Advancing Our Church

Published: February 26, 2023 Jim Friend speaks with Dr. Matthew Whelan, the ninth president of Caldwell University and the first male lay president in Caldwell’s history. Prior to joining Caldwell, Dr. Whelan served as Vice President for University Enrollment Strategy and Relationship Development at Stony Brook University, where he held a variety of key leadership roles in undergraduate and graduate admissions, financial aid, registrar, enrollment management, student services, fundraising, facilities and, strategic planning for several campuses.  President Whelan has expansive experience leading administrative and faculty teams at Catholic and public higher education institutions, including St. John’s University,  Hofstra University, William Paterson University, and Mercyhurst College. Dr. Whelan has held a number of positions on national higher education boards and associations; he has presented nationally and internationally on issues impacting higher education, coached a women’s soccer team to an NCA

Published: February 12, 2023 Jim Friend speaks with David Savage, Executive Director of The Papal Foundation, whose mission is to serve the Holy Father and the Roman Catholic Church through faith, energy, and financial resources. In this role, David leads the organization’s focus on addressing Pope Francis’ priorities to build the Church, educate and prepare leaders, and care for the most vulnerable people, young and old, around the world. Dave brings his business acumen and, most notably, his passion for his Catholic faith to this critical mission. Founded in 1988, the Papal Foundation has awarded more than $190 Million in grants and scholarships to underserved communities and dioceses worldwide. This episode is sponsored by: Changing Our World Watch the video presentation of this discussion. https://youtu.be/FA8U4h4iFHY Recorded January 31, 2023 Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARD Don’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bri

Published: January 29, 2023 An increasingly post-Christian world is forcing parishes to re-envision how they “make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). Jim Friend speaks with Susan Windley-Daoust, theologian and director of missionary discipleship for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in southern Minnesota, who provides a roadmap to pastors and parish staff to make sense of it all through her new book, The Four Ways Forward, Becoming an Apostolic Parish in a Post-Christian World. The book describes how Pastors and lay leadership must pivot to building up mission-first parishes equipped to proclaim the Gospel to those who have not heard it — all while the numbers of practicing Catholics fall with increasing speed. This episode is sponsored by: Changing Our World Watch the video presentation of this discussion. https://youtu.be/AUumGn_ejWg Recorded: January 16, 2023 Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARD Don’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference

Published: January 17, 2023 The Saint John Vianney Center (SJVC) brings 76 years of service to Catholic Clergy, Consecrated Men and Women Religious, and Clergy of other Christian denominations worldwide. David Shellenberger, President, and CEO, joins Jim Friend to discuss how SJVC helps to identify and navigate the areas of stress and anxiety, emotional and addiction concerns, spiritual struggles, and health and medical needs of their clients. SJVC has created programs that provide the accompaniment and tools to inspire, heal, renew and restore a person’s physical, behavioral, and spiritual well-being to live a healthy lifestyle and an effective ministry. Jim Friend also explains in this episode that he has joined the team at SJVC as their new Director of Mission Advancement. This episode launches a new year and a new era for our podcast, and we hope you will join us on this journey. On our next show: The Four Ways Forward: Becoming an Apostolic Parish in a Post-Christian World with the author, Susan Wi

Published: December 20, 2022 On our last episode of 2022, Jim Friend speaks with Richard Lanahan, the Director of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Metuchen. Rich’s broad experience includes development in Higher Education, Catholic Parishes, schools, and healthcare institutions. In the Diocese of Metuchen, Rich oversees the Bishop’s Annual Appeal and assists parishes with Capital Campaigns, feasibility studies, and increased offertory programs. Rich is also building a planned giving program for the Diocese. Just prior to joining the Diocese of Metuchen, Rich worked for King’s College in Wilkes Barre, PA, as a Major Gifts Officer. Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARDDon’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis. Daily Spiritual Reflection and Prayers on “Kristin’s Crosses” Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin’s Cr

December 04, 2022 Today, Jim Friend is joined by John Matthew Knowles, J.D., a business development strategist and advancement executive who serves as Executive Director of the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference, or DFMC, and President of the Catholic Finance Association. In addition to these leadership roles, John serves on boards of directors, task forces, and advisory councils for several national Catholic organizations while also advising several Catholic philanthropists and families confidentially and informally. He is the host of the Faith and Finance Forum podcast/YouTube show, available on all streaming apps and platforms. John holds a B.A. from Western Michigan University, a J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law, and a Fellowship Certificate in Leadership, also from Michigan State University. John lives in Saucon Valley, Pennsylvania, with Jennifer, his wife of 14 years, daughter Rosemary (aged 4), and Luke Abraham (aged 1). Watch the video presentation of this discussion. h

Published: November 14, 2022 Healing and renewing our Church is the goal of the National Eucharistic Congress, headed by the new Executive Director, Tim Glemkowski. The Church has been rocked with scandal, division, disease, and doubt, but now the bishops plan to confront these challenges by reminding everyone that Jesus is present and more powerful than the storm. Join Changing Our World‘s, Jim Friend to learn how we can heal, renew, and unify the Church and the world. Watch the video presentation of this discussion. https://youtu.be/3m9Ai4fl4c8 Recorded: August 12, 2022 Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARDDon’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis. Daily Spiritual Reflection and Prayers on “Kristin’s Crosses” Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin’s Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today’s Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kris

