Ascension Roundtable (Your Catholic Ministry Podcast)

"Little by Little" Ministry Dec 07, 2022

Today we are joined by Brother Isaiah, a Franciscan friar who lives in the Bronx. He shares how little by little, he came to love God, discover his calling towards religious life, and use his musical gifts to serve the Lord. He also shares three pieces of wisdom that will deepen your prayer life and elevate your ministry.

Ministry Minutes: Embarrassment is Healthy - Yours Anyways Oct 03, 2018

Allen has suffered through a lot of embarrassment in his life. So, he stopped trying to avoid it, and started trying to embrace it. Shortly after making this decision, he ended up saying his own name wrong during an audition – a situation that could have been a complete disaster, but was actually a great opportunity.

This week, think of an embarrassing story about yourself, and, when the opportunity arises, embrace it by telling a friend. For inspiration, check out this article, Music Ministers Share Their Most Embarrassing Moments.

"God knows we have lots of awkward moments as human beings, so just embrace it."

Ministry Minutes: When You’re Planning are You Praying Too? Sep 26, 2018

In the midst of a hectic fall schedule, busy Catholics need to do everything in their power to make time to be with God in prayer or adoration. Let go of your to-do list for at least thirty minutes a day and make prayer your top priority.

If you aren’t sure where to start, read this prayer from Charles de Foucauld:

Father,
I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.

Let only your will be done in me,
and in all your creatures -
I wish no more than this, O Lord.

Into your hands I commend my soul:
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.

"How can we be in love with Christ if we don’t spend time with him in prayer? How can we actually love those we serve if our hearts don’t belong to Christ?"

Episode 81: Ministry Minutes: What Kind of Leader Are You? Sep 19, 2018

When Kanye West was interviewed in 2013 by the New York Times, he told the reporter, “I am so credible and so influential and so relevant that I will change things.” Allen says this is the worst mantra for anybody working in the Church, but it seems like there have been plenty of undercover Kanye Wests who have infiltrated the Church at so many levels.

Here’s what we have to remember: if we want to change things and influence things, we need to be leaders whose main priorities aren’t gaining influence and credibility and being relevant. We need to be leaders who imitate Christ. He gained both popularity and notoriety, but never once made a decision based off of what others were going to think about him. Christ had one purpose—doing his Father’s will.

As a leader, are you like Kanye, or are you like Jesus?

Ministry Minutes: Community Sep 07, 2018

Ministry Minutes: Staff Changes Aug 29, 2018

From his years of experience in youth ministry, Allen shares two things that kept him grounded when staff changes threatened to throw him off balance.

It’s God ministry, we are merely stewards of it. When people leave, the ministry remains. There will always be people who need us to reach out and provide an opportunity to grow their relationship with Christ and the Church.
Working with new people provides an opportunity to cast vision. Don’t look at it like another person you have to train or get caught-up, look at it like another person with whom you get to share your vision.

"People come and go in Church ministry, but the parish remains and the ministry remains. So it’s God’s ministry, we are simply stewards during this time. Our job is to continue to pray and discern what God’s will is with that ministry while we’re stewards of it."

Ministry Minutes: A Witness to Beauty Aug 22, 2018

Ministry Minutes: Burnout Aug 15, 2018

Allen's Unexpected Mission Trip Experience Aug 08, 2018

Ministry Minutes: Are You Caught in a Rut? Aug 01, 2018

Ministry Minutes: Complaining Won't Help Jul 25, 2018

Ministry Minutes: Keeping Up with the Parish Next Door Jul 18, 2018

Ministry Minutes: Your Most Important Work Happens Outside the Office Jul 13, 2018

Episode 71: Happy 4th of July & An Important Announcement! Jul 04, 2018

Happy 4th of July & An Important Announcement! by Ascension

Episode 70: A Winning Formula for Confirmation Prep Jun 27, 2018

One parish in Louisiana transformed their confirmation prep ministry by making three simple, yet powerful changes. Their teens went from begrudgingly memorizing answers about Catholicism, being confirmed, and then disappearing from church, to becoming active participants in their parish - truly on fire for the Catholic faith. Listen as Colin MacIver, a contributor for Chosen: Your Journey Towards Confirmation, shares this story of incredible transformation and the formula that made it possible.

Episode 69: Parishes, Please Invest in Better Music Jun 20, 2018

Whether we like it or not, people leave parishes because of bad music. While music is not essential to the Mass, it has the potential to move people’s hearts and draw them closer to Christ. Today Steven Joubert (a writer, musician, and youth minister) explains why it is so important for every parish to invest time and effort in music. You may be surprised at how doing just this actually builds up parishes in other ways as well.

To find out more about Steven or to listen to his music, visit StevenJoubert.com.

