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
6 days ago
6 days ago
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
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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
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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
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
Every parish wants to reach more people, but where do you begin? In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Fr. John Sullivan, pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Chatham, Massachusetts, to talk about how defining a clear target audience can transform the way a parish approaches ministry.
You may have heard of “Timonium Tim,” the persona developed at Church of the Nativity to help guide evangelization efforts. Fr. John shares how he adapted that concept for his own parish and created “Chatham Chuck,” a simple way to keep the mission of evangelization front and center in parish life.
Throughout the conversation, Fr. John explains how understanding the people in the pews shaped his preaching, hospitality, and leadership decisions. He also offers practical encouragement for parish leaders who feel discouraged by slow progress, reminding us that renewal in the Church is often a long and faithful work.
Key Takeaways
Defining a clear target audience helps parishes stay focused on their mission of evangelization• Many parishes must first help those already in the pews deepen their faith before reaching outward• Renewal takes persistence and patience. Transformation rarely happens overnight• A welcoming weekend experience helps visitors quickly feel like part of the community• Listening to the stories of your parishioners can reveal important insights about your parish culture
Want to know if your parish is ready to reach more people? Take a few minutes to reflect on where your parish stands with this free Grow Wider Self Evaluation.https://download.rebuiltparish.com/widerevaluation
Chapters
00:00 Introduction00:03 Meet Fr. John Sullivan from Holy Redeemer Parish01:56 What “Timonium Tim” Means for Parish Evangelization02:11 How “Chatham Chuck” Was Created04:47 Understanding Your Parish Community06:15 Leading Through Criticism and Change06:43 Using Message Series to Reach People in the Pews09:54 Who Is “Chatham Chuck”?12:33 Why Parish Renewal Takes Time15:57 Hospitality and the Weekend Experience17:18 Avoiding Mission Drift in Parish Leadership19:02 Helping Parishioners Evangelize Their Families20:36 Staying Faithful in Ministry Leadership22:16 First Steps for Identifying Your Parish Audience24:32 Final Encouragement for Parish Leaders
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 leadership, parish renewal, catholic evangelization, church leadership, catholic parish growth, rebuilt parish podcast, timonium tim, parish target audience, parish mission strategy, catholic discipleship, catholic ministry leadership, church growth strategies, parish evangelization ideas, catholic leadership podcast, parish hospitality ministry, catholic church outreach, parish mission clarity, evangelization in the catholic church, catholic priest leadership, parish culture change, catholic preaching strategy, church leadership development, catholic ministry strategy, parish leadership training, grow wider parish strategy
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
What does it look like when a diocese truly walks alongside parishes in renewal?
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson talks with Edward Herrera and Julie St. Croix from the Institute for Evangelization at the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Together, they share how their Emmaus Teams accompany pastors and parish leaders through prayer, trust, leadership development, staff culture, pastoral council formation, and parish transition.
This conversation offers a practical and hope-filled look at evangelization from the diocesan level, not as programs handed down from a distance, but as real partnership rooted in relationship. Edward and Julie unpack what distinguishes a parish that is simply maintaining from one that is actively living its mission, and they offer encouraging wisdom for pastors and leaders who want to take the next faithful step toward renewal.
If you have ever wondered how dioceses and parishes can work together in a way that truly strengthens mission, this episode is full of insight.
Looking for a practical next step? Our free Grow Wider Self Evaluation will help you reflect on how your parish is reaching new people and where there may be room to grow.
Key Takeaways
Evangelization begins with relationship, trust, and accompaniment
Healthy parish renewal starts by supporting the pastor and leadership team
Stronger parish culture requires shared vision, prayer, and co-responsibility
Missional parishes are marked by welcome, discipleship, and community presence
Renewal does not begin with doing everything at once, but with taking the next step faithfully
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
parish renewal, Catholic parish leadership, evangelization, Catholic leadership podcast, Archdiocese of Baltimore, Emmaus Team, accompaniment in ministry, parish staff culture, pastoral council renewal, Catholic diocesan leadership, Rebuilt Parish podcast, Catholic mission, disciple making, parish evangelization, church leadership, missional parish, Catholic ministry leadership, Julie St. Croix, Edward Herrera, Institute for Evangelization
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
How does a parish actually grow wider?
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson welcomes back Ed Bradley to take a deep dive into the Grow Wider Anchor - what it means, where parishes often get stuck, and how to start making measurable progress.
If your parish wants to bring people back to church, reach young families, and build a culture of invitation, this conversation will give you both clarity and practical next steps.
And be sure to listen through to the end—Ed shares exactly where he would recommend a parish start in the next 90 days.
