Renewed: Ten Ways to Rediscover the Saints, Embrace Your Gifts, and Revive Your Catholic Faith

by Robert P. Reed

In his debut book, Fr. Robert Reed--popular on-air host and president of the CatholicTV Network--issues a creative call to all Catholics to renew the Church by rediscovering the gifts of their faith. Reed profiles ten surprising pairs of saints who offer lessons in reviving faith, starting at the personal level and radiating outward to the wider Church.
Fr. Robert Reed, of the Archdiocese of Boston, believes that the best remedy for discouraged Catholics is a reclaimed sense of the tradition's riches as embodied in the lives of the saints. In this passionate call to renewal, he profiles twenty saints who, like Catholics today, lived in times of crises when the way forward was unclear. Reed creatively pairs saints who at first glance seem to be unlikely companions--Augustine and Joan of Arc, Athanasius and Mother Teresa--to suggest ways readers can begin the work of personal renewal that is essential for Church-wide change. In a down-to-earth and encouraging tone, Reed provides ten persuasive and practical lessons such as "Discover and Receive Your Gifts," "Look beyond the Present Troubles" and "Live with a True Spirit of Joy." Renewed is a practical plan for the revitalization of the Church that maps out steps for a grassroots awakening that every Catholic can undertake today.

Genres: Catholic

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

10 reflections/chapters that give a very high level of a pair of saints and tie them together with a common theme such as innovation, technology, gifts etc.

This isn't a very deep book, but a good quick reflection, and it did introduce me to a few saints I wasn't familiar with. Solid read.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter highlights 2 saintly people, the quality they have in common and a challenge to allow that quality to renew the Church.

[Ngaio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I found myself frustrated reading this book that I don't have a physical copy of it (yet!) because this is the kind of book that makes you want to scribble notes in the margins and highlight the particularly good bits.

I have read many similar books, but this one stands out in its genre for several reasons. The author uses two examples of role models (mostly saints) per thematic chapter and unlike other books with that structure he uses some unusual pairings which keeps it interesting. For example, I rarely see Joan of Arc and St. Augustine in the same thought. And, while each chapter is thoroughly thought out, he didn't drag out the biographic and thematic information to the detriment of the other sections.

I also really appreciated that each chapter was followed by several different kinds of activities so one could move from thought to action easily. There was a really nice balance between more contemplative activities and more concrete ones. I liked how he supplied the Biblical passages to which he refers rather than just listing the chapter and verse. That way people can enjoy the reference even if they don't have a Bible handy (also it saves looking it up.)

I really enjoyed that he addressed the use of technology in a non-Luddite way. It was so refreshing to see a book on faith that acknowledges the connected world we live in.

The point of view is (obviously) Catholic as are the examples, but there are only a few references to exclusively Catholic doctrine so I think open-minded Christians of other denominations could enjoy this work and get a lot out of it. Much of what Reed addresses are Christian universals and let's face it, we could all use a deeper faith.

I highly recommend this book for Catholics, especially anyone with a missionary call. (As I read I kept thinking of people I know who would enjoy this book and the list got long...)

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In our generation, we too are responsible for the Church’s health and vitality, for her ability to respond to the opportunities presented by these times, and for her capacity to overcome the obstacles of new circumstances. The Gospel remains and endures in it is original form, but the eyes and ears and minds of those who are to receive the good news must do it within the culture of this time, perhaps despite the culture of this time.” – Robert P. Reed

Few would deny that the Catholic church is in a time of crisis. Whatever the cause may be, Robert P. Reed acknowledges that in order to bring life and energy to the church, it is important to be part of the “new evangelization” that Pope Saint John Paul II spoke of. Many of us are ill-equipped to do this, though. Renewed: Ten Ways to Rediscover the Saints, Embrace Your Gifts and Revive Your Catholic Faith is the perfect way to balance beautiful stories of the lives of saints, prayerful passages, reflection questions, and lectio divina readings. By focusing on examples like Joan of Arc, Terese of Lisieux, Thomas Aquinas, and Mother Teresa, it is possible to see how we can evangelize in our modern world in spite of numerous obstacles. Renewed is a compelling read and perfect for book studies and personal growth and a wonderful way to renew your own faith connection.

Book Study Questions:

1. Why is it important to understand the lives of saints today?

2. What makes saints good examples for renewing the Catholic faith in the modern era?

3. What is one goal that you have set for yourself to grow as an evangelist of faith?

From onceuponmyshelf.wordpress.com

[Erin Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bishop Reed communicates the examples of the saints and holy men and women in a way that is down-to-earth and relatable. This approachable method is something that is hard to do without being didactic, but Bishop Reed achieves it. It is a great blessing to truly feel refreshed after reading this book.

[Nicolas Carrillo-Santarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book entitled Renewed and written by Robert P. Reed is a beautiful one that can be described as a small treasure meant to show us, first, how saints have had (and have) different gifts, talents and even weaknesses, and so shows a variety that implies how everyone has her or his own calling. Apart from this, it indicated how saints are human beings after all, and that everyone is called to be one and can be one.
In each section the book examines different aspects, such as steadfastness, courage, innovation, or joy, among others, and examines the lives of two saints that represent or lived (in a similar or different way, for instance externally or inwardly) those values and gifts. Afterwards, it prompts the reader to examine Scripture regarding them and prompts her or him to ask whether one can improve one's life and that of others, and come closer towards God, in light of those values.
Interestingly, the book presents saints of old and recent ones, and (to my mind, brilliantly and in a welcome way) presents the joy that pope Francis calls us to have, reflected in his work. On the other hand, the book shows how categories can be artificial and saints as St. Francis of Assisi lived and gave many blessings in different aspects; and yet, as I said at the outset, transmits that everyone has his or her own vocation and must answer in love to it. A truly recommended book, as have been all of the publisher I have read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fr. Reed's book is a great way to see where God might be leading a person to use their gifts and talents. Examples from the Saints, Popes, and Fr. Reed's own life experience help to lead readers to consider their place in the New Evangelization.

Should the reader dare to actually answer the questions and participate in the activities at the end of each chapter, they will discover more about themselves than they may have ever considered before.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the perfect little book for light spiritual reading. It wasn't in depth so it was easy to pick up often, but it still made me think and pray. Especially the questions asked at the end of each chapter.

[Resa]

While the bios of the saints and holy people covered are a little shallow Reed is still able to draw out their messages clearly and leaves the reader with a clear picture of how renewal is possible.