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Catholics cannot simply complain about the culture around us. We have to learn how to build culture again.
In Episode 234 of the Huntley Leadership Podcast, Ron Huntley sits down with Victor Carpay to explore what it actually means for Catholics to renew culture—from the Mass outward, through families, friendships, education, institutions, leadership, and the common life of our communities.
If you're a priest, parish leader, Catholic educator, business leader, parent, or serious lay leader wondering what faithful cultural renewal can look like in practice, this conversation is worth your time.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
* Why separating the Gospel from culture leaves people disconnected, unrooted, and searching for meaning
About Victor Carpay
Victor Carpay is a 22-year-old Catholic young adult and a 2025 graduate of Newman Theological College with a BA in Catholic Studies. He is head of Frassati Catholic Men's House in Edmonton and serves as Head of Development and Communications for the Gregory the Great Institute, an Edmonton-based initiative devoted to equipping Christians to renew culture.
Victor also volunteers with Opus Dei in initiatives serving young men and is involved in a growing network of Catholic cultural and leadership initiatives across Canada.
Connect with Victor & the Gregory the Great Institute
Website: gregorythegreat.ca
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gregorythegreatinstitute
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Gregory-the-Great-Institute/61580155953310/
The Magnalia: https://www.gregorythegreat.ca/magnalia/
Victor welcomes questions and emails at [email protected]
* Gregory the Great Institute
Continue the conversation
If this episode gave you a new way to think about Catholic leadership, culture, or renewal, subscribe to the Huntley Leadership Podcast and share this conversation with another Catholic leader who should be part of the conversation.
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QUESTION: What kinds of videos and podcasts would you like to see from us?
This is a different kind of episode.
What does it mean to face death with hope rather than fear?
When this conversation was recorded, Jean Alphonse knew he was nearing the end of his life. He had lived through war, cancer, the loss of his foot, and years of experiences that had brought him face-to-face with suffering and death. Yet what comes through most clearly in this conversation is not fear, but his deep confidence in Jesus Christ.
Jean passed away shortly after this episode was recorded, in December 2025. He left behind his wife, his three children, a loving extended family, many dear friends, and a Catholic Lebanese community he cherished.
Now, in the wake of Ron's own mother's death from cancer, Ron is sharing this conversation as a witness Jean left behind—a conversation about faith, suffering, death, purpose, and the hope of going home to God.
Jean's testimony is deeply personal. He speaks about encountering Christ, experiencing His presence during some of the hardest moments of his life, and coming to believe that death is not the end of our story. For Jean, the Christian hope of eternal life was not an abstract idea. It shaped the way he lived, suffered, served, loved, and ultimately prepared to die.
In this episode, you’ll hear Jean reflect on:
– Why he could face death without fear and what he meant when he said, "We're going home."
This is not ultimately a conversation about death. It is a conversation about how we live in light of what we believe about God.
Jean speaks about choosing God, discovering our purpose, using the gifts we've been given, refusing comparison, serving others, and becoming a source of joy and encouragement in the lives of those around us.
About Jean Alphonse
Jean Alphonse was a member of the Maronite Church, Our Lady of Lebanon, in Halifax, and came to know Ron while spending a season at Saint Benedict Parish.
Jean died in December 2025. He is remembered by his wife and three children, his extended family, many dear friends, and the Catholic Lebanese community he loved.
This conversation was recorded during the final season of Jean's life. Before his death, he expressed a desire to share this message with others. What he left behind is a testimony of faith, gratitude, courage, and hope.
Find an Alpha course in Canada:
Our Lady of Lebanon — Maronite Catholic Church in Halifax:
Huntley Leadership Podcast:
Ron's podcast episode with his mom:
– Alpha
If this conversation speaks to you, subscribe to the Huntley Leadership Podcast and consider sharing it with someone who may need Jean's witness of faith and hope.
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You can also listen to the podcast weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Listen on Spotify ⇥ https://spoti.fi/3PYXGa6
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Work with Huntley Leadership!
Contact us to inquire about coaching or speaking ⇥ https://www.huntleyleadership.com/contact-us
Visit our course website ⇥ https://courses.huntleyleadership.com
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QUESTION: What kinds of videos and podcasts would you like to see from us?
We all want a good life.
But what happens when the very things God has given us—money, success, influence, family, pleasure, authority, even ministry—begin to occupy a place that belongs to God alone?
In Episode 232 of the Huntley Leadership Podcast, Ron Huntley sits down with Tom Corcoran of Rebuilt Parish to explore one of Jesus' most challenging encounters: the rich young man who asks, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
The conversation goes far beyond money. Tom and Ron explore the ache for more that exists within every human heart, the difference between practicing a faith of rules and encountering Jesus, and the ways good things can quietly become idols when we look to them for the happiness and fulfillment only God can provide.
