EquipCast Archdiocese of Omaha

How would you transform your parish if you had a proven strategy to reignite faith and build a vibrant community? Today, I’m excited to share a piece of that strategy with you—a way to create a sense of belonging before we expect people to believe or behave like us. It’s all about fostering a communal approach to faith, where everyone feels included and can directly experience the love and power of God.


In this episode, Monica Martinez and Rick Grinstead from Alpha in the Catholic Context join us to discuss how to spark interest and engagement in our faith communities. They emphasize the importance of asking questions and truly listening. Plus, they share practical advice and real-life examples from Alpha, a powerful tool for introducing people to the basic tenets of Christianity.


Highlights from this episode:



The Power of Questions: Learn how asking the right questions can open hearts and minds to the gospel message.
Building a Culture of Evangelization: Discover proven methods to transform your parish into a thriving community of faith.
Engaging Youth: Hear firsthand experiences on how to effectively engage young people in meaningful conversations about faith, life, and purpose.


For more, go to Alpha in the Catholic Context or email Rick and Monica directly.


Check out our list of recommended Conversion Moments!


Register to attend the Alpha Training Lab on August 3.


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)

Did you know that on average, there’s only one priest for every 2,000 parishioners in our archdiocese? With such a large group to guide, you might wonder how it could be possible for parish leaders to help their people grow in discipleship and move towards sainthood. The Clear Path framework is key to success, but the challenge is greater in our rural communities where a single pastor often handles several parishes.


To gain insight on these issues, I sit down with Jake Olson, the evangelization coordinator for Our Catholic Family, a group of parishes in the Northeast corner of Nebraska. Jake describes the clear path as a bowling alley where our ultimate goal (heaven) is like bowling a strike, and the clear path consists of bumpers that keep us aligned towards this goal.
Tune in to hear Jake’s practical advice and heartfelt experiences. He shows us how small actions and genuine connections can lead to profound spiritual growth and community transformation. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet rural town, these timeless principles of evangelization are universally applicable.


Episode Highlights:



Relational Evangelization: Learn the art of building authentic friendships and introducing Jesus into existing relationships.
The Clear Path: Discover the three-phase strategy tailored for rural communities to guide individuals towards discipleship and sainthood.
**Jake's Journey: **Be inspired by Jake Olson’s personal faith story and his impactful transition from college ministry to serving eight parishes across Cedar and Knox counties.


Check out Our Catholic Family. And 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)

Have you ever heard the universal call to holiness, “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” and instead of feeling inspired, felt discouraged? Holiness is hard, especially when we strive for it alone. When we rely solely on our own strengths, we often fail. But when we pursue holiness within the Body of Christ, leaning on both our community and God, we are much more likely to succeed.


In today’s episode, Chance and Lora Unger, founders of Missionaries of the Holy Spirit in the Family, share their insights on making holy practices a regular part of family life. Our conversation highlights the transformative power of continually surrendering to God and incorporating prayer into our daily routines. The Ungers emphasize the importance of a supportive community to foster holiness in our marriages and families. They show us how holiness can begin with simple, practical steps such as daily prayer and small acts of kindness. They encourage us to embrace our daily challenges and transform these experiences through grace and prayer.


Tune in and hear:



How to embrace and surrender to God's will in daily life
How to integrate prayer and spirituality into family routines
How to find strength and grace in times of personal and family challenges
How to seek and maintain authentic friendships that encourage spiritual growth
How to support a spouse in their faith journey
How to create a new normal of holiness and faithfulness in family life
How to transform ordinary experiences into opportunities for grace and spiritual development


For more from our guests, check out https://www.mhsfonline.org/ or email them at MHSFonline@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)

As we approach the 2nd anniversary of the repeal of Roe v. Wade, the debate about abortion continues to divide us. Have you noticed, maybe even in your own conversations, that traditional pro-life messaging about the baby just isn't hitting home? What if I told you that by understanding the deep emotional and psychological needs of women considering abortion, we could revolutionize our approach and truly help women make life-affirming choices?


