Advancing Our Church

Published: February 28, 2022

Join Clark Bartram and Jim Friend for a conversation about health, fitness, and spirituality. Clark Bartram is an inspirational Christian, professional fitness model, published fitness writer, and ISSA Master Personal Trainer from Ohio. He is well-known as an online trainer and TV fitness show host. Most recently, Clark has made it his personal mission to help men over 50 live healthier lives through the creation of CBX Nation, an online coaching service for men with over 10,000 members. For more information on Clark’s program, you can view the video he mentions on the six-week solution and men who have experienced this program here. You can find download his App, join his Facebook page, or follow him on Instagram.

Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARD

Don’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis.

Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin’s Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today’s Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page and subscribe. If you would like to join the Kristin’s Crosses prayer group on Facebook, click here to request to join.

Published: December 21, 2021

On August 6, 2021, Bishop Koenig, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, announced Ms. Sheila O’Hagan McGirl, CFRE, would take the reigns as the new Director of Development for the diocese. On today’s show, Changing Our World’s Jim Friend talks with Sheila about her career path to this new role and how God guided Sheila and her family each step of the way. Sheila shares her focus for the office and her focus to serve this mission.

Ms. McGirl comes to the Diocese of Wilmington from the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia, where she was Senior Director of Institutional Advancement. Prior to that, she served the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey as Associate Director of Development. She also held positions in the Camden Diocese’s Family Life and Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry offices, as well. Ms. McGirl holds degrees in Business Administration from Gloucester County College and Liberal Studies from Rowan University. She serves as Founder and Chairperson of the Board of the Catholic Business Network of South Jersey and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Planned Giving Association, International Catholic Stewardship Conference, and Board of the Irish American Building Society. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

Diocese of Wilmington

The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington was established in 1868 and comprises 56 parishes, 18 missions and 27 schools serving the State of Delaware and the nine counties of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. There are over 240,000 Catholics in the diocese. Information about the diocese is available at www.cdow.org.

Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARD

Don’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis.

Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin’s Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today’s Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page and subscribe. If you would like to join the Kristin’s Crosses prayer group on Facebook, click here to request to join.

Published: December 05, 2021

The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers was born out of a need for education, resources, and servant laymen and women to respond to mental health crises. On today’s show, Jim Friend interviews the organization’s President, Deacon Ed Shoener of the Diocese of Scranton. Deacon Ed will share that he was inspired to join with other dedicated people to establish the Association after his daughter Katie died by suicide in 2016 after a long battle with bipolar disorder.  The response to his daughter’s obituary made it clear to Deacon Shoener that there is a real need for the mental health ministry in the Church. Together with the ministry’s chaplain, Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego, Catholic MHM has guided parishes through the process of creating a mental health ministry to provide spiritual support for those struggling with mental health issues, for their families and for the entire parish community.

Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARD

Don’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis.

Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin’s Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today’s Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page and subscribe. If you would like to join the Kristin’s Crosses prayer group on Facebook, click here to request to join.

Published: November 15, 2021

In celebration of Vocation Awareness Week, Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend invited Fr. Michael Zimmerman, who currently serves as assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and as an adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John’s Seminary. With the heart of a teacher, Fr. Michael was inspired to create a systematic discernment program for young men drawing from the wisdom that he received as part of his own formation. During the pandemic lockdown in May 2020, Fr. Michael scripted 27 episodes which are now part of a video series called Scivias. Filmed in a way that captures many of Fr. Michael’s own interests, such as rock climbing, track and field, art, drawing, and of course, the city of Boston. Fr. Michael hopes others can identify with his journey and recognize how pursuing God’s plan for their lives will fulfill their greatest desires.
Scivias

Know the Ways of the Lord is a one-of-a-kind video series that serves as a vocational discernment guide for men considering the priesthood. The series is written and narrated by Fr. Michael Zimmerman, Assistant Director of the Office of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Boston. Designed to help young men recognize how pursuing God’s plan for their lives will fulfill their greatest desires, the 27-episode series was released in April 2021.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT SCIVIAS

Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARD

Don’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis.

Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin’s Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today’s Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page and subscribe. If you would like to join the Kristin’s Crosses prayer group on Facebook, click here to request to join.

Published: November 10, 2021

What are your year-end giving strategies? How will you close the calendar year and capitalize on the giving season? Jim Friend is joined by Lisa Quist, the new Executive Director of Mission Support and Chief Development Officer for the Franciscan Friars of Atonement. As the Executive Director, Lisa provides strategic leadership for their comprehensive multichannel fundraising program, which generates revenue that supports the ministries of the Friars. Prior to joining the Friars, Lisa served as the Chief Development Officer of the Edmundite Missions located in Selma, Alabama, where she led all of their philanthropic strategies that supported the Mission’s transformative life-saving and life-changing programs. Lisa is relatively new to her role, and she also discusses what to focus on first as a new Development Director. Please join us for this informative discussion.

Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARD

Don’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis.

Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin’s Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today’s Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page and subscribe. If you would like to join the Kristin’s Crosses prayer group on Facebook, click here to request to join.

Published: November 01, 2021

This week we travel back to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to talk with Michelle Brown, the Chief Development Officer for the Independent Mission Schools (IMS). Michelle is responsible for raising more than $15M annually and overseeing communications, marketing, and public relations for the organization. Michelle brings 21 years of non-profit leadership experience in both fundraising and operational capacities; Michelle joined IMS in October 2019. Prior to this role, she served as the Director of Development at Mastery Charter Schools. AT MCS, Michelle was responsible for overseeing fundraising strategy and implementation for a network of 24 urban public charter schools.

