RENEW International - Why the Internet is Essential to their Outreach

RENEW International realizes the important role web technology plays in today's world. Members of Catholic parishes, campuses, and dioceses all over the world rely on the internet for their news and entertainment. It has become the most common way for people to obtain information, connect, and communicate with others. Catholics in today's world are familiar with online use and it's important for RENEW to have an easy way to share information and reach them. For those people who struggle with how to incorporate their faith into daily life, the internet provides a method which is both current and comfortable. In recognition of this, RENEW International had developed a rich website, http://www.renewinternational.org/ which has been recognized for its excellence in the faith-based field.

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.

Small Christian Communities are the Heart of RENEW International

RENEW International began in the later 1970s through small Christian communities which were formed within the parishes of the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ. Participants met in groups of approximately eight to twelve people either at church facilities, community buildings, or in a parishioner's home. They would gather to pray, read and reflect on Scripture, discuss the power of the Gospel, and recommit to their faith. These spiritual gatherings were very successful and other dioceses formed similar communities, following the model 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.

ARISE Together in Christ with RENEW International

ARISE Together in Christ is one of the most inspirational and spiritually fulfilling programs developed by RENEW International. A true Archdiocesan collaboration, ARISE Together in Christ, follows the successful design of other RENEW programs: small Christian community faith sharing with strong lay leadership training. Since the program was first formed, more than three thousand members of over 150 parishes have attended the Launching, Liturgy, and Evangelization workshops which combine for a successful implementation. The three workshops offer practical ideas and relatable ways that the Gospel can be applied to daily life.

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.

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.