RENEW International and ARISE Together in Christ reached out to help the Boston Church. The initiative brought together all aspects of the Archdiocese, from the Pastoral Center to schools, campuses, nursing homes, and prisons. It connected the Archdiocesan offices and ministries of Boston, giving them better tools to communicate with their parishioners and themselves. Workshops have been offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and materials translated into six languages to better reach participants of all backgrounds. RENEW International helped divide Boston parishes into small communities where people can celebrate and collectively share their faith. Participants have experienced renewed hope, found peace through their strengthened belief, and forged strong relationships with others and God. They experience the joys and strength of shared spirituality and gain a greater understanding of what it means to be Catholic. ARISE Together in Christ has reached more than 30,000 individuals and breathed new life into over 170 Boston-area parishes. Word of this program's success is spreading to parishes across the country and beyond its borders, bringing much-needed healing and spiritual renewal to Catholics everywhere.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
RENEW International: ARISE Together in Christ, in Boston and Beyond
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
RENEW International: The Light is on for You
As their partner ministry organization, RENEW International is sharing this invitation with its parishioners, families, and friends to help spread the word of this spiritually healing opportunity in Boston. Catholics can experience all the joys of forgiveness and achieve true peace of mind through the act of confession. It doesn't matter how long it's been since someone has been to Church or the nature of their sins. Lent is the ideal time to let God relieve their burden and receive his grace. RENEW International and the Archdiocese of Boston believe that everyone would benefit from receiving the sacrament, strengthening their relationship with God, and celebrating a fresh new start. This Lent, the Church is asking Catholics to come home for Easter with an open heart and mind and be healed by Christ's love.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
RENEW International Brings Young Catholics Together
Theology on Tap is a comprehensive ministry, specially designed for young Catholic adults. It is managed by RENEW International and helps adults in their 20's and 30's to foster spiritual growth. It is also a wonderful way for them to make friends. The program gives people a way to meet in a comfortable setting, which could be a restaurant, bar, home, or community building and talk openly. They may take the opportunity for active faith sharing or may just enjoy getting to know each other. One participant commented, "Theology on Tap is a great way to connect with friends - we don't often spend a lot of time thinking or talking about our spiritual lives!" It is the connection to other young Catholics which is really powerful. RENEW International designs events which can stand-alone or consist of a series of meetings. A speaker usually presents on a theological topic, relevant to today's experiences, and afterwards there's group discussion. However, the form of the gatherings can be as structured or casual as the participants would like. If someone is interested in finding a Theology on Tap event or wants to learn more about this growing youth ministry, they can go to the website: http://www.renewtot.org/.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
RENEW International: Theology on Tap
RENEW International recognizes that young adults have unique concerns and interests. Theology on Tap offers events which address the topics most important to them, in a group setting which encourages sharing and a collective celebration of faith. Events take place in homes, restaurants, bars, community centers, or within a church – anywhere young people are comfortable gathering. A speaker presents on a theological topic and makes it relevant to today's experiences. Afterwards, there is discussion, questions, and sharing. Theology on Tap can consist of a stand-alone meeting or series of events. However, all of the activities are meant to bring people together and involve them more in the Catholic community. The goal of the program and RENEW International is to offer a wonderful opportunity for young Catholics to discover (or reawaken) their faith and build a stronger relationship with God. This is particularly important during formative years when they are establishing their independence, developing their attitudes as adults, and having their own families.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Outstanding Leadership of RENEW International
Fr. Tom Kleissler joined with the like-minded Msgr. Tom Ivory and they worked together to build the foundation of the RENEW International process. From the beginning, it was apparent that people embraced their vision, as word quickly spread and inquires were made from dioceses throughout the United States and other countries spiritually in need. RENEW International has spread the Good News, and helped thousands of people build a better relationship with God, becoming more spiritually aware, and develop a greater understanding of what it means to be Catholic. Fr. Tom has spent a lifetime guiding the member of RENEW, and strengthening parishes everywhere. He continues to be an outstanding leader who is energized by today's new opportunities for faith formation among children, teens, and adults both at home and abroad.