Published: November 01, 2022 Join Brian Crimmins, CEO of Changing Our World, and Nathan Chappell, Senior VP of AI at DonorSearch, authors of the new book Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity’s Greatest Challenges as they share a startling analysis of the changing nature of generosity in America and why its decline threatens to end the modern non-profit era. The Generosity Crisis demonstrates that if we do not change course, in fewer than 50 years- we could live in a world where inequality has never been as stark or as dangerous. Our relationship with Christ and our good Stewardship is the only antidote to isolation in a fallen world. Join us for a conversation about enabling radical connections with donors that invite them to help us tackle our Church’s most intractable problems. Purchase the new Book: Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity’s Greatest Challenges Brian CrimminsBrian is the Chief Executive Officer of Changing Our World, wher

October 17, 2022 Today we are talking about #cryptocurrency, an evolving topic that is more and more relevant to our world and our Church. Join Changing Our World’s Jim Friend and his guest, Matthew Pinto, the host and founder of the Catholic Crypto Conference. Matt is conducting the conference on November 17/18 at the Valley Forge Sheraton in PA. Matt discusses how businesses use crypto, Web3, and Blockchain technology and what relevance this has for our Church. This podcast is the perfect discussion for those who are new to crypto.  About the Conference The Catholic/Crypto Conference 2022 will be held on November 17/18 at the Valley Forge Sheraton in Pennsylvania. The conference will bring together Catholic thought leaders, technologists, crypto enthusiasts, and evangelists-at-heart for two full days of seminars, Meet-ups, strategy sessions, networking, and fun. The goal is to help individual Catholics and Church leaders understand the future…today. The conference is for those both new to crypto an

Published: October 03, 2022 This week we welcome Tom Smith, Director of Development for the Archdiocese of Newark. Tom began this new role in October 2021 and is enjoying being back in his home diocese. Tom and Jim discuss his role in the diocese, working with Cardinal Tobin, and how his parishes have been moving forward during these challenging economic and turbulent times in our world. Tom is a model of good stewardship and a very experienced Development professional and he offers some great advice for working through these challenges. Tom and Jim conducted this interview in person in Tom’s office in Newark, New Jersey. We think you will enjoy their conversation. Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARDDon’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis. Daily Spiritual Reflection and Prayers on “Kristin’s Crosses” Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their

Published: September 20, 2022 We are currently experiencing the “Great Transfer of Wealth,” and over the next few decades, financial experts predict that between $40 trillion and $140 trillion will be passed from one generation to the next. Up to one-third of this wealth will be transferred to nonprofits through planned giving. We are joined today by Renée Underwood, CFRE, the Chief Development Officer for the Diocese of Fort Worth’s Advancement Foundation who will share advice and her experience with facilitating Planned Gifts for Parishes and her Diocese. This episode was recorded on July 29, 2022. Pre-order the new book “The Generosity Crisis” by Authors Brian Crimmins, Nathan Chappell, and Michael Ashley on Amazon by clicking here. Send us a question about the new book, the Generosity Crisis for our upcoming interview with Brian Crimmins and Nathan Chappell by sending Jim Friend an email. Join Jim Friend at the new Catholic Crypto Conference on November 17-18, 2022, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Published: July 13, 2022 Today we are joined by the team of the Xavier Society for the Blind. Xavier provides the Word of God, Roman Catholic teaching, literature, spiritual and inspirational material to the blind and visually impaired. They provide these services to persons of any faith in whatever format best meets their needs at no charge. Xavier works to explore ways to make this material more accessible to the widest possible audience of those in need. Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend is joined by Malachy Fallon, Executive Director and Aisling Redican, Fundraising and Communications Manager. Watch the video presentation of this discussion. https://youtu.be/ltyRTW8sd0g Recorded on June 24, 2022 Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARDDon’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis. Daily Spiritual Reflection and Prayers on “Kristin’s Cro

Cristofer Pereyra and Erin Monnin have authored the new book, Catholic Leadership for Civil Society, to provide a guide to authentic lay Catholic leadership. The book challenges the laity to take on leadership roles in the secular world. Join Changing Our World’s Jim Friend and his guests for this thoughtful conversation about the role of lay leadership in our Church today. About the Book Catholic Leadership is not meant to be lived out exclusively within the confines of the Catholic faith community. Instead, serves mainly as a guiding force that illuminates every aspect of secular society with the Truth of the Gospel. The book explains why lay Catholic professionals have a unique responsibility and privileged opportunity to influence the world for Christ. It’s not an optional prerogative, but their duty as baptized children of God. The authors explain that chance and coincidence are not compatible with the Catholic faith. If God has blessed some lay Catholics with a professional career, then their care

