Advancing Our Church

Today’s interview takes place with Michael Ritz, ’71, President of the St. James Alumni Association. The story of the St. James High School Bulldogs did not end with the closing of the high school in 1993.  The school’s alumni association has continued to raise funds and make an impact in the community for almost 25 years. Michael informs us that the Bulldogs have provided support to closed Catholic high schools around the country. Many of these schools have modeled their organizations after the Bulldogs.

Michale informs us that membership is strong with 1,600 active members. The Bulldogs have awarded over $1 million in tuition assistance to students in Catholic Schools. They currently support students with scholarships at five Philadelphia Archdiocesan High Schools.

Want more Bulldogs? See a brief video of the Dog House and hear from some of the members by visiting YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrKZ7uUzcJM.

Part Two of my interview at Nativity Parish. Join me for Episode 2 – Fr. Michael White as I visit Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland. In the interview with Fr. Michael White, Pastor and Brandon Hollern, Director of Finances, they talk about their journey as a stewardship parish.

During the interview, Fr. White shares how his view of stewardship has evolved over the years to what he sees as a healthier view. Brandon shares his personal experience of hearing the message of stewardship and then how the parish has implemented their approach using the four “P’s”.

The episode finishes with a beautiful letter from a one of Fr. White’s parishioners, explaining how they have grown in their faith because of the welcoming atmosphere at Nativity.

Once again, in 2013 Fr. White and Michael Corcoran wrote the acclaimed book Rebuilt: The Story of a Catholic Parish. This book is a must-read book for anyone who is working or volunteering in parish ministry.

Join us for this new episode of Advancing Our Church

Part Two of my interview at Nativity Parish

Join me for Episode 2 – A Rebuilt Parish as I visit to Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland and talk with Fr. Michael White (Pastor) and Brandon Hollern (Director of Finances) about their journey as a parish in stewardship.  During the interview, Fr. White shares how his view (as a pastor) of stewardship has evolved over the year to what he sees as a healthier view. Brandon shares his personal experience of hearing the message of stewardship and then how the parish has implemented their approach using the four “P’s”. The episode finishes with a beautiful letter from a one of Fr. White’s parishioners, explaining how they have grown in their faith because of the welcoming atmosphere at Nativity. Once again, in 2013 Fr. White and Michael Corcoran wrote the very popular book Rebuilt: The Story of a Catholic Parish. This is a must-read book for anyone who is working or volunteering in parish ministry.

A Rebuilt Parish – Visiting Church of the Nativity

It’s our first Episode! Join me as I visit with parishioners at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland and their pastor, Fr. Michael White and the Director of Finances, Brandon Hollern. In 2013 Fr. White and Michael Corcoran wrote the very popular book Rebuilt: The Story of a Catholic Parish. Since then, their story has captured the imaginations of parishes all around the country who are learning how this parish of 1,200 turned into a parish that serves 4,000 people on the weekend and how they raised over $12 million towards a major expansion project to serve their congregation.

This is part one of our two part episode which interviews Fr. White, Brandon and parishioners, Tony, Beth, Jen and Elizabeth (who gave great interviews BTW).  I was so grateful and inspired to attend Mass and be a part of what they call the “weekend experience” during Ministry Weekend.

A Rebuilt Parish – Visiting Church of the Nativity

It’s our first Episode! Join me as I visit with parishioners at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland.  I also meet their pastor, Fr. Michael White and the Brandon Hollern, Director of Finances. In 2013 Fr. White and Michael Corcoran wrote the visionary book Rebuilt: The Story of a Catholic Parish.

Since that time, their story has captured the imaginations of parishes all around the country. Their story teaches how a parish community of 1,200 turned into a church that serves 4,000 people.  We also discuss how they raised over $12 million towards a major expansion project.

This episode is part one of our two-part episode which interviews Fr. White, Brandon and parishioners, Tony, Beth, Jen, and Elizabeth.  I was so grateful and inspired to attend Mass and be a part of what they call the “weekend experience” during Ministry Weekend.

Don’t miss our very first episode of Advancing Our Church!

Our Preview Episode!

Please enjoy this brief Preview Episode of our new podcast which includes clips from various interviews conducted in recent weeks. Please subscribe on iTunes and watch for our premiere episode on April 17, 2017

Our mission is to support the Catholic Church by providing stewardship and advancement content. We envision a Catholic community that is fully engaged in the life and mission of our Church and helped through an abundance of resources that promotes Jesus Christ in the world.

Advancing Our Church will focus each season on a particular success or even a challenge in the field of Stewardship or Advancement.  We aspire to speak with leaders in Arch/Dioceses, parishes, Catholic schools, foundations, benefactors and many more.  Guest hosts will join the show to bring their expertise, experiences, and perspectives on topics that promote the growth of the Catholic Church.

Our show will share best practices, success stories and spark the imagination of those who are attempting to engage the Church.  By sharing best practices, we all learn from each other and together we will advance the mission of our Church.

Advancing Our Church – Preview Episode

We’ve been busy! Please enjoy this sample (4 1/2 minute) episode of our new podcast which includes clips from various interviews Jim conducted in recent weeks including Church of the Nativity in Timoniom, Maryland – homily excerpt from Fr. Michael White – Author of the book Rebuilt, Michael Ritz, President of the St. James Alumni Association and Msgr. Andrew Baker, Rector of Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland.  Please subscribe on iTunes and watch for our premiere episode on April 17, 2017