The rich young man was moral, religious and apparently successful. Yet he knew something was missing. His story gives us an opportunity to ask the same question of ourselves: What am I really seeking, and am I willing to let Jesus show me what is keeping me from Him?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
About Tom Corcoran
With more than 28 years of parish experience, Tom brings together pastoral insight and strategic clarity. He is the coauthor of *Rebuilt* and numerous other books and resources focused on Catholic renewal, discipleship, preaching, small groups and parish life.
In 2023, Tom Corcoran and Fr. Michael White were honored by Pope Francis with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award for outstanding service to the Church.
Relevant Links: Rebuilt Parish
Book information: Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life by Tom Corcoran and Fr. Michael White.
Buy it on Amazon:
Parish Resources:
The book explores the depth of this Gospel encounter and invites readers to move beyond simply understanding the passage toward an encounter with Christ. Tom also discusses the possibility of using the book with small groups and parish communities as a tool for reflection and formation.
For parish leaders
And if this conversation is useful to you, subscribe to the Huntley Leadership Podcast and share this episode with a priest, parish leader or Catholic leader who might benefit from it.
Parish renewal can look very different when you're no longer talking about it from a diocesan office—but actually living it as a pastor and parish leader.
In Episode 231, Ron Huntley sits down with Fr. Peter Wojcik and Marco Oropeza talk about what they have learned through years of pastoral renewal at St. Clement Parish in Chicago—and why those lessons eventually led them to launch Magnified Ministries.
If you're a pastor or parish leader wondering how to move from ideas about renewal into the lived reality of parish transformation, this conversation is for you.
And if you're ready to take an honest look at your own parish, take the Parish Missional Health Assessment at huntleyleadership.com.
In this episode, you'll learn:
About Fr. Peter Wojcik
Born in Lublin, Poland, Fr. Peter came to Chicago in 2003 for graduate studies at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2008 and later served with the Renew My Church initiative, helping lead parish spiritual renewal efforts.
His academic background includes human behaviour and philosophy, an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, an MA in Theology, and post-master certifications in medical ethics, spirituality, and preaching.
About Marco Oropeza
Marco holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BBA from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. He and his wife Christina have 3 children and reside in Chicago. He is a co-founder of Magnified Ministries.
Links
Mentioned Resource
Take the Parish Missional Health Assessment:
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Be the first to get updates on our new course by signing up for our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/huntleyleadership/newsletter-sign-up
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You can also listen to the podcast weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Listen on Spotify ⇥ https://spoti.fi/3PYXGa6
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Connect with Huntley Leadership!
Connect on LinkedIn ⇥ / huntleyleadership
If you're carrying too much of your parish on your own, this conversation is for you!
Parish renewal doesn't happen because one pastor works harder. It happens when the right people are raised up, equipped, and entrusted with the mission.
In this episode of the Huntley Leadership Podcast, Ron Huntley sits down with Fr. Michael Nixon to talk honestly about the challenge of recruiting staff and volunteers who don't simply fill a role, but genuinely share the mission of the parish.
➡️ Read "Road to Renewal," featuring Fr. Michael's chapter on recruiting, for a deeper look at this topic: https://a.co/d/04ELO9S9
About this episode:
But this conversation goes much deeper than hiring.
Ron and Fr. Michael explore the temptation pastors can face to do everything themselves, the importance of building a team of people who are better than you at certain things, and the responsibility of creating the structures that allow those people to thrive.
They also talk candidly about difficult conversations, mismatched hires, onboarding, past wounds that can shape leadership decisions, and the spiritual foundation underneath it all.
For Fr. Michael, recruiting isn't ultimately about finding people to make the pastor's life easier. It's about inviting people into what God is doing and helping them discover how their gifts can serve something bigger than themselves.
In this episode, you'll learn:
About Fr. Michael Nixon
He is also the host of the Made for Glory video and podcast series.
Links
Made for Glory video series:
St. Dominic Media on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SaintDominicMedia
Mentioned resources
If this conversation was helpful, subscribe to the Huntley Leadership Podcast and share this episode with a pastor, parish leader, or team member who needs the encouragement—and perhaps the permission—to stop carrying the mission alone.
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Be the first to get updates on our new course by signing up for our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/huntleyleadership/newsletter-sign-up
___
You can also listen to the podcast weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Listen on Spotify ⇥ https://spoti.fi/3PYXGa6
___
Work with Huntley Leadership!
Contact us to inquire about coaching or speaking ⇥ https://www.huntleyleadership.com/contact-us
Visit our course website ⇥ https://courses.huntleyleadership.com
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Connect with Huntley Leadership!
