EquipCast

Archdiocese of Omaha
  • 4.8 (26)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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/.

  1. MAR 31

    Break Announcement: Happy Holy Week & Easter!

    Happy Holy Week & Easter! We are taking a break this week. Our next episode will be April 14th! In the meantime, we'd love to hear your questions on faith, ministry, or evangelization. (Ask us here.) We'll answer them in the next Inside Jim's Inbox. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

    1 min
  2. Life as an Evangelization Coordinator: How Accompaniment Transforms a Community

    MAR 24

    Life as an Evangelization Coordinator: How Accompaniment Transforms a Community

    Today, we begin a series where I talk to Evangelization Coordinators from across our archdiocese. You’ll hear the honest stories, hard-won wisdom and quiet ways God is moving through the people helping to lead parish renewal from the ground up. In this first episode, Renee Eames of the St. Joseph Family of Parishes, shares what the role looks like day-to-day. Her warm wisdom reminds us that evangelization isn’t about big programs or perfect strategies—it’s about people. It’s about staying close to Jesus in the small moments, letting your heart be softened, and choosing unity when division would be easier. Her story reveals how simple everyday faithfulness—prayer, presence, and quiet accompaniment—can quietly renew a community. This conversation is a reminder that God works through every relationship, every interruption, and every act of love toward the person right in front of you. [00:00] Meet Renee Ames [01:20] Renee Background Story [06:52] Small Town Life [11:10] Family Of Parishes [13:20] New Evangelization Role [22:49] Keeping Eternity First [28:08] Prayer As The Root [32:08] Launching Alpha Locally [35:48] Teamwork and Formation [38:23] Back To The Fundamentals [41:41] Workplace Evangelization [46:04] Unity Through Hard Talks [49:53] Patience For Long Fruits [51:21] Practical Advice And Sendoff 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)

    54 min
  3. Inside Jim’s Inbox – Q&A 1

    MAR 17

    Inside Jim’s Inbox – Q&A 1

    Welcome to the very first episode of Inside Jim’s Inbox, a new Q&A series where I open up the real questions you send—about faith, fear, evangelization, ministry, and everything in between—and we walk through them together. In this kickoff episode, I’m sharing the questions I hear most often: What even is evangelization? Do I know enough to share my faith? How do I deal with the fear of rejection? Along the way, I’ll offer simple, hopeful ways to see evangelization not as expert level work, but as sharing what God has done in your life one honest, hope-filled conversation at a time. We’ll also look at the questions parishes ask all the time: how to invite volunteers in a way that honors their gifts, and how to set healthy boundaries so that ministry strengthens you instead of draining you. My prayer is that this first episode feels like a welcoming doorway into a series where your questions guide the journey. [00:51] What is evangelization? [02:23] Do I know enough to share my faith? [04:00] How do I overcome the fear of rejection? [07:49] How do I get volunteers for our ministry? [09:56] How do I keep healthy boundaries in my ministry? [11:51] Next steps 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)

    12 min
  4. OCIA - Rediscovering the Heart of Parish Life

    MAR 10

    OCIA - Rediscovering the Heart of Parish Life

    What if the ancient way of welcoming seekers is exactly what we’re missing? When Dr. Chris Burgwald, Chancellor for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, and I dug into the roots of OCIA, it struck me how much wisdom we’ve left sitting on the shelf. The early Church knew how to walk with people—slowly, personally, lovingly—and somewhere along the line, we traded that for efficiency. Dr. Burgwald shows why returning to this ancient, relational way of forming disciples isn’t nostalgia; it’s the key to helping people truly encounter Jesus and find a home in His Church again. And what’s amazing is that this shift doesn’t just change the journey for newcomers—it transforms the entire parish. When we implement OCIA the way the Church actually envisions it, gifts surface, people step forward, and a culture of prayer and hospitality begins to grow. Communities rally around seekers, and in the process, everyone gets formed. One person’s “yes” becomes an invitation for an entire parish to rediscover its mission. [01:15] Meet Chris Bergal [12:23] Why People Are Converting [17:16] What Is OCIA? [22:34] Vatican II and Mission [25:22] Doing OCIA Well [30:20] Three Pillars of OCIA [37:50] Practical Parish Implementation [41:41] Parish Renewal and Activation [45:13] Handling Hard Situations [48:46] Not Assembly Line Discipleship [52:20] Model for All Formation [56:25] Teamwork and Leadership Models 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)

    1h 4m
  5. Coach's Corner 28: Why do we keep trying silver bullets?

    MAR 3

    Coach's Corner 28: Why do we keep trying silver bullets?

