Episode 186

From Pew to Purpose: How to Live the Apostolate You Were Made For

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June 17th, 2025

1 hr 40 secs

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catholic discipleship vatican ii laity apostolic mission catholic evangelization works of mercy renewing the temporal order catholic leadership spiritual discernment catholic parish life mission in the world catholic laity lay vocation discernment catholic podcast equipcast jim jansen fr. andrew mattingly ministry vs apostolate parish ministry catholic mission lay apostolate laity apostolate making disciples evangelization evangelism disciples catholic ministry catholic archdiocese of omaha

About this Episode

What’s at stake if we stay busy in church but miss our calling in the world?

It’s easy to think serving at church—teaching, volunteering, helping with Mass—is the main way lay people live out their faith. But here’s the truth: our primary call isn’t just ministry inside the Church—it’s apostolate out in the world. That means bringing Jesus into your workplace, your neighborhood, and your everyday life. That’s where you’re meant to shine.

And what’s at stake? Souls. If we don’t take time to discern our apostolate, some of the people God placed in our path may never encounter Him. This isn’t just about filling time—it’s about stepping into the mission only you can fulfill. The Church needs you. And the world desperately needs Jesus.

Tune in for a powerful conversation with Fr. Andrew Mattingly, who tells us that sometimes, reaching the world means cutting back on “good” church programs—because when a parish is over-programmed, it can pull focus from the real mission. But when we zero in on what actually forms people for their apostolate, we gain clarity, energy, and fruitfulness. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most.

[02:00] Understanding the Lay Apostolate
[04:18] Defining Mission, Ministry, and Apostolate
[11:40] Historical Context of the Lay State
[20:04] Exploring Lay Apostolate Categories
[28:08] Grace in Homemaking and Hospitality
[31:35] Engaging in Local Politics
[36:24] Discerning Your Apostolate
[44:28] Real-Life Apostolate Examples
[47:09] Balancing Parish and Apostolate
[57:56] Encouragement for Busy Families

Don’t forget to check out Our Lady of Good Counsel, On the Apostolate of the Laity, and The Vocation and the Mission of the Lay Faithful.

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)