Connect on LinkedIn ⇥ / huntleyleadership
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QUESTION: What kinds of videos and podcasts would you like to see from us?
Many Catholics love the Church but struggle to explain what they believe—or to confidently invite others into it.
In this conversation, Ron Huntley welcomes Dr. Peter Pellicaan for a thoughtful discussion on evangelization, parish renewal, Catholic identity, and Peter's new book, The Secret Catholic. Together they explore how leaders can cultivate missionary cultures, learn from other Christian traditions without compromising Catholic teaching, and form disciples who are confident in both their faith and their mission.
If you're a priest, parish leader, or Catholic seeking to lead others more intentionally, this episode offers both practical wisdom and renewed hope for the Church's mission.
➡️ Take the free Parish Missional Health Assessment at HuntleyLeadership.com to discover where your parish is on the journey of renewal.
In this episode, you'll learn:
About Dr. Peter Pellicaan
Relevant Links
Peter Pellicaan on Instagram:
Catholic Christianity Podcast:
Peter's Music on Spotify:
Mentioned Resources
The Secret Catholic
Amazon listing:
Free Parish Missional Health Assessment:
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If conversations like this encourage and equip you in your leadership, subscribe to the Huntley Leadership Podcast and share this episode with another priest, parish leader, or friend who is passionate about the renewal of the Church.
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Be the first to get updates on our new course by signing up for our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/huntleyleadership/newsletter-sign-up
___
You can also listen to the podcast weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Listen on Spotify ⇥ https://spoti.fi/3PYXGa6
___
Work with Huntley Leadership!
Contact us to inquire about coaching or speaking ⇥ https://www.huntleyleadership.com/contact-us
Visit our course website ⇥ https://courses.huntleyleadership.com
___
Connect with Huntley Leadership!
Connect on LinkedIn ⇥ / huntleyleadership
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QUESTION: What kinds of videos and podcasts would you like to see from us?
Can a parish really become missionary? What if the answer begins with just one transformed life?
If you're longing to see your parish become a place where people truly encounter Jesus, this conversation will encourage and challenge you.
Many parish leaders wonder how to move from maintenance to mission. Others wonder whether evangelization actually works. In this episode, you'll hear two remarkable testimonies that answer those questions—not with theories or strategies, but with lived experience.
👉 Take the Parish Missional Health Assessment at HuntleyLeadership.com to discover where your parish is on the path to renewal.
For years, Ann O'Brien prayed that her daughter would come to know Christ—not simply return to church, but encounter Jesus personally. After decades away from the faith herself, Ann experienced a profound conversion that led her into parish leadership and missionary renewal. Her daughter Stephanie wanted nothing to do with Christianity, mocked her mother's faith, and resisted every invitation to Alpha—until one unexpected encounter changed everything.
Together, they share two deeply personal stories of God's patient pursuit, the power of testimony, and how creating intentional spaces for encounter has transformed not only their own family, but the culture of their parish.
This conversation is ultimately about far more than Alpha. It's about what happens when ordinary Catholics discover that evangelization isn't about having all the answers—it's about making room for the Holy Spirit to work.
In this episode, you'll learn:
About Our Guests:
Stephanie O'Brien experienced a dramatic turning point after crying out to Jesus during one of the darkest moments of her life. Renewed through prayer, the sacraments, and Alpha, she now serves on her parish's Alpha team and passionately shares her testimony to help others discover the same hope, healing, and love she encountered in Christ.
📍 Parish Missional Health Assessment
📍 Huntley Leadership Podcast Hub
📍 St. Catherine of Siena Parish (Caroline Springs, Australia)
Follow Stephanie O'Brien
Instagram: @stephanieeobrienn
Mentioned in this Episode:
Be the first to get updates on our new course by signing up for our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/huntleyleadership/newsletter-sign-up
___
You can also listen to the podcast weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Listen on Spotify ⇥ https://spoti.fi/3PYXGa6
___
Work with Huntley Leadership!
Contact us to inquire about coaching or speaking ⇥ https://www.huntleyleadership.com/contact-us
Visit our course website ⇥ https://courses.huntleyleadership.com
___
Connect with Huntley Leadership!
Connect on LinkedIn ⇥ / huntleyleadership
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QUESTION: What kinds of videos and podcasts would you like to see from us?
Healthy parishes don't happen by accident. They are led by men and women who are continually growing, learning, and helping others discover their place in God's mission.
In this conversation, Fr. Sean Wenger reflects on more than three decades of priestly ministry, sharing the mentors, leadership lessons, and practical frameworks that have shaped his approach to building healthy parish culture and forming missionary disciples.