Episode 68: 3 Prayers You Might Not Be Praying … and Why You Should Start Praying Them Jun 13, 2018

If you’re not praying, you’re not going to get very far in understanding your faith or being able to help others grow in theirs. Historical theologian Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio explains three prayers of the Church to help you deepen your own prayer life and help others deepen their prayer lives as well. Listen and come away with a better grasp of the Church’s teaching on prayer, as well as several very practical ways to incorporate these three specific prayers into your own life and ministry.

Episode 67: How One College Professor is Challenging Today's Hook-Up Culture Jun 07, 2018

Dr. Kerry Cronin doesn’t just give her students essays; she gives them an assignment that requires them to ask someone out on a good, old-fashioned first date. It’s something she’s been doing for a while, and her experiment is featured in a new feature-length documentary recently released called The Dating Project. If you work with teens, college students, or young adults, you won’t want to miss what Dr. Cronin has discovered about hook-up culture and dating in today’s day and age.

Episode 66: How to Talk About Fertility Within Your Ministry May 30, 2018

When it comes to parish life, women’s fertility and health is a topic often relegated to a brief discussion during marriage prep, and then it’s either ignored or rarely touched upon again by anyone in the parish because of its sensitive nature. But this is a topic that everyone in Catholic ministry should be able to discuss to some degree, because at least half of the people we’re serving are women, and this is an area where our faith gives us a wealth of guidance! In a world where young women are often told that their fertility is a problem that must be fixed with birth control, we have the opportunity to share with them the beauty of God’s design behind their sexuality. Alex DeRose joins us again to give practical advice on how this topic might be addressed within different areas of ministry, and she also explains how it is an incredible opportunity to evangelize women.

We’d Love to Hear from You
Do you have comments, questions, or topic suggestions for the Ascension Roundtable hosts? Use the comment box below or email us at ascensionroundtable@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!

Episode 65: NFP Baby May 23, 2018

How much do you know about Natural Family Planning? Today, nurse practitioner Alex DeRose gets real about NFP, a topic that can be uncomfortable to discuss and therefore avoided. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Not only does Alex provide an overview to help you explain NFP to others, she answers specific questions about the Creighton Model, NAPRO technology, and explains why NFP is not Catholic birth control. Whether this is the first time you have heard about NFP or you consider yourself to be a NFP expert, this episode will prepare you to speak about natural family planning to anyone you may encounter within (or outside of) your parish.

Episode 64: Understanding and Helping Victims of Child Abuse May 16, 2018

Victims of sexual abuse often feel overwhelmed with intense feelings of worthlessness, despair, and loneliness. Many times it’s hard for them to even consider sharing what happened and how they feel. Today, Joann shares her childhood sexual abuse story, from the deep wounds of abuse, to finding peace, hope, and healing in Jesus. In this episode, you will learn what to look for and how to help those around you who may have been afflicted without you even knowing.

If you have experienced child abuse, know that you are not alone, and there is hope and healing to be found in Jesus. We are praying for you!

Episode 63: How to Pray with Anyone May 09, 2018

Sometimes we get so caught up in the organizing and executing of ministry duties that we forget that one of the most powerful things we can do is stop to pray with and for the people we encounter in our days. In today’s episode, we speak with Deborah Molina, who shares stories about praying with people on the streets of various cities. In giving us a glimpse of these different experiences, Deborah relates several very simple tips to help us minister to people through intercessory prayer.

Episode 62: 5 Ways Catholics Ruin Small Groups May 04, 2018

In this episode, we identify five major things that cause small groups to fail, and then we suggest ways to avoid those pitfalls. From losing focus on the bigger purpose of the small group to facilitation faux pas, you’ve probably seen these issues at play in a small group near you. When you’re finished listening, make sure to write to us at ascensionroundtable@ascensionpress.com with your tips for a successful small group.

Episode 61: 7 Ways To Support Millennials Working In Ministry Apr 25, 2018

What would you do if we told you that a simple smile, a family meal, or a weekly chat could make a dramatic difference in the life of a young minister (or any minister, for that matter)? It is all too easy to forget that even ministers sometimes need the people they serve to reach back out to them. Today Lauren Joyce, a young DRE, returns to the Ascension Roundtable to share seven ways you can support millennials who are working in ministry.

If you would like to learn more about Lauren or have her come speak at your parish, you can find her online at www.LaurenJoyce.net

Episode 60: Survival Tips for the Young Minister Apr 18, 2018

Today’s conversation isn’t just for the young minister; anyone can benefit from the experiences and insights shared by today’s guest. The reality is, our parishes are supposed to be intergenerational, supposed to act like a family and include people from different ages and stages in life. Many times, as a parishioner or minister we can get caught up in one way of thinking about ministry and forget that every generation feels connected to the community in different ways. And it’s no secret that younger generations are more disconnected from the parish than ever before. Today we talk to Lauren, a young DRE at a thriving parish. She shares three survival tips to help new or young ministers overcome challenges and become the best instruments they can possibly become in the hands of the Lord. Learn how to minister across all generations, stay tuned!

