What helps a parishioner move from simply attending a parish to investing deeply in its mission?
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson and Tom Corcoran sit down with Nativity parishioner, real estate investor, and philanthropist Wayne Gioioso. Wayne offers parish leaders a valuable perspective from the other side of the stewardship conversation: what inspires someone to give, what builds trust, and what pastors should understand before making an invitation.
Wayne shares how Scripture, mentors, Catholic education, and the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises shaped his faith and approach to generosity. He also explains how the principles that guided his business life, including focus, discipline, authenticity, and delayed gratification, became part of the framework he uses when deciding where and how to give.
For pastors and parish leaders who feel uncomfortable discussing money, Wayne offers clear encouragement. Generous parishioners are often willing to meet, listen, and help when they believe in the mission and trust the person making the invitation. The key is to build real relationships, communicate authentically, and invite people to participate without using pressure or guilt.
This conversation will help parish leaders better understand the hearts and perspectives of high-capacity givers while offering practical wisdom for building a healthier culture of generosity.
Read the First Chapter Free
Every person is searching for something more: more meaning, more purpose, and more of the life God created us to experience.
In their new book, Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran explore Jesus’ encounter with the rich young man and what it teaches us about faith, generosity, surrender, and the things we hold most tightly.
Read the first chapter for free at rebuiltparish.com/book and begin reflecting on how this Gospel encounter could speak to you, your leadership, and your parish.
Key Points
Why high-capacity givers want to understand and trust the missionHow a parishioner’s faith formation shapes generosityWhy relationships should come before financial invitationsWhat authenticity looks like from a giver’s perspectiveHow pastors can overcome their fear of askingWhy parish leaders should invite rather than pressureHow a clear vision helps people give with confidenceWhy generous people often bring their professional frameworks into their givingThe importance of focusing resources where they can make the greatest impactHow Catholic education and spiritual mentors can plant lifelong seedsWhy an initial “no” may not be the end of the conversationHow giving can deepen a parishioner’s relationship with God and the ChurchTimestamps
00:00 – Introduction
00:38 – Wayne’s Family and Professional Background
02:29 – Finding His Path into Real Estate
04:40 – Wisdom, Discipline, and Delayed Gratification
08:14 – Developing a Focused Business Model
09:44 – Avoiding Ego and Shiny Objects
11:08 – Wayne’s Faith Background
13:40 – Reading the Gospel of John to His Grandfather
15:45 – Rediscovering Scripture
16:14 – The Influence of a Spiritual Director
17:18 – The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises
19:22 – Learning Generosity Through Mentorship
20:53 – A Teacher Who Planted a Seed
23:16 – The Impact of Catholic Education
24:02 – Developing a Framework for Giving
25:20 – Giving from What You Have Received
26:07 – The Joy and Sacrifice of Generosity
27:17 – A Memorable Invitation to Support Nativity
30:49 – The More You Give, the More You Receive
32:02 – Focused and Intentional Philanthropy
35:29 – Understanding How Givers Think
36:24 – How Wayne Found Nativity
40:53 – Generosity Beyond Financial Gifts
41:49 – Advice for Pastors Asking for Support
42:28 – Why Authenticity Matters
45:12 – Building Relationships Before Making an Ask
45:47 – Overcoming the Fear of Asking
47:25 – Inviting Without Guilt or Pressure
49:09 – Final Encouragement for Parish Leaders
A Practical Takeaway for Pastors
Pastors do not need to become professional fundraisers. They do need to know their people.
Spend time with parishioners. Listen to their stories, understand what matters to them, and share clearly where God is leading the parish. When the relationship and mission are authentic, an invitation to give can become an opportunity for deeper discipleship rather than an uncomfortable transaction.
Some parishioners may respond immediately. Others may need time to pray, discern, or see the vision more clearly. A respectful invitation can plant a seed that bears fruit well beyond the first conversation.
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