"Forgiveness and Reconciliation," authored by Jean Marie Hiesberger, is part of RENEW's Impact Series. Through inspiring stories, it teaches how the acts of forgiveness and being forgiven will bring about the beauty and inner freedom of reconciliation. The book offers six sessions which demonstrate the connection between God's healing power and forgiveness. "Lenten Longings: Cycle C," authored by Catherine T. Nerney, SSJ, PhD and part of the Impact Series, is designed to work with individuals, seasonal groups, or small Christian communities. Written in simple language and using everyday metaphors, this material shares ways to surrender self, work for justice, and enrich prayer life. "Longing for the Holy: Spirituality for Everyday Life," is written by best-selling author Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I. It should be required reading for anyone who wants to deepen their sense of God's presence in their life. The book addresses challenges within present day, which can impede the search for faith and celebration of personal spirituality. It focuses on the themes of Church community, sexuality, justice, and living a spiritual life. Other materials recommended by RENEW International for reading and reflection during Lent are: "Sedientos de Dios: una espiritualidad para la gente de hoy," and "Gleanings: A Personal Prayer Journal" which provides 170 pages where people can write about their thoughts, record feelings, and pray. RENEW International's complete faith-sharing library can be accessed by members at: http://www.renewinternational.org/.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
RENEW International: Faith-Sharing Materials for Lent
Thursday, January 21, 2010
RENEW International - Why the Internet is Essential to their Outreach
The website of RENEW International was designed with features to facilitate the spiritual renewal of its followers. The site has a members-accessible ministry document library with helpful tools and new ideas for Catholics. There is a discussion forum which is a powerful outlet for communication, faith-sharing, and asking questions to one another and RENEW personnel. Their national calendar of events can be easily viewed and articles downloaded that highlight important and inspirational worldwide happenings. Followers can sign-up for World RENEW, a newsletter that features topics about spiritual life with personnel antidotes, behind-the scene stories, and updates on the happenings of RENEW International in communities around the globe. The website, http://www.renewinternational.org/, is also a growing resource for ordering books and other materials online such as: "Why Catholic?" an essential tool that individuals or faith-sharing communities can use for reference, prayer, and education about the Catechism of the Catholic Church and "Sowing Seeds," which references over 30 years' experience in establishing and promoting smaller Christian communities. The goal of RENEW International's website is to support the people they serve around the world, touch and transform the lives of all parishioners, and provide a strong connection to the greater Catholic community.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Small Christian Communities are the Heart of RENEW International
Dioceses throughout the United States have realized the power of these Christian gatherings. They are happening in large cities, small towns, and tiny villages all over the world. The groups help everyone, from the committed church-going parishioners to those who haven't been regularly observing their faith. They are even reaching people who have lost their way, such as those incarcerated, and making them again part of a parish. RENEW International has encouraged a very personal setting, where people feel connected to the larger, caring Christian community. The small gatherings provide an outlet where people are supported during special times of need, gain new insight into Scripture, and reawaken their belief in the power of the Holy Spirit. Most importantly, participants learn how they can live according to their faith and strengthen their individual relationship with God.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
ARISE Together in Christ with RENEW International
ARISE Together in Christ is unique because of the way it can reach and teach people all ages, races, and socio economic backgrounds in different countries. The dedicated RENEW International staff works with The Office of New Evangelization and Youth Ministry to provide high-school aged youth with materials to become youth ministers within their parishes. They confer with The Office of Religious Education and the Directors of Religious Education of all parishes to begin teaching elementary-aged children the idea of faith sharing. The Office of Cultural Diversity has translated the faith-sharing materials into six different languages; while prison chaplains have been given ARISE Together in Christ to incarcerated people looking to rebuild their relationship with God. RENEW International has surveyed parishioners and, based on their responses, have expanded the program with the young adult workshop, Preparing Place: Becoming a Young Adult Responsive Parish and expects to launch Called to Live the Just Word: Immersion and Reflection Experience which centers on justice and public service. This program is one of the most vibrant devised by RENEW and is helping Catholics everywhere celebrate their faith.