    *What do you do when the strategy, the program, or the plan just isn’t enough? * Because I’ve been there—and in this episode, I talk about why our “silver bullets” so often fail us. We love quick fixes, big programs, and shiny solutions, but real renewal—personal or parish-wide—only happens when we stop trying to use God and finally turn to Him with honest hearts. In this conversation, I walk through one of my favorite (and most surprising) stories in Scripture and share the uncomfortable but hopeful truth it reveals: God isn’t asking us for better strategies. He’s asking for conversion. If you’ve ever felt discouraged, overwhelmed, or tempted to chase one more magic solution, this episode will help you breathe, refocus, and remember that God has a plan—not a gimmick—waiting for you. [00:00] Welcome to Equip Cast [00:34] Silver Bullet Problem [01:42] Ark as Shortcut [04:50] Why It Failed [06:06] Modern Silver Bullets [07:43] Repentance and Conversion [08:37] Missionary Conversion Quotes [10:56] Trust the Mystery [11:51] Prayer and Sendoff 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)

    13 min
  6. The Shift That Revives a Parish: A Great Catholic Parishes Webinar

    FEB 24

    The Shift That Revives a Parish: A Great Catholic Parishes Webinar

    What if everything changes when people finally feel seen, known, and accompanied? In this republished conversation from the Great Catholic Parishes podcast, I join host John Poitevent to unpack why this simple shift lies at the very heart of parish renewal. People don’t grow because we tell them to—they grow because someone offers friendship, listens without judgment, and walks with them patiently. I unpack how accompaniment transforms not just individuals but the entire culture of a parish, unlocking a sense of belonging that leads people to recognize that God sees them the same way. Together, John and I try to paint a hopeful picture of what becomes possible when a parish truly commits to walking with people in love…and how everything can change from there. [03:31] Defining Missionary Disciples [08:43] Why Write Clear Path [13:14] Four Stage Pathway [16:44] Safe Questions Culture [20:06] Belong Believe Become [22:53] Clarity Over Programs [27:37] Ministry Mapping Method [30:24] Ministry Mapping Epiphanies [32:16] Change Management Basics [33:15] Thresholds Game and Trust [34:59] Discernment Rosary Method [38:12] Adult Formation Priority [43:45] Making Formation Accessible [49:08] Rapid Fire Q and A [50:09] Sports Sidelines Mission Field [55:05] Listen to Parents Needs [57:18] Final Encouragement and Sendoff Don’t forget to check out Great Catholic Parishes. To watch the original interview, check out John’s YouTube channel. 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)

    1 hr
  7. Holy Simplicity: When Clutter Competes With Your Calling

    FEB 17

    Holy Simplicity: When Clutter Competes With Your Calling

    What if your home isn’t just messy… but actually pulling you away from God’s call? I know—that question stopped me in my tracks too. In this week’s episode, I sit down with simplicity consultant Katie Sciba, and she helped me see something I honestly never connected before: the state of our space deeply affects the state of our soul. Here’s another one: Are your possessions shaping you into a disciple… or slowly distracting you from becoming the one God made you to be? Katie has this gentle way of revealing the attachments we don’t even realize we’ve made—the stuff we keep “just in case,” the clutter that drains us, the rooms that quietly stress us out before we take a single step inside. And she shows us how letting go isn’t about losing anything… it’s about creating the freedom to say a deeper yes to God. And maybe the biggest surprise: Could clearing your home be the key to hearing God more clearly? The more we talked, the more I realized: when our homes become places of peace, our hearts become places where God’s voice doesn’t have to fight so hard to be heard. This is practical, it’s freeing, and honestly—it’s beautifully Catholic. So if you’re craving more peace, more clarity, more space to actually live the life God is calling you to… this episode is for you. [00:00] Meet Katie Sciba: Simplicity Consultant [01:53] Katie's Background and Early Life [06:49] Discovering the Blessing of Simplicity [14:01] Dealing with Sentimental Items [17:58] Creating a Peaceful Home Environment [21:29] The Roots of Consumerism and Simplicity [25:20] Helping Others Simplify Their Lives [28:28] The Spiritual Side of Minimalism [33:51] The Iceland Experience [38:10] Practical Steps to Decluttering [51:46] Addressing Common Challenges [54:53] Client Success Stories [58:47] Conclusion and Contact Information For more from Katie, check out KatieSciba.com or email her at scibasimplicity@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)

    1 hr
  8. Dying Well: A Catholic Neurosurgeon's Insights on Life and Death

    FEB 10

    Dying Well: A Catholic Neurosurgeon's Insights on Life and Death

    What does it mean to face death well? When I sat down with Dr. Stephen Doran—a neurosurgeon, deacon, and man who’s walked intimately with suffering—I felt my own fears and assumptions around death get exposed. There’s something powerful about hearing someone who has been at the bedside of so many people say, with deep conviction, that death isn’t just an end… it’s a moment meant to be lived well. In this conversation, Steve and I talk about the healing that comes when we confront our mortality and the immense dignity that every person deserves at the end of life. Steve shares the story of his father in law’s beautiful passing, the principles every Catholic should understand about end of life care, and the spiritual posture that transforms fear into hope. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to “die well”—or how to accompany someone you love through their final season—this episode will give you courage, clarity, and peace. Take a listen. [01:22] Meet Dr. Steve Doran [10:39] Living and Dying Well [22:06] Ethical Considerations at the End of Life [29:45] The Role of Advanced Directives and Durable Power of Attorney [32:55] Evangelization in the Dying Process [36:31] Accompanying the Dying with Compassion [41:43] The Meaning of Suffering and Love [43:51] Daily Sacrifices and Preparing for Death [47:42] Sharing the Good News at Death's Door [49:53] Final Thoughts and Resources For more on this topic, check out StephenDoran.com, his book To Die Well, or Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. 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)

    51 min
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4.8
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

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/.

Information

  • Creator
    Archdiocese of Omaha
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    256
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Archdiocese of Omaha
  • Show Website
    EquipCast

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