Advancing Our Church

Published: September 26, 2021

How has the pandemic impacted Stewardship for Catholic organizations? What strategies are Catholic leaders implementing to navigate these uncertain times? How have donors stepped up in a meaningful way through the light of their faith? Join Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend as he discusses these questions and more with participants of this year’s International Catholic Stewardship Conference in Orlando, Florida. Jim’s guests include:

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: September 19, 2021

In December 2020, Dan Cellucci, CEO of the Catholic Leadership Institute, offered a compelling talk entitled “What If They Don’t Come Back?” What if Catholics who have been away during this pandemic simply do not return to Mass after the restrictions have been lifted? Dan’s predictions and the data collected by the Catholic Leadership Institute were correct. There is a growing apathy in our Church about the sacraments and returning to Mass and many parishioners have simply not returned. Dan’s talk becomes the discussion starter for today’s podcast. Dan offers ideas for identifying the issues and simple strategies to welcome and engage parishioners. The question we will tackle today is, “How Do We Bring them Back?” Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend hosts Dan for this compelling and informative discussion.

Dan Cellucci is CEO of Catholic Leadership Institute, an apostolate providing leadership training and consulting to more than 250 bishops, 3,500 priests, and over 25,000 deacons, religious and lay leaders in more than 100 dioceses. Prior to his election as CEO, Dan served as Senior Vice President for Catholic Leadership Institute, working as the primary liaison with bishops and overseeing the apostolate’s marketing and services. Dan is a sought-after advisor, consultant, and presenter for the Church, playing a lead role in projects in the Archdioceses of Miami and Boston as well as the Diocese of Pittsburgh and at the North American College.

Dan oversees research associated with Catholic Leadership Institute’s Disciple Maker Index, a parish survey tool that seeks to help pastors and pastoral leaders focus their efforts toward evangelization. In just five short years, the Disciple Maker Index has reached over 400 parishes and 100,000 Catholics. Working with this incredible data and more than 25 years of field experience, Dan and the team have recently embarked on an ambitious plan to define what the Next Generation Parish looks like in the next ten years. Dan and his wife Tricia are the proud parents of four children and live in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

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: September 10, 2021

Join Jim Friend as we celebrate the 100th Episode of Advancing Our Church with his special guest, Fr. Benjamin Roberts, author of the new book on homiletics, The Voice of the Bridegroom. Fr. Roberts discusses his story of conversion, the artistic renovations made to his parish at Our Lady of Lourdes, Monroe, NC, his new book, and his devotion to St. Dymphna. Fr. Roberts shares his own personal journey on how the priest’s spousal relationship with a parish can create connectivity that impacts a priest’s homily and his ministry.

Fr. Benjamin Roberts is a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Monroe, NC, holds a doctorate in preaching from the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, he serves as an Adjunct Professor of Theology for Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and the author of the new book, The Voice of the Bridegroom. You can find Fr. Roberts on Twitter @Fr_benjamin; watch the interview we discussed on the Catholic TV Network, where he shares the artistic renovations to his parish, or watch his interview on Good Catholic, where he discusses his devotion to St. Dymphna, the patron saint of anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, and every other mental illness.

Preaching is a relational act. This book explores the relationship between the preacher and the assembly as a spousal relationship. Written by a parish pastor with a doctorate in preaching and rooted in the Roman Catholic notion of the priest as the bridegroom of the church, this work examines characteristics of the spousal relationship between husband and wife and then provides an analysis of the ministerial priesthood through this nuptial lens. This nuptial reflection on the ministerial priesthood is then applied to preaching. This book presents a nuptial hermeneutic or vision for preaching and the implications of this vision for the assembly, the preacher, the homily, and the homiletical method. The appendices include a one-page strategy for preaching summarizing the homiletical method, a rubric for homily evaluation by members of the assembly, and two sample homilies. Buy it on Amazon.

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: July 19, 2021

Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend hosts a conversation with experienced Catholic podcasters and social media experts on the topic of podcasting for Catholic organizations. Learn how these experienced podcasters got started and what recommendations they have for beginning your podcast with a mission. Jim’s guests include Dr. Tim Uhl, Superintendent of School, Diocese of Buffalo, Host, Catholic School Matters Podcast; Christine Flynn, Host Catholic Mamma Podcast; Daniel Boyd, Secretary for Laity, Family, and Life, Diocese of Orlando, Host, Being and Making Disciples Podcast, Sherry Hayes-Peirce, CEO, Communication Consultants Inc. & CIO of Church Social Tips, and Beau York, Executive Producer, Podastery Studios, the host of numerous podcasts including Red Flag, Country Squire Radio, Fash TV Talk and more.

