Small groups are both easier—and more challenging—than we think. They’re not sustained by participants or materials alone, but by vision, culture, and structure. In this episode, I share why small groups can be pandemic-proof, recession-proof, even persecution-proof—if they’re rooted in mission, shaped by a culture of accompaniment, and supported by strong leadership structures. Discover how to build small groups that don’t just care for those inside the room, but expand outward to transform your parish and beyond.

[00:22] Introduction to Small Group Movements
[01:49] Challenges and Misconceptions
[03:05] Essential Elements for Success
[03:52] Vision for Mission
[05:35] Culture of Accompaniment
[07:31] Structures for Accompaniment
[10:10] Resources and Final Thoughts

Don’t forget to check out Grow a Healthy Small Group Workshop.

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)

But this isn’t just about programs. It’s about creating space for people to meet Jesus—and letting that encounter ripple out into the life of your parish. We talk about what’s working, what’s not, and how to choose a format that actually fits your community. We also get real about the challenges—and the surprising opportunities—of doing this in diverse or bilingual settings. If you're trying to figure out where to start, or wondering how to take your next step toward a more missionary parish, this episode is for you. Get ready to think big—and start small.

[01:09] Understanding Conversion Moments
[07:12] Why Parishes Need Conversion Moments
[12:16] Pros and Cons of Different Formats
[15:50] Small Groups and Flexibility
[18:55] Unity in Multilingual Parishes
[24:28] Cultural Shifts and Strategic Planning
[29:45] Choosing the Right Conversion Moment
[32:59] Forming Missionary Leaders
[37:51] The Role of Discernment in Ministry
[43:03] Practical Tips for Implementing Conversion Moments
[46:24] Inspiring Stories of Conversion
[51:52] Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Don’t forget to check out Options for Conversion Moments. 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)

A few months ago, I received a box that looked beautiful like it came out of a pottery barn catalog, and it said "Mend" on the top. I walked it down to Jodi Phillip's office (our Catechetical Specialist) fully intending to hand it off. But when I realized that it was brimming with hands-on activities that could help me teach my son about the sacrament of reconciliation...I took it home.

Transmitting the faith to our children is so difficult with the culture actively working against us, and this box give me some tools to have intentional conversations with my family. I tell you this today because Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries provide more than boxes for the sacraments. They really understand what it means to accompany families, and they want to help parishes do this well. They are more devoted to the process of catechesis than they are to a particular program. And so, whether you work for a parish or you are parent wanting a great resource for your children/grandchildren, tune into my conversation with Fr. Tim Donovan, Founder, President, and Chaplain of Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries.

[01:17] Meet Father Tim Donovan
[02:18] Discovering Pathways
[04:24] The Importance of Family in Faith Formation
[06:23] Creating Effective Sacramental Resources
[21:52] The Role of Beauty in Catechesis
[24:40] Implementing the Catechumenal Model
[33:03] Balancing Sacramental Preparation and Family Engagement
[37:00] Addressing Fear of Change in Parishes
[42:08] Building Missionary Families
[49:10] Supporting Parish Leaders and Families
[52:25] Encouragement and Resources for Change

Resources

• Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries – Look for the Pathways Formation Suite
• Leading Change without Losing by Carey Nieuwhof
• Directory for Catechesis (New Edition)

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

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)