#034: Evangelization for Busy Catholics (with Amy Right, ft. Pope Paul VI)

Amy Righi

We’ve already discussed the topic of Evangelization in previous episodes. I’m sure your bookshelf has at least a handful of resources related to the subject. I’m sure you’ve been to at least one meeting or workshop where evangelization was discussed. 

So, how are your efforts faring? 

Pope Francis is often quoted as saying that Christ knocks on our hearts to be let in, and on the doors of our churches to be let out. We often think of evangelizing as going out – and certainly, it is. But we also hope that the end result of our going out will be to have others come in – to join our community, to worship with us, to enter the fullness of the Church.

Today, we’ll hear about one parish’s initiative to increase their engagement with the families in their community. St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Macomb, Michigan, began offering an evening Mass on Sunday’s. Billed as the “Mass for Busy Catholics,” it was an attempt to open the door just a little further and to give more opportunities for worship. Now, another weekend Mass might not be the answer for your community. However, I hope that you hear in this conversation the importance of being open, trying new things, and meeting families where they are. We’ll also hear from a soon-to-be Saint, Pope Paul VI, in this week’s Ministry Moment.

SHOW NOTES

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For more information about Amy Righi, visit her bio page on the St. Isidore Catholic Church website. You can read the article about St. Isidore’s “Mass for Busy Catholics” from the Michigan Catholic newspaper.

You can read the full text of Evangelii Nuntiandi on the Vatican’s website.

You can purchase the music you heard in today’s episode: “The Summons” (arr. Bobby Fisher) and “Give us Peace” (Roberts).

Visit NPM's digital resource library, referenced at the end of the episode. 

All content of this podcast is property of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.

#033: How to Think About Engaging Young People (with Dr. Bob McCarty, featuring Sr. Anne Bryan Smolin, CSJ) - REPLAY

Each major convention of Catholic organizations includes at least one session that address a variation of the question, "Where have the youth gone?" In today's episode, we speak with Dr. Bob McCarty about new research into the disaffiliation of young Catholics, why we are asking wrong questions, and what the take-aways are for those of us in liturgical and pastoral ministry. We also hear from Sr. Anne Bryan Smollin, CSJ (1943-2014) on the dynamic importance of "the little things" in building and enriching interpersonal relationships. 

SHOW NOTES

To attend the One Call Institute, developing the music and leadership skills of young pastoral musicians, visit our website at www.onecallinstitute.org.

To learn more about the project, "Going, Going, Gone: The Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics," from St. Mary's Press, visit their Catholic research website. There you will find an executive summary of the research project, featured stories, audio and video features, and more. You can also purchase a copy of the study here.  

You can purchase Sr. Anne Bryan Smollin's books by visiting the Ave Maria Press website.

You can view a video recording of Sr. Anne Bryan's full presentation entitled "Little Things Mean a Lot," on YouTube. To learn more about the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, visit their website at www.recongress.org.

"From Ashes to the Living Font" is published by World Library Publications.

Visit NPM's digital resource library, referenced at the end of the episode. 

All content of this podcast is property of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.

#032: Reimagining Membership - A Call to Action (with Stephen Petrunak)

Steve Petrunak

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When we began this podcast, our first episode was published on the first Monday of Lent. Our guest for that show was Steve Petrunak, the president of NPM. In that episode we spoke about Steve’s vision for NPM, some of the projects that were in the works, and more. Now, thirty-one episodes later, we’re welcoming Steve back to the show. 

 But, this time, Steve isn’t here to provide an update. In his time as president, NPM has faced a variety of changes both within the organization and without. These changes have sparked new strategies and initiatives, sure, but have also caused questioning and introspection. 

So, today, we’ll speak with Steve about one of the basic building blocks of any organization: membership. How should we, the members of NPM, think about the organization? How to we relate to it? How should it serve our needs? 

SHOW NOTES

Take the Ministry Monday listener survey!

To contact Steve Petrunak, visit the “Ask the President” page on the NPM website.

You can read the full text of Gaudete et Exultate on the Vatican’s website.

You can purchase the music you heard in today’s episode: “The Servant Song” (Gillard, arr. O’Brien) and “Give us Peace” (Roberts).

Visit NPM's digital resource library, referenced at the end of the episode. 

All content of this podcast is property of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.