RENEW Your Lent!
It seems like our Collaborative was just in the midst of Renew One, and now we are preparing to embark on Renew Two!
Renew Two is a six-week Lenten journey that begins with Lent’s Call to Conversion on Ash Wednesday, and ends with Into Holy Week with Christ just before Palm Sunday. Small groups will meet weekly for ninety minutes to reflect on scripture and their faith journeys.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Renew is its appeal across generations from middle school students to parents, and athletes to senior citizens. Equally beautiful is the image of many, small groups meeting throughout the week, all reflecting on the same Scripture passages and questions, uniting our three parishes in prayer and conversation.
Fr. David chose the Renew theme from Luke 10:39: “Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to His word.” What does this theme mean to each of us? Do we truly prioritize our faith, or do we fit it in only when time allows? Renew invites us to pause, listen, and be present with Christ and to weave Him into all aspects of our daily lives.
If you did not participate in Renew One, you are especially encouraged to join Renew Two. Everyone is always welcome to Renew and all are invited to make Lent and Easter more meaningful through prayer, reflection, and fellowship. Our life in Christ is a journey that was meant to be shared.
Pay through PayPal or bring $10 to the first meeting. You will be contacted by your group leader around Feb. 1st. In-person signups will be held following Masses on Jan. 24-25.
Scenes from Renew 1
FAQs
What is Renew?
Renew is an opportunity to connect with community and rekindle faith.
The goal of Renew is to:
- Strengthen one’s relationship with Jesus
- Strengthen one’s relationships with fellow members within the Beverly Catholic community
- Enrich one’s prayer life
- Provide opportunities for evangelization
Christians are called to love and support one another in this earthly life and the heart of the Renew process is the formation and gathering of small Christian communities for prayer, reflection on Scripture, and faith- sharing. Each group will meet weekly, for six weeks, for ninety minutes.
Why Small Christian Communities?
Small Christian Communities are the future of the Catholic Church. Small groups engage their members and transform their parishes into a community rich in fellowship.
Parishioners who partake in small Christian communities not only connect to each other, but become more committed to their faith and their parishes.
What are Small Christian Communities?
Small Christian communities are groups of 6 to 10 people, that gather regularly to share faith experiences, reflect on scripture, pray together, and commit to Christian action.
Gatherings encourage mutual support and the development of deep, trusting relationships among members.
How long are the sessions?
There will be six weekly sessions, each one lasting 90 minutes.
Is Renew based on Scripture and the teachings of the Church?
Yes, Renew is based on Scripture and is firmly rooted in the Catholic tradition.
Are the Groups based on each parish?
Groups will be open to all members of the Beverly Collaborative, independent from the parish one belongs to. In addition to renewing personal faith, a goal of Renew is to strengthen ties between the three churches of St. John the Evangelist, St. Mary Star of the Sea, and St. Margaret of Scotland.
Does one need to have a certain background to participate?
No, there are no prerequisites. All one needs is a desire to share and learn in a small group setting.
Does one need to know any other parishioners?
Renew is an opportunity to meet fellow parishioners! Chances are that some of the people in each group will not know each other. The hope is that long-lasting friendships will go beyond the six-week program.
Can one join if they are not a member of any of the Beverly Catholic parishes?
Yes, everyone who is interested in sharing and renewing their faith is welcome to join.
Can non-Catholics participate?
Yes, anyone interested in strengthening, renewing, and/or learning about Jesus is welcome to join Renew, and any of the Beverly Catholic Collaborative masses!
How much does it cost?
The cost of the printed materials for RENEW is $10. It should not be an obstacle. The Beverly Catholic Collaborative will be happy to assist with the cost. The most important thing is that you will be able to participate!
What is the time commitment?
To get the most benefit from Renew, all participants are asked to commit to the entire six week program (one, ninety-minute meeting per week). A variety of meeting times will be offered. If a six week commitment is not possible, but there is still interest in Renew, please speak to someone on the Renew committee.
Where can I get more information?
To learn more, send an email to: PastoralCouncil@gmail.com
