Advancing Our Church

Published: May 05, 2021

On today’s show, Jim Friend interviews Patrick Markey, the former Executive Director of the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference, who begins this year as the Leadership Roundtable’s inaugural Managing Partner. Markey officially assumes his new role in May 2021 and will lead the nonprofit in its next phase of growth and service to the Catholic Church. Get to know Patrick Markey during this conversation about faith, leadership and the future of our Church.

Markey is a sought-after voice on leadership, finances, and other temporal affairs. He has spent most of his career serving the Church, developing strong relationships with bishops and diocesan leaders across the U.S., and promoting best practices to carry out its mission. Since 2013 he has led the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference, which is the association of Catholic diocesan finance officers in the United States and Canada. Prior to that, he led the Office of National Collections for the USCCB, which oversees nine of the 13 national collections held in almost 17,000 parishes annually and raises and distributes more than $90 million per year through targeted grant programs.

Please visit the Leadership Roundtable‘s website for more information about their services.

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: March 22, 2021

Our guest today is Mark Conzemius, President of the Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern South Dakota. Mark has been president of the Foundation since 1994, and during that time, he has significantly grown the assets by inviting the faithful of the Diocese of Sioux Falls to leave a legacy of love and faith. Mark has a long history in leadership, relationship development, fundraising, and public speaking, and a deep faith that guides him in this mission. Join Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend for this inspiring discussion and learn how Catholic Stewardship has come alive in Eastern South Dakota.

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: March 08, 2021

Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend talks with Cande de Leon, Executive Director of the Office for Mission Advancement in the Diocese of Phoenix, about his new book, Heart of the Mission: Simple Ways to Bring People to Jesus. In the book, Cande shows what it takes to get back on track. With wisdom and humor born of his own experience, he shows how our Christian mission always begins and ends with people. To help us live this in our daily life and work, he guides us through three transformational principles for ministry and life: Strengthening relationships, Boldly growing engagement, and Connecting people to the mission.

Whether you are a pastor, part of a parish staff, or a volunteer at your home parish, these principles apply to you. Because if we really want to make transformational change in our Church and our world, we first have to recognize the people in front of us — who they are, what they need, what gifts God has given them, and how he is inviting them to participate in the mission of the Church. Not merely another program to transform your parish, this book offers a simple yet radical invitation to roll up your sleeves and make a difference by getting back to basics.

Order Heart of the Mission on Amazon.

Cande de Leon has served as executive director of the Office of Mission Advancement for the Diocese of Phoenix since 2016. He leads a team committed to advancing the mission of Christ through stewardship, evangelization, and discipleship formation. He spent seven years in the Diocese of Corpus Christi serving as the director of parish stewardship and development, where he raised over $37 million (with a goal of $18 million) for the Legacy of Faith ~ Future of Hope Capital & Endowment Campaign. Cande has been married to his wife, Rosemary, for 23 years. They have four daughters.

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: March 02, 2021

Advancing Our Church visits the beautiful state of California again this week through a conversation with the Most Reverend Ramón Bejarano, Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego, and Deacon Jose Reyes, Parish Life Coordinator of St. Stanislaus Parish in Modesto, CA. Bishop Bejarano and Deacon Reyes discuss their ministries and service to parishioners through justice and peace, teaching, and the sharing of their gifts with the Latino community. Both men recently served together when Bishop Bejarano was pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish, where Deacon Reyes now serves as Parish Life Coordinator, a relatively new position in his diocese. Hear how they are engaging Catholics and making a difference in the lives of many in California. Changing Our World‘s Anna Vallez joins Jim Friend to facilitate this 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: February 22, 2021

Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend interviews Nancy Padberg, President & CEO of Catholic Education Arizona, a scholarship organization based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a mission to make it possible for underserved families in Arizona to have a quality Catholic education for their children. Nancy has been in her role for two years.  She has her Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University and MBA from Pepperdine University, Graziadio School of Business. She believes in creating high-performance teams and environments with respect, value, and trust for associates through continuous communications.

