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"There aren't many people walking barefoot to Rome, but there are people in middle seats." Joan Watson and John Paul Lichon of Verso Ministries on preparing pilgrims for World Youth Day in Seoul. John Paul Lichon, founder and CEO of Verso Ministries, and Joan Watson, its pilgrim formation manager, talk about what makes a pilgrimage different from a trip, how to prepare pilgrims for the sacrifices along the way, the "so what?" question every pilgrim should answer, the story of the Korean Church, how to bring the whole parish along, and why you don't have to fly overseas to make a pilgrimage. Full show notes and resources: https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/episode-075-world-youth-day-2027-in-seoul-how-to-prepare-your-group-with-verso-ministries Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC307YUsy2980SICsZElRPGA CHAPTERS 0:00 Cold open: "Parts are gonna hurt" 1:01 Welcome and introduction 2:32 Meet John Paul, Joan and Verso Ministries 7:09 Why a pilgrimage is not a vacation 11:41 Sacrifice, setbacks and lost luggage 17:00 Coming home: the "so what?" question 22:51 Starting Verso with $25 and a state website 28:29 World Youth Day in Seoul and the Korean Church 35:52 Bringing the whole parish along 41:49 What gives them hope: "Take courage" RESOURCES MENTIONED Verso Ministries: https://versoministries.com/ Lead a group with Verso: https://versoministries.com/lead-a-group/ In Via podcast: https://versoministries.com/in-via/ Verso's startup story: https://versoministries.com/versos-startup-story/ World Youth Day Seoul 2027: https://wydseoul.org/ Joan Watson, Making a Pilgrimage: A Companion for Catholics: https://www.joanwatson.faith/ CONNECT WITH JOAN AND JOHN PAUL Verso: https://versoministries.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/catholictravels/ Joan: https://www.joanwatson.faith/ and https://www.instagram.com/joan.m.watson/ SUPPORT OUR WORLD YOUTH DAY PILGRIMS Marathon Youth Ministry is helping the Sisters of Bon Secours and the Diocese of San Diego take about 70 pilgrims to Seoul with Verso. Please pray for us, and support a pilgrim at https://wydbonsecours.org/donate World Youth Day collection at the MYM store (proceeds support pilgrims): https://marathonyouthministry.store?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=church-podcast&utm_content=ep075 MORE FROM MARATHON YOUTH MINISTRY M2GO: training videos, templates and resources for your ministry team: https://marathonyouthministry.com/ministry2go?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=church-podcast&utm_content=ep075 Ministry Coach: https://ministryally.app?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=church-podcast&utm_content=ep075 MYM store: https://marathonyouthministry.store?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=church-podcast&utm_content=ep075 The Church Podcast is a member of the NFCYM Podcast Network: https://nfcym.org/podcastnetwork/ More from the show: http://thechurchpodcast.org/ Recorded on Riverside (affiliate link): https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=christopher-wesley Produced by Marathon Youth Ministry and Stephen Herrera of Be Well Creative: https://bewellcreative.co/

The vision is good, the program is good, "and you get two people to sign up." Jenny O'Neill of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia asks Christopher the questions youth ministers are asking. In this first episode of a new segment, Jenny O'Neill, associate director of the Office for Ministry with Youth in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, puts her questions to Christopher Wesley: what he stopped believing about youth ministry, why good events go empty, how to tell whether a ministry needs more time or isn't working, how to keep teens on fire after NCYC or Steubenville, and how to know when it's time to move on. Full show notes and resources: https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/episode-074-why-no-one-shows-up-to-your-youth-ministry-with-jenny-oneill Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC307YUsy2980SICsZElRPGA CHAPTERS 0:00 Cold open: praying for a snowstorm 0:41 Welcome and a new segment: questions from Jenny 2:10 Meet Jenny O'Neill 5:50 What Christopher stopped believing about youth ministry 10:50 Jenny's faith story and the power of invitation 15:29 Good vision, good program, and nobody shows up 23:10 Does it need more time, or is it not working? 27:29 When teens come home on fire from NCYC or Steubenville 31:58 Discouragement and knowing when to move on 37:04 What gives Jenny hope RESOURCES MENTIONED Office for Ministry with Youth, Archdiocese of Philadelphia: https://phillyomy.org/ YCOPI (Youth Co-leadership Protagonism Initiative): https://phillyomy.org/ycopi/ Philadelphia Catholic Youth Conference (PCYC): https://phillyomy.org/philadelphia-catholic-youth-conference-pcyc/ National Catholic Youth Conference: https://nfcym.org/ncyc Steubenville Youth Conferences: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/ Life Teen: https://lifeteen.com/ CONNECT WITH JENNY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillyomy/ Website: https://phillyomy.org/ ASK JENNY A QUESTION Submit a question for a future episode at http://thechurchpodcast.org/ MORE FROM MARATHON YOUTH MINISTRY Ministry Coach: https://ministryally.app?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=church-podcast&utm_content=ep074 M2GO: training videos, templates and resources for your ministry team: https://marathonyouthministry.com/ministry2go?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=church-podcast&utm_content=ep074 MYM store: https://marathonyouthministry.store?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=church-podcast&utm_content=ep074 The Church Podcast is a member of the NFCYM Podcast Network: https://nfcym.org/podcastnetwork/ More from the show: http://thechurchpodcast.org/ Recorded on Riverside (affiliate link): https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=christopher-wesley Produced by Marathon Youth Ministry and Stephen Herrera of Be Well Creative: https://bewellcreative.co/

