114. Transforming Parish Culture: A Path to Renewal
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Jon Konz and Thai Hua discuss the importance of leadership development and strategic coaching for Catholic parishes. They emphasize the need for clear vision and direction in ministry, the significance of identifying key problems, and the value of building tailored support plans. The conversation highlights the importance of sustainable changes over time and encourages listeners to take actionable steps towards transforming their parish culture.
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Takeaways
Leadership development is essential for effective ministry.
Clear vision is crucial for parish growth and direction.
Identifying key problems is the first step in renewal.
Tailored support plans are necessary for different parishes.
Sustainable changes lead to long-term success.
Accountability is vital for maintaining progress.
Small, intentional shifts can create significant impact.
Ownership of the plan is essential for successful implementation.
113. Our TOP 10 BOOKS to transform your ministry through your work
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai Hua and Jon Konz discuss the importance of professional development for Catholic ministry professionals through reading. They share their top 10 recommended books that can enhance leadership skills, personal growth, and organizational effectiveness within the church. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentionality in personal development and offers practical steps for integrating reading into daily routines. The hosts also address common objections to finding time for reading and encourage listeners to take actionable steps towards their professional growth.
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Takeaways
Professional development is essential for Catholic ministry professionals.
Reading can provide fresh perspectives and ideas.
Understanding 'why' is crucial for effective leadership.
Building good habits is key to personal and professional success.
Minimal changes can lead to significant improvements in organizations.
Confidence is vital for effective leadership in ministry.
Communication styles impact team dynamics and effectiveness.
Accountability within teams fosters a culture of success.
Making time for reading is a matter of prioritization.
Small daily habits can lead to substantial personal growth.
112. Church Volunteer Bootcamp: Fostering Long-Term Commitment (pt. 3 of 3)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, Jon discusses strategies for fostering long-term volunteer commitment within the Catholic Church. He emphasizes the importance of creating a culture that values volunteers, leads with vision, evolves programs, and shows appreciation. The conversation also highlights the need for clear communication of impact to retain volunteers and keep them engaged in ministry work.
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TAKEAWAYS
Transforming parish culture is essential for volunteer engagement.
Avoiding burnout is crucial for long-term commitment.
Leading with a clear vision helps volunteers understand their purpose.
Evolving programs keeps volunteers engaged and interested.
Showing appreciation can significantly boost volunteer morale.
Regular communication about impact fosters a sense of accomplishment.
Simple changes can revitalize stagnant programs.
Presence and support from leaders are vital for volunteer retention.
Handwritten notes and small gestures of gratitude are impactful.
Clear communication of goals and outcomes is necessary for retention.
111. Church Volunteer Bootcamp: Training Volunteers to Make Disciples (pt. 2 of 3)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professional Podcast, Jon discusses the importance of transforming the culture of volunteerism within parishes. He emphasizes the need to raise expectations for volunteers, moving beyond mere participation to empowerment and discipleship. The conversation covers practical steps for training volunteers, including modeling prayer, connecting them to the church's mission, and equipping them with necessary skills. Jon also addresses common challenges faced in volunteer training and offers solutions to overcome them, ultimately aiming to create a more engaged and effective volunteer base in the church.
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Takeaways
Transforming the culture of volunteerism is essential for parishes.
Raising expectations for volunteers leads to deeper engagement.
Volunteers should be seen as missionaries, not just helpers.
Prayer must be the foundation of volunteer training.
Connecting volunteers to the mission enhances their sense of purpose.
Training should focus on spiritual formation and practical skills.
Clear communication of impact encourages volunteer participation.
Simplifying recruitment processes can alleviate training burdens.
Utilizing technology can streamline training and communication.
Empowered volunteers can significantly contribute to parish growth.
110. Church Volunteer Bootcamp: Volunteer Recruitment THAT WORKS (pt. 1 of 3)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, Jon Konz discusses effective strategies for building a volunteer recruitment plan that aligns with the mission of the parish. He emphasizes the importance of understanding ministry needs and matching them with the gifts of parishioners. The conversation covers innovative approaches to engage volunteers, streamline management processes, and communicate the impact of service to encourage participation. By implementing these strategies, parishes can foster a thriving volunteer culture that enhances community involvement and spiritual growth.
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TAKEAWAYS
Parish ministries often struggle to recruit enough volunteers.
A clear recruitment strategy aligns volunteers' gifts with parish needs.
Understanding the needs of the parish is crucial for effective recruitment.
Volunteers often feel misaligned without a clear strategy.
Parents' involvement is essential for passing on the faith to children.