Episode 59: A "Frank" Conversation with a Former Catholic Apr 11, 2018

In ministry, we all know how hard it can be to get a practicing Catholic to commit to a weekly Bible study, youth group, or service project. So, how can we reach out to those who do not actively practice their faith, or someone who has left the Catholic Faith all together? A few weeks ago Marisa spoke with a man named Frank, a former Catholic. He candidly shared with us his personal experience with Catholicism and the reasons he left the Faith. Between his thoughts, Allen and Marisa provide commentary on what we can learn from him and how we can apply his experiences to improving our ministries. In order to reach people we need to know their story, and our conversation with Frank is a perfect example.

Episode 58: Blessed Triduum and Happy Easter Mar 28, 2018

Blessed Triduum and Happy Easter by Ascension

Episode 57: Three Ways to Lead a Holistic Catholic Ministry and Life Mar 22, 2018

Does feeling burned out in your personal life affect how you approach your ministry? In this episode, we discuss three important aspects of a holistic life and ministry. Discover what aspects of your life and ministry may need revitalization and then take a few simple yet practical steps to strengthen them. Any Catholic, whether a DRE, parent, or student can benefit from these helpful steps.

Episode 56: Make Catholic Formation Holistic Again Mar 15, 2018

Catholic formation isn’t just about teaching the brain; it has to do with the development of a whole person spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially. The Church has long recognized that this formation best happens in a Christian community. In this episode, you’ll learn why knowing Church teachings isn’t enough—you have to allow your whole self to be transformed by Christ, including your prayer life, your personality, how you interact with others, and even the food you put in your body. Whether you’re a DRE, youth minister, parent, grandparent, or Bible study leader, this episode will help you take steps towards your own holistic formation and empower you to build a community where others can experience the fullness of true Catholic formation.

We’d Love to Hear from You
Do you have comments, questions, or topic suggestions for the Ascension Roundtable hosts? Use the comment box below or email us at ascensionroundtable@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!

Episode 55: Answers to Your Questions About Ministering to People with Same-Sex Attraction Mar 08, 2018

In last week’s episode with Fr. Philip Bochanski, we talked about the principles of ministering to those who experience same-sex attraction. In this episode, Father takes those principles and applies them to situations you might find yourself in. How do you respond when someone shares their story with you? What kind of language should you use? How do you help someone recapture chaste friendship with someone else of the same sex?

Episode 54: How Catholics Can Serve People Who Experience Same-Sex Attraction Mar 01, 2018

Many people think there’s no place in the Catholic church for people who experience same-sex attraction. Others hope that the Church changes her teaching on this issue. Today’s interview with Fr. Philip Bochanski will introduce you to a ministry that is fully Catholic, fully pastoral, and spreading quickly in parishes across the world. This ministry, called Courage, seeks to understand its members’ experiences of same-sex attraction, anchor them in Christian community, and help them experience the joy that comes from a life of chastity. Listen and learn how Courage practically accomplishes this mission. Stay tuned till the end to hear Fr. Philip address questions from our listeners about transgender ministry, therapy that seeks to re-orient a person’s sexual attractions, and how to talk to Catholics who want to change Church teaching in this area.

Episode 53: What Catholics Need to Know About Sexual Addiction and Porn Feb 23, 2018

Learn about new ways to understand addiction with therapist Mike Ciaccio. Discover his research on the prevalence of sex addiction in Christian communities. You will find out why he is hopeful that Christians can overcome whatever darkness we face in this realm. His methods have successfully helped people experience Christ’s healing in this area of their lives. Empower yourself with the latest research in Catholic sexual addictions.

Episode 52: Catholics, Please Don’t Ignore Single Parents Feb 14, 2018

Statistically, there are over eleven million single parent families in the USA. Single moms are the only head of household for about twenty-three percent of American children, and single dads make up another six to eight percent. Whether it is a teenage mom who decided to not have an abortion, or a middle-aged mom who has finally left an abusive relationship, or the man whose wife has left him and the kids for someone else, the stories are unique, but the needs are real. Single parents have all the usual stressors of life and parenthood, along with the special crosses that fall on the single parent. Today we sit down with Christine Therese, single mom of six, who helps us better understand this life of single parents. She shares four “don’ts” when it comes to outreach to single parents, and she ends the episode by giving us practical suggestions for helping to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of single parents in our communities.

Episode 51: Reaching Out to Military Families Feb 08, 2018

On average, military families move every three years. Which means every three years these families leave behind their homes, their communities, and their friends to once more build a new life in a new town. More than just being physically exhausting, it is also emotionally and spiritually difficult. In this episode, we chat with Air Force major Gerard Carisio and his wife Kara about how they live their marriage and family vocation through the realities of their military life. In the first part of the episode, they explain how their lifestyle has reminded them that—as Christians—all of us are pilgrims on our way to heaven. In the second part of the episode, Kara and Gerard give advice as to how you can reach out to help make any military family quickly feel welcomed into a new community.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Do you have comments, questions, or topic suggestions for the Ascension Roundtable hosts? Email us at ascensionroundtable@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!

