The Rebuilt Parish Podcast
The Rebuilt Parish Podcast exists to equip pastors and parish leaders to help make church matter in their community.
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Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
What happens when someone truly discovers who they are in Christ?
In this episode, Melissa sits down with Johnnette Williams of Women of Grace for a conversation filled with joy, honesty, and deep spiritual wisdom. Alongside Tom Corcoran, they reflect on Johnnette’s powerful story of conversion, the heart behind her ministry, and what she’s learned from walking with thousands of women over the years.
From healing and identity to the unique role women play in the life of a parish, this episode offers both encouragement and practical insight for parish leaders seeking to build a culture where people can truly be transformed.
If you’re looking for a practical next step in building a culture of generosity in your parish, download Raising Givers: 6 People Who Can Help from Church Money and start identifying the key people who can move your mission forward: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/raisinggivers
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
Johnnette’s story of returning to the faith and being set on fire for the Gospel
How healing and restoration unfold over time through a life of prayer
Why so many women feel disconnected—and what they’re really searching for
The deeper identity every woman is called to rediscover
The unique role women play in shaping the spiritual culture of a parish
A simple, practical step pastors can take to better reach and form women
The importance of weakness, surrender, and daily dependence on the Lord
Key Takeaway:When people begin to understand who they are in Christ, everything changes—and that transformation can renew an entire parish from the inside out.
Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Johnnette’s story and return to the faith 07:00 – Encountering healing through prayer and the Holy Spirit 12:00 – How Women of Grace began 18:00 – Why so many women feel disconnected 25:00 – Identity, weakness, and dependence on God 32:00 – The role of women in parish life 39:00 – A simple step for reaching women in your parish 41:00 – Final encouragement and prayer
Links & Resources
Women of Grace Website: https://womenofgrace.com
Women of Grace Foundational Study: https://womenofgrace.com/study-programs
Watch/Listen to Johnnette (EWTN): https://www.ewtn.com
Women of Grace TV & Radio Archives: https://womenofgrace.com/tv
Connect on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenofgrace
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenofgrace
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WomenofGrace
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/womenofgrace
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@womenofgrace
If this episode encouraged you:Share it with a leader or team member who is passionate about reaching and forming women in your parish.
Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!
“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!
https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
facebook.com/rebuiltparish
instagram.com/rebuiltparish
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/
https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish
Thursday May 07, 2026
Thursday May 07, 2026
What if a capital campaign was not just about raising money but raising faith?
In this episode, Melissa sits down with Daniel Miller, Director of Next Gen at Church of the Nativity, to reflect on the heart behind the Wonder Campaign. This is an 18 million dollar effort rooted not just in facilities, but in forming the next generation of disciples.
Daniel shares how the campaign began, the spiritual vision driving it, and the real challenges they have faced along the way. From donor conversations to parish wide storytelling, you will hear how Nativity approached this as a faith movement first and a financial goal second.
Even if your parish is not planning a campaign, this conversation offers a clear framework for leading with vision, inviting generosity as worship, and trusting God in the unknown.
If you’re looking for a practical next step in building a culture of generosity in your parish, download Raising Givers: 6 People Who Can Help from Church Money and start identifying the key people who can move your mission forward: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/raisinggivers
And if you’d like to learn more about how the Wonder Campaign is unfolding at Church of the Nativity, you can explore the vision and progress here: https://www.churchnativity.com/wonder/
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Why a capital campaign should start with mission, not money
How to invite people into giving as an act of faith
The importance of storytelling and one church one message
Lessons learned from donor engagement and leadership alignment
What real spiritual fruit looks like beyond financial results
📊 By the Numbers:
18 million dollar campaign goal
15.6 million pledged so far
Over 1000 households participating
🙌 A Word to Parish Leaders:
If you do not feel ready, you are not alone. As Daniel shares, throughout Scripture, God rarely calls the ready. He calls the willing. This episode is a reminder that when the vision is clear and rooted in faith, God provides what is needed to move forward.
Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!
“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!
https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
facebook.com/rebuiltparish
instagram.com/rebuiltparish
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/
https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish
Thursday Apr 30, 2026
Thursday Apr 30, 2026
What does parish renewal really look like when you’re living it day by day?
In this episode, Melissa sits down with Fr. James Mallon, founder of Divine Renovation, alongside Tom Corcoran. Together, they reflect on their shared history, the early days of parish renewal, and the sense of being “kindred spirits” in a mission to help the Church rediscover evangelization.
