The Church Podcast

In this second episode on parish councils, we begin to discuss how to structure a council so that it is functional and set up for success. We share specifically how many members should be on the council, what the term limits look like, how often they should meet, and what should be in the agenda.

In this episode, we begin a series on the topic of developing and managing a parish council. In this first episode, we address the purpose of a parish council and why every parish needs one.

This summer has been like no other. With social distancing and ministry being totally upended, many ministry leaders are rightfully tired. In this episode, Chris and John share strategies to find rest and to rejuvenate so that we can continue to bring our best to our ministry.

To stay balanced and effective as a minister, vacation is an important tool for each of us to embrace. Yet, too many of us don’t take a vacation. Ministry takes energy and work. As ministers, we should be intentional about how we relax and rejuvenate so that we come back to our ministry more energized and focused. In this episode, John and Chris share best practices when it comes to taking the vac...

The circumstances of today don’t allow us to connect with parishioners like we usually do. We limited Masses irregular face-to-face interaction; we have to rethink how we are recruiting and invite volunteers into ministry. In this episode, Chris shares how we can effectively recruit volunteers when we can’t do it face-to-face. In this episode, we reference: Chris’ blog post on Marathon Youth Minis...

As it becomes more clear that COVID will continue to impact Catholic parishes and Dioceses in the United States, we have to continue to plan for our ministries from a point of realism. We cannot plan formation like we have in the past. In this 2-part episode, Chris and John continue to explore creative ideas for formation to children, youth, and adults in this continually ambiguous time. This incl...

As it becomes more clear that COVID will continue to impact Catholic parishes and Dioceses in the United States, we have to continue to plan for our ministries from a point of realism. We cannot plan formation like we have in the past. In this 2-part episode, Chris and John continue to explore creative ideas for formation to children, youth, and adults in this continually ambiguous time. This incl...

In the release of the new Directory for Catechesis, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, suggested that their are 3 obstacles to effective catechesis. In this episode, Chris and John delve into the 3 obstacles, name the implications for pastoral leaders, and, as a bonus, offer a fourth obstacle that must be overcome if our parishes are t...

Well functioning pastoral and finance councils are necessary if a Church is to be successful. In this episode, Chris and John talk about why inviting members to be on your council is much more effective than having an election process.

Rich Curran, Executive Director of the Parish Success Group , joins Chris and John for a conversation around the future of the Catholic Church in a COVID and post-COVID world. Rich argues that parishes will need to reassess their models and ministries to adapt to the new culture we are in, including looking at how we offer Mass, rethinking programmatic offerings, and shaking up old models that wil...

Special guest Dr. Leonard deLorenzo joins co-hosts Chris and John as they explore the definition of Co-Responsibility in the Catholic Church and its implications for parishes and dioceses. Lenny shares new forms of shared leadership that allow the faithful to live out their baptismal call as co-responsible for the mission of evangelizing the world. Lenny is a faculty member at the University of No...

"I do not share the fear they put on when they and their children leave their homes every day” -Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archdiocese of Chicago Dr. Ansel Augustine joins Chris and John in this episode to break open the topic of racism and justice in our communities. Stemming from his experience as a Black Catholic in a Black community, Dr. Augustine shares small and practical ways that parish lea...

As parishes are caught up in the requirements for opening the Church back up for Mass, we can’t forget that we still need to plan for the Fall. In this episode, Chris and John discuss how to plan for the new ministry year while dealing with the ambiguity of what the Fall might look like. We explore the opportunity that has been given to us to be creative, provide new and more effective ministry, a...

In the second part of this two-part episode, Chris and John continue their discussion as to asking the question “why” we should open back up the doors of the Church for Mass. Many leaders have asked the question “how” but not as many have asked the question, why?

In the second part of this two-part episode, Chris and John continue their discussion as to asking the question “why” we should open back up the doors of the Church for Mass. Many leaders have asked the question “how” but not as many have asked the question, why?

Many parishes and dioceses have been asking the question, “how?” when it comes to opening back up for Masses. Not as many parish leaders have asked the question, “why?” In this two-part episode, Chris and John explore 3 “why’s” parishes might resume Masses and delve into critical questions that all parishes should be asking before they determine whether they should or should not open back up for l...

In this episode, Chris and John explore the importance of engaging in non-Catholic resources to help expand our leadership within a Catholic setting. We specifically talk about books, authors, experiences, and podcasts that have helped us become better Catholic ministry leaders.

In this episode, we are joined by Diana Macalintal and Nick Wagner from Team RCIA as we discuss how to go about the sacraments of initiation during Covid-19 and when we open the doors back up . We answer the question of when to celebrate the sacraments, what to do with the Elect right now, and what a year-around model of RCIA could look like. To find more information about Diana, Nick, and their m...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Josh Packard, Executive Director of the SPringtide Research Institute as we discuss the reality of loneliness in 13 to 25 year olds and how parishes and ministries can respond to this trend. For more information on this study, please visit:   Website: https://www.springtideresearch.org/ To purchase the book: https://www.springtideresearch.org/belonging/ Or con...

And they will open back up. When they do, what is your plan? In this episode, Chris and John explore some ideas and questions to discern as we prepare to welcome people back on to our Church campuses, with the hope of not only getting people to come, but keeping them with us over the long-term.

And they will open back up. When they do, what is your plan? In this episode, Chris and John explore some ideas and questions to discern as we prepare to welcome people back on to our Church campuses, with the hope of not only getting people to come, but keeping them with us over the long-term.

In this episode, Chris and John are joined by Rich Curran, Executive Director for the Parish Success Group, as we discuss the need to take care of ourselves and our colleagues as we continue our Covid-19 adventure.

Covid-19 has redefined the realities of the Domestic Church at home, especially since we cannot gather together on church grounds. In this episode, special guest Paul Canavese shares strategies and resources for building up the church at home and empowering parents to take a lead on passing on a legacy of faith to their families. Find out more about Paul and The Pastoral Center by visiting their w...

In all likelihood, your parish will take a financial hit as Masses are cancelled. In this episode, Chris and John break open the idea of communicating and encouraging giving strategies beyond giving in the offertory basket, as well as looking at the budget to see where there are costs savings now that your Church campus is closed.

In this episode, John and Chris continue our conversation about creative strategies for ministering during the Coronavirus crisis. Specifically, we share ideas to be calm and proactive, managing and leading your staff while working from home, and thinking pastoral about the needs of your parishioners.