Take the free Parish Missional Health Assessment at HuntleyLeadership.com to discover where your parish is thriving—and where there may be opportunities for greater renewal.
In this episode, you'll learn:
About Fr. Sean Wenger
Be the first to get updates on our new course by signing up for our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/huntleyleadership/newsletter-sign-up
___
You can also listen to the podcast weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Listen on Spotify ⇥ https://spoti.fi/3PYXGa6
___
Work with Huntley Leadership!
Contact us to inquire about coaching or speaking ⇥ https://www.huntleyleadership.com/contact-us
Visit our course website ⇥ https://courses.huntleyleadership.com
___
Connect with Huntley Leadership!
Connect on LinkedIn ⇥ / huntleyleadership
___
QUESTION: What kinds of videos and podcasts would you like to see from us?
Many churches are busy. Few are truly making disciples.
In this conversation, Fr. Sammie Maletta and Khalil Hattar share the leadership principles that helped shape a culture of discipleship, mission, and renewal at St. John Parish—and the lessons they learned through mistakes, setbacks, and deep dependence on the Holy Spirit.
If you're serious about parish renewal, pick up a copy of "Be Disciples, Make Disciples" and begin evaluating how these principles could shape your own ministry: https://www.lorrainecross.media/shop/p/bedisciplesmakedisciples
For more than two decades, Fr. Sammie Maletta has been leading renewal efforts at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Indiana. In this episode, he and Khalil Hattar unpack the core leadership convictions behind their new book and explain why renewal begins with personal conversion, trust in the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to forming disciples who make disciples.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why parish renewal always begins with the leader
About the Guests
Fr. Sammie Maletta has served as a priest for more than 40 years and is the pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in St. John, Indiana. Trained in both Canon Law and Civil Law, he is passionate about parish renewal and helping leaders build healthy missionary cultures.
Khalil Hattar serves as P.A. for Vision and Mission Integration and Chief of Staff at St. John Parish. After seminary formation in both Chicago and Rome, where he earned a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Khalil now helps translate vision into practical ministry that forms disciples who make disciples.
Relevant Links
St. John Parish
Disciple Up Conference
Road to Renewal
Be Discples, Make Disciples
Mentioned Resources
Be Disciples, Make Disciples
If you found this conversation helpful, subscribe to the Huntley Leadership Podcast and share this episode with a priest, parish staff member, or ministry leader who is working toward renewal in their community.
___
You can also listen to the podcast weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Listen on Spotify ⇥ https://spoti.fi/3PYXGa6
___
Work with Huntley Leadership!
Contact us to inquire about coaching or speaking ⇥ https://www.huntleyleadership.com/contact-us
Visit our course website ⇥ https://courses.huntleyleadership.com
___
Connect with Huntley Leadership!
Connect on LinkedIn ⇥ / huntleyleadership
___
QUESTION: What kinds of videos and podcasts would you like to see from us?
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If prayer feels dry, lifeless, or stuck—listen to this episode!
Many Catholics are faithful in prayer but still feel stuck. The discipline is there, but the sense of relationship, expectation, and transformation can begin to fade.
In this episode, André Regnier shares a practical framework for conversational prayer that helps believers move beyond simply saying prayers and into a deeper, more personal relationship with God.
👉 If you want to build the kind of vibrant discipleship discussed in this conversation, start by taking the Parish Missional Health Assessment at HuntleyLeadership.com.
Episode Summary:
For many Christians, prayer becomes routine. We know we should pray, but over time the experience can feel dry, mechanical, or disconnected from everyday life.
In this conversation, Ron Huntley sits down with André Regnier, co-founder of Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) and author of Hearing God's Voice, to explore a simple but powerful approach to conversational prayer. Together they discuss how friendship, worship, Scripture, honesty, and daily action work together to create a prayer life that is personal, transformative, and deeply rooted in relationship with God.
In this episode, you'll learn:
About André Regnier:
Relevant Links:
Mentioned Resources:
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If you're a priest, parish leader, ministry leader, or serious disciple seeking practical wisdom for parish renewal and leadership, subscribe for future conversations on evangelization, discipleship, leadership, and renewal.
Be the first to get updates on our new course by signing up for our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/huntleyleadership/newsletter-sign-up
___
You can also listen to the podcast weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Listen on Spotify ⇥ https://spoti.fi/3PYXGa6
___
Work with Huntley Leadership!
Contact us to inquire about coaching or speaking ⇥ https://www.huntleyleadership.com/contact-us
Visit our course website ⇥ https://courses.huntleyleadership.com
___
Connect with Huntley Leadership!
Connect on LinkedIn ⇥ / huntleyleadership
___
QUESTION: What kinds of videos and podcasts would you like to see from us?
From the publisher's feed