The Rebuilt Parish Podcast

By Rebuilt ParishReligion & Spirituality Christianity

The Rebuilt Parish Podcast episodes

April 10, 2025102| Ave Maria Press on Creating Engaged Parishes: Tools, Strategies, and Resources
Register for the Rebuilt Conference Here: https://rebuiltconference.com/

In this engaging conversation, Erin Pierce from Ave Maria Press shares her journey from being a high school theology teacher to her current role in supporting parishes through various resources. The discussion highlights the mission of Ave Maria Press, the importance of small groups in fostering community within parishes, and the resources available to parish leaders. Erin emphasizes the significance of inspiration and engagement at the Rebuilt Conference, encouraging parish leaders to utilize the tools and support offered by Ave Maria Press to strengthen their communities.

Connect with Ave Maria Press:
Webinars: https://www.avemariapress.com/pages/webinars
Website: https://www.avemariapress.com/
Erin’s Email Address: [email protected]

Takeaways
Ave Maria Press has a rich history dating back to 1865.
Ave Maria Press offers affordable resources for parishes to enhance engagement.
Small groups are vital for pastoral care and community building.
Ave Maria Press provides companion kits for effective book studies.
The Rebuilt Conference aims to inspire parish leaders with practical strategies.
In-person interactions at conferences motivate both attendees and publishers.
Webinars are available for professional development and parish resources.
Erin encourages parish leaders to reach out for support and resources.
The mission of Ave Maria Press is to ignite passion for Christ.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Erin Pierce and Ave Maria Press
03:04 - The Mission and History of Ave Maria Press
05:59 - Supporting Parishes Through Resources and Books
09:10 - The Importance of Small Groups in Parish Life
11:59 - Engagement and Inspiration at the Rebuilt Conference
15:07 - Final Thoughts and Resources for Parish Leaders

Keywords
Ave Maria Press, parish resources, small groups, church renewal, Rebuilt Conference, Catholic education, faith resources, parish engagement, community building, spiritual growth

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“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!

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24 min
April 03, 2025101| ASCT Catholic on Technology and Discipleship: Bridging the Gap for Parish Leaders
Register for the Rebuilt Conference Here: https://rebuiltconference.com/

In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish podcast, Melissa, Terry, and Brandon discuss the role of ACST Catholic in supporting parishes through technology and community engagement. They explore how innovative tools like Ministry Platform help parishes manage their operations, engage with their communities, and foster discipleship. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration, the need for parish leaders to embrace technology, and the upcoming Rebuilt Conference as a platform for sharing ideas and strategies for parish growth.

Takeaways
Terry Poplava has extensive experience in Catholic organizations and technology.
ACST Catholic focuses on supporting Catholic organizations and leaders.
Ministry Platform is a key tool for parish engagement and management.
Brandon emphasizes the importance of lowering barriers to discipleship.
Technology can help parishes grow and engage their communities effectively.
Collaboration among parish leaders is crucial for success.
The Rebuilt Conference offers opportunities for learning and inspiration.
Embracing technology is essential for modern ministry.
Parish leaders must be hands-on and committed to change.
The future of parish engagement lies in innovative technology solutions.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to ACST Catholic and Its Leaders
07:02 - The Role of Technology in Parish Engagement
14:06 - Collaboration and Community in Parish Growth
20:11 - Embracing Change: Technology in Modern Ministry
27:54 - Final Thoughts on Technology and Parish Leadership

Keywords
ACST Catholic, parish engagement, technology in ministry, church management, community growth, discipleship, Rebuilt Conference, leadership, innovation, collaboration

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“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!

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facebook.com/rebuiltparish
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36 min
March 27, 2025100| Reimagining Children's Liturgy: A Modern Approach to Inspiring Faith
Register for the Rebuilt Conference Here: https://rebuiltconference.com/

Get our FREE Weekend Experience Evaluation Here: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation

In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish podcast, Megan and Sage from the NextGen team discuss their innovative approach to Children's Liturgy of the Word at Church of the Nativity. They share insights on engaging children through the Time Travelers program, emphasizing the importance of concrete learning and fun activities to help kids connect with their faith. The conversation highlights success stories, practical advice for parishes looking to enhance their programs, and the significance of community and collaboration in ministry.

