What People are Saying
What pastors are saying
The ARISE experience has been an overwhelmingly positive experience of faith for the faith community of Holy Trinity Parish. The number one impact was the effect of faith sharing on the daily life of the participants. They were able to express things in a safe and caring environment and share in other people's religious journeys; these sessions truly helped all participants be more open to salvation in Christ.
The greatest outcome of ARISE at Holy Trinity was the renewed sense of community experienced in the Eucharist. During this time of confusion about the nature of the Blessed Sacrament, a growing awareness of the centrality of the Eucharist has emerged and it serves our parish well. ARISE is a great tool for evangelization and catechesis in the twenty-first century.
-Very Rev. Joseph R. Gibino, MA, STM, Ph.D., Holy Trinity Parish, Whitestone, NY
What participants are saying
“The ARISE Parish Team has grown into a community of caring, nurturing adults who share the same common goal of leading their fellow parishioners close to Christ. We have gained valuable experience in leadership skills and better understand how diversity and cultural differences are our strength!"
"Our parish team has evolved from a parish ministry into a prayer community. With the ARISE faith sharing sessions, we have come to know each other in a more personal and loving way. We support each other in our difficulties and celebrate our strengths together. It has been a beautiful journey of mutual sharing and support."
Read how ARISE has helped parishioners in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown here.
... about the faith-sharing experience:
"I don’t know if I can find enough words to explain how this experience has been such a positive influence on my faith. The biggest thing that I learned was that sharing how I felt about things and hearing other people’s feelings helped me to be more open to God’s love. One of the things I am putting into action is allowing God’s love to flow through me by sharing my faith story."
"All in all, one of the greatest outcomes of ARISE at St. Mary’s Parish was the sense of community that was established within the groups, especially across cultural lines. The relationships that have been created will serve our parish community well as we try to reach out and invite newcomers to be more actively involved in the parish community."
What Church Leaders are Saying
"ARISE Together in Christ provides 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 is right to bring our people together in an endeavor centered on the loving and healing message of Jesus."
- Cardinal Seán O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston
Cardinal Sean O'Malley joins one of the groups participating in the Archdiocese of Boston's Annual Service Week.
"We are excited about ARISE Together in Christ. The process brings three important principles to guide the parishes and diocesan church: effective leadership formation, excellent resources, and ongoing pastoral support. These elements assure effective formation of pastoral leaders and spiritual development. Having the RENEW International team leading and inspiring us is a blessing and a grace. The Diocese of Stockton is grateful!"
- Msgr. Robert Silva,
Director, Office of Pastoral Leadership, Diocese of Stockton
"I consider RENEW International’s parish renewal programs to be at the top of the list of the most valuable gifts given by the Holy Spirit to the Church over the past three decades. By stressing the centrality of small, faith-sharing communities, RENEW goes to the heart of what the Church must be."
- Rev. Allan Figueroa Deck, S.J., Ph.D., S.T.D.
Former Executive Director, Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church,
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