But this conversation goes deeper than theory. Fr. James shares what it’s been like returning to parish life after years of leading a global ministry. From walking into a struggling parish to witnessing signs of new life, he offers a candid and hope-filled look at what renewal actually requires. It’s not quick. It’s not easy. But it is worth it.
Key Takeaways
Parish renewal is painful, slow, and deeply worthwhile
Culture change in a parish often takes years, not months
Evangelization must come before catechesis and programs
Healthy parishes mobilize people for mission, not just participation
God is stirring new spiritual hunger, especially in younger generations
Resources Mentioned
Divine Renovation by Fr. James Mallon - https://a.co/d/0j6JWUd6
Rebuilt by Michael White & Tom Corcoran - https://a.co/d/00Fq31Mn
For more information on Divine Renovation visit their website: https://www.divinerenovation.org/
👉 Free Resource:Strong parishes are built on strong leadership. Get a clear picture of where your leadership is today and where it can grow with our free Leadership Self Evaluation. https://download.rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation
Final Encouragement
There’s no quick fix for renewal. But there is a path.
Stay faithful. Build a team. Keep moving forward.The fruit will come.
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
What does real parish transformation actually look like and how does it begin?
In this episode, Melissa sits down with Maria Pulitano, Head of Parish Transformation at Rebuilt, to unpack what happens when a parish becomes truly mission-focused. Drawing from her experience walking alongside pastors and teams across the country, Maria shares how coaching helps parishes move from maintenance into momentum, not by copying another model, but by becoming the best version of who they are called to be.
You’ll hear how culture begins to shift, how leaders are supported in real time, and why small steps can lead to lasting change. If you’ve ever wondered whether transformation is possible in your parish, this conversation offers both clarity and encouragement for the next step.
Strong parishes are built on strong leadership. Get a clear picture of where your leadership is today and where it can grow with our free Leadership Self Evaluation. https://download.rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation
Key Takeaways
Parish transformation begins with a renewed focus on the mission to make disciples
Coaching is a partnership that walks alongside pastors and leaders, not a one-size-fits-all solution
Healthy culture change happens through small, intentional steps that build momentum
You don’t need a large staff to grow—leaders can be raised up from the pews
Coaches provide real-time support through challenges like staffing, communication, and change management
Measuring both metrics and stories of life change helps parishes recognize what God is doing
Strong leadership teams and clear mission alignment are foundational for long-term growth
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Maria and Parish Transformation02:00 – What Transformation Looks Like in a Parish04:00 – Debunking the “Mini Nativity” Myth06:00 – What Coaching Relationships Really Look Like09:00 – Real-Time Support and “Speed Dial” Coaching12:00 – Navigating Challenges and Leading Change14:00 – Building Mission, Vision, and Leadership Teams17:00 – Creating Momentum Through Small Wins19:00 – Raising Up Leaders from the Pew23:00 – Delegation, Trust, and Avoiding Burnout24:30 – Measuring Wins and Tracking Growth28:00 – Why Coaching Works and What Makes It Unique31:00 – Encouragement for Parish Leaders Considering a Next Step
What could be possible in your parish if you took one intentional step forward?
If you’re beginning to ask that question, you’re not alone. Start by gathering a few leaders, naming what you hope for, and exploring what’s next. You can also learn more about coaching and connect with our team in the show notes.
Links & Resources
Learn more about Rebuilt Coaching rebuiltparish.com/coaching
Connect with our team: Natalie - natalie@rebuiltparish.com Bill - bill@rebuiltparish.com
parish renewal, Catholic parish growth, parish coaching, church leadership, discipleship, Catholic evangelization, parish transformation, church growth strategy, small groups ministry, Catholic leadership development
https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
facebook.com/rebuiltparish
instagram.com/rebuiltparish
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/
https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish
Thursday Apr 16, 2026
Thursday Apr 16, 2026
What does it look like when a parish begins to move from maintenance to momentum?
In this episode, Melissa sits down with Fr. Paul MacNeil of St. Alexander Parish in Fonthill, Ontario, to reflect on what happened when he stepped into a parish facing financial strain, low attendance, and limited engagement. Rather than settling into maintenance mode, Fr. Paul leaned into coaching and began making intentional changes that created real momentum.
From opening doors and improving hospitality to building a leadership team, launching small groups, and aligning the parish around a clearer vision, Fr. Paul shares how St. Alexander has grown from fewer than 250 people on a weekend to around 650 today. This conversation offers practical insight and encouragement for any pastor or parish leader who is ready to see their parish move forward with clarity and purpose.