Takeaways
Kids are concrete learners, needing relatable examples.
Fun and engagement are crucial for effective learning.
Start small and gradually enhance your programs.
Success stories show the impact of engaging kids in faith.
Collaboration among parishes fosters growth and innovation.
Concrete activities help children understand abstract faith concepts.
The Time Travelers program uses multimedia to engage kids.
Community events like conferences provide valuable learning opportunities.
Encouragement is vital for those in ministry.
Children's Liturgy of the Word is essential for faith development.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to NextGen and Children's Liturgy
03:03 - Engaging Kids in Faith: The Time Travelers Program
05:51 - Concrete Learning: Strategies for Effective Engagement
08:59 - Success Stories: Impacting Children's Faith
11:45 - Advice for Parishes: Starting and Enhancing Programs
15:00 - The Importance of Community and Collaboration

Keywords
NextGen, Children's Liturgy, Faith Engagement, Time Travelers, Parish Programs, Youth Ministry, Concrete Learning, Success Stories, Community Collaboration, Rebuilt Conference

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“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!

https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
facebook.com/rebuiltparish
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22 min
March 20, 202599| From Struggles to Success: A Parish Transformation Story in Next Gen
Register for the Rebuilt Conference Here: https://rebuiltconference.com/

Get our FREE Weekend Experience Evaluation Here: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation

In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa interviews Analia Kolakowski, the Pastoral Associate at St. John's Church in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. They discuss the church's focus on improving its next generation ministry, the challenges faced in ministry, the role of parents in shaping program improvements, and the impact of a small group approach on engagement. Analia shares insights on recruiting and supporting volunteers, emphasizing the importance of finding the right people for ministry roles and fostering a collaborative environment.

In this conversation, Melissa and Analia discuss the importance of building a strategic team in youth ministry, adapting to changes, leveraging technology, and measuring success beyond mere numbers. They share insights on overcoming challenges, the significance of collaboration, and the need for quality programming. Analia emphasizes the importance of understanding individual gifts within a team and the necessity of support from leadership. The discussion concludes with practical advice for parishes looking to improve their next-gen ministry.

Takeaways
The parish focuses on improving its next generation program as a priority.
Challenges included finding the right leaders for various ministries.
Small groups have significantly improved engagement among youth and families.
Parents play a crucial role in supporting program improvements.
The church has implemented faith festivals to involve parents and children.
The small group approach encourages family discussions about faith.
Recruiting volunteers is done through one-on-one invitations.
Teen volunteers are increasingly involved in ministry roles.
The journey of rebuilding the parish has been challenging but rewarding. Having a strategic team with diverse gifts is crucial.
Adapting to change is a continuous process in youth ministry.
Technology plays a vital role in engaging today's youth.
Success should be measured by the quality of the program, not just numbers.
Overcoming challenges requires understanding and collaboration.
Training and support for volunteers are essential for growth.
Focus on the blessings and wins, no matter how small.
Every family is unique; flexibility is key in ministry.
Surround yourself with good counsel to navigate challenges.
Consistency in approach leads to significant blessings in ministry.

Link to watch Workshop featuring Analia: https://youtu.be/IE_FHEiVKlQ

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
01:59 - Inspiration for Next Generation Program
03:47 - Challenges in Next Generation Ministry
09:58 - Role of Parents in Program Improvements
12:43 - Impact of Small Group Approach
18:13 - Recruiting and Supporting Volunteers
23:59 - Building a Strategic Team for Success
26:45 - Adapting to Change in Youth Ministry
27:31 - Leveraging Technology to Engage Youth
29:00 - Measuring Success Beyond Numbers
32:21 - Overcoming Challenges in Ministry
38:09 - Advice for Improving Next-Gen Ministry

Keywords
Next Generation Ministry, Parish Improvement, Youth Engagement, Faith Formation, Volunteer Recruitment, Community Building, Family Involvement, Church Leadership, Small Groups, Program Development, youth ministry, strategic team, technology in ministry, measuring success, overcoming challenges, next-gen ministry, church growth, community engagement, volunteer management, faith formation

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“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!

https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
facebook.com/rebuiltparish
instagram.com/rebuiltparish
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https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish
49 min
March 13, 202598| Get Teens Talking
Register for the Rebuilt Conference Here: https://rebuiltconference.com/

Get our FREE Weekend Experience Evaluation Here: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation

In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish podcast, Maryann Cavallo discusses the importance of engaging teens in parish life. She shares insights on the challenges parishes face in connecting with teens, the significance of creating a welcoming environment, and the role of parents in fostering teen engagement. Maryann emphasizes the need for authentic relationships and offers strategies for effective teen ministry, highlighting the value of the upcoming Rebuilt Conference as a resource for parish leaders.

