EquipCast - Episodes Tagged with “Faith Community”

Episode 181: The Four Ways Forward: Becoming an Apostolic Parish in a Post-Christian World with Susan Windley-Daoust

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Parish renewal is the buzzword of the moment—and with it comes an overwhelming array of resources and ministries. So how do you cut through the noise to find what will truly help your parish move forward?

In today’s episode, I talk with Susan Windley-Daoust, author of The Four Ways Forward: Becoming an Apostolic Parish in a Post-Christian World. Susan encourages us to focus on renewal models that prioritize:

Radical hospitality
Small group discipleship
Mission refocus
Signs and wonders

Look for resources that align with these key principles and have a proven track record. Engage your parish leadership team in discernment, and don’t be afraid to start small—what matters most is finding what genuinely supports your parish’s growth in missionary identity.

Want more practical insights? Tune in now!

[04:10] The Call to Evangelization
[19:11] Challenges in Modern Parishes
[28:30] The Four Ways Forward
[33:50] Respecting Individuality in Evangelization
[34:18] The Power of First Proclamation
[37:16] Embracing Small Groups for Spiritual Growth
[43:36] Mission Refocus and Organizational Health
[50:49] Elevating Signs and Wonders
[58:32] Encouragement for Evangelization
[01:03:15] The Mark 5:19 Project

Don’t forget to check out Susan’s book and the Mark 5:19 Project!

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)

Episode 178: Measuring Faith: How Data and Devotion Are Revitalizing Sacred Heart Parish

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What does it take to build a thriving, faith-filled parish? In this episode, I sit down with Father Jamie Zarse, pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee, Kansas, to unpack his vision for renewing his parish—starting with a team of prayer warriors and leaders—and the spiritual habits that are transforming his community. From deeper devotion to the Eucharist and the Rosary to more frequent confession and scripture-based prayer, these simple yet powerful practices are sparking real change. Mass attendance is up by 18%, generosity is growing with an additional $408,000 in tithing, and parishioners are coming alive in their faith.

Father Jamie also reveals why measuring spiritual progress and forming strong leadership teams are key to sustaining this momentum. He shares how his leadership team, a mix of staff and dedicated volunteers, meets weekly to ensure they are always working on the most important things. They even use innovative tools like QR code surveys during Mass to track engagement in key spiritual habits.

Whether you're a parish leader or just passionate about seeing your faith community flourish, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss. Discover how Father Jamie's approach has led to a significant increase in OCIA participants and the success of marriage enrichment programs that have saved marriages and strengthened families.
Give it a listen and let us know—what’s one habit or leadership insight that stood out to you?

[05:12] Building a Team of Prayer Warriors
[10:14] Leadership and Vision Development
[18:37] Measuring Parish Engagement
[23:30] Accountability and Evangelization
[28:42] Building a Healthy Leadership Team
[37:32] Leveraging Business Practices in Parish Management
[44:20] Personal and Professional Rule of Life

Check out Fr. Jamie’s parish, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

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)

Episode 171: Transform Your Parish: Fr. James Mallon on Evangelization, Discipleship, and Church Growth

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Pope John Paul II tells us that “evangelization is the cornerstone of all pastoral action, the demands of which are primary, preeminent and preferential.” Yet, let’s be real—how often do we actually see this lived out in our parishes? Evangelization tends to take a back seat, overshadowed by other priorities, rarely making it into budgets or staffing plans. But here’s the truth: holiness and orthodoxy aren’t enough on their own to renew a parish.

This week, I sit down with Fr. James Mallon, the author of Divine Renovation, to talk about how we can create parishes that inspire a commitment to Christ and cultivate a dynamic, engaged faith community. We dive into what it takes to make evangelization the heart of parish life, break through cultural barriers, and build leadership teams that lead with purpose.

[03:08] Father James Mallon's Journey: From Ordination to Evangelization
[08:13] The Role of Evangelization in Parish Transformation
[11:38] Practical Steps to Prioritize Evangelization
[21:08] Defining Evangelization: What It Is and What It Isn't
[31:54] The Role of the Baptized in Evangelization
[33:52] Transforming Parishes into Missionary Outposts
[36:05] Challenges and Success Stories
[40:37] Building Effective Leadership Teams
[52:31] Insights from Diocesan Leadership
[58:17] Keys to Continued Growth in Parish Renewal
[01:02:57] The Power of the Holy Spirit

Also, check out Fr. Mallon’s current parish OLG Dartmouth, Divine Renovation Ministry YouTube channel, and the Divine Renovation website.

