Sharing your Catholic faith with family and friends can sometimes feel daunting. Where do I start? How do I make an impact? Welcome to EquipCast, a weekly podcast from the Archdiocese of Omaha. We want to support your faith journey and equip you with the tools to express your faith authentically in your everyday life. Each week, we’ll discuss practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world. Each episode is filled with encouragement and inspiration so yo ...
…
continue reading
This podcast brings you conversations with Most Rev. George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha, as he shares his pastoral vision with the local Church: "One Church: Encountering Jesus, Equipping Disciples, and Living Mercy."
…
continue reading
Daily and Sunday Mass homilies as well as special events and talks. Recorded at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Gretna, Nebraska - part of the Omaha Archdiocese. Pastor Fr. Jeff Loseke and Deacons Dan Keller, Dave Fischman, and Steve Hill serve the parish and can be heard on this podcast. Learn more about the parish at stcharlesomaha.com
…
continue reading
1
Phase 4: Communication - How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship
40:39
40:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:39
Once you have a clear path built, how do you communicate it to your parishioners? Often, our parishioners are living in the new reality of the clear path, but they don’t yet see the big picture vision for evangelization. In this fourth Episode of the series How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship, Jake Olson and Fr. James Keiter from Our Catholic…
…
continue reading
1
Phase 3: Implementation - How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship
38:12
38:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:12
Now that you have a plan to transform your parish, how do you get started? Implementing the Clear Path to Discipleship can feel daunting when you start to understand the scope of the change that is necessary. In this third episode of the series How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship, Jonathan Sanchez-Hidalgo, Director of Evangelization and Disci…
…
continue reading
1
Phase 1: Assessment – How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship
43:09
43:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:09
Does your parish’s current list of ministries help your people evangelize? It’s likely the answer is no. Most parish ministries were built during a time where people flocked to church. But the culture has changed, and our ministries need to as well. So today, I bring you the first episode in the series How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship. Rac…
…
continue reading
1
Phase 2: Discernment – How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship
42:46
42:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:46
What does the Lord say about the plans you have for your parish? As you seek renewal for your parish community, are you intentionally asking for the Lord’s input? While many of us are prayerful individuals, praying collectively with a team about the strategy for becoming mission-oriented probably feels like uncharted territory. However, if we want …
…
continue reading
1
Trailer: How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship
2:41
2:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:41
Imagine if your parish provided a place for you to build relationships of trust with nonbelievers. Or if it had a ministry that proclaimed the Gospel and fostered conversions. What if your parish taught you how to evangelize and it gave you a space to celebrate and commiserate with others trying to do the same? Around here, we’d say that parish had…
…
continue reading
1
Coach's Corner 14: How the Eucharist Breaks You
4:47
4:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:47
If you allow it to, the Eucharist can break you. “But, Jim, why would I want that? Sounds awful.” We all know that the Eucharist is transformative because it unifies us to Christ and his body. But if we truly enter into that Pascal Mystery, it means we also can be “broken and shared” with the world. Join me for this Coach’s Corner where I take a sh…
…
continue reading
1
Coach's Corner 13: How to Pray When You Are Angry
9:50
9:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:50
Have you ever avoided prayer because you were angry with God? I get it. Wrestling with our emotions, especially anger, in our relationship with the divine can feel overwhelming. But here's the thing: God can handle our raw, unfiltered emotions. Today, I'm diving into a topic that hits close to home: expressing anger to God while keeping our faith i…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 141: Unity & Mission: Exploring Catholic and Protestant Perspectives
1:00:04
1:00:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:04
Is unity between Catholics and Protestants really possible? Just imagine the incredible things we could accomplish if we could learn to collaborate. We could address social issues, promote justice, and serve those in need, all while spreading the message of God's love through evangelization. It's an exciting thought, isn't it? But, of course, in or…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 140: Neighbors In Need: How to Leverage the Resources and Compassion Within Your Local Community
53:28
53:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:28
Did you know that only 8% of the people in our church pews can claim that they know the names of their 8 closest neighbors? As Christians, we aught to be on the front lines of the fight against what the Surgeon General calls and “epidemic of loneliness”. Omaha itself, with all its strengths, grapples with mental health issues, people feeling isolat…
…
continue reading
1
Coach's Corner 12: Renewing Our Church Through Communal Repentance
7:46
7:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:46
Have you ever found yourself saying sorry for something you didn't actually do? Like when your kid makes a mess in a store, or your team had to run extra laps in high school because of one teammate's mistake? The concept of taking collective responsibility isn’t foreign to us, but sometimes, we struggle with the idea of personally owning up to the …
…
continue reading
1
Episode 139: Fruitful Evangelization: How Love Leads to Conversion
53:46
53:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:46
**Love builds a bridge over which truth can pass **How well do you love your neighbor? Love has this amazing power to change hearts and bring people closer to Jesus. Genuine love, expressed through compassionate actions and selfless service, has the ability to break down barriers, dissolve fear, and inspire individuals to open their hearts to the m…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 138: Pathways to Renewal: Strategies for Effective Faith Formation with Fr. Tim Donovan
1:01:23