Key Takeaways
Momentum often begins with simple, visible changes that signal welcome and care
Hospitality plays a critical role in helping people return and engage
Parish renewal is about building a culture of discipleship, not just adding programs
A strong leadership team helps sustain and multiply momentum
Small groups create connection and help a growing parish feel personal
Strong parishes are built on strong leadership. Get a clear picture of where your leadership is today and where it can grow with our free Leadership Self Evaluation. https://download.rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation
If this conversation resonated with you, Fr. Paul shares even more of the story in his Under the Hood blog series—an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, challenges, and breakthroughs that helped build momentum at St. Alexander. https://substack.com/@frpaulmacneil/p-190929046
Episode Highlights
Why Fr. Paul chose coaching while stepping into a new parish
The story of locked doors and what it revealed about parish culture
Early “low-hanging fruit” that helped build trust and momentum
How hospitality and environment shaped the parish experience
Growing from under 250 to over 650 in weekly attendance
The role of small groups in sustaining momentum
Leading with greater support, clarity, and confidence
If you’re a pastor or parish leader looking to build momentum in your parish, reach out to our team to see if coaching is the right fit for you: bill@rebuiltparish.com or natalie@rebuiltparish.com
Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!
“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!
https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
facebook.com/rebuiltparish
instagram.com/rebuiltparish
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/
https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish
Thursday Apr 09, 2026
Thursday Apr 09, 2026
What actually changes when a parish moves from trying different ideas… to truly aligning everything around mission?
In this episode, Melissa sits down with Gail Rayos, who has experienced parish renewal from both sides. After years serving as a pastoral associate at St. Mary Magdalen in Florida, Gail walked through Rebuilt coaching with her parish. Now, she’s helping other parishes do the same as a coach.
This conversation is filled with practical insight and honest reflection. Gail shares the hesitation many parishes feel before coaching, the moment things began to shift, and how a renewed commitment to small groups and leadership transformed their parish culture. More than anything, she offers encouragement that renewal doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It means reconnecting what’s already there and moving forward with clarity.
Key Takeaways
Many parishes are already doing good things, but struggle to connect them into a clear mission
Coaching helps parishes move from scattered efforts to aligned systems
A true commitment to small groups can transform parish life and deepen faith
Leadership development is not one area of ministry. It strengthens everything
Renewal is not about becoming another parish. It’s about becoming who your parish is called to be
Resources Mentioned
Learn how your parish can grow wider and reach more people:What would it look like for your parish to move from maintaining to reaching those who are not yet engaged?Download the Grow Wider Self Evaluation:https://download.rebuiltparish.com/widerevaluation
Interested in coaching for your parish?Reach out to:natalie@rebuiltparish.combill@rebuiltparish.com
If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a pastor or team member who is carrying the weight of parish leadership. You are not alone, and renewal is possible.
https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
facebook.com/rebuiltparish
instagram.com/rebuiltparish
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/
https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
What does parish renewal actually look like when it moves from ideas into real parish life? In this special replay from the 2025 Rebuilt Conference, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with a panel of parish leaders who have spent years putting the Rebuilt model into practice. Together, they share honest stories from the field, including what their parishes were facing before coaching, the hesitations and resistance they encountered, and the progress they have seen through faithful, intentional leadership.
You will hear from leaders serving in very different parish contexts, from multicultural communities to collaborative parishes to growing suburban churches. What ties their stories together is not a perfect formula, but a willingness to take the next step. They talk about leadership, weekend experience, communication, small groups, resistance to change, and the importance of staying focused on mission.
This conversation is encouraging for any pastor or parish staff member who knows renewal is needed but is unsure where to begin. If your parish feels stuck, overwhelmed, or hesitant to make a change, this episode offers both practical wisdom and real hope.
Key Takeaways
Renewal often begins with one clear step, not a full overhaul.
Strong leadership teams create the foundation for lasting parish change.
A better weekend experience can become a catalyst for wider renewal.
Resistance is normal, but clarity, conviction, and communication matter.
Coaching helps parish leaders move from inspiration to action.
