And what’s amazing is that this shift doesn’t just change the journey for newcomers—it transforms the entire parish. When we implement OCIA the way the Church actually envisions it, gifts surface, people step forward, and a culture of prayer and hospitality begins to grow. Communities rally around seekers, and in the process, everyone gets formed. One person’s “yes” becomes an invitation for an entire parish to rediscover its mission.

[01:15] Meet Chris Bergal
[12:23] Why People Are Converting
[17:16] What Is OCIA?
[22:34] Vatican II and Mission
[25:22] Doing OCIA Well
[30:20] Three Pillars of OCIA
[37:50] Practical Parish Implementation
[41:41] Parish Renewal and Activation
[45:13] Handling Hard Situations
[48:46] Not Assembly Line Discipleship
[52:20] Model for All Formation
[56:25] Teamwork and Leadership Models

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)

Because I’ve been there—and in this episode, I talk about why our “silver bullets” so often fail us. We love quick fixes, big programs, and shiny solutions, but real renewal—personal or parish-wide—only happens when we stop trying to use God and finally turn to Him with honest hearts. In this conversation, I walk through one of my favorite (and most surprising) stories in Scripture and share the uncomfortable but hopeful truth it reveals: God isn’t asking us for better strategies. He’s asking for conversion. If you’ve ever felt discouraged, overwhelmed, or tempted to chase one more magic solution, this episode will help you breathe, refocus, and remember that God has a plan—not a gimmick—waiting for you.

[00:00] Welcome to Equip Cast
[00:34] Silver Bullet Problem
[01:42] Ark as Shortcut
[04:50] Why It Failed
[06:06] Modern Silver Bullets
[07:43] Repentance and Conversion
[08:37] Missionary Conversion Quotes
[10:56] Trust the Mystery
[11:51] Prayer and Sendoff

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)

I love the saints—especially guys like St. John Vianney—but trying to imitate their circumstances can leave today’s priests feeling defeated before they even begin. In this episode, Fr. Scott Traynor and I get honest about how different our world is now, and why that’s not a problem to mourn but a mission to embrace. We talk about the heart of priesthood today: prayer, the sacraments, and investing deeply in a few people who can carry the Gospel into a culture that’s drifting away from Christ.

And here’s the hope: renewal isn’t about going backward. It’s about priests doing what only they can do—celebrate, preach, shepherd—and unleashing the laity to live their mission with confidence. If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations you can’t live up to or wondered whether your parish can actually flourish in a secular age, this conversation will help you imagine a future filled with purpose and hope.

01:21 Meet Father Scott Traynor
04:34 The Legacy of St. John Vianney
10:51 Historical Context of Parish Life
21:25 Modern Parish Challenges and Solutions
31:49 The Role of the Parish Priest
37:07 The Power of Relationships in Evangelization
48:36 Building a Leadership Culture in Parishes
51:20 The Transmission of Faith in Parish Life
56:18 Practical Steps to Start Evangelizing
59:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Books mentioned in this podcast:

• From Christendom to Apostolic Mission
• The Advantage
• The Parish as a School of Prayer

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)

You’ll hear why small groups matter, how to spot a healthy ministry, and what it takes to move people from simply learning their faith to living it—and then going on mission. We talk about launching apostolates, forming others, and becoming the kind of disciples who don’t just consume content but live it out with joy and purpose. Plus, we share some honest stories, practical tools (like the Discernment Rosary), and plenty of laughs. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the right ministry for your clear path to discipleship—or how to fix the one you’ve got—this one’s for you.

[00:00] Series Overview: Choosing Ministries for Your Clear Path
[03:28] Understanding Faith Formation
[05:41] Characteristics of Effective Faith Formation
[10:46] Large Group vs. Small Group Faith Formation
[13:45] The Role of Accompaniment in Faith Formation
[21:00] Practical Tips for Small Group Leaders
[27:25] Facilitating Community in Faith Formation
[28:45] Importance of Support Systems for Small Groups
[39:26] Discerning Faith Formation Options
[48:34] The Power of Small Groups and Community
[52:41] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Don’t forget to check out Options for Faith Formation. And for more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

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)

We get honest about what it actually takes to form missionary disciples—not just run more programs. You’ll hear real behind-the-scenes stories from parishes on the ground, practical tips that work, and ways they faced the most common roadblocks we see, like fear, self-doubt, or the sense of being alone in mission. We break down evangelization formation into clear, doable steps—like helping people pray out loud, share their story, and discover their charisms. Whether your parish is just starting out or ready to go deeper, this episode will shift how you think about forming people for mission—and give you the tools to start.