Simplifying the volunteer management process can reduce burnout.
Using tools like Google Forms can help identify parishioners' gifts.
Communicating the impact of service encourages volunteer participation.
A volunteer recruitment worksheet can help define ministry needs.
109. The Art of Saying No: Setting Professional Boundaries in Catholic Ministry
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai and Jon discuss the importance of setting professional boundaries within Catholic ministry. They explore how to balance work and life, improve clarity and communication, and create space for missional work. The conversation emphasizes the need for community, the challenges of work-life balance, and the significance of defining roles and responsibilities. The hosts provide actionable steps for assessing time, saying no, and maintaining passion while setting boundaries to prevent burnout.
TAKEAWAYS
Setting professional boundaries is essential for effective ministry.
Work-life balance is often misunderstood and needs redefinition.
Clarity in communication is key to setting boundaries.
Saying no can lead to greater freedom and focus on priorities.
Defining your role helps avoid burnout and confusion.
Assessing how you spend your time is crucial for effectiveness.
Healthy boundaries improve work-life balance and mission focus.
Community and relationships are vital for spiritual health.
Passion for work must be balanced with personal boundaries.
Actionable steps can help in setting and maintaining boundaries.
108. Pathways of Discipleship: Disciples in the Pews (pt. 4 of 4)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai and Jon explore how parishioners can create their own pathways of discipleship within the Catholic Church. They discuss the importance of understanding what it means to be a disciple, emphasizing the need for prayer, study, and community. The conversation highlights actionable steps for integrating faith into daily life and encourages listeners to seek deeper connections with Christ and their parish communities.
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Takeaways
Discipleship is not just about being a good Catholic, but about following Jesus.
Prayer and study are essential for deepening one's faith.
Concrete habits of prayer help in recognizing God's voice.
Discipleship requires resolution to act on God's call.
Community and accountability are crucial in the journey of faith.
Integrating faith into daily life can be done joyfully.
It’s ok to start small with prayer.
Seeking answers to faith questions is vital for growth.
Building a Rule of Life can help prioritize faith in daily routines.
Inviting friends into the faith journey fosters community and support.
107. Creating Pathways of Domestic Discipleship w/ Fr. Travis Crotty (pt. 3 of 4)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai and Jon engage with Fr. Travis Crotty to explore the concept of discipleship within the Catholic Church. They discuss the importance of understanding discipleship not just as a buzzword, but as a fundamental aspect of faith that should be integrated into the fabric of parish life. The conversation delves into how parents can cultivate a domestic church environment that nurtures their children's faith from an early age, emphasizing the significance of sacramental life, community, and relationships in fostering a deep connection with God. The episode concludes with practical advice for individuals seeking to strengthen their faith and the importance of reaching out for support within the church community.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Discipleship is about being a student of Jesus.
The sacramental life is central to being a disciple.
Parents play a crucial role in their children's faith formation.
Discipleship should be integrated into parish culture.
Friendship and community are essential for faith growth.
We need to risk ourselves to build relationships.
The domestic church is vital for nurturing faith.
Education about faith should start at home.
Pointing out the beauty of faith to children is important.
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It only takes one saint to start a blaze of the Holy Spirit, and we believe that you are the Saint the world needs for today. But, if you find your ministry efforts are being frustrated by personalities or habits in the parish that seem unchangeable, send an email to jon@catholicminpros.com. We’d love to talk with you about how a parish event or training can help you to transform your parish through your work.
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Listen to the latest episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Siouxland Catholic Radio--88.1 FM.
106. Pathways of Discipleship: Creating the Pathways (pt. 2 of 4)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai and Jon discuss the importance of creating intentional pathways for discipleship within parishes. They emphasize the need for focused effort in ministry, the significance of evaluating existing programs, and the necessity of identifying clear entry points for parishioners. The conversation also addresses common concerns about resource limitations and offers practical steps for gradual improvement in ministry effectiveness. The hosts encourage listeners to consider workshops for building discipleship pathways and to engage in ongoing evaluation of their ministry efforts.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Creating intentional pathways for discipleship is crucial for parish growth.
Focused effort in ministry can prevent burnout and enhance joy.
Evaluating existing ministries helps identify strengths and gaps.
Clear entry points for parishioners are essential for engagement.
Workshops can provide hands-on support for building discipleship pathways.
Starting small can lead to significant changes over time.
Micro progression in ministry can yield substantial results.
It's important to tailor discipleship pathways to the unique context of each parish.
Engaging parishioners in meaningful ways fosters community and evangelization.