Episode 50: Bible Study Changes Everything (with Sonja Corbitt) Jan 30, 2018

Catholic convert and Bible study guru Sonja Corbitt sits down with us to talk about how Bible study changes lives, builds community, and breaks down walls between us and our Protestant brothers and sisters. Whether you’re a bold Bible geek or you feel like you don’t even know how to start reading the Bible, Sonja gives tips for building a culture of Bible study at your parish.

Episode 49: How to Make Jesus Your Priority (with Fr. Josh Johnson) Jan 24, 2018

Juggling work, family, and friends can make life feel too busy to squeeze in anything but Sunday Mass and ministry obligations. But the key to increasing your faith and bearing fruit despite all the hustle and bustle involves one simple (but difficult) change of heart. Here’s the thing: we should only have one priority, and that is Christ. Instead of trying to squeeze time with Christ into our busy lives, we should schedule the rest of our life around time spent with him. In today’s episode, Fr. Josh gives you several concrete steps you can take to make Jesus the most important relationship in your life, and explains how no matter how hard you try to serve him, you won’t be happy until you truly know him.

We’d Love to Hear from You
Do you have comments, questions, or topic suggestions for the Ascension Roundtable hosts? Email us at ascensionroundtable@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!

Episode 48: Evangelize Through Marriage Prep (with Scott Seibert) Jan 18, 2018

While some engaged couples have a great Catholic marriage prep experience, there’s no denying that many couples resent it, feeling like it’s just a meaningless hoop to jump through. How do we change the status quo and make marriage prep an opportunity to evangelize, connect with, and genuinely support engaged and newly married couples? Scott Seibert from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis shares his diocese’s journey to adjust its model of marriage preparation so it can more effectively introduce couples to and prepare them for the beauty of Christian marriage.

Looking for a great marriage prep program? Check Ascension’s new and revised Joy-Filled Marriage.

Episode 47: Build a Community of Families at Your Parish Jan 09, 2018

Leaving an old home and relocating to a new town is tough, but building a new community from scratch once you get there is even more daunting. Scott and KC Seibert, along with their four children, recently moved to Indiana and found themselves in this very situation. Today they share with us their journey of building a small, imperfect, and beautiful community of young families in their new parish. Whether you are someone who wants to make your fellow parishioners feel welcomed, a single person or married couple moving for work and wanting to find friends, or a family needing to build a community for all ages, you will walk away from this episode with practical tips and advice on how to feel at home in your new home.

Episode 46: Merry Christmas! Dec 21, 2017

Merry Christmas from all of us here at Ascension! We will be back the second week of January with a whole new season of the Ascension Roundtable Podcast.

Episode 45: Youth Ministry in an Age of Desensitization (with Brian Butler) Dec 18, 2017

In today’s episode, Brian Butler - a seasoned youth minister, speaker, and trainer - shares practical ways in which you can better minister to youth and young adults in a culture that has become desensitized to the reality of the person. We discuss how to look at someone and see their good instead of devaluing them and seeing them as simply a sexual being. At the end of this episode, you will be able to explain what it means to be a man and a woman, each once created in God’s image and likeness.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

Do you have comments, questions, or topic suggestions for the Ascension Roundtable hosts? Email us at ascensionroundtable@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!

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Episode 44: How to Reach Out to Those Suffering from Divorce Dec 13, 2017

In the first part of today’s show, we talk about how to start a ministry to the divorced at your parish, and then we discuss two helpful “do’s” and two “don’ts” that will help you to facilitate a divorce ministry group. In the second part of the show, Rose gives advice to youth ministers and catechists about how to best minister to children and families affected by divorce. Stay tuned!

Episode 43: Burning for Christ or Burning Out? (With Rose Sweet) Dec 07, 2017

Rose Sweet has spent forty years in different areas of parish ministry and more importantly, she’s spent even more time as an avid follower of Jesus Christ. Drawing from her experience in ministry and especially from the way Jesus relates to people in the gospel, Rose shares with us “Four Rules of Relationship” that we can follow to help us avoid ministry burn-out. And even though we’re focusing especially on the relationships you build while doing ministry, I think you’ll finish today’s episode feeling empowered to improve all the different relationships in your life.

Episode 42: Christopher West Talks Marriage Preparation Nov 28, 2017

We need to get marriage preparation right—the stakes are just too high not to. In this episode, Theology of the Body expert Christopher West explains some of the biggest challenges we face when it comes to preparing engaged couples for a joy-filled marriage. He then gives three pieces of advice to help you do a better job walking with couples during their time of marriage prep.

Episode 41: Preparing Someone to Hear the Gospel Message (with Thomas Smith) Nov 21, 2017

We often think that the first step of evangelization is to explicitly spell out the gospel message to another person. In this episode, evangelist and Bible scholar Thomas Smith challenges that notion, explaining how evangelization can start with one very simple question. Stay tuned to hear what that question is, and you will find that speaking to someone about the Faith is easier than you think.