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: June 20, 2021

Jim Friend welcomes his Uncle, David C. Friend, veteran, entrepreneur, author, banker, teacher, pastor, and now podcaster of the popular new show Quality Christian Living. David shares his story and experience of touring Vietnam, the early days of his career as a successful banker and entrepreneur, and how he became a full-time pastor of a growing Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jim and David also discuss David’s popular book, “Generosity: What’s in it for me?” and how the principles in his book can change your life. Finally, David talks about his new podcast, Quality Christian Living, where he shares tips on personal finance and living a debt-free life. David’s passion for Christ and his devotion to his family make this an inspiring story. Check out David Friend’s website for access to his podcast and links to his books.

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: June 15, 2021

Join Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend and cohost Anna Vallez for a panel discussion with three pastors who share their experiences of adapting to a virtual environment over the past year. What lessons have they learned? What new parish practices have brought their communities closer together, and what will they carry forward into a post-pandemic Church? As parishioners begin to return home to Mass, how do these pastors think about returning to the real presence of the Eucharist, and what steps will they take to welcome parishioners home? Hear how they have creatively engaged parishioners over the past year and how they are welcoming them home to the Lord’s Table. Our panel includes…

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: June 10, 2021

How have diocesan appeals changed since the start of the pandemic, and how will diocesan professionals continue to adjust their strategies in 2021/22? Join Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend as he hosts a panel of top-notch experts who discuss the evolving landscape of Diocesan Appeals. Today’s guests include Brian Niebrugge, Executive Director of Stewardship and the Annual Catholic Appeal at Archdiocese of St. Louis; Marta Sweeney, Vice President, Chief Community Service Officer at The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida; Lisa Wentz, Director of Charity and Development Appeal at Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix and Tom Smith, Director of Development Diocese of Metuchen.

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: June 01, 2021

Bishop Alfred Schlert, Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown, joins Jim Friend on today’s show. Bishop Schlert discusses growing up in the Lehigh Valley, how the region has evolved, and the Bishop’s own vocation story. He describes how his vocation was the culmination of an internal journey with God and was encouraged by his family and mentors. As a lifelong member of his diocese, Bishop Schlert’s road to the episcopacy has been unique. The Bishop served directly under all three of his predecessors, and he describes how that journey prepared him for the joys and challenges of his role as Bishop. Finally, Bishop Schlert discusses the 60th Anniversary of the Diocese, the theme of the Year of Real Presence, and how other dioceses and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops are taking notice. For more information about the Diocese’s 60th Anniversary and the Year of Real Presence, please visit the Diocesan Anniversary website located at www.yearofrealpresence.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: May 26, 2021

Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend welcomes Fr. Thomas Dailey, the inaugural John Cardinal Foley Chair of Homiletics & Social Communications at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. Fr. Dailey has a new book, Behold This Heart: St. Francis de Sales and Devotion to the Sacred Heart, available on Amazon. In the book, Fr. Thomas Dailey transports the reader beyond the prayers and liturgies and helps you to contemplate the Sacred Heart, which Pope Benedict XVI said has irreplaceable importance. Jim and Fr. Dailey also discuss the role of the John Cardinal Foley Chair and the impact Fr. Dailey is making on Seminarians, parishes, and dioceses. The John Cardinal Foley Chair supports the work of the Catholic Church in the realm of social communications by teaching seminary students and church groups, working with staff in parishes and (arch)dioceses, and engaging in dialogue with journalists and media professionals.

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: May 18, 2021

We are pleased to welcome Archbishop Leonard P. Blair, S.T.D., Shepherd of the Archdiocese of Hartford, to our program this week. Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend and Fred Roberts talk with Archbishop Blair about welcoming back the faithful to Mass this coming weekend after a long pandemic. The three men also discuss the Diocesan Young Adult Conference (taking place the week of May 17, 2021) and vocational ministry, including the Archbishop’s own vocation story. Finally, Fred and the Archbishop discuss the successful diocesan capital campaign, Forward in Faith, on which Changing Our World has been honored to partner with the Hartford Bishop’s Foundation.

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.