Takeaways
Teens are the next generation that will carry the faith.
Parishes often struggle to engage busy teens.
Creating a comfortable environment is crucial for teen engagement.
Empowering teens through leadership roles fosters ownership.
Parents should model involvement in the parish for their teens.
Teens desire to be seen and known by their leaders.
Authenticity and consistency are key in building relationships with teens.
Effective strategies for teen ministry can be learned and implemented.
The Reboot Conference offers valuable insights for parish leaders.
Getting to know teens personally can significantly enhance their engagement.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Engaging Teens in Parish Life
02:00 - The Importance of Teens in the Parish
03:45 - Challenges in Engaging Teens
05:09 - Creating a Welcoming Environment for Teens
07:06 - Empowering Teens through Leadership
08:35 - The Role of Parents in Teen Engagement
09:57 - Building Authentic Relationships with Teens
11:45 - Strategies for Effective Teen Ministry
13:31 - Inspiration from the Rebuilt Conference

Keywords
teens, parish, engagement, youth ministry, leadership, community, faith, parents, relationships, Rebuilt Conference

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“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!

https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
facebook.com/rebuiltparish
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19 min
March 06, 202597| Tom Corcoran on From Sports to Sunday: Helping Families Prioritize Church
Register for the Rebuilt Conference Here: https://rebuiltconference.com/

Get our FREE Weekend Experience Evaluation Here: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation

In this conversation, Melissa and Tom discuss the critical importance of focusing on the next generation within the church. They explore the challenges parishes face in engaging younger generations, common misconceptions about youth ministry, and practical strategies for creating inviting environments for youth. The discussion emphasizes the need for intentional investment in youth programs and the vital role parents play in supporting their children's faith development. The conversation also highlights the significance of the next generation at the upcoming Rebuilt Conference, underscoring the hope and vitality they bring to the church.

Takeaways
Parishes must intentionally pass on faith to the next generation.
Communication of the gospel needs to be engaging for youth.
Sports culture often competes with church attendance.
Investing in youth programs is essential for church vitality.
Kids are eager for a relationship with God.
Creating inviting spaces for youth is crucial.
Parents' faith development is linked to their children's faith.
Small groups can foster community and faith among families.
The next generation symbolizes hope for the church's future.
Investing in young kids is a strategic starting point for parishes.

Chapters
00:00 - The Importance of Focusing on the Next Generation
03:21 - Challenges in Engaging Younger Generations
06:11 - Common Misconceptions in Youth Ministry
07:54 - Creating Engaging Environments for Youth
12:00 - Partnering with Parents for Faith Development
19:39 - The Next Generation at the Rebuilt Conference

Keywords
next generation, youth ministry, church engagement, faith development, parish challenges, family programs, community involvement, church vitality, youth programs, parent partnership

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“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!

https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
facebook.com/rebuiltparish
instagram.com/rebuiltparish
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https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish
30 min
February 27, 202596| Fr. Michael White on Leading with Vision: Empowering Parish Renewal Through Strategic Teams
Register for the Rebuilt Conference Here: https://rebuiltconference.com/

Get our FREE Weekend Experience Evaluation Here: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation

In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish podcast, Father Michael and Henry White discuss the significance of vision and strategic leadership teams in parish renewal. They emphasize the need for adaptability in leadership as the world changes, the importance of evaluating team effectiveness, and strategies for keeping teams motivated. The conversation also highlights the upcoming Rebuilt Parish Conference, which aims to inspire parish leaders to adapt their visions for the future.

Takeaways
A strategic leadership team is essential for parish success.
Vision must evolve to meet changing community needs.
Leadership teams provide diverse perspectives and support.
Evaluating team effectiveness is crucial for growth.
Recognizing milestones helps maintain motivation.
Continuous learning is key to adapting leadership structures.
Pastors should seek inclusive feedback from their teams.
Celebrating wins reinforces the mission and vision.
Building a strong team is foundational for achieving goals.
The Rebuilt Conference will energize and inspire parish leaders.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Vision and Leadership Teams
02:48 - The Importance of Evolving Vision
06:07 - The Role of Leadership Teams
09:02 - Evaluating Leadership Team Effectiveness
11:56 - Adapting Leadership Teams
14:52 - Motivating the Team
17:44 - Building a Strong Team for Vision
21:01 - Conclusion and Conference Insights

Keywords
vision, strategic leadership, parish renewal, church leadership, team dynamics, community engagement, parish mission, leadership evaluation, motivation, conference

Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!

“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!

https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
facebook.com/rebuiltparish
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25 min
February 20, 202595| Parish Transformation: The Power of a Strategic Leadership Team
Register for the Rebuilt Conference Here: https://rebuiltconference.com/

Get our FREE Weekend Experience Evaluation Here: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation

In this conversation, Father John Sullivan discusses his experience as a pastor at Holy Redeemer Parish in Chatham, Massachusetts, and the importance of forming a strategic leadership team to enhance parish life. He shares insights on the challenges faced before establishing the team, the benefits of receiving honest feedback, and the steps taken to form a diverse group of individuals with various skills. Father Sullivan emphasizes the role of prayer in decision-making and the value of utilizing resources like coaching to guide the team. He encourages other parish leaders to recognize and engage the gifts of their community members to strengthen their parishes.

