Spiritual Renewal: A Pathway to Deeper Relationship with God 

In my work as a Faith Formation Coordinator with churches across the diocese, I have been assisting in the process of spiritual renewal. It is a concept that is welcomed with great enthusiasm—everyone seems to want it for their church. 

However, as we explore it more directly, I have found that while many have ideas about what spiritual renewal might look like, there is little shared clarity about what it actually is. For some, it is seen as more new people attending Sunday services. Others picture established parishioners becoming more active. Some focus on the Holy Spirit’s role in emotional or physical healing, while others long for a return to the days when churches were full of young families. While these may be signs of renewal, I believe there is something deeper and more essential that can guide communities toward genuine spiritual renewal. 

At its core, spiritual renewal is the revitalizing of our relationship with the Triune God. Like any relationship in need of renewal, it requires recommitment, intentional connection, active listening, honest communication, and a growing love. This relational restoration begins with individuals, deepens in community, and overflows into our neighbourhoods. 

Spiritual Renewal in Our Personal Lives 

As a priest, I often work with couples preparing for marriage, and no matter the state of their relationship, we always emphasize the importance of healthy communication. The same principle applies to our relationship with God. The starting point for spiritual renewal is prayer—spending intentional time with God, expressing our hopes and longings, and listening attentively for God’s responses. 

Because God is spirit, this listening involves our whole being—mind, heart, body, and soul. God speaks through various means: Scripture, circumstances, people, sacraments, beauty, silence, and more. Through open and honest prayer, and by paying attention to how God responds, we can rekindle a deep and consistent connection with God—one that gives meaning and direction to our lives. 

Spiritual Renewal in Our Churches 

Our faith is not meant to be lived in isolation, and neither is spiritual renewal. When prayerful individuals come together—whether in worship or small groups—corporate spiritual renewal begins to take shape. 

The first step is remembering that God is truly present whenever we gather in Christ’s name. Acknowledging God’s presence allows us to collectively share our hopes and begin to listen for God’s response. This process, known as group discernment, involves seeking God’s direction together and paying attention to where God is already at work in our congregation. 

Rather than relying on our own agendas or efforts, group discernment invites us to align with God’s intentions. It encourages us to notice small sparks of growth or passion and support them, trusting that God provides the increase. This process helps deepen our communal trust in God and usually requires us to let go of comfortable patterns in order to receive something new. The biblical story shows us that walking with God often requires courage as we step into unfamiliar territory, keeping our eyes fixed on the One who calls us. 

Spiritual Renewal in Our Neighbourhoods 

A church that is praying, listening, and following God’s lead will naturally begin to radiate signs of spiritual life. God’s love is always expansive—reaching wider, deeper, and farther than we expect. Even though church attendance may no longer be culturally expected, people still long for meaning and connection, and God is always moving in their lives. 

A spiritually renewed church learns to pay attention to how God is already active in the community. Through prayerful observation and group discernment, the church can discover how to join in with God’s work among its neighbours. In this way, missional and social justice initiatives become expressions of a deep, living relationship with God—not just good deeds, but Spirit-filled action. 

How to Begin 

If spiritual renewal sounds appealing to you and your church, why not begin today? The process starts with a desire to deepen your relationship with God. All it takes is the willingness to be open and intentional in prayer—sharing your desires, hopes, and fears with God. 

Start personally, then gather with others who share the same longing. As you take that first step toward the God who is already running toward you, may you be met in ways that delight, surprise, challenge, and enliven both your heart and your church.