1:01:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:23
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 visi…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 137: Making Missionary Disciples in a Parish - A Clear Path
51:13
51:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:13
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 th…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 136: Discover the Power of Authentic Connection
43:22
43:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:22
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…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 135: Transformative Conversations: How to Fostering Empathy and Understanding with the Abortion Dialogue Academy
43:14
43:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:14
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 a…
…
continue reading
1
Coach's Corner 11: Plundering the Egyptians: How to take the good from secular wisdom and leave the bad
9:59
9:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:59
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 d…
…
continue reading
1
Coach's Corner 10: Why I Hate (and Love) Christmas
6:22
6:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:22
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 L…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 134: How to Become a Contagious Catholic with Marcel LeJeune
1:01:14
1:01:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:14
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 Tex…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 133: How to Engage Outsiders: Strategies for Sharing the Catholic Faith with Mallory Smyth
45:09
45:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:09
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Coach's Corner 9: How to BLESS others: The Art of Authentic Evangelization
8:33
8:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:33
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 t…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 132: 400 for Thanksgiving Dinner: Serving the Poor with St. Peter’s Church
32:55
32:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:55
How much can a simple act of kindness impact someone's life? How can your involvement in community initiatives create meaningful connections? If you've ever felt a calling to connect with those in need, this conversation is for you. It’s a journey of faith, partnership, and service, guiding you to take the first step. Discover the profound stories …
…
continue reading
1
Episode 131: How to Build the Spiritual Habits of Consistancy and Honesty in Prayer
50:16
50:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:16
Ever wondered why prayer sometimes feels like you are talking to yourself? Do you ever look around at other leaders in your parish, thinking they've got it all figured out in the prayer department while you're struggling to keep up? Or maybe you just crave a deeper connection with God. Today’s guest, Jim Beckman, breaks open the art of prayer. Acco…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 130: Broadcasting Your Belief: How Lane Grindle Brings Faith into His Profession
52:29
52:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:29
How much does faith play a role in your professional life? Do you ever feel like you separate your “Christian self” from your “work self”? The endeavor to unite our relationship with Jesus with all aspects of life is an ongoing, imperfect, but vital journey to go on. Today, I had an incredibly insightful conversation with Lane Grindle, the play-by-…
…
continue reading
1
Coach's Corner 8: Expand Your Influence - How to Lead When You’re NOT the Boss
9:15
9:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:15
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your passion and vision are extremely compelling, but you're not the one calling the shots? Sometimes, our leaders might not tick all the boxes when it comes to vision, delegation, or communication, and it can be downright frustrating. But, effective leadership isn't just about titles. No matter whe…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 129: Free to Be Generous: Catholic Money Management
55:35
55:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:35
Do you ever feel like you don't have enough to give? Maybe there's debt to tackle, too many bills this month, or just not much left in the budget. But we know the Lord wants us to be generous! So, how can you increase your charitable giving when it seems there's nothing to spare? I had the pleasure of talking with Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira, fina…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 128: Lampstand Initiative: Illuminating Faith Through Prayer and Community with Fr. Pat McLaughlin
56:53
56:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:53
Have you ever had a moment that deeply touched your soul, making you feel connected to God and changing your life? We often think of monumental conversion moments, but what if I told you that such transformative encounters could be a part of your daily life—through prayer? Prayer is more than just speaking to God; it's about creating a sacred space…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 127: Uncover Your Charisms Through Spiritual Openness with Sherry Weddell
59:26
59:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:26
Ever felt the exhilaration of God's presence when using your unique spiritual gifts? Can you imagine what it would be like to discover and unleash your charisms for the benefit of your community? It's a journey of openness, spiritual growth, and the grace of God propelling us forward. Join me in an inspiring episode featuring Sherry Weddell, co-fou…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 126: Small Groups, Big Impact: Cultivating Close-Knit Faith Communities in Your Parish
50:31
50:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:31
Have you ever felt alone even when you are in a crowd of people? Do you desire to be known and seen by a community that shares your values? Our parish communities, which should be the place where we find belonging, are often too large to provide the experience of close-knit spiritual family. But, it’s not impossible! Come with me as I explore how f…
…
continue reading
1
Coach's Corner 7: Discover the Power of “Less is More” for a Fulfilling Faith Journey
8:19
8:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:19
In this fast-paced world, who doesn’t feel overwhelmed by busyness? There’s nothing quite so American as the stress we put on (and really, the stress caused by) doing more and thinking bigger. That’s why, today, I want to talk about a transformative insight that I just came up with: Less is More! All joking aside, this is an aphorism that has been …
…
continue reading
1
Episode 125: Match Your Gifts to Your Mission: How Charisms Have the Power to Change Everything!