Episode 40: Why I Converted from Mormonism to Catholicism (with Thomas Smith) Nov 15, 2017

In today’s episode, evangelist and Bible scholar Thomas Smith tells his story about converting from Mormonism to the Baptist faith and then eventually becoming Catholic. He explains what it is about Christianity that made him question his Mormon faith, and he also tells us four things he wishes we’d learn from the Mormon community. He finishes the show by walking us through two simple-to-implement prayer practices that can change your life.

Episode 39: Whole Parish Renewal (with Tim Glemkowski) Nov 09, 2017

What happens when one young man decides to pursue the heights of holiness and sets out to bring entire parishes along with him on the journey? Find out in today’s episode with Tim Glemkowski, founder of “L’Alto Catholic Institute. Stay tuned to hear how Tim has helped several parishes be transformed into dynamic communities of missionary disciples.

Episode 38: Fr. Mike On Building a Better Relationship with Your Pastor Nov 02, 2017

This week’s episode is short and sweet, but it hits on a topic many of you have written to us about—collaborating with your pastor in a healthy and constructive way. We might all want to be saints, but the reality is that none of us are yet. That means relationships with our pastors can sometimes feel rocky. As lay people, we wanted to get a priestly perspective on the topic and find out how we can do a better job communicating to, collaborating with, and serving our priests.

Episode 37: 4 Things a Mom Wants You to Know (with Danielle Bean) Oct 26, 2017

Danielle Bean, mom of eight, served as a DRE in her parish, and because of the unique perspective she’s gained from wearing many hats, we asked her what four insights she’d like to share with you. You’ll finish this episode feeling encouraged, and you’ll have a few practical tips to bring with you to work today.

Episode 36: An Interview with ProjectYM Oct 20, 2017

Today we sit down with Tony Vasinda and Michael Marchand, co-founders of Project YM, to pick their brains about youth ministry. We discuss the value of a holistic approach to youth ministry that is fully integrated with the rest of parish life, creative ways to support parents, and tough conversations that are sometimes worth having.

Episode 35: 3 Tips for Parish Staff (An Interview with Sonja Corbitt) Oct 10, 2017

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Catholic convert and Bible study author Sonja Corbitt, who shares three tough lessons she’s learned when it comes to working within the Church. Plus, she gives a sneak peek into her upcoming Bible study.

Episode 34: How to Engage Parents During Sacramental Prep Oct 04, 2017

You know that parents are the primary educators of their children, and that’s why it can be so hard when it seems completely left to you, the catechist, to teach them the Faith. How can we, as parish communities, evangelize parents during those key moments of sacramental prep so we can help them encounter Christ, understand their calling as parents, and embrace their role to bring their children with them to heaven.

Episode 33: Spiritual Multiplication (an Interview with Dr. Carole Brown) Sep 26, 2017

In a perfect world, we’d bring thousands of souls closer to Christ in our lifetime. But in reality, we'd be lucky to help even ten people grow considerably in their faith. In today’s episode, Dr. Carole Brown explains how our impact may seem insignificant, but if we focus our efforts on building up small groups of disciples, a serious ripple effect may lead millions of people to Christ over the course of time.

Episode 32: Evangelizing Within Your Parish Sep 21, 2017

This week’s episode is part two of a conversation about dealing with divisions within a parish. If you want to hear the first part of the discussion, go back and listen to episode thirty-one. In today’s show, Tom and Allen respond to a listener’s question about evangelizing people within one’s own parish. They make several key points, reminding us to tread lightly and challenging us to recognize our own continuous need to be evangelized.

Episode 31: Millennials, Clichés, and Catching Foxes Sep 13, 2017

Today we sit down with Luke Carey and Michael Gormley, hosts of the Catching Foxes podcast and enthusiastic lay evangelists. We talk with them about reaching millennials with the message of the Gospel, building communities of radical vulnerability, and the laity’s vocation to bring our faith beyond the parish. These guys are hilarious, insightful, and passionate about reaching a predominantly “unchurched” generation. Stay tuned.

Episode 30: Dealing with Division in Your Parish Sep 06, 2017

As long as the Church is made up of human beings, certain levels of division will continue to exist. When we’re working at the parish level, how do we understand and work through those divisions with charity and prudence? In this week’s episode, Tom and Allen share an approach to discerning the roots of conflict between parish members, helping everyone move toward unity.

Episode 29: Entrepreneurial Ministry: An Interview with Matt Pinto Aug 31, 2017

Most people don’t associate ministry with entrepreneurialism, and in certain ways, that's for good reason. But in this episode, we sit down with Matthew Pinto, president and founder of Ascension Press, who shares with us seven entrepreneurial impulses that he believes are valuable to anyone working within the Church.

