web-based materials which can be quickly and easily put into the hands of those who will benefit from its messaging. RENEW's Pastoral Services Team has been instrumental in developing new Internet-based tools and improving communication. They are special people who make sure those who seek spiritual renewal are able to receive support and guidance to help deepen their faith and enrich their lives.