Inmates Find Faith through RENEW International

RENEW International has made a real difference in the lives of inmates at Wabash Correctional Facility. In the Diocese of Evansville, the prison houses maximum security prisoners who are led by a director who wanted to improve the way they interacted with one another and felt about themselves. He was searching for an approach which taught them to be more humane and helped enrich them as people. He consulted with the Catholic Chaplain of the facility who inquired of the Adult Faith Formation office if the inmates could participate in the renown program authored by RENEW International, Why Catholic? They were given permission and their involvement began as an informal learning session in the prison library, with a simple prayer table and a group of volunteers.

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.

RENEW International Brings Together People of Nigeria

RENEW International was invited by the bishops in Nigeria to help the dioceses within the struggling country. They responded and the programs and materials of RENEW International helped build-up Christian communities and teach people off all faiths the power of Christ's compassion. In Nigeria, there are dioceses within areas which are inhabited by people of different beliefs, such as Muslims and Protestants. The lessons within the bible showed everyone within the villages how social actions can help heal their community and bring people together. They were able to see that those of all faiths have shared interests, such as clean water, developing education, and vaccinations. People also learned how helping their fellow man made the entire village stronger.

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.

RENEW International Builds Peace in Burundi

In 2004, over 300,000 citizens in the Central African Republic of Burundi tragically died as the result of inter-ethnic violence and dangerous political upheaval. After the genocide, the country experienced devastating poverty and a decimated Church. Church property was destroyed and personnel fled. The people of this region were suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually. RENEW International became an instrumental part of the peace-building process in Burundi. The non-profit Catholic organization was suggested by the Catholic Relief Services and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as a means of helping this needy country because of their prior success peace-building in South Africa, Rwanda, and Uganda.

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.

The Pastoral Services Team of RENEW International

Through its Pastoral Services Team, RENEW International serves the spiritual needs of parishes, campuses, and dioceses around the world. The Pastoral Services Team is comprised of compassionate members who are committed to enriching the lives of Catholics everywhere. They have taken feedback from tens of thousands of participants in various RENEW International programs such as, "Why Catholic?" and incorporated the comments into program revisions. One of the most important aspects of faith-based material is that people can connect to it. By reaching out for reader response, the team ensures that the programs, workshops, and retreat events are kept fresh, current, and meaningful.

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.