Continuous evaluation of ministry programs is necessary for effective discipleship.
105. Pathways of Discipleship: Setting the Groundwork(pt. 1 of 4)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai Hua and Jon Konz discuss the importance of creating intentional pathways of discipleship within Catholic parishes. They emphasize the need for clear frameworks to guide parishioners on their journey of faith, the significance of assessing current programs, and the necessity of building meaningful relationships in ministry. The conversation also addresses concerns about the sustainability of discipleship initiatives and offers actionable steps for parish leaders to implement these concepts effectively.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Creating pathways of discipleship is essential for parish growth.
Discipleship should be intentional, not accidental.
Frameworks provide structure and accountability in discipleship efforts.
Assessing your parish helps identify gaps in discipleship.
Relationships are crucial for effective discipleship.
Start small and scale your discipleship initiatives over time.
Tailor discipleship pathways to fit your parish's unique context.
Engage parishioners in a journey of faith, not just programs.
Look for high leverage moments to deepen faith encounters.
Invest in the spiritual growth of your ministry leaders.
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It only takes one saint to start a blaze of the Holy Spirit, and we believe that you are the Saint the world needs for today. But, if you find your ministry efforts are being frustrated by personalities or habits in the parish that seem unchangeable, send an email to jon@catholicminpros.com. We’d love to talk with you about how a parish event or training can help you to transform your parish through your work.
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Listen to the latest episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Siouxland Catholic Radio--88.1 FM
104: Parish Clusters: How many become one (pt 4 of 4)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Taihua and John Kahnz discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by parish clustering. They emphasize the importance of embracing change, trusting church leaders, and focusing on community and mission. The conversation highlights the need for parishioners to grieve the loss of old traditions while also recognizing the potential for spiritual renewal and growth. The hosts provide actionable steps for parishioners to engage positively in the transition process, including prayer, community involvement, and maintaining a hopeful outlook.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Mourn the old; embrace the new.
Trust that church leaders are discerning the best path forward.
Speak life and encouragement into the transition process.
Engage with new parish members and activities.
Prayer and fasting are powerful tools for support.
Change can lead to spiritual renewal and excitement.
Don't indulge in negative talk or self-pity.
The church is about the people, not just the building.
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It only takes one saint to start a blaze of the Holy Spirit, and we believe that you are the Saint the world needs for today. But, if you find your ministry efforts are being frustrated by personalities or habits in the parish that seem unchangeable, send an email to jon@catholicminpros.com. We’d love to talk with you about how a parish event or training can help you to transform your parish through your work.
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Listen to the latest episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Siouxland Catholic Radio--88.1 FM
103: Parish Clusters: How many become one (pt 3 of 4) w/ Fr. Andrew Dickinson
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai Hua and Jon Konz engage with Fr. Andrew Dickinson to discuss the transformation of parish culture within the Catholic Church. They explore the challenges and successes of restructuring parishes, the importance of resource allocation, and the need for empowering laity in the mission of the Church. Fr. Andrew shares insights from his experience in the Diocese of Sioux Falls, emphasizing the significance of creating a culture of lifelong Catholic missionary discipleship and the balance between spiritual and practical needs in parish life.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Transforming parish culture is essential for engaging more souls.
Resource allocation is crucial for effective parish management.
Pastors need to embrace new administrative styles for success.
Pastors experience joy when relieved of administrative burdens.
Empowering laity is vital for parish mission and growth.
Cultivating individual growth leads to a thriving parish community.
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It only takes one saint to start a blaze of the Holy Spirit, and we believe that you are the Saint the world needs for today. But, if you find your ministry efforts are being frustrated by personalities or habits in the parish that seem unchangeable, send an email to CatholicMinPros@gmail.com. We’d love to talk with you about how a parish event or training can help you to transform your parish through your work.
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Listen to the latest episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Siouxland Catholic Radio--88.1 FM.
102: Parish Clusters: How many become one (pt. 2 of 4)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai Hua and Jon Konz discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by parish clustering. They emphasize the importance of clear vision, collaborative leadership, and spiritual cultivation through prayer and fasting as essential components for successfully navigating the merging of parishes. The conversation addresses common concerns about change and offers actionable steps for parish leaders to foster unity and growth within their communities.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Transforming parish culture is essential for growth.
Parish clustering is a response to demographic shifts.
Leadership challenges arise during parish mergers.
A clear vision is crucial for guiding change.
Empathy is key in leading parish transitions.
Collaborative leadership fosters unity among parishes.
Prayer and fasting are vital for spiritual growth.