"Teach my children the prayers, but teach me how to pray." Patrick Donovan of the Diocese of Bridgeport on what parents are really asking the Church for. Dr. Patrick Donovan, director of the Institute for Catholic Formation for the Diocese of Bridgeport, talks about why innovation makes the Church nervous, what a survey of about 15,000 parents revealed, how the diocese is renewing faith formation parish by parish, and how Bishop Frank Caggiano is using short videos, an animated series and AI to reach families. Full show notes and resources: https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/episode-073-reimagining-faith-formation-teach-the-parents-too-with-patrick-donovan Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC307YUsy2980SICsZElRPGA CHAPTERS 0:00 Cold open: "family formation" as a hostage situation 0:54 Welcome and introduction 2:31 Meet Patrick Donovan 5:42 Why innovation makes the Church nervous 15:03 How Bishop Caggiano recruited him 17:54 A "womb to tomb" parish renewal process 23:01 What 15,000 parents said: "Teach me how to pray" 26:04 Bite-sized formation and a school without walls 32:13 Bishop Frank Teaches the Faith, an animated series 40:00 Using AI responsibly 48:04 What gives Patrick hope RESOURCES MENTIONED Formation Reimagined (Institute for Catholic Formation): https://formationreimagined.org/ Start with Sunday (home of Bishop Frank Teaches the Faith): https://startwithsunday.org/ The Face of Prayer (text PRAY to 55778): https://formationreimagined.org/the-face-of-prayer/ First Witnesses: https://firstwitnesses.org/ Ron Rolheiser, The Holy Longing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385494181?tag=04130706-20 (affiliate link) Ep 072, What Parents Really Want From Youth Ministry with Robert Feduccia: https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/episode-072-what-parents-really-want-from-youth-ministry-with-robert-feduccia CONNECT WITH PATRICK Formation Reimagined: https://formationreimagined.org/ Start with Sunday: https://startwithsunday.org/ MORE FROM MARATHON YOUTH MINISTRY M2GO: training videos, templates and resources for your ministry team: https://marathonyouthministry.com/ministry2go?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=church-podcast&utm_content=ep073 Ministry Coach: https://ministryally.app?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=church-podcast&utm_content=ep073 MYM store: https://marathonyouthministry.store?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=church-podcast&utm_content=ep073 The Church Podcast is a member of the NFCYM Podcast Network: https://nfcym.org/podcastnetwork/ More from the show: http://thechurchpodcast.org/ Recorded on Riverside (affiliate link): https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=christopher-wesley Produced by Marathon Youth Ministry and Stephen Herrera of Be Well Creative: https://bewellcreative.co/ As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

