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
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
When Rebuilt first introduced the idea of preaching in message series to him, Fr. Mark Peacock wanted nothing to do with it. “How could I possibly talk about one topic for five weeks?” he remembers thinking. In this candid conversation, he shares how partnership, planning, and prayer helped him move from resistance to enthusiasm — and how preaching in series has transformed Holy Spirit Parish.
Fr. Mark explains the teamwork that goes into every series with his associate Fr. Nick, the role of their communications staff, and the parish-wide systems that keep everyone — from the pulpit to the school — focused on the same mission. You’ll also hear practical ideas like Homily in a Minute videos, themed prayer cards, and small-group alignment that keep parishioners engaged long after Sunday.
Key Takeaways
Honest beginnings: Fr. Mark once called himself “the resistor.” His biggest fear — running out of content — vanished once he began planning collaboratively.
Shared preaching: Two priests, one unified message. Fr. Mark and Fr. Nick align weekly on the Know / Feel / Do of each homily while adding their personal stories.
Integrated planning: Every message series flows from the parish’s mission statement and strategic plan; annual retreats map themes across the year.
From content to community: Pairing Rebuilt Faith with a parish-wide small-group launch gave Holy Spirit record participation and deeper discipleship.
Creative communication: Short “Homily in a Minute” recap videos, printed prayer cards, and social-media posts reinforce the weekend message all week long.
Lay collaboration: Communications, music, and ministry leaders meet to carry each theme through the school, religious ed, and parish life.
Flexibility with resources: The team mixes original series (like Fruits of the Spirit) with customized content from the Rebuilt Content Library.
Practical advice: Start small, use available tools, ask for help, and make the message your own — but don’t preach alone.
Chapters
00 : 00 — Intro: Fr. Mark’s journey from resistor to advocate
01 : 08 — About Holy Spirit Parish: size, staff, and mission
04 : 03 — Initial hesitation: “How do I preach one topic for weeks?”
06 : 28 — Turning point: Collaborating with Fr. Nick and the team
09 : 00 — Planning the year: Themes rooted in mission and strategy
11 : 06 — Rebuilt Faith & small-group launch: Lenten momentum
13 : 46 — Writing and preaching together: Aligning message and tone
17 : 36 — Parishioner feedback: “Now I want to hear the next week!”
21 : 11 — How to connect each week: Recaps & reminders
23 : 06 — Homily in a Minute: Quick videos with big impact
26 : 28 — Creating original series: Fruits of the Spirit collaboration
31 : 00 — Extending the message: Prayer cards, emails, social media
33 : 07 — One message across parish and school: Shared Advent theme
35 : 19 — Next generation impact: Bringing series into the school
37 : 00 — Encouragement for pastors: “Ask for help and just start.”
Resources & Links
Rebuilt Content Library: Customizable message-series resources
Rebuilt Faith book + small-group materials: [Insert link]
Homily in a Minute examples from Holy Spirit Parish: [Insert link]
Upcoming Rebuilt Workshops: [Insert link]
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 preaching, Catholic homilies, message series Catholic church, parish renewal, Rebuilt Parish Podcast, homily planning, small group launch, Rebuilt Faith book, parish communications, Holy Spirit Grand Rapids, preaching team, Catholic leadership, parish mission statement, sermon series Catholic, Homily in a Minute, parish media strategy, clergy collaboration, Rebuilt Content Library.
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
What actually works in Catholic youth ministry right now? Dan DeMatte shares how Damascus is forming 30,000+ young people each year through high-adventure Catholic camps and year-round missions—combining ropes courses, paintball, and beach time with Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, prayer labs, and small groups. We unpack the “culture of encounter” (with God and with one another), why play is a pathway to discipleship, and how parishes without a youth minister (or with frequent turnover) can still anchor teens in transformational experiences. Dan also previews the new Emmitsburg, Maryland camp and adult retreats that mirror the same encounter-driven model.