Episode 28: Catechesis Needs Conversion (An Interview with Dr. Bob Rice) Aug 22, 2017

Catechesis, evangelization, theology…you've certainly heard these terms, but what’s the relationship between them? And when it comes to catechesis, how can we make sure we lead people to deeper intimacy with Christ instead of just filling their heads with information that doesn’t affect their hearts? In this episode, Dr. Bob Rice shares advice on how to make catechesis come alive, and he reminds us that the most important ministry in our lives is the ministry God does within our hearts.

Episode 27: How the Columbine Shooting Changed Our Ministry (An Interview with Jim Beckman) Aug 16, 2017

Jim Beckman and Tom McCabe worked at the Catholic parish closest to Columbine High School at the time of the shooting, and they were some of the first people on the scene after gunshots were reported to them by a parishioner who lived nearby. In this episode, they share their experience of that infamous day, and they reflect on how the Columbine event fundamentally changed their approach to ministry.

Episode 26: Mary Ann Wiesinger on Making Your Parish a Center of Hope and Evangelization Aug 08, 2017

Mary Ann Wiesinger is the Director of Evangelization and Parish Outreach for the Archdiocese of Miami, and she’s working with Archbishop Wenski to help Miami parishes become centers of hope and evangelization. Mary Ann breaks down what that means, explaining how they’re helping parishes become centers of hope by building parish communities where parishioners will risk face to face encounter. She then shares an interesting strategy that Miami parishes are using to better understand the realities of the people within their parish boundaries and tailor their parish offerings to better reach them.

Episode 25: An Interview with Maria Mitchell: Beauty Catches the World's Attention Aug 01, 2017

Today we chat with Maria Mitchell, the producer behind the Ascension Presents videos. In the first part of the show, Maria shares the story of how being in Rome when JPII died helped her realize her vocation to produce powerful Catholic media. She and Allen then talk about the importance of creating non-cheesy Catholic art, and the responsibility we have to tell the Christian story in a beautiful way that catches the world’s attention. In the second part of the show, we get practical, and Maria gives you a few simple tips to help you improve the look and feel of your ministry events.

Episode 24: An Interview with Jeff Cavins: What Catholics Can Learn from Protestants (and Vice Versa) Jul 25, 2017

Jeff Cavins grew up Catholic, but he left the Church at age 18, eventually becoming a protestant pastor. Some years later, he returned to the Catholic faith, bringing with him a lot of practical insight from his time in the protestant community. In this interview, he shares some of those insights, emphasizing how the Catholic Church can better share the fullness of the faith by learning from practical techniques used by our protestant brothers and sisters. He also reminds us never to take the richness of our Catholic faith for granted.

Episode 23: Let Them In! Hospitality as Key to the New Evangelization Jul 18, 2017

In the third episode of our miniseries on evangelization, Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio shares how Christian hospitality and the witness of Catholic community are among the most powerful, yet under-played, instruments of evangelization in the life of the Church. Tune in for tips to help you cultivate a hospitable parish, make space in your life for others, and create community within your imperfect home.

Episode 22: Want to Evangelize? Tell Your Story Jul 11, 2017

If we want to evangelize, we need to rediscover something that the Early Christians knew very well—that telling stories about how Christ has transformed our lives is what will catch people’s attention. So how do we build a Catholic culture where testimonies play a central role? Tune in to the second episode in our miniseries on Evangelization to hear Dr. Italy’s wisdom on this topic and get practical tips to help you start incorporating more testimony into your ministry.

Episode 21: Evangelization 101 with Dr. Italy: Putting It All in Context Jul 05, 2017

In this episode, Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio (aka Dr. Italy) puts the New Evangelization into the context of the ups and downs of our Catholic story. The early Christians grew from a group of 120 at Pentecost to 10% of the Roman empire in about 300 years. How did they do it? Dr. Italy discusses this and other key times in Church history, explaining how the New Evangelization is and isn’t so new.

Episode 20: The Do's and Don'ts of Catholic Fundraising Jun 28, 2017

Today we interview Brice Sokolowski from Catholicfundraiser.net. He’s going to tell you why you should fundraise (hint—it’s not just about the money), and how you can avoid common Catholic fundraising pitfalls.

Episode 19: Is Your Work Just a Job? An Interview with Jake Samour Jun 19, 2017

Jake Samour worked as rocket scientist. He lived in a big house and drove a nice car. So why did he give it all up to take a job in Catholic ministry? Twenty-five years later, he tells his story. Stay tuned to hear Jake give you the advice he wishes he’d gotten when he was just starting out in Catholic ministry.

Thinking of someone who would make a good guest on the Ascension Roundtable? Shoot us an email at ascensionroundtable@ascensionpress.com. And if you have 30 seconds, please rate and review us in iTunes (OK...it might take you a full minute—can you spare it?).