Featured Guests
Analia Kolikowski, Pastoral Associate, Church of St. John the Apostle, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Fr. Roger Gustafson, Pastor, St. Hilary Parish, Tiburon, California
Fr. Mark Peacock, Pastor, Holy Spirit Parish, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Cathy O’Leary, Creative Director, New Roads Catholic Community, Belmont, Massachusetts
Strong parishes are built on strong leadership. Get a clear picture of where your leadership is today and where it can grow with our free Leadership Self Evaluation. https://download.rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation
Why This Episode Matters
If you have ever wondered whether renewal could really happen in your parish, this conversation offers a grounded and hopeful answer. These leaders share what changed when they stopped trying to do everything at once and instead took faithful steps forward with vision, courage, and support.
Listener Invitation
Want to see what parish renewal can look like in real life? Listen in and consider what one next step God may be inviting your parish to take.
Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!
“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!
https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
facebook.com/rebuiltparish
instagram.com/rebuiltparish
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/
https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish
Thursday Mar 26, 2026
Thursday Mar 26, 2026
What happens when prayer stops being something we “fit in,” and becomes the place we start? In this conversation, Fr. John Riccardo (Acts XXIX) joins Melissa Wilkinson and Tom Corcoran to talk about the renewal God wants to do in parishes, leaders, and teams, beginning with surrender and a restored dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Fr. John shares his unexpected call to priesthood, the “call within a call” that led to Acts XXIX, and why so many parish teams stay stuck in maintenance: fear of failure, fear of risk, and a functional way of doing ministry that forgets we’re meant to live as family. Along the way, you’ll hear practical, concrete ways to bring prayer into the center of parish leadership, build true communion among teams, and reclaim the mindset of the early Church- because Acts didn’t end at chapter 28.
Resources Mentioned
Acts XXIX: https://www.actsxxix.org/
The Rescue Project: https://watch.actsxxix.org/therescueproject
How is your parish intentionally reaching those beyond your walls, and what might God be inviting you to do next? Download our Grow Wider Self-Evaluation to find out and take your next faithful step forward.
Grow Wider Self Evaluation: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/widerevaluation
Key Takeaways
Surrender is daily, not one-time. Fr. John shares a tangible morning practice: “crawling back on the altar” each day.
The only real failure is quitting. Trying something that doesn’t work is often discernment, not defeat.
Parish renewal requires a shift from maintenance to mission. Comfort can keep the “machine” running, but it won’t bring new life.
Teams need to look like family. If we’re inviting people into the family of God, parish leadership must embody real communion.
Prayer isn’t “before the work.” Prayer is how you know what the work is. Restore the initiative to God.
Hospitality and beauty open hearts. They communicate “you matter,” and prepare people to receive what God wants to do.
Loneliness is real among clergy—and relational ministry matters. Priests need communion, not isolation.
“Acts 29” is a mindset. The Holy Spirit is still writing the Church’s story through you and your parish today.
Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome + why this conversation matters
00:18 — Fr. John’s origin story: an unexpected call to priesthood
03:10 — Prayer, wandering, and the struggle to surrender
06:16 — A daily surrender practice: “crawl back on the altar”
07:12 — The “call within a call” that led to Acts XXIX
10:21 — Choosing the right people for mission and ministry
16:29 — Risk, fear, and redefining failure for parish leaders
19:34 — St. Joan of Arc and magnanimity: “I was born for this”
22:01 — Why “Acts 29”: reclaiming the fruitfulness of the early Church
27:12 — How Acts XXIX serves parishes (free charism, clear principles)
31:39 — The four core efforts: Rescue Project, immersives, clergy retreats, media
35:23 — How priests and lay leaders can truly work together
38:09 — Stories of transformation: what changes when teams pray to discern
42:25 — Permission to “waste time”: meals, prayer, presence, and culture shift
49:10 — How to connect with Acts XXIX + key links
52:04 — Closing encouragement
Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!
“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!
https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
facebook.com/rebuiltparish
instagram.com/rebuiltparish
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/
https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish
Catholic parish renewal, Acts XXIX Catholic, Fr John Riccardo, Tom Corcoran Rebuilt Parish, parish leadership development, Catholic evangelization strategy, parish mission and vision, moving from maintenance to mission, Catholic church revitalization, Rescue Project Catholic, leadership immersion Catholic, Catholic clergy renewal, priest burnout and renewal, Catholic team leadership, prayer in parish leadership, restoring the initiative to God, biblical worldview Catholic, Catholic discipleship formation, Holy Spirit and discernment, parish culture transformation, Catholic ministry teamwork, lay and clergy collaboration, parish staff prayer, church leadership podcast, Catholic evangelization podcast