Learn more about Damascus camps and all that Damascus has to offer: https://www.damascus.net/
Key Takeaways
Encounter first, then formation: Damascus builds a culture of encounter—teaching teens to hear God’s voice, recognize Jesus in the Eucharist, and welcome the Holy Spirit—while also fostering authentic peer/community encounter.
Theology of play: Good fathers play with their children—adventure + joy (ropes, zip lines, paintball) open hearts to deeper prayer and discipleship.
Mass that engages: Daily camp Mass with quick “micro-catechesis” (e.g., epiclesis, penitential rite) and varied expressions (candlelight, men/women liturgies, robust worship) helps teens enter the mystery.
Measurable fruit: Common testimonies include first-time experiences of hearing God, healing from anxiety/loneliness, and teens leading families back to Sunday Mass.
Anchor experiences for parishes: With youth-minister tenure averaging ~18 months, parishes can anchor youth work with reliable summer camps/retreats to ensure continuity and momentum.
Adult & team options: Damascus hosts women’s and men’s retreats (same encounter model + adventure elements); team-building options are available.
Scale with excellence: “Start small, perfect, iterate, then scale.” Damascus now serves ~9,000 in summer and 20–25k during the school year across Ohio, Michigan, and Maryland.
Local relevance: A vibrant Sunday experience at home is critical so teens can sustain what God did on the mountain.
Get FREE Sample Access of Rebuilt’s Content Library to try it out for yourself! https://www.rebuiltparish.com/content
Chapters
00:00 — Why this conversation matters: Youth ministry that actually bears fruit
00:32 — Dan’s calling & early story: From 7th-grade mission to a lifetime serving the young Church
06:35 — What pastors face: Cost, turnover, and why many give up on youth ministry
07:22 — “Secret sauce” (part 1): Culture of encounter (God + authentic community)
10:36 — “Secret sauce” (part 2): High-adventure faith & the theology of play
15:16 — A day at camp: Prayer lab, adventure blocks, micro-catechesis, Mass, adoration, small groups
19:20 — Outcomes: Healing, courage, and teens leading families back to Mass
22:25 — Scaling the mission: From one week of camp to three sites and 185 missionaries
26:49 — Parishes & anchor experiences: How to leverage camps/retreats when staff turns over
30:35 — Adult retreats & team impact: Women/men weekends, expressive prayer, confidence
32:50 — Maryland launch: Emmitsburg site, million-dollar adventure build-out, how to support
34:30 — Next steps: How to get your parish and teens involved
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 youth ministry, Damascus Catholic camps, high adventure Catholic camp, Emmitsburg Maryland Catholic camp, Catholic teen retreat, Eucharistic Adoration youth, Catholic summer camp ropes course, culture of encounter, theology of play, Catholic small groups for teens, parish youth ministry ideas, Catholic parish renewal, youth minister turnover, men’s Catholic retreat, women’s Catholic retreat, Rebuilt Parish podcast, Church of the Nativity.
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Where do you start with parish renewal—and how do you keep it practical? Maria Pulitano unpacks Rebuilt’s Equip Courses: short, action-oriented video series with workbooks that help pastors and parish leaders take clear first steps (and next steps) across the Four Anchors of renewal. From onboarding new staff to aligning councils and launching small groups, Maria shares how parishes use these courses at their own pace to create unity, momentum, and measurable progress—without trying to “become Nativity.”
Key Takeaways
Clarity on where to start: Begin with Foundations to understand the Four Anchors, then choose the next course based on your parish priorities.
Built for action, not theory: Each session includes tools, discussion prompts, and a simple action plan your team can implement right away.
Paced for real parish life: 8–12 10–12 minute videos per course; watch weekly or batch—whatever fits your calendar.
Whole-parish alignment: Use with staff, councils, volunteer leaders, and ministry teams so everyone shares a common playbook.
Not “mini-Nativity”: Courses translate proven, widely applicable strategies so your parish becomes the best version of itself.
Quick wins → lasting culture: On-ramps for small groups, Next Gen, volunteering, stewardship, leadership culture, and more.