Episode 18: Tackling Tough Topics Jun 13, 2017

We’ve all heard the complaint, “I could be Catholic if it weren’t for (insert unpopular Church teaching). In this episode, Colin and Marisa break down where this resistance often comes from and discuss how to engage with those people in a disarming and fruitful way. Tune in, and when you're done listening, send us an email at ascensionroundtable@ascensionpress.com to tell us what's worked for you when it comes to tackling tough topics.

Episode 17: Ministry on a Shoestring Budget Jun 06, 2017

Let’s face it— most of us working in ministry don’t have a large operating budget, so we get creative when it comes to executing our missions. It’s not easy, but it can be done. Stay tuned to hear our hosts share different methods you can start using today to address this challenge in your ministry.

Episode 16: 4 Strategies to Maximize Your Team's Potential May 31, 2017

In our last episode, Colin and Allen tackled three issues often faced when building a ministry team. In this episode, they’re going to talk about how to develop, disciple, and sustain your team so that you can maximize their potential.

Episode 15: Where's My Team? May 22, 2017

In this episode, Colin and Allen troubleshoot three issues often faced when building a ministry team: 1. “I can’t find anyone to help me” 2. The people who have stepped up aren’t the right people for the job”, and 3. I’ve got a great people, but my team comes across as “clicky” to other people who want to join.”

Episode 14: Why Rebrand a Diocesan Office? An Interview with Anthem Philly May 15, 2017

What do Our Lady of Guadalupe, Apple, and Anthem Philly have in common? In this episode, we talk to Megan and Jacob, directors of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and they tell us why they went through a rebranding process, why they chose a new name, and how this process is rooted in their mission to create intentional disciples. Even if you are not involved in youth or young adult ministry, this interview will help you think about how your ministry builds trust with the people you serve.

Episode 13: Is "Discipleship" Just a Buzzword? May 10, 2017

We’ve mentioned discipleship in past episodes, but we’ve never fully explained what we mean when we use the term, and we’ve also never made an argument as to why your adult ministry can only succeed when a discipleship model is at its core.

Episode 12: De-Mystifying Mystagogy May 01, 2017

The Easter Vigil Mass is a powerful and exciting time in the life of the Church. But sometimes we can forget that RCIA doesn’t end when the Easter vigil closes—it continues with a special time called mystagogy, where the newly initiated are brought deeper into the sacramental life. It’s essential that we take mystagogy very seriously, because if we don’t, those who are newly planted in the Faith will have a hard time staying rooted. Tune in for tips to take your neophytes to the next level.

Episode 11: An Interview with Father Mike Schmitz Apr 24, 2017

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Director of the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth and Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth, shares an inside view about his experiences in these ministries. He also tells us how he manages his time according to the demands of his vocation—something I think all of us in ministry could benefit from hearing. In the second part of the show, he talks about how, as a Church, we can do a better job approaching sacramental prep as a valuable opportunity for evangelization.

Find the shownotes at http://ascensionpresents.com/ar11.

Disclaimer: At Ascension, we are fully committed to the fullness of truth found in the Catholic faith. We also love that while adhering to certain unchangeable truths, Catholics of goodwill can hold and express an abundance of different perspectives and opinions. We want this podcast to be a forum where an open and candid exchange of these views can occur. As such, the views expressed by the guests on our show are their views and not necessarily those of Ascension.

Episode 10: Ministering to People Who Suffer: Part II of an Interview with Dr. Greg Bottaro Apr 10, 2017

How can you help people forgive? When do you refer someone to seek professional help to deal with certain psychological suffering? How can the Catholic community better serve those who are hurting? This episode is Part II of our interview with Catholic Psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro.

If you want to understand more about what Dr. Greg means by "Catholic Mindfulness," go to http://mindspirit.com/the-present-moment-a-christian-approach-to-mindfulness/.

Disclaimer: At Ascension, we are fully committed to the fullness of truth found in the Catholic faith. We also love that while adhering to certain unchangeable truths, Catholics of goodwill can hold and express an abundance of different perspectives and opinions. We want this podcast to be a forum where an open and candid exchange of these views can occur. As such, the views expressed by the guests on our show are their views and not necessarily those of Ascension.

Episode 9: Mindfulness in Ministry: An Interview with Dr. Greg Bottaro Apr 03, 2017

This episode is Part 1 of our interview with Catholic Psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro. In this segment, Dr. Greg discusses how those in Catholic ministry can approach their work with full presence of mind and a healthy perspective. He also shares tips for evangelization from a psychologist's perspective.

Disclaimer: At Ascension, we are fully committed to the fullness of truth found in the Catholic faith. We also love that while adhering to certain unchangeable truths, Catholics of goodwill can hold and express an abundance of different perspectives and opinions. We want this podcast to be a forum where an open and candid exchange of these views can occur. As such, the views expressed by the guests on our show are their views and not necessarily those of Ascension.