Published: June 13, 2022 In late February, Vinea Research administered an online survey to a sample of more than 1,500 self-identified Catholics who went to Mass at least once per year. The results of the survey included both positive and negative outcomes for Catholics, with one of the significant negative outcomes being that in-person Mass attendance has decreased and is not expected to be back to pre-pandemic levels by the summer of 2022. Join Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend and his special guest, Hans Plate, the Founder and President of Vinea Research, as they discuss this important research and the implications for our Church. Watch the video presentation of this discussion https://youtu.be/TAx_2PKLCWw Recorded May 25, 2022 Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARDDon’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis. Daily Spiritual Reflection and

Published: May 23, 2022 We are joined by Emmy Nominated Journalist Natalie Brunell a leading advocate for Bitcoin and the host of the popular podcast Coin Stories (YouTube link) where she interviews leaders in the Bitcoin space. Before turning her career towards Bitcoin full-time, Natalie was an Emmy-nominated senior news correspondent and investigative journalist. Natalie most recently hosted several panels and discussions at the 2022 Bitcoin conference in Miami. In this show, we talk about the origin of Bitcoin, what Natalie sees as the future, and why so many believe that we can fix our world by fixing the money. Today’s show is not intended to be financial advice. Follow Natalie on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram and find the Coin Stories podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or wherever you download your favorite podcasts. Additional Bitcoin resources suggested by Jim: These are some additional resources that Jim Friend has used to learn more about Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency space. Invest A

Published: May 09, 2022 Are you looking for some expert Development advice as you begin your planning for the next fiscal year? Join us for this conversation on major/planned giving, annual fund, donor stewardship, and, much more. This Catholic Philanthropy Roundtable is hosted by Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend with special guests William M. McLean, Jr., Chief Development Officer, Archdiocese of Hartford and Interim Executive Director for The Hartford Bishops’ Foundation, David Mehr, MA, Special Ministry Campaign Director & Senior Executive Philanthropic Coach, Archdiocese of Denver, Mary Doorley Simboski ACFRE, Managing Director, Changing Our World, Fred J. Roberts, Director of Development for Catholic Education, Catholic Community Foundation of Cleveland, and Kelli Hirsch, Major Gifts Officer, Archdiocese of Denver. Watch the video presentation of this discussion. https://youtu.be/xTyR1xXsSNs Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARDDon’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtu

Published: April 28, 2022 Mercy School For Special Learning joins AOC as we celebrate Autism Awareness Month. Mercy’s mission is unique as one of the few Catholic schools in our country that provides a Catholic education for children and young adults. The staff at Mercy afford their students the best opportunity to reach their utmost potential. Mercy’s mission is the embodiment of the Catholic Church’s doctrinal teaching on the Gospel and the sanctity of human life. Jim Friend welcomes Beth Grys, Principal, Mark Napierkowski, Director of Development and Chris Birkhead, a longtime Mercy Board Member to this conversation. Learn more about Mercy by visiting their website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages. Watch the video presentation of this discussion. https://youtu.be/yO6ZdVnGp6s Recorded April 20, 2022 Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARDDon’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the coun

Published: April 11, 2022 Join us for a conversation with Kailash Duraiswami on the evolving landscape of using technology in the New Evangelization. Kailash is a technology entrepreneur, most recently in the Artificial Intelligence space as the founder of Pantenix. Pantenix is an artificial intelligence platform that automates manual data entry for financial services companies through computer vision. Pantenix was acquired by financial services software provider Orion Advisor Solution in Spring 2021.  He is now a co-founder of Fidei, a technology startup providing software for consumers with Catholic values starting with email. Learn more about Fidei. Join Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend for an informative conversation. Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARDDon’t miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis. Daily Spiritual Reflection and Prayers on “Kri

Published: March 30, 2022 Today we celebrate Catholic Sisters Week by hearing the vocation story of Sister Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, Ph.D., the Associate Vice President, Program Operations, and Head of Catholic Sisters at the Conrad Hilton Foundation. Sr. Jane is a member of the Institute of the Little Sisters of Saint Francis, Kenya. She provides leadership and direction of the Hilton Foundation’s Program Department operations budget, contracts, consultant management, and policy implementation. She also contributes to the Foundation’s strategic planning. Prior to joining the Foundation, Sr. Jane was the executive director of the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC), where she implemented many programs by working closely with leadership conferences, major superiors, religious congregations and institutes, twenty-three partner colleges and universities in the United States and Africa, and major foundations. Sr. Jane has taught extensively at the undergraduate and graduate levels and has a breadth of

Published: March 16, 2022 Julianne Stanz joins Jim Friend to discuss her new book, Braving the THIN Places. A “thin place” is where God’s grace is waiting to happen. Your thin place might be an important threshold, a soul friend, a fresh chapter in your own life story, a painful secret or fear, or a time of hardship. Whatever the circumstance, a thin place is where God and humanity meet in a mysterious way. These moments open us to places of rawness and beauty. When we enter into a thin place, something seems to break open inside us, and words are inadequate to describe what we are experiencing. In these moments, we feel a sense of breakthrough as we break free of the ordinary and experience the extraordinary amid our daily lives. For more information about Julianne, her book, and where she will be presenting next, please visit her website. Watch the video presentation of this discussion. https://youtu.be/sctJdjKwQpI Recorded: March 6, 2022 Don’t miss Changing Our World’s FORGING FORWARDDon’t mis