[00:13] Series Overview: Choosing Evangelization Formation Ministry
[01:15] Understanding Evangelization Formation
[02:17] Characteristics of Evangelization Formation
[13:39] The Role of Charisms in Evangelization
[17:40] Team Approach and Mentorship in Evangelization
[24:20] Programs and Ministries for Evangelization Formation
[32:55] Discipleship and Mission
[34:24] Practical Steps for Evangelization
[35:58] Discernment in Evangelization Formation
[39:22] Deep Investment in Leaders
[41:34] Practical Ways to Discern Evangelization Formation
[45:14] Stories of Evangelization Success

Don’t forget to check out Options for Evangelization Formation. And for more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

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)

That’s the vision: parishes as missionary outposts, where we’re formed, equipped, and fired up to bring Jesus to the world around us. Imagine a community where people are on fire with God’s love, confident in their faith, and ready to share it. A place where the fruit isn’t just attendance numbers, but transformed lives—families healed, hearts stirred, and the Gospel reaching places it’s never gone. That’s the kind of fruit we’re after. Let’s talk about how to get there.

[00:23] Coaches Corner: Begin with the End in Mind
[00:41] Parenting Wisdom: Raising Adults, Not Children
[02:52] Building a Vision for Your Parish
[02:58] Pope Francis' Vision for Parishes
[08:26] Applying the Vision to Youth Ministry
[09:05] Reflecting on Your Ministry Goals
[09:45] Closing Thoughts and Prayer

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)

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)

In this Coach’s Corner, I’m diving into something that’s been really stirring in my heart: hope. Not the wishful-thinking kind, but the kind that’s born from repentance—a deep turning back to God with a holy fear of offending His love. When we do that, we make space for His grace to move, to renew, to restore. That’s where real hope comes alive.

I also talk about why I truly believe cultural change is possible—even now. Did you know it only takes about 15% of a group to shift the culture? That means if just a small part of our parish gets fired up for the Gospel and mission, it can spark something way bigger. I’ve seen it happen. And more importantly—God’s done it before.

I share stories, reflect on saints and past renewals, and talk about how a mission mindset, paired with corporate repentance, can set the stage for transformation. I end the episode with a prayer asking God to move in power again—because I really believe He’s not done with us yet.

If you’ve been feeling discouraged or wondering if your yes to God really matters, this one’s for you.

[00:35] Finding Real Hope for Your Mission
[02:38] Understanding the Concept of Hope
[03:54] Nurturing Expectation Through Stories of Saints
[05:04] The Tipping Point of Cultural Change
[06:27] Nurturing Holy Fear
[08:01] The Role of Repentance in Renewal
[10:53] The Great Commission and Jesus' Promise
[12:22] Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts

Also, check out The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference.

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)

Today, I bring you an episode from the Huntley Leadership Podcast. Ron Huntley, a man who coaches bishops, priests, and ministry leaders all over the world, asked me to be a guest on his podcast to talk about my book: A Clear Path. I want to share this episode with you in order to draw back the veil on some of the big picture work my team and I get to do with your parishes.

In today’s episode, you will:

• Understand the challenges associated with creating a clear path of discipleship in a parish or diocese.
• Explore success stories from parishes that successfully implemented clear paths of discipleship.
• Access practical insights and guidance on building a clear path through Jim's book, including success stories and actionable steps.

To hear more from Ron Huntley, check out the Huntley Leadership Podcast!

And if you want mor information on the book, A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish, go to https://clearpathbook.com/.

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)

Special Guest: Ron Huntley.

So what is an apostolate? And how does remembering help the lay faithful evangelize? Join us for a conversation with Peter Andrastek, Senior Consultant at The Evangelical Catholic, as we discuss the pivotal role of the lay apostolate and practical advice for both parishioners and church leaders to foster personal holiness and effective apostolate in various contexts.

[01:25] Peter's Faith Journey
[04:59] Understanding Evangelical Catholic
[09:50] Defining Ministry vs. Apostolate
[17:56] The Importance of Personal Apostolate
[22:26] The Role of the Parish in Supporting Apostolate
[32:59] Forming a Community of Disciple Makers
[35:29] Small Group Dynamics and Jesus' Model
[38:59] Ecclesial Movements and Parish Life
[49:36] Practical Steps for Parishioners and Pastors
[55:00] Resources and Final Thoughts

Resources

• Where Does the Ministry End and the Apostolate Begin?
• The Evangelical Catholic – A nonprofit specializing in Catholic ministry consulting and evangelization training. They work to support dioceses, parishes, and university campus ministries to lead self-sustaining evangelization movements through our customized coaching service and online learning management system.
• Soul of the Apostolate by Jean-Baptiste Chautard

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

[00:57] What Does It Mean to Be a Missional Community?
[01:42] The Unstuck Church and Church Lifecycle
[03:06] The Importance of Being Missional
[04:34] Challenges of Modern Evangelization
[06:37] The Call to Evangelize
[09:58] The Role of Holiness in Mission
[19:48] Strategies for Effective Evangelization
[23:38] The Challenge of Missionary Work
[24:28] Pope Francis' Perspective on Mission
[25:12] Reaching People Outside the Church
[26:16] The Problem with RCIA
[27:58] Evangelization Programs vs. Strategy
[29:13] Empowering Parishioners for Mission
[32:37] Creating a Missional Community
[36:28] Innovative Ideas for Outreach
[41:01] Practical Steps for Parish Staff and Families
[47:28] Conclusion and Call to Action