RENEW International Strengthens Adults' Faith with, “Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism.”

Dioceses throughout the U.S. and abroad are embracing the RENEW International program, "Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism" and making it the foundation of their adult faith formation and evangelization process. It explains the core teachings of Catholicism, ideally in a comfortable, small group setting, where participants study, pray, and learn about the core principles of their faith. The program is comprised of workshops and written materials, with a music CD that accompanies the English language version. Attesting to the strength of the materials, one participant commented, "The workshop booklet has pulled together a terrific outline for thought, study, and prayer," while another said, "I've come closer to Christ." In the near future, RENEW International will give the option of participating in adult faith formation workshops via a "webinar" for those who cannot attend in-person in a diocese. This technology is expected to be useful to parishes in other countries who are participating in this spiritually enriching process.

This powerful program is resonating with Catholics everywhere because it answers many of their questions and leads them to a greater understanding of church doctrines. The group setting encourages sharing and allows for moments of personal connection to the teachings of scripture. It is particularly powerful to hear about a theological topic and then learn how one's friends in faith are living the lessons today. Parish and diocesan ministries have initiated "Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism," in prisons and health care facilities. This RENEW International program has also been reaching young people on college campuses. College students have welcomed the opportunity to strengthen their faith during a critical time when they're forming their beliefs as adults. This is a powerful program for anyone who has ever had questions about being Catholic and is seeking solace and spiritual strength from answers.

RENEW International: ARISE Together in Christ, in Boston and Beyond

ARISE Together in Christ is one of the most powerful programs of RENEW International, a non-profit global Catholic ministry. It was originally developed to meet challenges within the Archdiocese of Boston; however, it has become model which is meeting pastoral needs across the United States. The Church in Boston has many challenges which are also faced by the greater Catholic Church today. There is more diversity in the parish populations with a need for a bilingual communication, parents struggling to build a strong family of faith among societal pressures and distractions, and young adults searching for direction who don't always first turn to the Church.

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.

RENEW International: The Light is on for You

RENEW International is proudly working to support the Archdiocese of Boston in a special initiative for Lent called, "The Light is on for You." All churches and chapels in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Boston will open their confessionals and their hearts every Wednesday night from 6:30-8:00PM (Feb 24 -March 31). Priests will be on hand ready and waiting to welcome Catholics back to the Church and celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. It also also a wonderful time for anyone to be introduced to the Church for the first time.

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.

RENEW International Brings Young Catholics Together

Young Catholic adults want the same thing – to fully live and enjoy their life but also find ways to incorporate their faith. Family and thee parish provide an outlet for celebrating spirituality. However, sometimes young adults simply want to connect with others at their same stage of life. They want to talk about their faith but also make like-minded friends and share experiences. There are also temptations, distractions, and challenges especially for young people. It can be helpful to talk to someone else who's experienced the same things, worked through them, and is successfully living according to the Gospel. The Roman Catholic ministry organization, RENEW International, recognizes this is helping younger members of the greater Catholic community through Theology on Tap.

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/.

RENEW International: Theology on Tap

RENEW International manages Theology of Tap, a comprehensive young adult ministry designed to reach out to Catholics in need of spiritual growth. It offers a safe and special place where people in their 20s and 30s can learn how to celebrate their faith in daily life and use it to overcome challenges. The program provides an opportunity for young people to feel welcomed within the Church and enjoy a sense of belonging to the greater Catholic community.

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.

The Outstanding Leadership of RENEW International

The non-profit Catholic organization, RENEW International, has leadership, who are deeply committed to their mission. Msgr. Tom Kleissler is example of the kind of priest who's the heart and soul of this caring, global ministry. He was ordained in 1957 and has always been devoted to the Church and had a clear vision and desire to improve our world. Fr. Tom has always believed a priest needs to be part of his people and an example of how to live Christ's gospel. He wanted to bring renewal to the Church, with laypersons integrally involved in the parish, civic, and world issues. He envisioned the parish as one extended Christian community, comprised of many smaller caring communities, all sharing and celebrating their faith and love of God.

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.

RENEW International: Faith-Sharing Materials for Lent

RENEW International recognizes that Lent is an ideal time for Catholics to enrich their faith and gain a greater sense of God's grace in their lives. RENEW International is a non-profit Catholic ministry organization renowned for their faith sharing materials. Their library comprises the largest online resource for parishes, parishioners, and small Christian communities. The mission of the ministry is to foster spiritual renewal by helping individuals or groups strengthen their relationship with God, deepen and celebrate their faith, and connect their faith with action in daily life. They have many strong selections to guide people year-round; however, certain materials are ideally suited for study and reflection during Lent.

"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/.