"If the church could help me get beyond the one-word answer with my son, I would come to everything you did." Robert Feduccia shares what marginally engaged parents really want from the Church. Robert Feduccia, president of EQ Saints, listened to Catholic parents from San Diego to Boston who drop their kids off but aren't at Mass on Sunday. He shares the assumptions that research overturned, how he runs a parent-teen night that gets families talking, why the classroom has become the "source and summit" of parish life, and why we need to answer the "so what" of the Eucharist. Full show notes and resources: https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/episode-072-what-parents-really-want-from-youth-ministry-with-robert-feduccia Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3-fVOpoiHE CHAPTERS 0:00 Welcome and introduction 1:58 Meet Robert Feduccia 9:41 Who stays Catholic, and why 15:16 Listening to marginally engaged parents 18:36 What parents actually want from church 24:14 A parent-teen night that works 34:20 Why parishes fall short 39:55 The "so what" of the Eucharist 51:11 Trade an adversarial posture for empathy 54:35 Robert's hope for the Church RESOURCES MENTIONED EQ Saints: https://eqsaints.com/ Springtide Research Institute, Catholic Edition 2021: https://springtideresearch.org/product/catholic-edition-2021 Search Institute, 40 Developmental Assets: https://searchinstitute.org Joseph Ratzinger, Eschatology: Death and Eternal Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0813215161?tag=04130706-20 (affiliate link) CONNECT WITH ROBERT https://eqsaints.com/ [email protected] MORE FROM MARATHON YOUTH MINISTRY M2GO: training videos, templates and resources for your ministry team: https://marathonyouthministry.com/ministry2go?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=church-podcast&utm_content=ep072 Ministry Coach: https://ministryally.app?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=church-podcast&utm_content=ep072 MYM store: https://marathonyouthministry.store?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=church-podcast&utm_content=ep072 The Church Podcast is a member of the NFCYM Podcast Network: https://nfcym.org/podcastnetwork/ More from the show: http://thechurchpodcast.org/ Recorded on Riverside (affiliate link): https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=christopher-wesley Produced by Marathon Youth Ministry and Stephen Herrera of Be Well Creative: https://bewellcreative.co/ As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Carlos Perez, Marathon Youth Ministry's merchandise and branding lead and a former student of Christopher's youth ministry. Carlos shares how a spontaneous "yes" to running livestream equipment during the pandemic turned into a decade-long relationship with Christopher, and how questions he couldn't shake as a middle schooler eventually grew into a confident, lived-out Catholic faith. From altar serving and Quo Vadis retreats to a formative and challenging trip to SEEK in St. Louis, Carlos traces the moments that moved his faith from head knowledge to something internalized. Together, Christopher and Carlos explore what young Catholics are really searching for in an age of social media and AI — namely authenticity — and why so many are being drawn back toward tradition, reverence, and things like the Traditional Latin Mass. They also discuss the cultural pressure around fundraising in Hispanic households, the value of unplugging from phones on retreat, and how Marathon Youth Ministry's new merchandise line is meant to carry that same message of authenticity forward. For more visit https://thechurchpodcast.org

In Episode 070 of The Church Podcast, I sit down with Marizoli Santiago to discuss empowering young leaders in the Church. Marizoli shares her journey from graphic design to youth ministry, emphasizing the importance of giving teens the opportunity to lead and create their own ministries. We explore her innovative program, Why Copy?, which encourages youth to find their voice and actively participate in the Church. Marizoli highlights the significance of listening to diverse perspectives within the community and creating inclusive spaces that foster growth and unity. Join us as we delve into practical strategies for engaging young people and transforming parish life.

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Bob McCarty, longtime Catholic ministry consultant, author, and former Executive Director of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM). Bob spent 10 years in parish and school youth ministry in Philadelphia, 14 years leading the youth office for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and 19 years as Executive Director of NFCYM before stepping away in 2016 — a move he calls his "recalibration" rather than a retirement. Since then he's worked as a ministry consultant (he prefers "animator") and co-authored Going, Going, Gone: The Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics. Together, Christopher and Bob unpack what synodality actually means, why it's less a new program than a name for practices ministry leaders have used for years, and what synodal leadership looks like in contrast to clericalism. They talk through concrete examples — from parish-wide listening groups to a single question at the family dinner table — and get into the virtues, and the chaos, that synodal leadership requires. For more visit our show notes at https://thechurchpodcast.org

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Lori Nava, youth minister at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church in Austin, Texas, through the NFCYM Podcast Network. Lori shares how she came to ministry almost by accident, trading a culinary arts career for a role she wasn't originally looking for, and how that same love of food and hospitality has shaped the way she leads teens and families today. She also opens up about her nearly nine years as a resident missional at Community First! Village, a supportive housing community for people transitioning out of homelessness, and how that experience has shaped her as both a minister and a disciple. Together, Christopher and Lori explore the connection between hospitality and evangelization, what it means to build a sustainable ministry that outlasts you, and how collaboration across parish ministries and pastoral support have shaped St. Ignatius's growth. This conversation is a warm, grounded look at how food, community, and presence can carry the weight of real ministry. For more visit the show notes at https://thechurchpodcast.org

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Maggie Smith, Vice President of Good Faith, formerly known as the Center for Faith Justice. Maggie shares her journey from being a Justice Works participant as a high schooler to leading the organization she once served through as a young adult — including the research project, the rebrand from Center for Faith Justice to Good Faith, and the Lilly Endowment-funded "Next Level" initiative that reshaped how the organization walks with young people beyond a single week in the summer. Together, Christopher and Maggie explore why faith and justice can't be separated, how Good Faith builds theological reflection into every service experience, the challenge of forming young people as true protagonists rather than passive participants, and how becoming a parent has shaped the way Maggie thinks about handing faith down to her own children. This conversation is an honest, hope-filled look at what it means to keep faith and works tied together — in ministry, in family life, and in the wider Church. For more visit us at https://thechurchpodcast.org