Today, I chat with Megan Drapa, a researcher and education specialist for the Vitae Foundation, about what really influences women contemplating abortion. Megan shares that their research dives into the deep emotional drives behind these decisions, challenging what many of us think. She highlights that many women already see abortion as morally significant but feel driven by fear and a need to protect their identity. Our conversation sheds light on why we need more nuanced, compassionate communication to better support women facing unplanned pregnancies.


Tune in to hear about:



Emotional and Identity Factors: The decision-making process around abortion is deeply influenced by women's emotions and sense of identity. Many see carrying to term as a huge personal sacrifice or "death to self," and consider abortion the least harmful option despite knowing its moral implications.
Effective Messaging: How we frame abortion-related messages greatly affects how they're received. For instance, presenting a 15-week ban as a way to give women enough time and information to make an informed choice can gain more support than strictly labeling it as a pro-life measure.
Trust and Support: Building trust and offering support early in women's reproductive lives, before they face an unplanned pregnancy, is essential. Pregnancy centers and healthcare providers need to be seen as trusted resources for women’s health and reproductive needs, avoiding judgmental approaches that can push women away when they most need support.


To see the research, check out the Vitae Research Institute or email Megan Drapa. Also mentioned in this episode: The Happy Girl’s Guide to Being Whole.


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)

Is it hard to talk about Jesus with the people in your life? As Christians, we believe that spreading the good news of Jesus is essential to our faith, but sometimes, finding the courage or freedom to do so feels insurmountable. But guess what? There is an awesome program created by Christ Community Church, called Reach One More, and it turns big barriers into little speedbumps.


In today’s episode, I chat with Pastor Mark Ashton from Christ Community Church and Jenny Wiswell, the Director of Evangelization and Discipleship for St. Gerald's Catholic Church. We div into how Reach One More works wonders for disciples stepping into the mission field. They share personal stories of individuals transformed by the program, emphasizing the importance of conviction, training, and ongoing support in equipping believers for mission. Our conversation highlights the unity between Catholic and Protestant churches in fulfilling the shared mission of spreading the Gospel.


Tune in and hear:


[07:49] How Reach One More Adapts Evangelism to Modern Challenges
[11:00] The Reach One More Training Experience: Insights and Impact
[13:26] Deep Dive into Evangelism Skills and Mindset Shifts
[24:18] Sharing Success Stories: Real-Life Transformations
[28:16] Cross-Denominational Collaboration: A New Era of Unity
[37:15] Implementing 'Reach One More': Practical Steps for Parishes


To see the Reach One More program in action, check out St. Gerald's Parish or contact Jenny Wiswell.


Download the Reach One More training content.


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)

Why do you help the poor? In a culture where lending a hand to those in need is often seen as a noble thing to do, it's crucial for us as Christians to understand the deeper motivation behind our actions. As believers, we serve the poor out of love—a love that sees Jesus in the faces of those in need.


To delve into this profound aspect of service, I invite you to listen to my recent conversation with Jill Lynch, Executive Director of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Omaha. In this enlightening discussion, Jill shares her insights on recognizing the humanity and inherent worth of homeless individuals, challenging stereotypes and emphasizing the importance of empathy and dignity. Jill sheds light on the obstacles faced by the homeless, from securing identification to accessing transportation, and discusses proactive measures to prevent homelessness among the working poor. Through personal anecdotes, she illustrates the holistic approach of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, offering targeted assistance to those on the brink of homelessness. Above all, Jill emphasizes the profound truth that serving the poor is not just an act of charity, but a way to encounter Christ Himself. By treating each individual with respect and compassion, we fulfill the mission of seeing the face of Jesus in the marginalized.


In this episode:


[10:43] The Mission and Impact of Holy Family Community Center
[13:20] Understanding Homelessness and Addiction
[18:47] Personal Stories of Transformation and Hope
[29:37] Understanding the Economic Divide and Its Impact
[32:03] Building Relationships: Neighbors, Not Clients
[36:06] Volunteerism and the Power of Personal Engagement
[37:19] Addressing Homelessness: Beyond Immediate Needs
[49:22] Faith in Action: Seeing Jesus in Every Face


Find out more about Jill's work at SSVPOmaha.org and HolyFamilyOmaha.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)