25
+MILLION PEOPLE
10000
+PARISHES
40
+Languages
160
+DIOCESES
400
+Books & Resources
400
+Books & Resources
Our History
Two young priests, dreaming of Catholic parishes invigorated by an engaged laity and inspired by the themes of the Second Vatican Council, launched the initiative that grew into RENEW, which has touched the hearts and souls of tens of thousands of people around the world. Those priests were the late Monsignors Thomas Kleissler and Thomas Ivory.
RENEW began in 1976 as the office of pastoral renewal in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. After two years of development, the RENEW process was first
launched in parishes in the Archdiocese of Newark in October 1978. It was the first diocese-wide spiritual-renewal process in the country, and was so successful in Newark that it soon spread, eventually reaching more than 160 dioceses in the United States and 24 countries.
RENEW International was separately incorporated in 1990 and moved into its own facility in Plainfield, New Jersey. On October 29, 2002, Archbishop John J. Myers, of the Archdiocese of Newark, presented RENEW with a Decree of Recognition establishing RENEW as a “private association of the faithful” under the Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church.
In January 2024, RENEW International branched out once again: this time, by creating a brand new look as we continue to connect faith and life with a contemporary vision. And in September 2024, RENEW welcomed Joseph Nuzzi as the new president and executive director! You can read the full press release HERE.
Though we have changed leaders and locations, spanned many days and decades, our mission remains constant: to support YOU! We accompany and support the parishes and dioceses as they build small Christian communities and encourage friendship and discipleship to grow within them. We empower communities with our transformative process and equip them to share God’s message of faith, hope, and love.
Why Choose RENEW International?
Proven Expertise: With nearly 50 years of experience, we have a legacy of igniting transformation and renewal in the lives of countless people, parishes, and dioceses.
The RENEW Process: RENEW's method is unique. It not only supports parishes and dioceses in forming small Christian communities, but its method of training lay leaders to be responsible for the process has led to long-lasting transformation in parishes and dioceses that undertake it.
Comprehensive Resources: Our extensive collection of books and downloadable resources are ALL designed for small-group faith sharing. Whether your community is interested in journeying through Lent or Advent, exploring topics of social justice, growing in discipleship and being moved to faith-based action, or delving into scripture, we can support you in all that and more!
Accessible Learning: Many of our resources are offered in English and Spanish, and some of our premiere offerings are available in up to nine languages. They are designed to be accessible to people of all backgrounds and make the journey of renewal inclusive and welcoming.
Accompaniment: We are always here to guide and support you, making sure the process is comprehensive and effective for your community.
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