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...Thoughts on RENEW 2000 from Pete Colaianni, Facilitator

Hi, my name is Peter Colaianni. My wife Marie, our two children Peter and Robert, and myself have been members of Our Lady of Mercy Parish for the past 6 years. Our children attend Our Lady of Mercy School. My wife and I are involved in RENEW 2000, facilitating a small faith-sharing group.

When I first heard of RENEW 2000, I wanted to find our exactly what it was all about. With our hectic lifestyles, committing to something new is not always an easy task. The first obstacle then would be to find the time to commit. Full-time work, a side-business, Marie working part time, kids -- the logistics didn't seem to be in my favor.

But I made it happen. My wife and I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to get in touch with our spirituality -- to share an hour or two with a small group to reflect, pray, and share faith.

This was one of the best decisions I ever made. The nervousness and uncertainty of what to expect was apparent the first week, but quickly disappeared. In just 6 weeks, nine ordinary people came together to do something extraordinary -- to take time from their busy schedules and share faith, feelings, and thoughts about subjects that are normally spoken about only in church and prayer.

Faith sharing isn't anything mysterious, difficult, or complicated. It's being aware in a small community of a moment of grace when God touches our lives, and sharing that experience.

My own personal experience with the first season of RENEW 2000 has enlighted my spiritual consciousness. I find myself more than ever before aware of the presence of God in my life. I invite you to find him in yours.