Takeaways
The strategic leadership team provides essential feedback.
Choosing team members who genuinely support the parish is crucial.
Rebuilding the parish is an ongoing process for all communities.
Prayer should be integral in forming leadership teams.
The team assists in vision casting and long-term planning.
Diverse skills within the team enhance decision-making.
Coaching can provide valuable guidance in team formation.
Engaging community members can lead to increased participation.
People in the pews are eager to contribute their gifts.
Networking with other parish leaders can provide new insights.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Father John Sullivan and His Parish
02:59 - The Formation and Benefits of a Strategic Leadership Team
06:10 - Challenges and Steps in Building the Team
09:03 - Utilizing Resources and Coaching for Team Development
11:55 - Final Thoughts on Leadership and Community Engagement

Keywords
strategic leadership team, parish leadership, community engagement, church management, Rebuilt Conference, leadership challenges, team formation, parish growth, feedback in leadership

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“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!

https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
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18 min
February 13, 202594| Empowering Parishes Through Strategic Leadership
Register for the Rebuilt Conference Here: https://rebuiltconference.com/

Get our FREE Weekend Experience Evaluation Here: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation

In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa and Maria discuss the critical role of a strategic leadership team in the health and growth of a parish. They explore the challenges faced by parishes without such a team, the differences between leadership teams and pastoral councils, and the qualities that make someone a good fit for the team. The conversation also covers how to align the parish vision with community needs, build trust within the team, and avoid operational overload. Maria shares practical steps for pastors hesitant to implement a leadership team and emphasizes the importance of leading by example.

Takeaways
A strategic leadership team helps eliminate burnout.
Teams without a strategic focus can become reactive.
The leadership team meets weekly to ensure alignment.
Trust is essential for empowering team members.
Selecting team members should focus on relationships and trust.
Regular one-on-one meetings build trust and collaboration.
Using management by objective documents keeps teams on track.
Delegation is key to avoiding burnout.
Conferences provide opportunities for team building and learning.
Start small when implementing a leadership team.

Keywords
strategic leadership, parish growth, team dynamics, community engagement, church leadership, burnout prevention, trust building, operational efficiency, parish council, leadership development

Chapters
00:00 - The Importance of a Strategic Leadership Team
03:02 - Challenges of Not Having a Leadership Team
05:53 - Distinguishing Leadership Teams from Pastoral Councils
08:59 - Selecting the Right Members for the Team
12:05 - Aligning Vision with Community Needs
15:01 - Building Trust and Collaboration
17:56 - Avoiding Operational Overload
20:53 - Encouragement for Hesitant Parishes

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“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!

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27 min
February 06, 202593| Tom Corcoran on The Power of Vision in Parish Renewal
Register for the Rebuilt Conference Here: https://rebuiltconference.com/

Get our FREE Weekend Experience Evaluation Here: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation

In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish podcast, Melissa and Tom discuss the critical role of vision in parish growth and renewal. They explore how to develop a clear vision, communicate it effectively, and engage staff and volunteers in the process. The conversation highlights the importance of inspiration from events like the Rebuilt Conference and offers practical strategies for sustaining the vision amidst daily demands. Tom emphasizes that everyone has a vision and encourages parish leaders to articulate and share it with their communities.

Takeaways
Vision is a preferred future that everyone has.
Clarifying vision helps align the parish community.
Vision motivates people to take action.
Developing a vision involves concrete steps and collaboration.
External inspiration can shape and evolve a parish's vision.
Communicating the vision requires repetition and storytelling.
Engaging volunteers with the vision is crucial for buy-in.
Focus on those who are willing to move with the vision.
Sustaining the vision means integrating it into daily routines.
Don't be intimidated; everyone can develop a vision.

Sound Bites
"Vision is a preferred future."
"Everybody has a vision."
"Get as concrete as you can."
"Imagine what could be and should be."
"Don't be intimidated by vision."

Chapters
00:00 - The Importance of Vision in Parish Growth
03:02 - Steps to Develop a Clear Vision
05:58 - Inspiration from the Rebuilt Conference
08:56 - Communicating the Vision Effectively
12:09 - Engaging Staff and Volunteers with the Vision
16:02 - Sustaining the Vision Amidst Daily Demands

Keywords
parish growth, vision, community engagement, Rebuilt Conference, church leadership, communication strategies, volunteer engagement, church mission, community impact, parish renewal

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“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!

https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
facebook.com/rebuiltparish
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32 min