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Episode 39: Fr. Mike Delaney And The Church Down Under

The Church Podcast goes down under or down under comes to the Church Podcast as Chris and John welcome Fr. Mike Delaney from Tasmania.

In this episode Chris, John, and Fr. Mike discuss the similarities and differences between the local church in the United States and Australia. What works in one parish might not work in yours, but that’s okay. Join Chris, John, and Fr. Mike as they look at which ones transcend the globe.

If you want to listen to his homilies check them out HERE and follow him on Twitter @Tasmadmonk

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Episode 38: Rebuilding the Sacrament of Confirmation (Part 2)

Confirmation is such an awesome sacrament that we needed 2 episodes to cover it all!

In this 6th and final episode in our series on sacramental preparation, John and Chris go into even more detail as to how we might rebuild Confirmation preparation, including talking about retreats, small groups, and more.

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Episode 37: Rebuilding the Sacrament of Confirmation (Part 1)

Does your parish celebrate Confirmation just to see that the next week, nobody who was confirmed comes to Mass? Do you sometimes feel like Confirmation is a graduation? It doesn’t have to be like that.

In this fifth episode in our series on sacramental preparation, John and Chris delve into how we might rebuild Confirmation preparation so as to truly have a life-changing effect that converts young people into intentional discipleship.

This is Part 1 of a 2-part episode.

For a copy of Chris’ book Rebuilding Confirmation click HERE

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Episode 36: Envisioning A First Communion Preparation That Evangelizes

At long last, those preparing for First Communion are welcome to the table with all the faithful to be rejuvenated by the Body and Blood of Christ in the form of bread and wine. One of 3 sacraments that can be repeated, are we preparing young people for a lifetime of receiving this sacrament on a regular basis?

In this fourth episode in our series on sacramental preparation, Chris and John discover some best practices in developing a Communion preparation that truly evangelizes.  

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Episode 35: A Fresh Look at Marriage Preparation

There is no greater event more life-changing in the life of a couple than their wedding day. A start to a new adventure of life together with a new partner. A moment so life changing should require intentional efforts by the Church.

In this third episode in our series on sacramental preparation, John and Chris discuss how we might reconsider our marriage preparation so as to truly prepare couples for the lifetime of marriage that is upon them.

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Episode 34: Re-imagining Baptism Preparation in the Parish

The baptism of a child is an opportunity to engage an entire family in the life of the parish. Having a baby is a major milestone and tremendous life-changing experience in which the Church can be intentional about partnering with parents in raising up their child in the life of faith.

But are we blowing the opportunity?

In this second episode in a series on sacramental preparation, John and Chris explore effective strategies for preparing parents to take on this new role as the spiritual leader of their children.

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Episode 33: Are We Sacramentalized but not Evangelized?

Episode 33: Are We Sacramentalized but not Evangelized?

Sherry Weddell, in her great book Forming Intentional Disciples, suggests that we have raised Catholics who are “sacramentalized, but not evangelized.” Wow! Powerful statement!

In this episode, Chris and John begin the first episode of a series looking at sacramental preparation programs and how we can evangelize as well as sacramentalize. At the center of this conversation is this idea that Weddell shares:

“If our pastoral practice is to be life changing, then we must be acutely aware that the reception of a valid sacrament and the fruitful reception of sacramental grace are two different but related issues. Validity means that the sacrament was truly bestowed and the intended grace made truly present to the person receiving the sacrament. But validity does not guarantee that the grace made available has been actively received and is bearing fruit in that person’s life.” –pg. 99

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Episode 32: Take a Vacation!

To stay balanced and effective as a minister, vacation is an important tool for each of us to embrace. Yet, too many of us don’t take a vacation. Ministry takes energy and work. As ministers, we should be intentional about how we relax and rejuvenate so that we come back to our ministry more energized and focused.

In this episode, John and Chris share best practices when it comes to taking the vacation you deserve.

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Episode 31: The Effects of a Pastor Transition on the Parish

The transition of a pastor can be a nerve-racking time for the parish community. Change is coming. It’s the unknown of what the future brings that causes the most anxiety. In this episode, Chris and John explore the realities of pastor transitions and what you and I can do to ease the transition for ourselves, the pastor, and the parish.

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Episode 30: Scouting is Ministry

Scouting is a staple in many church communities and can be a valuable aspect of ministry at your parish. In this episode, John and Chris share the value of scouting to your parish and steps to embrace and support scouting as a ministry.

Plus, we talk girl scout cookies!

What is your favorite Girl Scout cookie?
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