web01.fireside.fm Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:28:25 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) EquipCast - Episodes Tagged with “Transforming Parishes” https://archomahaequip.fireside.fm/tags/transforming%20parishes Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Sharing your Catholic faith with family and friends can sometimes feel daunting. Where do I start? How do I make an impact? Welcome to EquipCast, a weekly podcast from the Archdiocese of Omaha. We want to support your faith journey and equip you with the tools to express your faith authentically in your everyday life. Each week, we’ll discuss practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world. Each episode is filled with encouragement and inspiration so you can make an impact and make disciples in your own faith community. For more information and to stay connected with us, head to equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. en-us episodic Encouragement and inspiration for sharing your catholic faith Archdiocese of Omaha Sharing your Catholic faith with family and friends can sometimes feel daunting. Where do I start? How do I make an impact? Welcome to EquipCast, a weekly podcast from the Archdiocese of Omaha. We want to support your faith journey and equip you with the tools to express your faith authentically in your everyday life. Each week, we’ll discuss practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world. Each episode is filled with encouragement and inspiration so you can make an impact and make disciples in your own faith community. For more information and to stay connected with us, head to equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. no Archdiocese, Catholic Church, evangelization, evangelism, disciple Archdiocese of Omaha wabradley@archomaha.org Episode 178: Measuring Faith: How Data and Devotion Are Revitalizing Sacred Heart Parish https://archomahaequip.fireside.fm/178 7cb3543b-5b7a-4642-8da1-d5543bebe871 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Archdiocese of Omaha 178 Measuring Faith: How Data and Devotion Are Revitalizing Sacred Heart Parish full Archdiocese of Omaha 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. 50:29 no 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 (https://www.shoj.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) transforming parishes, parish renewal, Father Jamie Zarse, Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee Kansas, prayer warriors, leadership teams, spiritual habits, Eucharist devotion, Rosary devotion, confession habits, scriptural prayer, mass attendance, parish generosity, measuring spiritual progress, OCIA growth, marriage enrichment, parish leadership, faith community, Catholic podcast, EquipCast, Archdiocese of Omaha, church growth strategies, parish success stories, building vibrant parishes, faith-filled community, Catholic discipleship, parish transformation, church leadership insights 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)

]]> 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 175: From Comfort Zones to Mission: Transforming Parish Mindsets Through Lifelong Learning https://archomahaequip.fireside.fm/175 8c84d1f6-173d-4785-83cc-686a2e682117 Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600 Archdiocese of Omaha 175 From Comfort Zones to Mission: Transforming Parish Mindsets Through Lifelong Learning full Archdiocese of Omaha How can we help others shift from a maintenance mindset to a missional one? It starts with prayer and reflection but also requires creating an environment where people feel safe to explore new ideas and take risks. Encouraging continuous learning is key. By embracing new knowledge and experiences, we can deepen our faith and learn to live it out more fully. This journey of growth breaks down silos, builds stronger relationships, and fosters a vibrant, mission-oriented community. Join me as I sit down with Fr. Dave Belt, Pastor of St. Stephen the Martyr in Omaha, to discuss the transformative power of learning. He shares personal stories, effective team-building practices, and insights on fostering a sense of purpose and mission, Discover how helping others see their efforts as part of something larger and more meaningful can inspire a dynamic, responsive, and Gospel-rooted Church—the Church that God is calling us to be. 1:01:39 no How can we help others shift from a maintenance mindset to a missional one? It starts with prayer and reflection but also requires creating an environment where people feel safe to explore new ideas and take risks. Encouraging continuous learning is key. By embracing new knowledge and experiences, we can deepen our faith and learn to live it out more fully. This journey of growth breaks down silos, builds stronger relationships, and fosters a vibrant, mission-oriented community. Join me as I sit down with Fr. Dave Belt, Pastor of St. Stephen the Martyr in Omaha, to discuss the transformative power of learning. He shares personal stories, effective team-building practices, and insights on fostering a sense of purpose and mission, Discover how helping others see their efforts as part of something larger and more meaningful can inspire a dynamic, responsive, and Gospel-rooted Church—the Church that God is calling us to be. [01:05] Meet Father Dave Belt: A Lifelong Educator [07:46] The Importance of Ongoing Learning [12:59] Building Trust and Collaboration in Parish Staff [19:41] Effective Meeting Strategies and Leadership [25:43] Empowering Second Chair Leaders [35:06] Embracing the Call to Evangelize [41:28] From Christendom to Apostolic Mission [47:01] Canoeing the Mountains: Leadership Lessons [53:44] Building a Missionary Culture [56:57] Focusing on the Individual [59:26] Trusting in the Slow Work of God Don’t forget to check out Leading from the Second Chair (https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Second-Chair-Fulfilling-Realizing/dp/1506463290/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=), our episode with Tod Bolsinger (https://equip.archomaha.org/find-your-spiritual-compass-navigating-change-using-discernment-featuring-tod-bolsinger/), and his book Canoeing the Mountains (https://www.amazon.com/Canoeing-Mountains-Christian-Leadership-Uncharted/dp/0830841261). 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) lifelong learning, parish transformation, mission-oriented church, Fr. Dave Belt, church leadership, continuous learning, faith growth, parish community, team building, church mission, pastoral council, church education, transforming parishes, church culture change, mission-driven leadership, faith development, St. Stephen the Martyr How can we help others shift from a maintenance mindset to a missional one? It starts with prayer and reflection but also requires creating an environment where people feel safe to explore new ideas and take risks. Encouraging continuous learning is key. By embracing new knowledge and experiences, we can deepen our faith and learn to live it out more fully. This journey of growth breaks down silos, builds stronger relationships, and fosters a vibrant, mission-oriented community.