IMS is an independent network of 15 Catholic schools providing a transformative Catholic education for students. IMS provides children of all faiths across the city of Philadelphia the opportunity to learn in a college preparatory environment. They assist students to grow in a culture of love, setting them on the path to a promising future.

Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARD

Don’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis.

Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin’s Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today’s Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page and subscribe. If you would like to join the Kristin’s Crosses prayer group on Facebook, click here to request to join.

Published: October 24, 2021

Catholic Healthcare Systems serve a unique mission in the community, and never has the mission been more important than during the pandemic. Join our host, Jim Friend, and his special guest, Jim Choma, Vice President for Catholic Mission and Chief Development Officer for Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. Mr. Choma shares stories of community partnerships and the incredible outpouring of generosity that continues to support their mission through the pandemic.

Keeping faith with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and guided by the Bishop of Metuchen, Saint Peter’s University Hospital is committed to humble service to humanity, especially the poor, through competence and good stewardship of resources. Saint Peter’s ministers to the whole person, body, and spirit, preserving the dignity and sacredness of each life. They are pledged to the creation of an environment of mutual support among their employees, physicians, and volunteers and to the education and training of healthcare personnel. They are witnesses in their community to the highest ethical and moral principles in pursuit of excellence and patient safety.

Also, if you would like to suggest a topic or guest for Advancing Our Church, please click here to send me an email. I’d love to hear from you! Thank you for your continued prayers for our show!

Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARD

Don’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis.

Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin’s Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today’s Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page and subscribe. If you would like to join the Kristin’s Crosses prayer group on Facebook, click here to request to join.

Published: October 19, 2021

The Permanent Diaconate is a vital support to parish ministry. The Church calls men to serve as Ordained Deacons to be a sacramental sign of Christ to the world. Today we meet representative members of the Formation class in the Diocese of Allentown. They talk about the Deacon’s ministry, the process of Diaconate Formation, and how it has impacted their lives. Join Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend with guests Fr. Gene Ritz, Deacon Rick Lanciano, Von George, Bo Riley, and Pat Alba for this conversation.

Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARD

Don’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis.

Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin’s Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today’s Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page and subscribe. If you would like to join the Kristin’s Crosses prayer group on Facebook, click here to request to join.

Published: October 12, 2021

Father Christopher Walsh, Pastor of Saint Raymond of Penafort Catholic Church in Philadelphia, joins this week’s podcast to discuss identifying and overcoming racism within ourselves and in our parish communities. Fr. Chris shares his experiences of providing pastoral service to a primarily black community and how together, they have formed a vibrant and inclusive community. Fr. Chris also touches upon the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter, “Open Wide Our Hearts, the enduring call to love,” and he discusses practical examples of how our minds and hearts can be converted. We invite you to join Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend for this important conversation.

Follow Fr. Chris on Twitter / Facebook / YouTube / LinkedIn

Father Chris is the Pastor of St. Raymond of Penafort Church in Philadelphia, where he has served for 13 years. He is a professional consultant with the Saint John Vianney Center providing religious workshops and convocations for Clergy and Religious across the country. He serves priests throughout the United States and Canada in leadership formation through the Catholic Leadership Institute, he provides regular reflections on his parish’s YouTube Channel which is viewed throughout the country and he provides Spiritual Direction.

Prior to St. Raymond, he was the School Minister at Archbishop Wood High School as well as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Ransom. Raised in Chester County, he is a graduate of Bishop Shanahan High School, he has a B.A. in Sociology from Temple University and an M. Div.; M.A. in Systematic Theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Father Chris received training in the Spiritual Exercises at the Jesuit Center at Wernersville and has preached retreats and days of recollection throughout the country.

Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARD

Don’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis.

Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin’s Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today’s Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page and subscribe. If you would like to join the Kristin’s Crosses prayer group on Facebook, click here to request to join.

Published: October 05, 2021

Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend speaks with Fr. Jim McDermott, SJ, a Jesuit priest, writer, and editor for America Magazine. Fr. Jim writes about pop culture and our faith in Christ. During this conversation, Fr. Jim discusses his career as an editor, writer, and screenwriter and his experience of writing an op-ed this year about his life as a gay priest and the support he received from readers and his community after he wrote this article.

Father Jim McDermott, SJ, is a writer from the suburbs of Chicago. Before coming to Los Angeles, Jim did magazine journalism and improvisational comedy in New York; he also worked as an English teacher, drama coach, and bus driver on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. While pulling out of a gas station, he once scratched a brand new bus so deeply he cut completely through its steel shell. He was named “Bus Driver of the Year” and awarded a can opener by the school. (He wishes he was kidding.) He has also spent the greater part of a year working and wandering in Australia and is more than slightly obsessed with Australian politics and football.

In addition to past studies in Literature (Marquette, Harvard) and Old Testament and Liturgy (Weston Jesuit School of Theology), Fr. Jim recently completed his MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA. For the last three years, he interned in the development department of the AMC network and sold his first TV pilot.

Fr. Jim can be found on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PopCulturPriest and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimMcDermottSJ/ He writes a weekly newsletter on pop culture and spirituality; sign up at  tinyletter.com/jimmcd.

Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARD

Don’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis.

Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin’s Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today’s Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page and subscribe. If you would like to join the Kristin’s Crosses prayer group on Facebook, click here to request to join.