EquipCast Archdiocese of Omaha

Now that we’ve built a clear path, how do we make sure is survives? What comes next?


In this sixth and final episode of the series How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship, Jenny Wiswell and Fr. Marcus Knecht from St. Gerald discuss the phase of expansion. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and responding to the diverse needs of parishioners at different stages of their faith journey. They underscore the importance of discernment, communication, leader recruitment, and staying humble and receptive to feedback.


Here’s what to expect from this episode:


[04:14] Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Expansion
[08:38] The Importance of Communication and Flexibility in Expansion
[12:42] Harnessing Individual Gifts for Collective Growth
[15:23] The Dynamics of Teamwork in Discernment and Expansion
[22:45] The Holy Spirit's Guidance in Ministry
[26:45] Empowering Parishioners to Lead


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 do you do with ministries that existed before the clear path? By the time you see the fruit of changed lives in your parish, it’s likely that you will ask how you can help your non-clear path ministries serve the community’s mission and goal to make disciples.


In this fifth episode of the series How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship, Nicole Cook and Kristi Preisman from St. Columbkille describe the process of alignment. They began by talking with their ministry leaders to understand roles, strengths, and areas in need of improvement. They determined how each ministry aligned with the overall mission of the parish and identified areas where ministries needed to adjust. Their goal was to ensure that each ministry at St. Columbkille plays a meaningful role in helping people connect with God and take their next steps in their faith journey.


Here’s what to expect from this episode:


[14:49] Challenges and Innovations in Aligning Parish Ministries
[20:49] Exploring the Parish Pathway and Mission Alignment Tool
[21:07] The Role of Volunteers in Parish Ministry Evaluation
[21:43] Understanding and Appreciating Ministry Contributions
[24:47] The Importance of Data in Shaping Parish Decisions


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)

Once you have a clear path built, how do you communicate it to your parishioners? Often, our parishioners are living in the new reality of the clear path, but they don’t yet see the big picture vision for evangelization.


In this fourth episode of the series How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship, Jake Olson and Fr. James Keiter from Our Catholic Family describe how they navigated the phase of communication. They talk about leveraging different communication methods, the significance of personal witness and stories, and the need to communicate the clear path repeatedly to ensure understanding and engagement among parishioners.


Here’s what to expect from this episode:


[03:43] The Journey to Communicating a Clear Path
[35:00] The Power of Personal Witness and the Clear Path Mantra
[37:15] Advice for the Communication Phase


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)

Now that you have a plan to transform your parish, how do you get started? Implementing the Clear Path to Discipleship can feel daunting when you start to understand the scope of the change that is necessary.


In this third episode of the series How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship, Jonathan Sanchez-Hidalgo, Director of Evangelization and Discipleship at St. Charles Borromeo shares his experience navigating the complexities of implementing programs within a parish setting. He highlights the importance of community involvement, the need for flexibility and initiative, and the ability to learn from failures.


Here’s what to expect from this episode:


[04:09] Challenges and Triumphs of Implementing the Clear Path
[15:28] Navigating Setbacks and Finding Grace in Delay
[21:17] Learning from Obstacles: A Journey of Adaptation and Growth
[22:04] The Importance of Teamwork and Delegation in Retreat Planning
[25:34] Finding and Cultivating the Right Help for Ministry Initiatives
[28:27] Embracing Failure and Learning in Ministry Development


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 the Lord say about the plans you have for your parish? As you seek renewal for your parish community, are you intentionally asking for the Lord’s input? While many of us are prayerful individuals, praying collectively with a team about the strategy for becoming mission-oriented probably feels like uncharted territory. However, if we want to succeed, we must invite the Lord to be part of the process.


In this second episode of the series How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship, Fr. Damian Zuerlein, Dcn. Doug Lenz, and Ann Lenz from St. Frances Cabrini discuss how as they brough change to their community, they remained open to God's direction and surrendered to His will, even when faced with challenges and uncertainties. Their experiences reflect a deep sense of faith and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance in their parish life.


Here’s what to expect from this episode:
[06:37] How St. Frances Cabrini embraced Discernment and Renewal
[14:35] The Power of Community and Creativity in Faith
[18:30] Taking Leaps of Faith: Stories of Discernment and Action
[27:04] Navigating Change and Finding Purpose
[29:30] The Role of the Holy Spirit in Guiding the Community
[38:43] Reflections and Advice for Faith Communities


For more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish


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)

Does your parish’s current list of ministries help your people evangelize? It’s likely the answer is no. Most parish ministries were built during a time where people flocked to church. But the culture has changed, and our ministries need to as well.


So today, I bring you the first episode in the series How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship. Rachel Gifford, Director of Catechesis & Evangelization at St. Mary’s Parish, highlights her parish's journey through the phase of assessment. She shares how they examined existing programs to identify gaps in reaching newcomers and building up disciples for the work of mission. Challenges included resistance to change and feeling overwhelmed, but the parish found support in prayer, coaching, and revisiting their mission. Despite the difficulties, they saw positive outcomes, with new families registering and a renewed sense of faith in the community.


Here’s what to expect from this episode:
[03:50] The Initial Steps: Vision, Mission, and the Assessment Phase
[07:41] Navigating Challenges and Building Unity Through Assessment
[12:13] The Power of Shared Vision and Language in Transformation
[17:31] Practical Steps and Realizations in the Assessment Phase
[28:59] Detailed Breakdown of the Clear Path Stages
[38:45] Looking Ahead: Next Steps and Advice for Others


For more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish


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)