Join me as I sit down with Fr. Dave Belt, Pastor of St. Stephen the Martyr in Omaha, to discuss the transformative power of learning. He shares personal stories, effective team-building practices, and insights on fostering a sense of purpose and mission, Discover how helping others see their efforts as part of something larger and more meaningful can inspire a dynamic, responsive, and Gospel-rooted Church—the Church that God is calling us to be.

[01:05] Meet Father Dave Belt: A Lifelong Educator
[07:46] The Importance of Ongoing Learning
[12:59] Building Trust and Collaboration in Parish Staff
[19:41] Effective Meeting Strategies and Leadership
[25:43] Empowering Second Chair Leaders
[35:06] Embracing the Call to Evangelize
[41:28] From Christendom to Apostolic Mission
[47:01] Canoeing the Mountains: Leadership Lessons
[53:44] Building a Missionary Culture
[56:57] Focusing on the Individual
[59:26] Trusting in the Slow Work of God

Don’t forget to check out Leading from the Second Chair, our episode with Tod Bolsinger, and his book Canoeing the Mountains.

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)

]]> How can we help others shift from a maintenance mindset to a missional one? It starts with prayer and reflection but also requires creating an environment where people feel safe to explore new ideas and take risks. Encouraging continuous learning is key. By embracing new knowledge and experiences, we can deepen our faith and learn to live it out more fully. This journey of growth breaks down silos, builds stronger relationships, and fosters a vibrant, mission-oriented community.

Join me as I sit down with Fr. Dave Belt, Pastor of St. Stephen the Martyr in Omaha, to discuss the transformative power of learning. He shares personal stories, effective team-building practices, and insights on fostering a sense of purpose and mission, Discover how helping others see their efforts as part of something larger and more meaningful can inspire a dynamic, responsive, and Gospel-rooted Church—the Church that God is calling us to be.

[01:05] Meet Father Dave Belt: A Lifelong Educator
[07:46] The Importance of Ongoing Learning
[12:59] Building Trust and Collaboration in Parish Staff
[19:41] Effective Meeting Strategies and Leadership
[25:43] Empowering Second Chair Leaders
[35:06] Embracing the Call to Evangelize
[41:28] From Christendom to Apostolic Mission
[47:01] Canoeing the Mountains: Leadership Lessons
[53:44] Building a Missionary Culture
[56:57] Focusing on the Individual
[59:26] Trusting in the Slow Work of God

Don’t forget to check out Leading from the Second Chair, our episode with Tod Bolsinger, and his book Canoeing the Mountains.

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)

]]>