BRIGHTON -- The Archdiocese of Boston will offer Renew information sessions for priests and lay leaders starting Sept. 24. These sessions will be offered as the centerpiece of the archdiocese’s upcoming bicentennial celebration and are meant to revitalize parish life.

The three-year process from Renew International is named “Arise: Together in Christ” and will include 10 English sessions as well as one Spanish and one Portuguese session, in all five regions of the archdiocese. The final session will be on Oct. 4.

“We encourage every pastor to bring representatives from his parish’s staff and lay leadership to attend one of these sessions to learn more about this opportunity to renew parish life,” said Mary Ann McLaughlin, director of the Office for Worship and Spiritual Life and co-coordinator of the Arise process along with Bishop John A. Dooher.

Sessions will be led by Sister Theresa Rickard, OP and Renew International presenters and show pastors, parish staff and lay leaders how to spiritually transform parishioners through Mass, small group faith sharing, daily personal meditations, parish activities, Christian social action and resources for people of all ages.

The Renew process includes the establishment of small Christian communities, consisting of 8-12 people, who meet weekly to read and reflect on Scripture, share how the word of God relates to their daily life and encourage each other in active discipleship. Groups will meet for six weeks, beginning in fall 2008.

Also presented at the Arise sessions will be results from parish surveys conducted earlier this summer. The information will be used to shape the elements and content of the local Renew process.

Parishes that wish to participate should contact McLaughlin at 617-254-6469.