The mission of Catholic Education Arizona is to make it possible for underserved families in Arizona to provide a quality Catholic education for their children. Through the support of the tax credit, every child has an equal opportunity to pursue an education that allows them to reach their highest potential. Our organization provides both individual and corporate Arizona taxpayers to directly choose what their taxes support. 99% of the students of the Diocese of Phoenix graduate high school and 97% continue to post-secondary education or enter military service. That means that Catholic Education Arizona and Arizona taxpayers work together, investing in Arizona’s economy and the education of the next generation.

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: February 17, 2021

2020 forced us to reimagine many of our longstanding fundraising best practices, from major gifts to direct marketing and events to grant writing. What did we learn, what new ideas will we keep, and how will our strategies need to evolve as we emerge into a post-pandemic world? Join Changing Our World’s Jim Friend, host of the Advancing Our Church Podcast, for this conversation to hear from fellow Catholic leaders about their new insights and recommendations for sustained donor support in 2021.

Our special guests include Joseph M. Gillmer, CFRE® CSPG CAP®, Executive Director of Development, Archdiocese of Washington; Sarah Hanley, President and CEO, The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia (CFGP), Lisa Quist, Chief Development Officer, Edmundite Missions, and Kevin R. Callahan, Director of Special Events, SOAR! Support Our Aging Religious, Inc.

We begin our episode with our guest, Kevin Compagna, Director of Sales and Service at Catholic Purchasing Services, Inc., who will share information about a special opportunity for Catholic Schools.

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: February 10, 2021

Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend interviews Fr. Frank S. Donio, S.A.C., D.Min., Director of the Catholic Apostolate Center and a member of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers). Fr. Frank is also Executive Director of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men of the United States (CMSM), the national organization representing leaders of Catholic religious institutes for men, monasteries, and societies of apostolic life in the United States. Jim and Fr. Frank discuss the life-giving mission of the Catholic Apostolate Center and how they have adapted and enhanced their ministry through the pandemic. Fr. Frank also shares the joys and opportunities of the religious life for the CMSM and closes with some thoughts on the upcoming season of Lent.

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: January 31, 2021

Happy Catholic Schools Week!

On today’s show, Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend and Fred Roberts have a conversation with Alex Urrea, Managing Partner and Director of Educape and, CEO of The Procedo Project and Andrea Chavez-Kopp, Chief Learning Officer for The Procedo Project. The Procedo Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop, implement and curate innovative models of Catholic education. Their goal is to partner to build capacity toward self-sustaining Catholic schools, serving as beacons for innovative academic and operational practice while continuing to be inspirational communities of faith.

Alex and Andrea talk about the resources at Eduscape and the mission of The Procedo Project. They also share information about their upcoming conference, Forefront 2021; an event focused on Catholic Schools with a focus on innovation and sustainability. The keynote for Forefront 2021 is Peter H. Reynolds, Author, and Illustrator for several books and series, including JUDY MOOT, THE DOT, BE YOU, SAY SOMETHING, and more. Learn more about Forefront 2021.

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: January 27, 2021

Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend interviews Margaret Kaplow, Director of Marketing and Communications, Public Relations and Publications Manager for the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).  Today, we’ll learn about the important role that Margaret plays for the NCEA and how the NCEA supports Catholic Schools through Marketing programs, Catholic Education publications, and so much more. Margaret was educated in Catholic Schools from Kindergarten through college. She previously worked for The Washington Post in the editorial department and then as an editor in public relations and communications. Today you’ll hear how Margaret helped establish an educational services department that partnered with teachers to create a top-notch curriculum that incorporated newspaper content to teach all subjects. Margaret is a native of Washington, D.C., where she graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Georgetown. Margaret received a bachelor’s degree in English and Geography from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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: January 20, 2021

How are you leveraging Catholic Schools Week for your enrollment and philanthropic efforts? Join us for this informative conversation with our experts Jennifer Melville Trefelner, Diocese of Palm Beach, Kristin Moore, Archdiocese of Seattle, with Gavan Mooney and Jim Friend from Changing Our World. For more information about Catholic Schools Week, please visit NCEA’s website by clicking here.

Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2021 is January 31 – February 6. The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2021 is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” Schools typically observe the annual celebration week with Masses, open houses, and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, our communities and our nation.  

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.