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 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
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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
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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
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
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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