Great for onboarding: Speed up new staff formation and get councils on the same page about direction and values.
Get FREE Sample Access of our Content Library to try it out for yourself! https://www.rebuiltparish.com/content
What’s Available (and What’s Coming)
Available now: Foundations • Leadership Strategies • Church Money (Finance & Stewardship) • Small Groups • Every Member a Minister (Volunteering) • Next Generation Coming soon: Grow Wider (reach the unchurched/de-churched) • Preaching in a Message Series
Chapters
00:00 – Intro & Why It Matters: The heart behind Equip Courses.
00:56 – Maria’s Background: 30 years at Nativity; from ambassador to Head of Parish Transformation.
02:20 – What Are Equip Courses? Purpose, the Four Anchors, and practical design.
04:03 – How It Works: Video length, pacing, and the companion workbook.
05:16 – Course Catalog: What’s live now and what’s launching soon.
07:03 – Where to Start: Why Foundations first, then your chosen priority.
08:03 – Who Uses Them: Staff, councils, volunteers, and ministry leaders.
09:09 – From Idea to Action: Sessions with steps, tools, and team discussion.
10:01 – Not Mini-Nativity: Contextualizing strategies for any parish.
11:48 – Results on the Ground: Onboarding, small-group launches, Next Gen upgrades.
14:03 – Bigger Picture: How Equip fits Rebuilt’s mission to make disciples.
15:15 – Low-Lift Start: One session a week = real momentum in 8 weeks.
17:07 – How to Get Started: RebuiltParish.com → Get Equipped.
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, parish leadership training, Rebuilt Equip Courses, Four Anchors, Catholic small groups, parish stewardship, volunteer ministry, Catholic Next Gen ministry, preaching in a message series, parish council onboarding, Catholic discipleship pathway, Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish resources.
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
How do you help parishioners move from consumers to disciples? Tom Corcoran shares the story behind STEPS (Rebuilt’s simple path of discipleship), why he and Fr. Michael wrote Rebuilt Faith for people in the pews, and how a new YouVersion Bible App plan makes daily formation easy and communal. You’ll hear how Nativity and partner parishes have used STEPS to launch small groups, increase serving and generosity, and sustain a culture of renewal—plus details on Global Bible Month and YouVersion’s Beyond a Billion celebration.
Join us in the Rebuilt Faith Bible plan on the YouVersion App: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/62006
Key Takeaways
STEPS = action. Discipleship is a journey of concrete practices (serving, giving, small groups, prayer, evangelization) that change people and parishes.
Personal + corporate = momentum. Rebuilt equips leaders; Rebuilt Faith equips parishioners—together they align culture and accelerate renewal.
Proven fruit. Nativity saw ~1,000 people join small groups during a Rebuilt Faith push; partner parishes report hundreds more—with rises in serving and giving.
Small groups multiply impact. Group participants are more likely to serve and give; community fuels growth in every STEP.
YouVersion makes it daily & shared. The 30-day Rebuilt Faith plan lets individuals or small groups read together, comment daily, and stay connected. https://www.bible.com/
Free and accessible. The Bible App is donor-supported and free for parishes and parishioners—an easy on-ramp for formation.
Renewal takes time. Keep teaching STEPS regularly; new people are always arriving, and veterans need periodic renewal.
Contextualize wisely. Use STEPS as a clear model, then adapt language and stories to your local context.
Get FREE Sample Access of our Content Library to try it out for yourself! https://www.rebuiltparish.com/content
Chapters
00:00 – Intro: STEPS, Rebuilt Faith, and the YouVersion partnership.
00:30 – Why STEPS: Origins of the discipleship path and why it’s verb-driven.
02:20 – Why Rebuilt Faith: A book for people in the pews that complements Rebuilt for leaders.
04:36 – Practices, not obligations: Serving, giving, prayer, groups as formation.
06:22 – Parish impact: Nativity’s small-group surge; culture of engagement.
