June 2026

Dear Friends of RENEW International,

I write with a heavy heart, but also with profound gratitude, to share important news about the future of RENEW International.

After fifty years of service to parishes and dioceses throughout the United States and around the world, RENEW International will suspend operations effective June 30, 2026.

Since our founding in 1976 in the Archdiocese of Newark, RENEW has been privileged to accompany millions of people on their faith journeys. Through small Christian communities, parish-renewal efforts, leadership formation, and faith-sharing resources, we have sought to help people encounter Christ, deepen their relationship with God, and strengthen the communities in which they live and worship.

Over these five decades, we have witnessed extraordinary signs of God's grace. We have seen people rediscover their faith, parishioners become leaders, strangers become friends, and communities grow stronger through prayer, Scripture reflection, and shared discipleship. The true legacy of RENEW is not found in programs or publications, but rather in the countless lives touched and transformed through Christian community.

For many of us, RENEW has been more than a ministry. It has been a community of faith and friendship that has shaped our lives in profound ways. We know this news may be difficult to receive, especially for those who have devoted years of service, prayer, leadership, and support to this mission. Please know that we share that sense of loss. At the same time, we remain deeply grateful for the relationships, memories, and countless moments of grace that have marked our journey together.

This ministry has been sustained by the dedication, generosity, and faithfulness of many people. Our staff, Board of Trustees, volunteers, donors, parish leaders, clergy, religious women and men, and ministry partners have shared a common commitment to building vibrant communities of faith and renewing the Church from within. We are deeply grateful for every person who has been part of this mission.

Like many Catholic ministries, RENEW has faced significant challenges in recent years. It has become increasingly difficult for us to maintain a sufficient level of pastoral work and organizational support necessary to sustain our operations, despite our efforts to adapt, serve emerging needs, and expand our work. After much prayer, discernment, and careful consideration, the Board of Trustees determined that suspending operations is the most responsible action.

While this decision marks the end of an organization, it does not mark the end of the mission that inspired it. The vision that gave birth to RENEW—that people grow as disciples when they gather in faith, reflect on God's Word, support one another, and put the Gospel into action—is as important as ever.

Wherever people come together to pray, share their faith, listen deeply to one another, and seek Christ's presence in their lives, the spirit of RENEW lives on.

It has been one of the great privileges of our lives to serve the People of God through this ministry. Thank you for your prayers, your partnership, your generosity, and your friendship. Thank you for believing in the power of Christian community and for helping carry this mission forward for half a century.

As we close this chapter, we do so with the words of Scripture in our hearts:

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

The fifty years entrusted to RENEW International have been a remarkable season of grace, growth, and service. We move forward with hope, trusting that God will continue the work he has begun and that the seeds planted through this ministry will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

Grace and peace to all who have been touched by this ministry.

Sincerely,

Joseph F. Nuzzi

President