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)

Episode 170: How Young Adults Can Find Their Place After College

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Can young adults find their place in a faith community after college? Young adults often face the loss of their college community and the challenge of building new connections. They tend to feel isolated and unsure of how to integrate into a parish. Overcoming this involves actively seeking out parish activities, being open to making friends across different age groups, and finding ways to serve.

In this episode, we explore the unique struggles and opportunities for young adults striving to remain connected to their faith after graduation. Today’s guest, Matt Keller, shares his inspiring journey of founding Arch O Young Adults, an apostolate dedicated to helping young adults navigate these transitions. Matt offers practical advice on creating meaningful relationships, staying rooted in prayer, and trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Whether you're a young adult or someone looking to support this age group, this conversation is full of insights and encouragement.

[02:50] The Role of Community in Faith Development
[06:10] Challenges and Transitions for Young Adults
[17:57] Building a Young Adult Ministry
[26:19] Creating a Vision for Young Adult Engagement
[31:58] Leadership Transitions and Identifying New Leaders
[39:10] Engaging Young Adults in Prayer and Community
[44:45] Connecting Young Adults to Their Parishes
[50:59] Balancing Family Life and Ministry
[54:37] Encouragement for Aspiring Leaders

For more, check out archoyoungadults.org or email Matt at archoyoungadults@gmail.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)

Step 1: Relational Outreach – The Ministries that Make Up a Clear Path of Discipleship

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Do you have a way to introduce your non-practicing friends and family members to your faith community that doesn’t involve inviting them to Mass or other gatherings that might make them feel isolated? Does your parish offer a space where you can meet and build trusting relationships with those distant from their faith? The Clear Path step Relational Outreach is designed for just that. My guests, Katie Winkler and Beth Carlson, share their experience at the JPII Newman Center, where they’ve created spaces for authentic friendships to flourish.

They discuss the importance of intentionality in outreach, creating welcoming environments, and the role of personal stories and experiences in building genuine connections. Katie and Beth also highlight the challenges and learning opportunities in outreach efforts, emphasizing the need for patience and persistence in forming meaningful relationships.

[05:46] Creating Welcoming Events
[11:24] Training and Preparing Leaders
[27:41] Inviting to a Deeper Faith Journey
[34:10] Celebrating Effort and Building a Culture of Outreach
[38:29] Translating Outreach Lessons to Different Contexts
[55:32] The Importance of Personal Prayer in Outreach

For more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship, or check out our “cheat-sheet” Clear Path Definitions and Phases.

If you were inspired by Katie and Beth, take a look at JPIIOmaha.org.

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)

Episode 160: When to Listen and When to Advise: Lessons from a Live Coaching Conversation

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Have you ever been asked for help but then felt like you were just giving unwanted advice? It’s tough to know how to make your words count. On my team, we use an approach called coaching that focuses on active listening to really support and empower the clergy and lay leaders we work with. We’ve also found that this method can make you a better friend.

Today, I bring you a live coaching session with Fr. Scott Schilmoeller, Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Omaha. We explore how coaching principles like active listening, asking the right questions, and encouraging growth can transform not only professional roles but also personal friendships. You will also hear Fr. Schilmoeller share his experiences and strategies for promoting vocations. Whether you’re interested in coaching, vocations, or simply becoming a better friend, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to support and uplift those around you more effectively.

[02:34] Coaching Session Overview
[03:45] Identifying Priorities and Vision
[06:54] Understanding Vocation Hotspots
[14:33] Accompanying and Supporting Leaders
[24:07] Encouraging Active Listening
[27:24] Creating a Concrete Format
[28:07] Naming Next Steps
[34:23] Benefits of Coaching
[36:17] Distinguishing Coaching from Other Disciplines
[43:05] Finding the Right Coach

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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)

Coach's Corner 12: Renewing Our Church Through Communal Repentance

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Have you ever found yourself saying sorry for something you didn't actually do? Like when your kid makes a mess in a store, or your team had to run extra laps in high school because of one teammate's mistake? The concept of taking collective responsibility isn’t foreign to us, but sometimes, we struggle with the idea of personally owning up to the mistakes of past generations.

Today, I'd love to chat with you about the concept of communal repentance. It's about recognizing that even if we didn't directly cause a specific problem, we're all part of the same community and share in the work of seeking forgiveness and renewal together. When we come together and repent as the Body of Christ, we recognize the transformative power of God’s grace to heal relationships, restore communities, and guide them towards a more faithful and righteous path.

Join me and:

Uncover the theological foundations and biblical precedents for corporate repentance.
Reflect on the implications of corporate repentance for personal spirituality and the broader mission of the church.
Explore practical strategies for implementing collective renewal within our communities and families.

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)