Addressing fears of change is necessary for progress.
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It only takes one saint to start a blaze of the Holy Spirit, and we believe that you are the Saint the world needs for today. But, if you find your ministry efforts are being frustrated by personalities or habits in the parish that seem unchangeable, send an email to CatholicMinPros@gmail.com. We’d love to talk with you about how a parish event or training can help you to transform your parish through your work.
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Listen to the latest episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Siouxland Catholic Radio--88.1 FM
101: Parish Clusters: How many become one (pt. 1 of 4)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, Jon discusses the challenges and considerations of leading parish clusters. He emphasizes the importance of setting a clear vision, making difficult decisions, allowing for grief over changes, and balancing logistical needs with the emotional aspects of community. Jon provides actionable steps for parish leaders to effectively navigate transitions and foster unity within their congregations.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Parish clusters require careful thought and prayerful discernment.
Setting a vision is essential for the future of merged parishes.
Hard decisions are unavoidable in the merging process.
Empathy is vital when addressing community concerns.
Listening to parishioners builds trust and engagement.
Identify influential leaders to gain buy-in for new initiatives.
Concrete dates help signal progress in the transition process.
Balancing logistics with the emotional needs of the community is crucial.
Celebrating new opportunities fosters a positive community spirit.
Leadership must align with the bishop's vision for the diocese.
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It only takes one saint to start a blaze of the Holy Spirit, and we believe that you are the Saint the world needs for today. But, if you find your ministry efforts are being frustrated by personalities or habits in the parish that seem unchangeable, send an email to CatholicMinPros@gmail.com. We’d love to talk with you about how a parish event or training can help you to transform your parish through your work.
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Listen to the latest episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Siouxland Catholic Radio--88.1 FM
100. Begin again. Begin NOW.
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai Hua and Jon Konz discuss the importance of taking immediate action for parish renewal. They emphasize that now is the time for parish leaders to engage in transformative practices that can revitalize their communities. The conversation covers practical steps for renewal, including bringing God into everyday moments, shifting the focus of parish events to a missional mindset, and creating opportunities for engagement. The hosts also address common concerns about workload and the need for change, encouraging listeners to take small, actionable steps towards renewal.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Parish leaders must act now to renew their communities.
Waiting for the perfect moment can lead to lost momentum.
Prayer should be integrated into everyday interactions.
Shifting meetings to focus on mission can enhance engagement.
Creating events can catalyze community involvement.
Busyness does not equate to effectiveness.
Immediate prayer can deepen relationships and trust.
Encouraging communal vision can alleviate burnout.
Parishioners should be involved in decision-making processes.
Small, intentional changes can lead to significant renewal.
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It only takes one saint to start a blaze of the Holy Spirit, and we believe that you are the Saint the world needs for today. But, if you find your ministry efforts are being frustrated by personalities or habits in the parish that seem unchangeable, send an email to CatholicMinPros@gmail.com. We’d love to talk with you about how a parish event or training can help you to transform your parish through your work.
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Listen to the latest episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Siouxland Catholic Radio--88.1 FM
99. How can parishioners create a culture of missional friendship (pt. 4 of 4)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai Hua and Jon Konz discuss the importance of developing missional friendships within the Catholic Church. They emphasize the need for deeper relationships that challenge and support parishioners in their faith journey. The conversation covers practical steps for building intentional relationships, integrating faith into existing friendships, and creating opportunities for connection within the parish. The hosts encourage listeners to prioritize these friendships as essential for personal growth and community engagement.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Building missional friendships is essential for parishioners.
Deeper relationships help us navigate life's challenges.
Intentional relationship building requires vulnerability.
Integrating faith into friendships strengthens connections.
Sponsoring events can foster community engagement.
Prayer is crucial in seeking friendships.
Know your audience when organizing parish events.
Investing in relationships enhances ministry effectiveness.
Time constraints can be overcome with intentionality.
Friendships rooted in faith transform communities.
98. Creating a culture of missional friendship w/ Karmen Bower (pt. 3 of 4)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai Hua and Jon Konz engage with Karmen Bower, Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Sioux City, to explore the concept of missional friendship within Catholic parishes, particularly in rural settings. The conversation delves into the unique opportunities and challenges faced by rural parishes, emphasizing the importance of building genuine relationships and community without relying solely on structured programs. Karmen shares insights on how to cultivate a culture of friendship and support within parishes, encouraging listeners to take initiative in their own communities and to model a prayerful life that fosters deeper connections among parishioners.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Transforming parish culture is essential for growth.