42:19
42:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:19
How life-giving is the volunteer work that you do for your parish? Is it draining or invigorating? Hopefully, some of you responded, “Invigorating!” But if you find yourself drained by the work of being missional, you are not alone. So many of us say yes to the work because it is good, or necessary, or because “Father asked me to”. Rarely are we as…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 124: How to Lead Using Your Personal Gifting & The Power of Hospitality with Fr. Simon Lobo
1:00:25
1:00:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:25
The call to evangelize has been consistent and increasingly urgent from our Church leaders for the past fifty plus years. When you hear that call, have you ever felt like you aren’t enough? Like you don’t have the appropriate strengths or the right leadership qualities to offer? Well, you’re not alone. Fr. Mallon, author of Catholic pop-culture phe…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 123: How to Teach Your Kids to Pray
44:44
44:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:44
Raise your hand if you feel confident that you can help your children develop a personal relationship with Jesus. If I could see you all, I bet there would not be many hands in the air. We know how to teach rote prayers, but helping our children truly connect with Jesus feels a tad outside of a parent’s control. The reality is that the Lord gives u…
…
continue reading
1
Coach's Corner 6: How the Mass and the Eucharist Can Help You Evangelize
9:23
9:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:23
Why is sharing the source and summit of our faith rarely the first step to take when evangelizing? I want others to know and love Jesus. I know and love Jesus in the Eucharist, so why shouldn’t I jump straight to inviting non-believers to mass or adoration? While the Eucharist isn’t our opening act, we should by no means forget it entirely. The Euc…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 122: Why Small Groups for Men are so Powerful in the Catholic Church
44:11
44:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:11
By Archdiocese of Omaha
…
continue reading
1
Episode 121: Where You Can Find Hope & Joy in Pastoral Planning
41:27
41:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:27
July 1st is just around the corner, and with that comes a new experience of parish life for every person in the Archdiocese of Omaha. Many of us will experience a reduction in mass times at our parishes, new uses for our parish structures, and interruptions to the routines that many of us hold precious. This disruption can be difficult to process, …
…
continue reading
1
Episode 120: How (and Why) to Evangelize Friends and Family Who Have Fallen Away
46:19
46:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:19
Why is sharing our faith with the people closest to us sometimes the most difficult thing to do? We want the people we love to know the person we love: Jesus. However, conversations about faith are often taboo especially if our family or friends are fallen away Catholics. So how do we evangelize those who are closest to our hearts? Andre Regnier, a…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 119: Find Your Spiritual Compass: Navigating Change Using Discernment - Featuring Tod Bolsinger
49:57
49:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:57
Are you completely satisfied with every aspect of your life? Most people dream about changing some aspect of their life, but we’re often held back by the fear and anxiety that come along with doing so. Change often marks the end of something, and so it brings feelings of loss and uncertainty about the future. Not to mention, living in a time of tra…
…
continue reading
1
Coach's Corner 5: Pruning for Abundance: Nurturing Growth in Your Life and Ministry
11:26
11:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:26
Do you feel like the Lord is calling you to something new, but you simply don’t have the space or time in your schedule? Or are the good and restful parts of your life being neglected because you are hanging on to old habits or commitments? Cutting back to the most essential things can be difficult. This is why in today’s Coach’s Corner I focus on …
…
continue reading
1
Episode 118: Freedom of Body, Mind, and Soul: Integrating Faith through Movement with Christina Diers
43:45
43:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:45
I know so many of you who are listening, like me, are trying to serve the kingdom. But how often do our own health concerns keep us from doing the promptings of the Holy Spirit? Sometimes, I feel weak intellectually, spiritually, and even physically. And when I stop to ponder how my physical health affects my mental/spiritual health and vice versa,…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 117: Resurrection Amidst Decline: The Church's Hope Revealed in the Easter Mystery