08:29 – Partner parish fruit: Stories of growth in groups, serving, generosity.
12:57 – Big news: The Rebuilt Faith 30-day YouVersion plan and how to use it in groups.
15:21 – Global Bible Month: November challenges and “Beyond a Billion” celebration.
18:14 – One mission, many partners: Ecumenical collaboration for making disciples.
19:28 – Why STEPS matters most: A simple handle for everyday discipleship.
22:18 – Generosity & surrender: How giving (and each STEP) forms the heart.
26:17 – Culture you can feel: Critical mass of disciples changes the parish.
31:57 – What’s next & resources: Plan launch timing, series, kits, and speaker options.
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, discipleship pathway, STEPS Rebuilt, Rebuilt Faith book, YouVersion Bible App, Global Bible Month, Catholic small groups, parish generosity, serving in parish ministry, Catholic evangelization, Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish resources, message series, parish culture change, Bible reading plan for Catholics.
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
“Sunday is always coming.” In this episode, Colleen Droney shares how Rebuilt’s Content Library helps pastors and parish teams preach in message series aligned to the Catholic lectionary, launch small groups, and support Children’s Liturgy of the Word—without starting from scratch. Colleen traces the Library’s roots at Church of the Nativity, explains the “One Church, One Message” framework, and offers practical ways parishes can adapt transcripts, summaries, and planning tools to their unique context. You’ll also hear real-world wins (including a pastor who prepped months of homilies ahead of a new assignment) and simple on-ramps for teams just getting started.
Get FREE Sample Access of our Content Library to try it out for yourself! https://www.rebuiltparish.com/content
Key Takeaways
Start with series, not add-ons. Greeters and cafés help, but preaching in a message series is often the single most catalytic shift for parish culture and discipleship alignment.
One Church, One Message. Homilies, small groups, and kids’ lessons move together around the same Scripture/series so the whole parish hears a unified call to discipleship.
Built for Catholic parishes. Content is organized by liturgical year and season and tracks with the lectionary (with notes for annual nuances).
From busy to better. Ready-made summaries, transcripts, Know/Feel/Do, videos, and lesson plans remove friction so pastors and message teams can focus on people, prayer, and proclamation.
Adapt, don’t copy. Use the framework and Scripture alignment, then add local stories and your parish voice for authenticity.
Team sport. A message team can plan ahead (Nativity meets weekly + seasonal planning), support multiple preachers, and ensure consistency across Mass times.
Plan ahead with confidence. A long-range planning calendar (readings + suggested series) gives pastors and DREs a clear runway for Advent, Lent, and beyond.
Quick win pathways. New to the Library? Pilot a 3–5 week Advent or Lent series, or start with small groups that follow the weekend message.
New training. The forthcoming Equip Course: Preaching in a Message Series walks leaders step-by-step through the approach and planning rhythm.
We’re here to help. Free sample access is available; Rebuilt’s team can coach you on tailoring content to your parish.
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Intro: Why this conversation matters for overwhelmed pastors.
00:27 – Colleen’s Story: Parishioner → minister → Rebuilt staff; pandemic pivot and global reach.
03:23 – Heart for Pastors: Tackling isolation; walking alongside leaders.
05:45 – Origin of the Content Library: From Nativity’s archives to a scalable resource.
08:26 – What’s Inside: Homily/message series, small groups, Children’s Liturgy, support docs.
09:18 – Why It’s Different: Lectionary-aligned, organized by season & liturgical year.
12:38 – How It Fits Together: “One Church, One Message” across weekend, groups, and kids.
14:52 – On-Ramps for Beginners: Start with Advent/Lent; reduce Sunday prep stress.
16:05 – Success Story: Pre-planning months of homilies for a new assignment.
18:50 – Why Start with Preaching: Culture change begins from the pulpit.
20:42 – A Blessing, Not a Burden: Curated tools that buy back time.
21:43 – Practical Planning: The big calendar (“the beast”), teamwork, and workflow.
