Advancing Our Church

Published: December 23, 2020

Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend, Anna Vallez, and Fred Roberts talk with Fr. Anthony Mongiello and Fr. Giuseppe Esposito from St. Anne Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Fr. Mongiello and Fr. Esposito have been creating fun and, in some cases, hilarious videos on Facebook for the children of their parish elementary school as a way to reach out to their community during this pandemic. If you would like to see their videos, please visit the St. Anne School Facebook page. At the end of our episode, the Changing Our World staff offers you Christmas Greetings.

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, 2020

Changing Our World’s Jim Friend, Anna Vallez, and Fred Roberts host a discussion with Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and the Diocese of Allentown for a conversation on their strategies for #GivingTuesday.

As referenced on today’s podcast, here is an important update regarding the CARES Act…

Did you know that the CARES Act has changed charitable deduction allowances? Individuals are allowed increased deductions for 2020 charitable contributions. Individual taxpayers who do not itemize their deductions are allowed a $300 above-the-line deduction. For those who itemize, the AGI limitation for deductions of cash contributions is increased to 100% of 2020 adjusted gross income (up from the normal 60%). The new provisions only apply to cash contributions and are not applicable to donations to donor-advised funds, private non-operating foundations and supporting organizations. Note also individuals subject to the required minimum distribution requirements for IRAs and other qualified plans are not required to take an RMD for 2020.

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 30, 2020

Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend welcomes Msgr. Andrew Baker, Rector for Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to talk about his success of recruiting 47 new seminarians to the University for the 2020-2021 Academic year in the middle of the pandemic. We discuss some of the challenges and opportunities for recruitment and fundraising for this national seminary.

If you like this episode, please listen to Episode #4 for more of Msgr. Baker and Mount Saint Mary’s University.

Msgr. Baker was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Allentown in 1991. He has served in various parishes, including as Pastor of the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Siena. Msgr. Baker has taught high school students, served as a Catholic university chaplain, as a faculty member of St. Charles Seminary, and on the Congregation for Bishops in Rome.

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 23, 2020

The Christmas Mass is a joyous time that will require special care and preparation this year, as will our year-end giving strategies. Today, we welcome special guests Fr. Ron Bagley and Msgr. Louis Marucci to discuss creative ways to plan for a fulfilling liturgical experience in your parish this Christmas and the importance of year-end giving to a healthy parish budget.

Rev. Ron Bagley, CJM, Pastor, St. Patrick Catholic Community, Carlsbad, California

Fr. Bagley has been an ordained priest for 43 years and a member of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudist Fathers). He has also worked for many years in the formation of lay and ordained ministers, including 12 years in the Philippines. He earned a Doctor of Ministry degree focusing on empowering shared ministry in parishes.

Rev. Msgr. Louis A. Marucci, D.Min., Pastor, St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Gibbsboro, New Jersey

Msgr. Marucci has been an ordained priest for 33 years and holds four Masters Degrees and a Doctorate in Ministry. His areas of specialty are in the fields of Medical Moral Theology, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Planning, Operational Administration, and Philanthropy & Development.

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 16, 2020

How do we transform our parish communities in the season of Advent? What would it take for our parishes to be communities where divine mercy is experienced and shared? How do we engage our parishioners in this sacred season of preparation for the birth of Jesus? Join Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend and Anna Vallez with special guests Annie Sarlo and Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B., for a stimulating conversation about the Pastoral Conversion Advent Conference 2020 scheduled for December 6-10, 2020.

Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B. is the General Manager, Programming Manager and an On-Air Host of We Are One Body® Catholic radio (WAOB®), Director of Spiritual Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary and co-author of a book with Fr. Thomas Acklin, OSB called Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father’s Love.

Annie Sarlo is the Deputy Secretary for Evangelization and Formation in the Diocese of Allentown. Annie is an Apostle of Jesus Christ with over 27 years of experience in Catholic ministry; Annie has a contagious joy and passion for evangelization.

The Pastoral Conversion Advent Conference 2020. Join Fr. James Mallon, Msgr. Brian Bransfield, Jonathan Reyes, Brandon McGinley, and many more as they teach and share their experiences regarding the pastoral conversion of the parish. Mark your calendar for Dec 6-10, 2020! For more information, visit https://www.pastoralconversionconference.com

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 11, 2020

Think twice before canceling that special parish event or activity! Parish and diocesan events/activities can not only raise money, but they also build community. Join us for a conversation on activities that lead to a more close-knit and committed parish community plus hear about events that have raised significant dollars during the pandemic.

This is the first of our Advancing Our Church: LIVE Facebook series with Changing Our World co-hosts Jim Friend, Anna Vallez, and Fred Roberts. This week, our team is rejoined by Dave Baranowski from the Archdiocese of St. Louis and Mariann Gilbride, CFRE, from the Diocese of Camden.

