Ten parishioners from St. Edward Church in Louisville have completed the Renovación parish renewal program, receiving certificates from Marian University in June. The two-year initiative, whose name means “renewal” in Spanish, is designed to form missionary disciples among Hispanic and Latino Catholics.

Lorena Criollo and her husband, Jose Javier Carroz, participated in the program to develop leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the Catholic Church. They said it also enhanced their spiritual lives and better prepared them for their ministry with engaged couples preparing for marriage.

“It didn’t just enrich us spiritually but also personally,” said Criollo.

The couple immigrated from Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, and now help prepare engaged couples at St. Edward. Criollo noted that cultural differences sometimes created barriers within the parish’s diverse Spanish-speaking community, which includes members from countries such as Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Through Renovación, they interacted with other Spanish-speakers and gained a greater understanding of these cultures.

“We can now identify more with them,” she said.

Criollo added that the program was comprehensive: “We drew a lot closer to God and learned about Catholic social teaching.”

Participants took online courses and some in-person classes covering Scripture study and the Hispanic church experience in the U.S. They led retreats and created small faith communities as part of their formation.

Father Scott Murphy, pastor of St. Edward Church, said the timing of the cohort’s participation coincided with growth in the parish’s Hispanic community—a moment when new leaders were needed.

“It was very providential. They were hungry for formation and already involved in ministry,” said Father Murphy.

He described visible changes among those who completed Renovación: “Their confidence level shot through the roof. … I can see it (confidence) in their eyes.” He called receiving certificates from Marian University “monumental for them” and added: “It was well worth all the effort.”

While enrolled in Renovación, participants organized a retreat attended by 100 parishioners and formed small groups called Pequeñas Communidades (small communities) where they shared lessons learned to support each other as disciples of Jesus Christ. These groups remain active today as participants work on forming new leaders within St. Edward.

Renovación has had a significant impact on his parish according to Father Murphy: “I can’t say enough good things about the program.”

Funding for Renovación comes from a nearly $1 million grant provided by Lilly Endowment Inc., a private foundation that supports efforts to enrich Christian religious life across the United States.