Grow Wider Self Evaluation: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/widerevaluation
Key Takeaways
Growing wider starts with a clear burden for those who aren’t coming.
Define your target audience intentionally - know your mission field.
Friendly is not the same as strategically welcoming.
Your digital presence is often your first impression.
Next-gen ministry can be a powerful growth strategy.
Parishioners need confidence and tools to invite others.
Start with intentional hospitality systems, not just good intentions.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to the Grow Wider Anchor02:00 – Understanding the Four Anchors and Discipleship07:30 – Where Parishes Commonly Break Down11:00 – Defining Your Target Audience16:00 – Friendly vs Strategically Welcoming20:30 – Weekend Experience and First Impressions23:30 – Digital Presence as the Front Door26:00 – Leveraging Next-Gen Ministry31:30 – Teaching Parishioners to Invite35:00 – Where to Start in the Next 90 Days
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
parish renewal, Catholic parish renewal, grow wider, Rebuilt Parish, Rebuilt model, parish growth, growing church attendance, bring people back to church, Catholic evangelization, evangelization strategies, parish evangelization, parish outreach, welcoming parish, hospitality ministry, church hospitality team, welcoming newcomers, first time guest experience, weekend Mass experience, improving the weekend experience, Catholic Mass experience, discipleship pathway, making disciples, parish discipleship, Great Commission Catholic, invite a friend to church, invest and invite, invite people to Mass, parishioner invitation, how to get parishioners to invite, newcomer follow up, welcome desk church, new parishioner welcome, church engagement path, engagement strategy church, parish engagement, church digital presence, parish website best practices, church social media strategy, Catholic church marketing, live stream Mass, first impressions church, attract young families, next gen ministry, children’s liturgy of the word, kids ministry Catholic, youth ministry Catholic, Catholic family ministry, grow younger parish, parish leadership team, Catholic parish leadership, parish culture change, Timonium Tim, Church of the Nativity Timonium
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
What happens when three parishes merge, cultures blend, Mass schedules shift, and emotions run high?
On this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Fr. Andres Mendoza, pastor of Saint Benedict of Núrcia in Wallingford, Connecticut. With multiple worship sites, a parish school, and a richly diverse community. Fr. Mendoza has navigated complex transitions with one clear priority: prayer comes first.
In this conversation, Fr. Mendoza shares how grounding every meeting, decision, and difficult conversation in prayer has shaped not only leadership, but culture. From empowering staff to pray aloud, to inviting parishioners into spontaneous, in-the-moment prayer, to leaning deeply into the Benedictine spirit of ora et labora inspired by Saint Benedict of Nursia, Fr. Mendoza offers a powerful witness: prayer and work are not separate - they are one.
If you're leading through change, feeling stretched thin, or wondering how to build unity across different communities, this episode offers practical encouragement and spiritual clarity.
Get our FREE Leadership Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation
Key Takeaways
Start every meeting with prayer Make consultation with the Holy Spirit the foundation of every decision.
Teach people how to pray Don’t assume comfort; model simple, sincere dialogue with the Lord.
Pray in the moment Move from “I’ll pray for you” to “Can I pray with you right now?”
Lead mergers through discernment, not fear Invite the Holy Spirit into emotionally charged decisions.
Guard your personal prayer time Even 15–20 intentional minutes daily anchors leadership.
Unite prayer and action Inspired by Saint Benedict of Nursia, remember that work and prayer belong together.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Fr. Andres Mendoza
02:30 A Parish with Multiple Worship Sites and a School
06:00 Why Prayer Became the Foundation of Leadership
09:10 Teaching Staff How to Pray with Confidence
12:30 Personal Prayer Rhythms for Busy Pastors
16:30 Navigating Parish Mergers Through the Holy Spirit
20:00 Overcoming Fear and Resistance in Times of Change
23:00 Encouragement for Overwhelmed Parish Leaders
26:00 Ora et Labora and the Unity of Prayer and Work
29:00 Final Reflections and Blessing
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
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Catholic parish leadership, parish merger, prayer in ministry, prayer first culture, Catholic church leadership, Holy Spirit discernment, parish renewal, Catholic pastor interview, ora et labora, Saint Benedict spirituality, Latino Catholic ministry, building unity in parishes, leadership through change, Catholic parish growth, examination of conscience, sacrament of confession, prayer in staff meetings
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
When a message series really takes hold, it does more than shape a homily. It begins to shape hearts, conversations, and culture.
In this episode, Father Benoît St-Onge shares a simple but powerful conviction: you have to step inside the message series yourself. When leaders allow the Word of God to first speak into their own lives, it naturally finds its way into the life of the parish.
