The EquipCast

**Love builds a bridge over which truth can pass

Today, I have the privilege of talking with Dan Burke, the founder and President of the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation. He shares with me some incredible stories about how people showing him profound love opened him up to encounter Jesus and eventually led to his conversion to Catholicism.

For Dan, loving others isn't just an option—it's integral to living out his faith and following Jesus' teachings. He sees love as more than just a feeling or an idea; it's a fundamental part of being a Christian. Dan believes that when we love others with compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness, we're not only reflecting God's love but also inspiring others to open their hearts to the message of the Gospel.

I can't wait for you to hear Dan's insights on how love can transform lives and lead people closer to Jesus. Join me to learn:

Also, check out his work at https://spiritualdirection.com/.

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

Do you feel like your religious education efforts are stuck in a rut, merely churning out sacramental milestones? Do you wish your families would experience true conversion and stop disappearing after confirmation? I know how difficult it can be to transform our most institutionalize programs, so I sat down with Fr. Tim Donovan, a priest who’s vision is reshaping the landscape of catechesis and cultivating thriving, fruit-bearing communities.

Join me for a discussion with Fr. Tim, founder of Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries, and you will:

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

Many of you listen to the EquipCast because you want to feel confident sharing your faith. We try to provide practical tools for this, and so we talk a lot about small groups, prayer, evangelizing adults, etc. But these are just tools, parts of a larger strategy to build flourishing parish communities. So, what does it take to actually transform the culture of a parish, to begin witnessing lives changed and to see more people in the pews? A Clear Path to Discipleship.

Today, I bring you an episode from the Huntley Leadership Podcast. Ron Huntley, a man who coaches bishops, priests, and ministry leaders all over the world, asked me to be a guest on his podcast to talk about my book: A Clear Path. I want to share this episode with you in order to draw back the veil on some of the big picture work my team and I get to do with your parishes.

In today’s episode, you will:

To hear more from Ron Huntley, check out the Huntley Leadership Podcast!

And if you want mor information on the book, A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish, go to https://clearpathbook.com/.

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

Special Guest: Ron Huntley.

Have you ever found yourself yearning for deeper connections and genuine togetherness in a world that often feels isolated? Our latest episode is all about uncovering the transformative power of missions in Guatemala. Join us as we explore the significance of presence, beyond just projects, and learn why authentic solidarity is essential in today's culture.

In this episode, Charlie Petro shares insights on moving beyond surface-level connections to truly listen, connect, and love those around us. Here's a sneak peek into what’s waiting for you:

For more on Ixim and their works check out https://ixim.org/ or email Charlie at [email protected].

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a heated conversation and wondered how it even got there? Or maybe you've hesitated to bring up a sensitive topic, fearing it could spiral into an emotional rollercoaster? In our latest episode, we explore powerful insights on transforming controversial discussions into opportunities for understanding and connection.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Katherine Burow, Executive Director of the Abortion Dialogue Academy, and she shared powerful insights on fostering empathy, finding common ground, and approaching conversations with the most charitable interpretation of others' perspectives. Katherine shares valuable strategies for effective communication, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus and the mission of the Academy. Whether you're interested in pro-life advocacy or simply improving your communication skills, this conversation provides practical tips to approach challenging dialogues with understanding and compassion.

Here's a sneak peek into what you'll learn in this episode:

Tune in now to discover how you can navigate difficult conversations with grace and create meaningful connections.

Click for more information on the Abortion Dialogue Academy and their scholarship program. To book a speaker, email [email protected].

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

Do you ever find yourself seeking inspiration from secular books, podcasts, or lectures? I get it. Sometimes, the best guidance comes from unexpected places. But here's the thing, how do you know if what you are learning aligns with our faith?

I've been pondering this too, and I'm excited to share some practical strategies on how to navigate this delicate balance of acquiring worldly wisdom and staying true to the faith. I call it "plundering the Egyptians". Join me as we talk about how to discern, ask fundamental questions, and align secular wisdom with the teachings and mission of the Church.

A sneak peek of what we'll explore together:

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

In this time of preparation for Christmas, do you find it hard to slow down? To appreciate the way Jesus comes to us? Small and humble. Well, I certainly do. I love Christmas, but I’ll be honest, I have conflicting emotions. I want salvation to be bright and loud! I want the world to be all better, and I want it to be all better now. And yet, the Lord asks us, especially during this season, to trust in his slow work and maybe to slow down a bit ourselves.

So, spend 10 minutes with me today and discover:

Prayer of Teilhard de Chardin

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

Have you ever met a contagious Catholic? I'm not talking about cold and flu season here – I mean meeting someone whose faith is so vibrant and inspiring that it makes you want to deepen your own spiritual journey. Well, today, I had the joy of chatting with one such individual. Marcel LeJeune helped create the world’s largest campus ministry at Texas A&M, and he spills his secrets on infusing your faith with contagious enthusiasm. One of his gems from our conversation:

“Your inadequacies to the task at hand that you want to accomplish are nothing in the hands of a God who is infinitely powerful. All He has is messed up, sinful, insufficient people for the task that he wants to accomplish, and He laughs at us. All He asks is us to give Him a little bit of room and a small yes, and then get out of His way. Because here's the thing. I am neither the most talented, the smartest, certainly not the best looking of any of the people that I know, even in my local community. I'm not the best evangelist. I'm not the best theologian. I'm not the best writer or speaker. I'm not the best person to have a conversation with. I'm not the best listener. I'm not best at any of those things. And yet, God can still do big things through me and you because God is bigger than I am and bigger than you.”

In today’s episode:

Tune in and be empowered to share your faith boldly and authentically.

More resources from our guest:

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

How important is it to care about what outsiders think of the Catholic Church? Discover the significance of bridging the gap between the Church and those who may feel distant. In this episode, we dive into Mallory Smythe's remarkable journey back to Catholicism, exploring her encounters with saints, the power of personal narratives, and strategies for engaging outsiders in conversations about faith. Mallory's compelling journey, shared in her book, 'Rekindled,' not only offers a shot in the arm for your faith but also provides a roadmap for engaging with others and fostering a deeper connection with the Church.

As she beautifully puts it, “[Jesus] changed the lives of the disciples, and his last command was to go out to the world and make disciples…and it's the same thing for us. Like God actually calls us to go into the world and to meet people where they are, not compromising our own beliefs. But reach the hand out, and bring them in, in a way that they can understand and accept.”

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn in this episode:

Also, check out the resources mentioned in this episode!

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

Do you feel a desire to share your faith but worry about coming across as pushy or insincere? I get it. When I go into a relationship with the motive to evangelize, it can be hard to feel genuine. That's why I want to share some practical ways with you to engage others naturally, without any hint of proselytizing.

In today’s episode, I delve into the distinction between true evangelization and proselytism, drawing insights from Pope Francis. Together, we'll explore the BLESS method – a practical acronym designed to help us engage with others in a way that feels authentic. And here's a reassuring reminder: none of this is about success. Our Heavenly Father loves you just for trying, just for joining your heart to His, which longs for the return of the lost sheep.

Here's what you'll take away:

For more on this topic, check out:

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha