Advancing Our Church

Published: September 22, 2020 How does a college basketball career turn into lessons about life and faith, and why doesn’t God play Zone Defense? On today’s podcast Jim Friend, Managing Director at Changing Our World, goes one on one with Jeff Balistrere, author of the popular book, “God Doesn’t Play Zone Defense” available on Amazon.Jeff Balistrere was born into a coaching and teaching family. He played college basketball under coaching legend Jim “Bow Tie” Phelan at Mount Saint Mary’s University, where his team made the NCCA and NIT tournaments. After basketball, Jeff continues to enjoy a business career in information technology for both start-up and Fortune 500 companies. Jeff, his wife Margot, and their children live in Vienna, VA. For more information about Jeff and his book, please visit his website.This session was recorded on video using Facebook Live. We invite you to view the recording by visiting the Advancing Our Church Facebook page. Watch the Video Presentation https://www.youtube.com

Published: September 14, 2020 In early 2020, Changing Our World began partnering with St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in East Patchogue, NY, on a parish-wide capital campaign in support of improving the accessibility of the church hall and performing capital improvements. On today’s podcast, Shawn Trahan and Joe Jennings from Changing Our World join Jim Friend to discuss the very successful campaign and how the parish adapted to this crisis. 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 Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page

Published: September 09, 2020 We’re back after our summer break with more episodes to advance the mission of our Church. Today, we kick off our new series entitled, +Increasing Generosity. The focus of our series is to share our experiences and best practices of Stewardship and Philanthropy with our listeners through conversations with our incredible team and with the occasional special guest.This week, join Jim Friend, Thomas Farrell, and Fred Roberts for a conversation on how Catholic Schools, Colleges, Parishes, and Dioceses have successfully raised funds during this crisis. 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 Krist

Published: July 24, 2020 The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, H.R. 6800, passed the House on May 15, 2020, and in its current format, denies our Catholic Schools access to the proposed $200 billion budget for education funding, putting our Catholic Schools at risk of closure. Join us for this panel discussion to learn more about this important topic and what you can do to help.Our Panelists Include Mary Pat Donoghue, Executive Director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Kevin Baxter, Chief Innovation Officer, National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) John Schilling, President, American Federation for Children Jennifer Daniels, Associate Director for Public Policy, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 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 t

Published: July 01, 2020 Catholic School resilience passed the test throughout the COVID-19 crisis through the care, compassion, and attention to the unique needs of every student. This episode is a recording of webinar number four of the “Advancing Our Church Through Challenging Times” series. Our panelists discuss a document that was created by three of our panelists on the unique value proposition of Catholic Schools. Click here for a link to the document. Our Panelists Include Mary Pat Donoghue, Executive Director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Dr. Timothy Uhl, Montana Catholic Schools Dr. Brooke C. Tesche, Diocese of Allentown Kevin Kijewski, J.D. , Archdiocese of Detroit Catholic Schools 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 crisi

Published: June 17, 2020 We continue with session three of our series, “Advancing Our Church Through Challenging Times,” with our host, Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend leading another experienced panel of experts on the topic of the financial and pastoral implications of re-opening parishes and schools in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. How are dioceses thinking about the metrics required for a successful 2020-21 financial plan? What additional funding strategies will be needed to create that plan for next year? These topics and more will be discussed in this podcast. This panel discussion aired live on our webinar on June 4, 2020. Our Panelists Include Kevin R. Kiley, MSCM, CDFM, Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, Diocese of Fall River Ashley Conley, Director of Parish and School Finance, Archdiocese of Baltimore Matthew F. Manion, Professor and Faculty Director, The Center for Church Management at the Villanova School of Business Gavan Mooney, President, and Chief Client Officer a

Published: June 04, 2020 We continue with session two of our series, “Advancing Our Church Through Challenging Times,” with our host, Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend leading an incredible panel of Diocesan Foundations leaders. This week, the panel discusses how Foundations are providing service to donors, parishes, Catholic schools, and ministries in the COVID-19 crisis. What new services are they providing, and what unique fundraising opportunities are available in this challenging climate? All this and more on today’s podcast. This panel discussion aired live on our webinar last week, May 28, 2020. Our Panelists Include Patrick Grace, the Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation of Cleveland Anne Cullen Miller, CFRE, President of the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota Kimberlee Riley, President, and CEO at the Catholic Foundation of Central Florida William M. McLean, Jr., Chief Development Officer and Interim Executive Director at the Hartford Bishops’ Foundation, I

Published: May 27, 2020Join us as we kick off our mini-series “Advancing Our Church Through Challenging Times” with our first session, “Engaging Young Adults.” The impact of COVID-19 has been felt by all ages, but how has the pandemic affected young adults? What will be the impact on Church engagement? Can we build a bridge between generations as we protect those who are most vulnerable? We discuss these questions and much more with our expert panel. Our Panelists Join our expert panel of ministry leaders for this critical discussion, featuring: Peter Blute, Vice President for the national office of Young Catholic Professionals, Paul Edward Jarzembowski, Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Nicole Perone, Archdiocesan Director of Adult Faith Formation, Archdiocese of Hartford and Fr. Ryan Lerner, Chaplain of the St. Thomas More Catholic Chapel and Center at Yale University. Watch the

Published: May 19, 2020 How are pastor’s thinking about COVID-19 through the global pandemic? What are some of the best practices that are being developed in parishes to reach out to the faithful? Today, Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend talks with Fr. Don Zeiler, Pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Community in McKinney, Texas. Fr. Don talks about how his parish has adapted their services to meet the needs of their community throughout this crisis. St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Community In 1996 a new Catholic parish in McKinney was established, with word came that Fr. Greg Kelly (now Bishop Greg Kelly) had been assigned as pastor. Regular weekend Masses began on July 28, 1996, meeting in various MISD schools. In December 1996, the community received its official name, St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Community. Fr. Don Zeiler was welcomed as the second Pastor of St. Gabriel during the Masses on January 20, 2008.The fundraising campaign, “Raising the Walls,” kicked off in the fall of 2

Published: May 06, 2020 Catholic Schools are leading the way through COVID-19 with the use of technology, training, and support. Today, Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend talks with Bill Brannick, the Director of Technology for the PreK – Grade 12 in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Bill discusses how his team prepared for homeschool learning and then quickly transitioned to this new reality after the stay-at-home order became effective. Learn how the Archdiocese has been making steady progress over the years to improve educational technology, provide learning support and coaching for their teachers, and how some benefactors have gotten involved in recent months. About Bill Brannick Professional Goal: To leverage technology to provide the effective and efficient delivery of enhanced student learning outcomes, innovation, and student creativity while also streamlining the day-to-day operations of the 122 elementary schools, 17 high schools, and four schools of special education. Experience Busine

Published: April 27, 2020 Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend welcomes Melodie Whitenbach to the podcast this week. Melodie is the Executive Director for the Barbara and Patrick Roche Center for Catholic Education at the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College. Melodie talks about how she got interested in a career in Catholic Education. She also speaks about her recent trip to Rome with other Catholic School leaders, her plans for the Roche Center. About Melodie Whitenbach Melodie Wyttenbach, Ph.D., serves as the Executive Director for the Roche Center for Catholic Education and is a faculty member for the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Melodie served as Academic Director of the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program for the Alliance for Catholic Education. She also served as President of Nativity Jesuit Academy for the NativityMiguel Network of Schools in Washington, DC. Melodie presents nationally on topics such as Catholic School Governance and Effective Board

Published: April 07, 2020 Holy Week 2020, during the COVID-19 crisis, has sparked new creativity and a missionary spirit in parishes across the country. Today  Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend talks with two missionary disciples who oversee two of the largest dioceses in the country.Archbishop Nelson Perez is the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (Feb 2020). Archbishop Perez talks with us about his first couple of months in Philadelphia and both his surprise and happiness to be called to lead his home diocese. Archbishop Perez also speaks about a new virtual Lenten Retreat, which has been held nightly in service to parishes. Archbishop Perez recently transferred from the Diocese of Cleveland.Bishop John Barres just completed his third year as Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Bishop Barres talks with us about his new pastoral letter, The Great Week, which you can download here, and how it is being used by other dioceses to serve the faithful’s spiritual needs during this time of qua

Published: April 05, 2020 The response from Catholic Charities USA to COVID-19 lands them on the frontlines standing shoulder to shoulder with volunteers and those who are most in need. Join Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend for an interview with Sr. Donna Markham OP, Ph.D., President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, Deacon Tom Roberts, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, and Michael Grace, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of Forth Worth, Texas.In the spirit of Holy Week, this episode focuses on charity and the impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on the most vulnerable in our society. These are unsung heroes who selflessly devote their time to feeding families, providing affordable housing, working with immigrant families, and much more. Learn how many senior citizens, those who are unemployed, and many others are finding themselves needing the charitable assistance of Catholic Charities for the first time. Sr. Donna discusses some of the creative ways that she is witnessing a miss

Published: March 30, 2020 How do you stay connected with college students when everyone is learning at home for the semester? What are the creative ways in which colleges can remain connected to students? On Today’s show, Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend meets with members of the senior team at the St. Thomas More Chapel at Yale University who are doing just that. Jim is joined by Fr. Ryan Lerner, Chaplain; Joseph Connolly, Executive Director; Sr. Jenn Schaaf, OP, Assistant Chaplain; and Robin J. McShane, Director of Communications. The St. Thomas More Chapel and Center Today, Saint Thomas More Chapel (renovated in 2008) and Thomas E. Golden, Jr. Center (built in 2006) are award-winning, magnificent spaces that exemplify our ministry’s commitment to excellence. More than just a beautiful building, The Thomas E. Golden, Jr. Center is a statement that Catholic life has come of age on Yale’s campus. The center, designed by world-renowned architect and former Dean of Yale School of Architecture, Cesar Pel

Published: March 25, 2020 What can parishioners do in the face of such uncertainty? Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend talks with Dave Baranowski, Director of Stewardship Education for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, about ways that parishioners can stay in touch with each other through creative means. Some of these include prayer chains, drive-in Rosary services, online Masses, and much more. Join us for this informative conversation.Dave Baranowski: David is a frequent speaker at the International Catholic Stewardship Conference. Dave experienced a unique conversion experience that sparked his change in career back in 2007 when Baranowski attended a retreat where the director encouraged participants to listen to God’s guidance — something he said he hadn’t earnestly done before. The experience convinced him to deepen his faith and focus on Christ. For more of Dave Baranowski, please listen to Episode 22: Supercharging Parish Stewardship. Daily Spiritual Reflection and Prayers on “Kristin’s Crosses” Join

Published: March 22, 2020 With public Masses canceled this past weekend, how are we engaging parishioners during the COVID-19 crisis? Many parishes and dioceses around the country are engaging in creative means to stay close to their parishioners despite social distancing. On today’s show, Jim Friend hosts a roundtable of Changing Our World‘s expert consultants on the topic of communications. Our Panelists Shawn Trahan, Senior Managing Director: Shawn has more than 20 years of experience working within the nonprofit sector, including planning/directing major capital campaigns, fundraising feasibility studies, development audits/assessments, volunteer coaching, and board development and serving as interim development director. Thomas Farrell, Senior Managing Director: Since 1985, Tom has directed or given oversight to approximately 1,000 individual parish fundraising initiatives and to three dozen major diocesan development programs. These endeavors have taken place in a combined 100 archdioceses and

Published: March 15, 2020 How do we engage young people in conversations about their faith and the Church? Christina Lamas is the Executive Director of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM). On today’s show, Christina shares a personal story about how she engages young people in this important conversation. Christina also shares about the very successful National Catholic Youth Conference hosted by NFCYM in November 2019, which included over 20,000 attendees, and the support she receives from her board and Archbishop Nelson Perez, the Episcopal Moderator. Learn more about how Youth Ministry is growing nationwide on today’s show. About Christina Lamas Christina Lamas made her way into the field of Youth Ministry after 10 years of volunteering at her home parish. She went on to serve as Associate Director and Division Coordinator of Youth Ministry in the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Lamas has presented to national and international audiences. Currently, she is serving as Executive Dir

Published: March 08, 2020 Moving from Crisis to Co-Responsibility has been at the heart of the mission of the Leadership Roundtable for the past 15 years. On today’s show, Changing Our World, Jim Friend speaks with Kerry Robinson. Kerry is the Founding Executive Director and the Global Ambassador for the Leadership Roundtable.Kerry and Jim speak about the recent Summit held by the Leadership Roundtable. The Summitt addressed topics such as governance, transparency, accountability, and increasing the involvement of young adults in the Church. Kerry shares some of the key takeaways from the Summit and the important next steps. About Kerry Robinson Kerry Alys Robinson is the founding executive director and global ambassador of Leadership Roundtable. The Roundtable promotes excellence and best practices in the management, finances, and human resource development of the Catholic Church. Kerry is a trustee of the Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities and a member of FADICA. She is the prize-winning aut

Published: March 01, 2020 How should a pastor go about asking his parishioners for a gift? What will help a pastor feel comfortable? How should a pastor frame that conversation? On today’s show, Michael Hutchinson, Managing Director for Changing Our World, joins Jim Friend as they talk about “Making the Ask” for a parish campaign. At some point during their vocation, every pastor will be charged with asking for money. Sometimes these conversations are around a diocesan appeal, a parish campaign, or an increased offertory program. Asking for money presents parishioners another opportunity to live out their faith. We hope you enjoy this conversation. About Michael Hutchinson Michael has worked in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors for more than 15 years.  Throughout his career, Michael has supported organizations in realizing their vision and has proven himself as a leader skilled in aligning operations and human capital talent and investments to maximize impact; syncing strategies with market tre

Published: February 23, 2020 How does someone go from being a non-Catholic to leading one of the largest Catholic Youth Ministry efforts in the United States and around the world? Today, Changing Our World’s Jim Friend interviews the CEO of Life Teen International, Mr. Randy Raus.Randy has been with Life Teen International for over 23 years, serving and leading this important ministry which is centered on the experience of liturgy. He began his ministry with a conversion experience which he shares with us on today’s show. Randy also shares his thoughts on how to engage young people in the life of the Church today. He also explains how Life Teen impacts teens all over the world. Life Teen International Through powerful Eucharistic encounters and engaging catechesis, the Edge (middle school) and Life Teen (high school) teens are immersed in a dynamic Catholic parish culture. With the parish as their true home, teens are then further strengthened by Summer Camps, Events, Resources, and Digital (web and