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Annie Grandell, Senior Director of YDisciple for NET Ministries and co-host of the YDisciple Podcast through the NFCYM Podcast Network. Annie shares an update on her ministry journey — seven years at NET Ministries after previous roles at the Augustine Institute and twelve years as a parish youth minister — along with the news that YDisciple is translating its entire library into Spanish, including Christopher's own "Seasons" lectionary-based Bible study for middle schoolers. Together, Christopher and Annie explore why trust, not belief, is the real gap facing the Church today, how the "savior complex" undermines ministry leaders, and why the simple discipline of asking questions — rather than filling silence — is one of the most powerful tools for evangelization. They also dig into practical leadership habits like the EOS "clarity break" and the wisdom of focusing on one thing at a time instead of trying to fix everything at once.

In Episode 065 of The Church Podcast, I take a moment to reflect on the key themes that have emerged this season as we approach our summer break. With no guests today, it's just you and me discussing pressing topics in ministry. I delve into the impact of artificial intelligence on our lives and the church, emphasizing the need for informed discussions rather than fear. We also explore the critical distinction between training and forming leaders, highlighting the importance of nurturing character and competency in our teams. Lastly, I address how to welcome back those who have drifted from the church, encouraging a deeper understanding of their experiences. Join me as we unpack these insights and encourage thoughtful conversations as the season wraps up.

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Nick Stein, International Director of Young Adult Ministry for the Sisters of Bon Secours of Paris and Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Institute for Ministry with Young Adults, through the NFCYM Podcast Network. Nick returns to the show for his second appearance, this time to dig into Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas — "On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence." Signed on May 15, 2026, the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum, the document situates the AI revolution within the full tradition of Catholic Social Doctrine and calls the Church and the world to protect human dignity in a time of rapid technological change. Together, Christopher and Nick explore how to read and approach a papal encyclical, what the document actually says (beyond the headlines), and what it means for ministry leaders, catechists, and anyone trying to live faithfully in a digitally saturated world. They also walk through the encyclical's two guiding biblical images — the Tower of Babel and Nehemiah's rebuilding of Jerusalem — and surface some of its most challenging and practical insights. For more visit us at https://thechurchpodcast.org

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Gabby Del Rio, owner of Simplicity Beauty Bar and former diocesan youth ministry coordinator for the Diocese of Raleigh, through the NFCYM Podcast Network. Gabby shares how two seemingly different careers — cosmetology and Catholic ministry — were always connected by the same through line: love and identity in God. Originally from Zacatecas, Mexico, she grew up in a deeply faith-filled family and carried that foundation through her work as a cosmetology instructor, a parish youth minister, and eventually a diocesan leader before following a clear prompting from the Lord to open her own salon. Together, Christopher and Gabby explore what it means to do church outside the walls of a parish, how the Recharge model shaped her approach to youth ministry, and what it looks like to build a business that doubles as a place of genuine encounter. They also unpack the fears, the faith, and the unexpected gifts that came with leaving a stable diocesan position to step into something new. For more visit us at https://thechurchpodcast.org

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Dr. Patty Jiménez, Visiting Professor at the University of San Diego and Founder of Recetas, a spirituality and wellness community for U.S.-born and raised Latinas, through the NFCYM Podcast Network. Patty shares her 27-year journey in pastoral ministry — from parish volunteer to doctoral theologian specializing in Hispanic/Latino theology — and how her curiosity about technology eventually led her from web development to building AI-powered platforms for Catholic organizations across the country. Together, Christopher and Patty explore what the Church has always gotten right about engaging new technology, where AI presents genuine opportunities for under-resourced Hispanic ministry, and why the biggest risks have less to do with robots and more to do with what happens to human relationships, critical thinking, and local charisms when we stop being intentional.

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Molly Schorr, Membership Coordinator for NFCYM and Founder of Return Faith Ministries, through the NFCYM Podcast Network. Molly shares her 25-year journey in parish ministry — from a pre-med student in Minnesota who felt a clear call to theology, to building a nonprofit apostolate born out of adoration and a prayer intention book overflowing with one request: help my loved one come back to the faith. Together, Christopher and Molly explore what it actually takes to accompany someone back to the Church — why the issue is rarely the issue people think it is, what gets in the way of honest faith conversations, and how Return Faith equips ordinary parishioners to do this work without burning out or forcing it. For more visit https://thechurchpodcast.org