RENEW International's Work Touches Lives and Strengthens Faith

November 12, 2008 - 11:40 PST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY

Parish-based Pastoral Processes Now in Forty Dioceses

Plainfield, NJ (NOVEMBER 12, 2008) -- Richer experiences of prayer, deeper knowledge of the Catholic faith, return to the sacraments, stronger marriage relationships, action taken for justice, greater involvement in parish life...

These are just some of the positive benefits Catholics around the country have reported coming from their involvement with pastoral processes from RENEW International, the Catholic ministry organization based in Plainfield, New Jersey. Two of RENEW International's recent and growing efforts are Why Catholic? Journey Through the Catechism and ARISE Together in Christ, offered in Spanish as ¿Por qué ser católico? and LEVÁNTATE Unámonos en Cristo respectively. Combined, over a quarter million Catholics are currently participating in these processes in forty dioceses, with the number increasing each month.

Introduced in 2003, the Why Catholic? process helps people explore Catholic teachings based on the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The faith-sharing materials offer sessions on essential beliefs, sacraments, Christian morality, and prayer. With scriptural references, and reflection questions that link to daily life, this resource fosters deeper faith in a prayerful small community setting.

"Every week, we hear testimonies of how involvement in Why Catholic? has touched people's lives. The number of stories about people returning to the Church, participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, helping their neighbors in the community is truly encouraging," remarked Sr. Terry Rickard, O.P., Executive Director of RENEW International.

This offering is designed to encourage high levels of participation in the parish. Leaders of small groups prepare to implement the Why Catholic? process through special RENEW-led formation workshops and retreat experiences. Key among these is The Nuts and Bolts of Evangelization which features practical advice on how to reach out and invite others into parish life. RENEW staff also supports families in passing on their Catholic faith to children through special family resources and workshops on sacramental preparation for children.

Kelly Buboltz, a participating parishioner at St. Mary Help of Christians Church in St. Augusta, Minnesota, commented, "As a new member of the parish, the group helped to build, for me, a much desired sense of community. Even more importantly, the Why Catholic? group gave me an opportunity to explore my faith and helped me to keep my heart focused on the Lord as I went about my week. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to gather with a group of people who hold the same set of values, and who want to share, learn, and grow in their faith."

ARISE Together in Christ is the newest pastoral process from RENEW International. Launched this year in the Archdiocese of Boston, already tens of thousands of parishioners are involved in over 150 parishes. Good news stories are pouring out of the archdiocese, indicating that ARISE is achieving Cardinal Seán O'Malley's goals of renewing spirituality, building unity, and encouraging Christian action.

According to Cardinal O'Malley, "ARISE has provided an opportunity for clergy, parishioners, and all members of our Catholic community to experience God's wondrous love by committing to a period of renewal through prayer and sharing of our faith. The time was right to bring our people together in an endeavor centered on the loving and healing message of Jesus."

RENEW International delivers the same high level of service to Spanish-speaking parishioners. Materials and workshops for ¿Por qué ser católico? and LEVÁNTATE Unámonos en Cristo are enculturated to offer relevance to this key group of Catholics. Additionally, participant materials are typically offered in a range of other languages and formats to encourage wide involvement, including Portuguese, Vietnamese, and large-print editions.

Dioceses and parishes that wish to contact RENEW International regarding its parish-based pastoral processes may call Greg Kremer at 908-769-5400. More information can be found at www.renewintl.org.

About RENEW International
RENEW International is a canonically-recognized Catholic organization based in Plainfield, NJ, in the Archdiocese of Newark. RENEW International fosters spiritual renewal in the Catholic tradition by empowering individuals and communities to encounter God in everyday life, deepen and share faith, and connect faith with action.

For three decades, RENEW International has revitalized parish life in over 150 dioceses in the United States, touching the lives of 25 million people through its renewal processes. RENEW International also reaches many thousands outside the United States, having served people in 23 countries, across six continents, and in 44 languages.

Contact

RENEW International
http://www.renewintl.org
NJ, 07062 US
Deirdre Malacrea - Director of Marketing and Communications, 908 769-5400

Keywords

Why Catholic

Category

Catholic Resources

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