39:34
39:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:34
This year has brought a lot of ups and downs for the Archdiocese of Omaha. We, like many dioceses, are facing the reality of a declining number of people in our pews and a culture that is less and less Christian. With this desolating reality in mind, I keep coming back in prayer to one major consolation: Jesus is risen! The victory is ours! In this…
…
continue reading
1
Coach's Corner 4: St. Thomas & The Power of Belonging
11:30
11:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:30
Why wasn’t St. Thomas with the other apostles when Jesus appeared? I used to imagine that he was doing some mundane task like buying groceries. But, if we read the passage carefully, it’s likely he was absent because he didn’t want to be with the other apostles. Jesus could have appeared at any time; if Thomas was only “gone to the store”, he could…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 116: The Power of Charisms in Evangelization: The Archdiocese of Omaha Mentorship Program
54:57
54:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:57
What keeps you from sharing your faith with others? Not enough time, knowledge, or energy? Perhaps it’s a fear of failure? Or maybe you imagine someone who evangelizes as having a skillset that you don’t. We know Jesus wants us to “go and make disciples”, so it stands to reason that he wants us to go just as we are. Today, I talk with Kelly Peklo a…
…
continue reading
1
Fr. Flanagan: Lessons in Love and Kindness from Boys Town
43:06
43:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:06
Father Flanagan, a Catholic priest, defied the norms of his time, founded Boys Town, and challenged the conventional approach to child care. His dedication and vision led to the creation of a space where children could come to live as a family, receive education, and be guided with love and compassion. The impact of Boys Town reverberated across Am…
…
continue reading
1
Reviving a Dying Parish: How Embracing a Culture of Invitation Breathed Life into St. Frances Cabrini
54:15
54:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:15
St. Frances Cabrini, one of our oldest and most historic parishes, was dying. And if its story followed the usual pattern, it would be closed. Instead, the parish is not only growing, but its people are thriving. How did this community reinvent itself in less than 7 years? The parish leaders embraced a relationship with the Holy Spirit, allowing th…
…
continue reading
1
Coach's Corner 3: When Events Don't Make a Difference
10:18
10:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:18
Ever poured your heart into planning an event, only to see the enthusiasm fade away soon after it ends, leaving you wondering what could have been done differently? Let's dive into the art of event planning and execution together, unveiling five simple yet impactful tips to create events that resonate and nurture spiritual growth. Today, we'll expl…
…
continue reading
1
Lent 2023 - What is the Lord offering you?
16:23
16:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:23
Ash Wednesday is here - which means Lent has begun! Archbishop George J. Lucas expands upon the holy season. "Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God. For gracious and merciful is he." - Book of Joel We should not ritualize Lent, but find our own meaning and purpose. What is Jesus offering you? Listen!…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 113: How to Accompany Someone Through the Intersection of Faith and Gender Identity with Fr. Sean Kilcawley
57:50
57:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:50
How do we share the love of Jesus with someone who finds our beliefs contrary to their way of life? Accompaniment can be particularly tricky when we find ourselves called to walk with someone whose behaviors may not align with Church teachings. But we know the transformative power of God’s love and should not keep it to ourselves. So how do you wal…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 112: Intentional Accompaniment: How to Share Your Faith Boldy and Fruitfully with Michael Hall
52:55
52:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:55
Ever felt the weight of wanting to share your faith but not knowing where to start? Trust me, I’ve been there. When I first dipped my toes into evangelizing, I stumbled through it, making more than my fair share of blunders. But you know what changed the game for me? Learning to lean on the Holy Spirit and building genuine connections that sparked …
…
continue reading
Did you know that in July of this year more than 20 parishes in our diocese will cease having Sunday Mass? Maybe one of these parishes is your own. The cessation of Sunday Mass will be one of the hardest events for faithful Catholics to process. It feels like the death of a loved one. However, this is not the first time God's people have had to dea…
…
continue reading