Rural parishes have unique advantages.
God works in small communities to build His kingdom.
Building relationships is crucial for discipleship.
Intentionality in relationships can lead to deeper faith.
Parishioners should take initiative in forming friendships.
Community should not rely solely on parish programs.
Prayerful living can spark community engagement.
Friendship is foundational to effective ministry.
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It only takes one saint to start a blaze of the Holy Spirit, and we believe that you are the Saint the world needs for today. But, if you find your ministry efforts are being frustrated by personalities or habits in the parish that seem unchangeable, send an email to CatholicMinPros@gmail.com. We’d love to talk with you about how a parish event or training can help you to transform your parish through your work.
97. How Can You Create a Culture of Missional Friendship? (pt. 2 of 4)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai Hua and Jon Konz discuss the importance of mission-centered friendship within Catholic parishes. They emphasize the need to build genuine relationships, facilitate introductions among parishioners, and remove barriers to foster community growth. The conversation highlights actionable steps for ministry professionals to engage their parishioners effectively, focusing on love and community building as central themes.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
The mission of Jesus Christ is central to building community.
Building relationships requires intentionality and a structured approach.
New parishioners can bring fresh perspectives and energy to the community.
A Parish Relationship Manager (PRM) can help understand parishioners' needs.
Facilitating introductions can create meaningful connections among parishioners.
Meeting real-world needs is essential for effective evangelization.
Removing barriers allows the Holy Spirit to work freely in the community.
Communities should be built organically rather than being forced by church leadership.
Utilitarian relationships can evolve into deep friendships over time.
Engagement resources can simplify the process of connecting with parishioners.
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It only takes one saint to start a blaze of the Holy Spirit, and we believe that you are the Saint the world needs for today. But, if you find your ministry efforts are being frustrated by personalities or habits in the parish that seem unchangeable, send an email to CatholicMinPros@gmail.com. We’d love to talk with you about how a parish event or training can help you to transform your parish through your work
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Listen to the latest episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Siouxland Catholic Radio--88.1 FM.
96. Creating a culture of missional friendship (pt. 1 of 4)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai Hua and Jon Konz explore the concept of missional friendship within the context of the Catholic Church. They discuss the innate human desire for community, the challenges of making friends in today's society, and the importance of creating mission-centered communities that fulfill the needs of parishioners. The conversation emphasizes the role of the church in fostering genuine relationships and outreach, while also addressing the balance between social activities and the church's mission to evangelize.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
We all long to be part of a community.
The church must provide a sense of belonging.
Friendship is essential for human flourishing.
People have forgotten how to make friends in today's world.
Mission-centered community can fulfill parishioners' needs.
The church should not just be a social club.
Love exists in relationships, not programs.
Meeting real needs fosters genuine community.
Equipping parishioners to go out is crucial for growth.
Building a culture of missional friendship is essential for the church.
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It only takes one saint to start a blaze of the Holy Spirit, and we believe that you are the Saint the world needs for today. But, if you find your ministry efforts are being frustrated by personalities or habits in the parish that seem unchangeable, send an email to CatholicMinPros@gmail.com. We’d love to talk with you about how a parish event or training can help you to transform your parish through your work.
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Listen to the latest episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Siouxland Catholic Radio--88.1 FM.
95. THREE ways to get on Mission
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai and Jon discuss the importance of getting on mission within Catholic ministry. They explore the challenges of burnout, the necessity of prayer, and the need for predictable maintenance in ministry work. The conversation emphasizes implementing sustainable changes over time to enhance parish engagement and effectiveness. The hosts also address the importance of self-reflection and examination in ministry, encouraging listeners to take actionable steps towards renewal and improvement in their work.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Transforming parish culture requires intentional effort.
Burnout often stems from losing sight of the mission.
A powerful 'why' can drive motivation and commitment.
Prayer should be the foundation of all ministry work.
Making maintenance predictable frees up time for mission work.
Sustainable change can lead to significant impact over time.
Onboarding processes are crucial for new ministry professionals.
Self-reflection is essential for effective ministry.
Engaging parishioners requires understanding their needs.
Small, actionable steps can lead to greater mission fulfillment.
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It only takes one saint to start a blaze of the Holy Spirit, and we believe that you are the Saint the world needs for today. But, if you find your ministry efforts are being frustrated by personalities or habits in the parish that seem unchangeable, send an email to CatholicMinPros@gmail.com. We’d love to talk with you about how a parish event or training can help you to transform your parish through your work.
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Listen to the latest episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Siouxland Catholic Radio--88.1 FM.