A program that originated in the United States, now RENEW International, offers materials and training for parish-based discussion groups. Their programs have reached an estimated 25 million Catholics in 160 dioceses in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Venezuela, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Since 2007 it has sponsored the program Theology on Tap which involves young adults in faith discussions held in restaurants and taverns. RENEW International has a strong presence in England and in Africa. A similar effort originating in Italy in 1987 now involves thousands of people on five continents. Pope Francis has commended these cells for their ability to revive parishes, adding that: “If we have encountered Christ in our lives, then we cannot keep him only for ourselves. It is crucial that we share this experience with others as well."
