EquipCast

Archdiocese of Omaha
  • 4.8 (20)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
EquipCast

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. 1 DAY AGO

    Rethink Religious Ed: Universal Lessons for Faith Formation from People with Special Needs

    Religious Education is broken, often feeling like a conveyor belt to the sacraments rather than a journey, accompanying individuals as they grow in faith. My guest, Janet Sobczyk, shares how she transformed that reality for her daughter Monica, a person with special needs, so she could receive the sacraments. Janet’s story offers powerful lessons for all Faith Formation programs: Individualized attention: By understanding each person’s specific needs, strengths, and challenges, we can tailor our approach to foster meaningful connections with their faith. The power of visual and hands-on learning: Interactive tools like visual aids, music, and activities benefit all learners, not just those with special needs. The primacy of the heart: Faith is more than intellectual understanding; it’s about fostering a deep, heartfelt connection with God and creating an environment where everyone can experience His love and grace. Sacramental preparation should go beyond rituals and knowledge to create transformative encounters with Jesus and the community. Janet’s approach demonstrates the importance of meeting individuals where they are and helping them build a genuine relationship with God—because true faith formation starts with the heart. [02:07] Monica's Sacrament Story: Overcoming Challenges [05:33] Confirmation Journey: A Mother's Conviction [10:23] Empowering Parishes: The SEEDS Program [15:19] Adapting Sacramental Prep for Special Needs [27:22] The Role of Parents in Faith Formation [37:27] Reactions to SEEDS Ministry [43:01] Universal Lessons in Discipling [47:49] Meditation and Silence Check out Seeds Ministry or contact Janet directly! 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)

    57 min

  2. JAN 14

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

    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)

    1h 6m

  3. JAN 7

    Coach's Corner 17: A Clear Path for School Parents

    One of the largest opportunities for evangelization is in our Catholic schools. But breaking into this mission field comes with its own struggles. Many parents are juggling so many responsibilities and pressures. They're dealing with work, family, and all the demands of modern life, which can make it hard to prioritize their faith journey. Plus, the church's efforts to engage them might not always resonate or fit into their busy lives. But the key is to meet them where they are. Join me today for a discussion about how to engage school parents in the clear path to discipleship. [01:12] Challenges Facing Catholic Schools [05:00] The Role of Parents in Faith Formation [07:23] Building a Clear Path of Discipleship [09:42] Pro Tips for Engaging School Parents 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

  4. 12/17/2024

    How Young Adults Can Find Their Place After College

    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)

    1 hr

  5. 12/10/2024

    Praying with Purpose: Expect God to Speak About Your Mission with Hannah Vaughan-Spruce

    Have you ever wondered how to bring the Lord into your work, expanding your prayer life beyond personal devotion? In this episode, we explore missional prayer—prayer that aligns our hearts with the Holy Spirit, focusing on the transformation of our parishes and neighborhoods. It's about moving beyond inward devotion to intentional, outward-facing prayer for mission and evangelization. Discover how coming together as a community to seek God's guidance and power can bring about renewal and fruitfulness in our mission. Learn to pray with a purpose, trusting that God wants to work through us to reach those who don’t yet know Him. Join me as I talk with Hannah Vaughan-Spruce, Executive Director of Divine Renovation UK, who shares her insights on: [01:50] Hannah's Faith Journey [06:25] Introduction to Divine Renovation [15:43] Mission Inspired Prayer [28:25] The Role of Prayer in Parish Meetings [31:53] The Importance of Expecting God to Speak [36:14] Unique Features of Missional Prayer [45:33] Implementing Missional Prayer in Parishes [50:04] Building a Culture of Prayer in Parishes Check out the Genesis Compass! 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)

    58 min

  6. 11/19/2024

    How to Tell If Your Prayer Life Is Working with Nathan Crankfield, Sales Lead for Hallow

    Ever wonder if your prayer life is making a difference? Look for the fruits. Are you experiencing more peace, patience, and love in your relationships? Do you feel more attuned to God’s presence and guidance in your daily life? Challenges can also be a signpost—when your prayer life is strong, you’re more likely to face difficulties with grace and clarity. But what about those times when it feels like nothing is happening? Often, God is quietly working in your heart in ways you may not immediately notice. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Nathan Crankfield, Sales Lead at Hallow, to uncover the transformative power of prayer. Nathan shares personal insights and practical tips on recognizing when your prayers are bearing fruit and how to overcome the challenges of staying consistent in prayer. He also highlights how tools like the Hallow app can support your spiritual growth and help you connect with God more deeply. Join us for an inspiring conversation about building a vibrant prayer life, embracing God’s work in your heart, and navigating life’s highs and lows with faith and grace. [01:08] Nathan's Background and Faith Journey [07:26] College Life and Spiritual Growth at Mount St. Mary's [16:01] The Importance and Practice of Prayer [33:56] God's Desire for Silence and Conversation [36:51] Recognizing the Fruits of Prayer [39:52] Challenges in Maintaining a Prayer Life [46:21] Balancing Work and Prayer [53:40] The Impact of the Hallow App Don’t forget to check out Nathan Crankfield on Instagram and his website Seeking Excellence. And if you aren’t using the app yet: Hallow.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)

    1h 4m

  7. 11/12/2024

    Our Mission to Love: How to share your faith without being pushy

    I was recently asked, "How do you share your faith without coming across as pushy?" It’s a big question—how can we invite people into a relationship with Jesus without making it feel manipulative? The answer is simple: We love. The core of the Great Commission—"go and make disciples"—is the call to love because God is love. If we let that love shape and transform us, we become agents of love in our communities. This means nurturing our relationship with God first and letting that love overflow into our relationships with others. In this episode, I talk with Peter Andrastek, Senior Consultant at The Evangelical Catholic. We explore how to share our faith through genuine connections and meaningful conversations. It’s about finding a balance: reaching out with urgency, yet having the wisdom to do it gently. Join me as we dive into what it means to be a missionary disciple, sharing the love we've been given in a way that feels authentic and true. [03:25] The Importance of Evangelization [09:55] Deprofessionalizing Evangelization [17:41] Building Relationships for Mission [28:35] Understanding and Loving Others [33:21] Balancing Holiness and Mission [45:42] Stories of Evangelization Also check out: The Reach More Podcast Priests for an Apostolic Age Podcast The Need for Deprofessionalizing Evangelization 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)

    56 min

  8. 11/05/2024

    Coach's Corner 16: How to Make Evangelization a Priority

    Why is it so hard to prioritize evangelization? I want to love God, love my neighbor, and introduce others to Jesus, but life often gets in the way. In today’s Coach’s Corner, I’m here to offer some encouragement. When I focus on what Jesus truly asks of me—giving my heart to him in prayer and helping others draw closer to him—everything else falls into place. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply looking for inspiration, this episode provides practical advice and encouragement to reignite your missionary spirit and live out your faith more fully. Don't forget to check out Pope Francis and the Joy of the Gospel: Rediscovering the Heart of a Disciple 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)

    10 min
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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
20 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    203
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Archdiocese of Omaha
  • Show Website
    EquipCast

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