Episode 8: An Interview with Jason Evert Mar 24, 2017

There are a lot of you out there who haven’t had a chance to learn about Saint Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, or you’ve heard about it, but you’re not sure how it can help you in your ministry. So, we decided to do a show about it, and we invited Jason Evert, an expert on the topic, to join us. In this interview with Jason, he’s going to explain how the TOB is a roadmap we can use to help people discover their purpose in a society that is very confused.

Disclaimer: At Ascension, we are fully committed to the fullness of truth found in the Catholic faith. We also love that while adhering to certain unchangeable truths, Catholics of goodwill can hold and express an abundance of different perspectives and opinions. We want this podcast to be a forum where an open and candid exchange of these views can occur. As such, the views expressed by the guests on our show are their views and not necessarily those of Ascension.

Episode 7: More Than Grades: Evangelizing in the Classroom Mar 24, 2017

It’s one things to reach young people in the context of a youth group, where things are more casual and there’s no pressure on them “to perform.” But things are very different in the classroom, when grades and school drama can be at play. Stay tuned to hear strategies that Tom and Colin have used in their classrooms to evangelize their students.

Disclaimer: At Ascension, we are fully committed to the fullness of truth found in the Catholic faith. We also love that while adhering to certain unchangeable truths, Catholics of goodwill can hold and express an abundance of different perspectives and opinions. We want this podcast to be a forum where an open and candid exchange of these views can occur. As such, the views expressed by the guests on our show are their views and not necessarily those of Ascension.

Episode 6: Why Does God Allow Us To Be Tested? Mar 23, 2017

Have you ever felt like God is trusting you with more than what you can handle? Last episode, Tom and Allen talked about how the cost of being a disciple in ministry can feel overwhelming at times. In this episode, they offer three reasons why God lets us be tested beyond what we think we can handle.

Disclaimer: At Ascension, we are fully committed to the fullness of truth found in the Catholic faith. We also love that while adhering to certain unchangeable truths, Catholics of goodwill can hold and express an abundance of different perspectives and opinions. We want this podcast to be a forum where an open and candid exchange of these views can occur. As such, the views expressed by the guests on our show are their views and not necessarily those of Ascension.

Episode 5: Balancing Your Inner Mary and Martha Mar 23, 2017

When you work in ministry, the job is never done. So how do you make yourself hit “pause” on your to-do list and take some time for prayer? Tom, Colin, and Allen share their personal struggles with this inner tension, and then they share what’s worked in their lives to help them ground their ministry work in a strong relationship with Jesus Christ.

Disclaimer: At Ascension, we are fully committed to the fullness of truth found in the Catholic faith. We also love that while adhering to certain unchangeable truths, Catholics of goodwill can hold and express an abundance of different perspectives and opinions. We want this podcast to be a forum where an open and candid exchange of these views can occur. As such, the views expressed by the guests on our show are their views and not necessarily those of Ascension.

Episode 4: Can Youth Group Small Groups Actually Work? Feb 17, 2017

If you’ve ever led a teen small group, you’ve probably experienced at least one of the following—blank stares, the teen who never stops talking, more than a few awkward moments, and hopefully a few groundbreaking ones. In this episode, Allen and Colin, seasoned experts when it comes to youth ministry, help you get past these problems and make small groups work for your youth group.

Disclaimer: At Ascension, we are fully committed to the fullness of truth found in the Catholic faith. We also love that while adhering to certain unchangeable truths, Catholics of goodwill can hold and express an abundance of different perspectives and opinions. We want this podcast to be a forum where an open and candid exchange of these views can occur. As such, the views expressed by the guests on our show are their views and not necessarily those of Ascension.

Episode 3: So Why This Podcast? Feb 10, 2017

The Ascension Roundtable hosts introduce themselves and explain why, if you're involved in Catholic ministry, this podcast will soon become one of your favorites.

Episode 2: The Cost of Discipleship Jan 13, 2017

Most people don’t accept a job in ministry because they think it will make them famous or earn them millions—they do it because they want to serve God and others. But, that doesn’t make it easy. Tom and Allen confront that reality in this episode, sharing stories about how some of their toughest moments in ministry were when they felt closest to Christ.

Disclaimer: At Ascension, we are fully committed to the fullness of truth found in the Catholic faith. We also love that while adhering to certain unchangeable truths, Catholics of goodwill can hold and express an abundance of different perspectives and opinions. We want this podcast to be a forum where an open and candid exchange of these views can occur. As such, the views expressed by the guests on our show are their views and not necessarily those of Ascension.

Episode 1: Three Essential Elements of Catechesis: The What, the Who, and the How Jan 13, 2017

Tom and Allen discuss a three-pronged approach to teen catechesis and share ideas to troubleshoot a common tough scenario involving your volunteers.

Disclaimer: At Ascension, we are fully committed to the fullness of truth found in the Catholic faith. We also love that while adhering to certain unchangeable truths, Catholics of goodwill can hold and express an abundance of different perspectives and opinions. We want this podcast to be a forum where an open and candid exchange of these views can occur. As such, the views expressed by the guests on our show are their views and not necessarily those of Ascension.

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