Father Benoît reflects on how vulnerability, honesty, and shared humanity open the door for Scripture to become personal and practical. Drawing inspiration from how message series are lived out at Church of the Nativity, he reminds us that renewal doesn’t require creativity for creativity’s sake. Often, it’s about faithfully adapting what already works and trusting God to do the rest.
As Father Benoît puts it, this isn’t magic. It’s truth. And when pastors and leaders lean in together, the Word of God does exactly what it promises to do.
Get FREE access to our Sample Content Library: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/offers/6ViPVzNg/checkout Get the “Heal” Homily Series for your parish for Lent: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/lent
Key Takeaways
Message series work best when leaders live them first. When pastors and staff allow the Word of God to speak into their own lives, preaching becomes more authentic and relatable.
Vulnerability builds trust. Modeling humanity from the ambo invites parishioners to see themselves in the message rather than feeling preached at.
Creativity doesn’t require starting from scratch. Faithful adaptation and thoughtful reuse of proven ideas can be just as effective as creating something new.
The Word of God does the work. Renewal isn’t about clever techniques. When Scripture is applied honestly to real life, it bears fruit.
Parish renewal happens in community. Asking for help and learning from others is not weakness. It’s how healthy parishes grow.
Catholic parish renewal, message series planning, Catholic preaching resources, parish leadership, homily preparation, discipleship in parish life, Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish, parish culture change, Catholic small groups, living the Gospel, pastoral leadership, applying Scripture to daily life, Catholic evangelization, parish ministry strategy
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 Feb 12, 2026
Thursday Feb 12, 2026
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson is joined by Colleen Droney, a longtime leader at Church of the Nativity and a key member of the Rebuilt Parish team, for a practical and deeply encouraging conversation about making prayer the center of parish and staff culture.
Colleen shares how prayer has shaped her leadership across both parish and ministry settings, why prayer is never optional in times of growth and decision-making, and how the Rebuilt team is learning to pause, listen, and surrender together, even as a fully virtual staff. From staff-wide prayer rhythms and adoration to creative uses of technology and Bible plans, this episode offers parish leaders concrete ways to root their teams more deeply in prayer without adding more burden.
This is an honest, hope-filled conversation for pastors and parish leaders who feel stretched thin but long for deeper spiritual grounding in their teams.
Want to see how your whole parish can Grow Deeper in their faith? Complete our self evaluation: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/deeperevaluation
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
Why prayer must be the agenda, not just an agenda item
How leadership immersion with Acts 29 renewed Rebuilt’s commitment to prayer
Translating in-person staff prayer into a virtual environment
Creating consistent, non-negotiable rhythms of prayer
The power of pausing and listening before making decisions
How Bible plans build vulnerability and trust among staff
Practical examples of prayer shaping parish culture at Nativity
Simple first steps any parish can take to begin praying together
Practices Highlighted in the Episode
Weekly staff prayer as a non-negotiable rhythm
Virtual adoration (“Holy Zoom”) for distributed teams
Scripture-based prayer before meetings
Staff Bible plans using the YouVersion Bible App
Prayer challenges and seasonal devotions
Ministry huddles and praying over parish spaces
Empowering champions to lead prayer without adding burden to pastors
Key Leadership Takeaway
Healthy parish culture flows from prayerful leadership. When pastors and parish teams make space to pause, surrender, and listen together, prayer becomes the foundation for unity, clarity, and fruitfulness. You don’t have to do everything at once. Start small, be consistent, and trust God to build the culture over time.
Chapters
00:00 – Introducing Colleen and the focus on prayer
00:57 – Why prayer is essential in busy seasons of ministry
02:19 – Lessons from Acts 29 and adoration
04:25 – Translating staff prayer into a virtual environment
06:10 – Creating space for silence and surrender
08:39 – Prayer as permission to pause
11:11 – Building prayer into parish staff culture
12:54 – Using Bible plans to deepen team connection
16:17 – Creative prayer rhythms within ministry teams
19:27 – First steps for parish leaders who feel stretched thin
24:01 – The pastor’s role in cultivating a prayer culture
31:07 – Why prayer must be non-negotiable
Featured Rebuilt Bible Plans on YouVersion
Rebuilt Faith - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/62006-rebuilt-faith Breathing Room - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/64604-breathing-room
Grace & Truth - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/64135-grace-truth Baggage: A Journey of Forgiveness Heal (coming for Lent)
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
parish prayer culture, Catholic parish leadership, staff prayer, adoration, virtual ministry, Acts 29, Church of the Nativity, YouVersion Bible App, parish staff formation, Rebuilt Parish Podcast, prayer in ministry