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 04, 2020

On today’s show, we replay the October 27, 2020, webinar panel discussion called Advancing Our Parishes Through Challenging Times. During the conversation, our panelists discuss ways that parishes and dioceses have successfully engaged parishioners throughout the pandemic; and how these Church leaders have adopted effective strategies for maintaining and improving crucial aspects of parish life, including communications, offertory, and outreach.

Our panel is moderated by Changing Our World‘s Anna Vallez and Fred Roberts, with special guests Dave Baranowski, Director of Parish Stewardship and Leadership Formation in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Mariann Gilbride, CFRE, Director of Development for the Diocese of Camden, Rev. Msgr. Paul T. Dotson, Pastor of St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church in Redondo Beach, CA; Rev. Rex Hays, Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Patterson, CA; and Rev. William Hoffman, Pastor of St. Philip Catholic Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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 26, 2020

Shawn Trahan, Senior Managing Director for Changing Our World talks with Msgr. Louis Marucci, about his very successful capital campaign at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Gibbosboro, New Jersey, and his unique approach to fundraising. The two also discuss his role in the Diocesan Capital Campaign that Changing Our World conducted in partnership with the Diocese of Camden. Shawn Trahan brings over 20 years of fundraising experience in Catholic Philanthropy to this great conversation.

Monsignor Louis Marucci was born in Philadelphia, PA. He grew up in Gibbstown, NJ, and was educated at St. Michael Elementary School and St. James High School in Carney’s Point, NJ. He attended Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, New York, and was ordained on May 23, 1987.  He was named a Chaplain of His Holiness by Pope John Paul II on March 18, 2000, and given the title Reverend Monsignor.

Monsignor Marucci holds four Master’s Degrees and a Doctorate of Ministry.  He received a Master of Divinity Degree from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, NY, a Master of Arts Degree in Medical Moral Theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, PA, a Master of Arts Degree in Philanthropy and Development from The University of St. Mary in Winona, Minnesota and the Master of Science Degree in Church Management from Villanova University in Villanova, PA. In addition, he earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree (Specializing in Medical Moral – End of Life Issues) from The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Monsignor holds the Vatican Diploma for Catechesis and a Certification in Catholic Social Teaching in addition to the Certification in Planned Giving. 

His areas of specialization are in the fields of Medical Moral Theology, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Planning, Operational Administration, and Philanthropy & Development.  He was appointed Pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle parish on June 14, 2010. Despite his paralysis, consequential to his diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (six months after he was ordained), he sees every challenge as an opportunity.  Monsignor Marucci loves to ski using adaptive equipment and has a passion for Music as a harpist.  In addition to his Pastoral Ministry at St. Andrew the Apostle, he serves as a consultant to several non-profit organizations assisting in Strategic Planning and the incorporation of “Best Practices” to establish Comprehensive Development Initiatives.

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 21, 2020

How do you engage and train clergy to talk about Stewardship? What are the key ingredients to having that conversation with parishioners? How does a Sacrament Worldview come into play?

Join Changing Our World’s panel of experts today as they discuss empowering clergy with the spirituality of stewardship. Our host, Jim Friend, participates on the panel with Changing Our World, Managing Directors Mary Doorley Simboski, ACFRE, and Fred Roberts, and special guests Tomasz Kierul, Director of Development at St. John’s Seminary in Boston, and Anna Schulten, Office of Development in the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. You can find out more about Anna by visiting her website at https://annaschulten.com

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.

In March 2020, Changing Our World‘s client, Chestnut Hill College, located in Chestnut Hill, PA, transitioned its Annual Scholarship Gala into the Hold Hope High Scholarship Challenge, an online event that exceeded all goals. On today’s show, guest Erin Wooley, MBA, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Chestnut Hill College, presents the college’s success story as a workshop at the 2020 International Catholic Stewardship Conference. Listen to the audio version of the session or watch the entire presentation on video by scrolling down or clicking here.

Established in 1924, Chestnut Hill College (CHC) was founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph as a Catholic, four-year, liberal arts institution for women and became co-educational in 2003. Sister Carol Jean Vale, Ph.D., the longest-serving college president in the Greater Philadelphia Area, has boldly led CHC through several transformational times in her 27 years at the helm.

Today, the College’s undergraduate population is a microcosm of the global society, comprised of roughly 60 percent women and 50 percent racial and ethnic minorities. Last Fall, CHC welcomed one of its largest undergraduate classes in more than a decade, with students coming to campus from 11 states, including Virginia, California, and Texas — as well as 14 countries, including Argentina, Tanzania, Korea, and New Zealand.

Providing a values-based education and creating educational opportunities for students from all backgrounds is in the College’s DNA. And while CHC may be small in size, with just over 1,700 students, they have a global footprint. Students graduate ready to lead successful careers and live meaningful lives, and oftentimes, the outcome is a catalyst for positive change in society.

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.