26:31 – Free Sample & Equip Course: Try the Library; training for message-series preaching.
27:49 – Where to Find It: RebuiltParish.com → Get Equipped → Content.
28:42 – Final Encouragement: Start small, adapt locally, and unite your parish around the Gospel.
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, preaching in a message series, homily series, lectionary-based preaching, Catholic liturgical year, small group ministry, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, One Church One Message, discipleship pathway, parish message team, Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish Content Library, Advent series, Lent series, Catholic preaching resources, parish leadership, Sunday planning, Know Feel Do framework, Catholic DRE resources, pastor support.
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
How do you build a worship culture—not just a music set? In this Rebuilt Conference breakout, worship leader Simon Piles (Church of the Nativity) shares a practical, parish-tested playbook for clarifying vision, recruiting and developing a team, aligning tech and space (including using lighting as “architecture”), and creating campus-wide moments that form people in praise. He makes a clear case that excellence in music is evangelization—great music lowers the barrier for the unchurched to step into church and encounter Christ. You’ll hear why vision comes before volunteers, how talent attracts talent, when to pay musicians (and how to care well for volunteers), and simple ways to embed worship beyond Sunday—like student band leadership and open-mic worship nights. If you’re ready to raise the praise and reach those not yet in the pews, this conversation offers clear, concrete steps you can start this month—with a humble, honest tone aimed at pastors and parish leaders who want to lift hearts to God.
Join us for our FREE Workshops - back in session this Fall: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/workshops
Key Themes
Vision first: Define what you want music to do for the weekend and message before you build the team.
Who you’re reaching: Program for the unchurched/seekers (Nativity’s “Timonium Tim”)—music as invitation.
Play to your space: Fit your approach to architecture, acoustics, and tech; lighting can function like “architecture.”
Short- and long-term tech plan: Name what’s possible now, and what upgrades are needed to serve the vision later.
Team + leader: Invest in a leader and a bench; cultivate “layers of leaders” so the ministry isn’t fragile.
Skill, worship heart, team player: Aim for all three—don’t compromise on skill. Evangelize your musicians, too.
Paying musicians vs volunteers: Why paying can stabilize quality/availability, and how to pastor volunteers well.
Campus-wide culture: Concerts, summer worship nights, staff/ministry events with worship, and open-mic worship nights.
Next Gen pipeline: Student band leadership forms future worship leaders and normalizes praise among youth.
Leadership alignment: Music leaders must be at the table for parish-wide vision; worship is not a silo.
Chapters
0:00–0:47 — Intro: Rebuilt Conference breakout, “Creating a Worship Culture: Raise the Praise”
1:03–2:29 — Why vision precedes team building
2:41–4:11 — Who are we reaching? (“Timonium Tim”)
4:47–6:46 — Play to your space; lighting as “architecture”; tech planning
6:49–8:17 — Bring tech into the vision early; recruit tech-minded volunteers
8:48–10:02 — Team vs. “star”: you need both (leader & team)
10:02–12:16 — Layers of leaders; seamless transitions over decades
13:04–14:55 — The 3 qualities: skill, worship heart, team player
14:55–17:44 — Pay vs. volunteer; consistency, availability, and investing in excellence
18:02–21:04 — Campus-wide culture: concerts, summer worship series, worship at staff/minister events
21:04–24:18 — Student band & open-mic worship nights (every other month)
24:19–25:50 — “Nativity’s way isn’t the only way”—but great music draws people; leadership alignment
Tags / Keywords: worship culture, Catholic worship, parish music ministry, Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish, worship leader, music ministry recruiting, paying church musicians, lighting in worship, tech for churches, student band, open-mic worship night, parish renewal
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 Sep 18, 2025
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
In this episode, Biblical scholar Dr. Mary Healy pours into pastors and parish leaders on cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and how that relationship drives parish renewal. She shares how Confirmation is meant to “perpetuate the grace of Pentecost,” why many never experience its full fruit, and how leaders can move parishes from maintenance to mission. From preaching that majors on the mighty deeds of God to creating safe spaces for charisms (prophecy, healing, discernment), Dr. Healy offers practical steps, stories, and a powerful prayer of impartation for listeners.
Key Takeaways:
Model friendship with the Holy Spirit. Share concrete, current examples (“Here’s how the Spirit prompted me this week…”).
Pray—and pause. Begin meetings: “Come, Holy Spirit,” then leave actual silence for Him to move.
Reframe preaching. Major on what God has done—the Gospel’s power—then invite a clear response.
Teach charisms. Offer a talk/workshop or short homily series; explain gifts and how they build up the Church.
Create safe practice spaces. Praise & worship/adoration nights with guided discernment; small groups that read Scripture (esp. 1 Cor 12–14) and practice gifts.
Plan light-touch evangelization. Send parishioners out two-by-two to pray with people who are open; debrief and celebrate fruit.
Choose on-fire leaders for key ministries. Especially OCIA—place radiant, prayerful disciples where seekers first land.
Guard the team’s heart. Bring complaints to the Lord, end in praise, practice daily forgiveness, and ask to see people as He sees them.
Connect with Dr. Healy: https://www.drmaryhealy.com/
Books by Dr. Healy
Healing: Bringing the Gift of God’s Mercy to the World: https://a.co/d/dIPSXUA
The Spiritual Gifts Handbook: Using Your Gifts to Build the Kingdom: https://a.co/d/9kYFZ4I
The Gospel of Mark Commentary: https://a.co/d/e0tu15D
Hebrews Commentary: https://a.co/d/e2Hdf16
Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome & intro to Dr. Mary Healy02:25 – Knowing the Holy Spirit personally03:33 – Confirmation & Acts 8: origins and obstacles05:27 – Pentecost power (Acts 2): joy, boldness, gifts06:55 – From striving to yielding: ending “white-knuckle” faith10:31 – Pastors as witnesses; moving hearts, not just minds13:38 – How to open meetings to the Spirit (pray, then pause)16:06 – Learning to recognize the Lord’s voice; “God winks”21:22 – Charisms: teaching, testing, practicing in parish life24:05 – Small groups that exercise and discern gifts25:13 – Evangelization two-by-two; stories from the field30:18 – Luke 10: authority over the enemy; Jesus rejoices35:26 – Preaching: indicative vs. imperative39:30 – Staffing key roles with radiant disciples (OCIA)41:33 – Deepening your interior life as a leader46:46 – Prayer of impartation for listeners
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 Sep 11, 2025
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Cynthia Marr, longtime music director at Ascension Parish in Sudbury MA, to talk about one of the most vital elements of the weekend experience: music. Cynthia shares her decades of experience in parish music ministry, what she learned from attending the Rebuilt Conference and visiting Nativity, and how her parish has transformed its worship culture. From adopting praise and worship as the primary repertoire to seamlessly integrating screens in a traditional sanctuary, Cynthia explains how excellent music creates energy, evokes emotion, and makes the weekend message stick.
If you’re a pastor, music director, or parish leader looking to strengthen your liturgy and engage your congregation more deeply, you’ll be inspired by Cynthia’s insights and practical strategies.
See Cynthia’s worship team in action here: https://youtu.be/wV2-v75MbFY
Join us for our FREE Workshops - back in session in September: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/workshops
Key Takeaways
Music shapes memory. People remember messages more when paired with music, humming refrains long after Mass ends.
Consistency builds participation. Keeping a set of songs for several weeks helps congregations learn and sing confidently.
Excellence matters. A strong sound system, prepared musicians, and professional rehearsal practices elevate the entire parish’s worship.
Screens can unify. With thoughtful placement, screens help people look up, engage, and sing together without being obtrusive.
Recruitment never stops. Building a “bench” of musicians and investing in relationships ensures sustainability in music ministry.
Vision drives culture. Music aligned with the pastor’s vision and parish mission creates a unified weekend experience that attracts and retains parishioners.
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