Proclaim: Recent Episodes
Proclaim
How does being on mission translate into the real world? Join host and director of Proclaim, Eric Chow, as he sits down with inspiring disciples to talk all things around sharing Jesus with others.
Since its initial launch in October 2019, the Proclaim Movement - the evangelization initiative in the Archdiocese of Vancouver - has grown significantly. It has supported parishes and ministries by providing online and in-person training and resources on leadership, discipleship, and how to start their own Alpha and CCO Discovery small groups in their own communities. As with new movements and initiatives, it is common for people to ask recurring questions about its mission and purpose. Who better to answer these questions than the director of Proclaim himself? In this episode, guest host Emi Namoro will interview Eric about the origin of Proclaim, the movement’s growth since its launch in 2019, and frequently asked questions that people have had over the years. Discussion Questions: What stood out to you the most from this episode? What surprised you from this reintroduction to the Proclaim Movement? What does missionary disciple mean to you? What can you do today to “Awaken Disciples to Proclaim Jesus”? How can you be involved in Proclaim? How have you been involved in Proclaim? Emi Namoro serves as the Digital Engagement Support for the Proclaim Movement. She is a full-time psychology student and a parishioner at St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Coquitlam. Proclaim is a movement of the Archdiocese of Vancouver inspiring disciples to proclaim Jesus in their homes and communities. The Proclaim podcast is a space where you listen to inspiring disciples talk all things around sharing Jesus with others, and learn how to step into your own missionary identity. To learn more about Proclaim, you can visit weareproclaim.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @weareproclaim
Friendship is such an important aspect of the human life. It can encourage us to come outside of ourselves, try something new, and discover who we are. Our guest, Brad Chase, is a perfect example of this. In this episode, we discuss how his friendships led him to discover the Catholic faith, his involved with the Cursillo movement and becoming an active leader in his parish. Discussion Questions: What stood out to you the most from this episode? Throughout this episode, Brad shows his enthusiasm and openness by trying out new experiences from his weekly conversations with Jehovah’s Witnesses to helping lead an Alpha group in his parish. What new experiences is God calling you to try and be open to? Brad shares his experience with the Cursillo movement and how meeting weekly with his men’s group radically changed his spiritual life. Do you have a regular group that you meet with? Who can you ask to journey with you and keep you accountable in your spiritual life? How can you make a friend, be a friend, and bring a friend to Christ today? Brad Chase is a parishioner at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish with his wife Carla and their four kids. He is also an active participant in the Cursillo movement, which evangelizes through friendship with this simple motto: Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ. Proclaim is a movement of the Archdiocese of Vancouver inspiring disciples to proclaim Jesus in their homes and communities. The Proclaim podcast is a space where you listen to inspiring disciples talk all things around sharing Jesus with others, and learn how to step into your own missionary identity. To learn more about Proclaim, you can visit weareproclaim.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @weareproclaim.
In this episode, Eric Chow is joined by The Most Reverent J. Michael Miller, CSB, and returning guest, Brett Powell. They discuss the Archbishop’s keynote at the Upper Room 2021 Conference, the Church’s relationship with society today, the co-responsibility of the laity and the clergy in the mission of the Church, and the role that Proclaim has in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Discussion Questions: What stood out to you the most from this episode? As the laity in the Church, how can we support the clergy in the mission of the Church? How can we take action in serving God alongside our priests and religious brothers and sisters? In your opinion, how has society impacted the Church? How has the Church impacted society? How can we, as faithful Catholics and disciples, proclaim the Good News today? Brett describes the Church seen as a “trusted lighthouse” before. But today, it seems that is no longer the case. How can the Church become a “trusted lighthouse” again? In his keynote for Upper Room, Archbishop Michael mentioned two virtues necessary for effective missionary disciples: hope and humility. How can you grow in those two virtues in your spiritual life today? Archbishop J. Michael Miller currently serves as the chief shepherd of Vancouver’s 430,000 Catholics since January 2009, and has been part of the city’s religious landscape since 2007, when Pope Benedict XVI named him Coadjutor Archbishop. Brett Powell currently serves as the Archbishop’s Delegate of Development and Ministries. Proclaim is a movement of the Archdiocese of Vancouver inspiring disciples to proclaim Jesus in their homes and communities. The Proclaim podcast is a space where you listen to inspiring disciples talk all things around sharing Jesus with others, and learn how to step into your own missionary identity. To learn more about Proclaim, you can visit weareproclaim.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @weareproclaim.
In this episode, we continue our Intentional Accompaniment series with Proclaim Director, Eric Chow and CCO Missionary, Michael Hall. In this series, they break down CCO's model of Intentional Accompaniment - an essential skill for missionary disciples. In this episode, Eric and Michael discuss the layers of who are a part of the journey of accompanying others through CCO's 1-2-3-4 model, and dive deeper into the meaning of the scripture verse, 2 Timothy 2:2. Discussion Questions: What stood out to you the most from this episode? Have you heard of CCO's 1-2-3-4 model before? Have you had experience to a leadership structure similar to this concept in the past? What are your thoughts on this model? How can this model help each person (1s, 2s, 3s, 4s) in the ministry/movement? "Who are the next generation of missionary disciples?" How have you helped those that you have accompanied to become the next leaders? If you've witnessed those you have accompanied become leaders, share your story with the group. What did you learn from that experience? If you haven't experienced this yet, keeping in mind that the one who leads in this accompaniment is the Holy Spirit, what are your dreams for your 1s? 2s? 3s? In the context of leading a program or small group, it is easy to identify the 1s, 2s, and the 4s. But where we lack is finding and identifying the 3s within our ministry. How can we help build up the 2s into future 3s? As leaders in our community, how can we intentionally help 2s (and even 1s) become future 3s one day? Michael Hall is the author of "Intentional Accompaniment" and a missionary with Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO). You can learn more about the Intentional Accompaniment model at CCO.ca and order Michael's book at store.cco.ca Proclaim is a movement of the Archdiocese of Vancouver inspiring disciples to proclaim Jesus in their homes and communities. The Proclaim podcast is a space where you listen to inspiring disciples talk all things around sharing Jesus with others, and learn how to step into your own missionary identity. To learn more about Proclaim, you can visit weareproclaim.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @weareproclaim.
In this episode, we continue our Intentional Accompaniment series with Proclaim Director, Eric Chow and CCO Missionary, Michael Hall. In this series, they break down CCO's model of Intentional Accompaniment - an essential skill for missionary disciples. In this episode, Eric and Michael discuss prophetic listening: a crucial component in accompanying others, and they share four practical tips to intentionally build this skill. Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this episode? "If the Lord is calling you to mission, ministry, or to a particular person, and we know that He has a plan for those people, and He has a plan for us personally; doesn't it make sense, that if He wants you to help a person to move in a direction that He wants to move, that He would let us in the plan?". Our guest, Michael, describes prophetic listening in this way. Think back when you were accompanying others (or when someone was accompanying you), have you had moments of prophetic listening with God? What happened during that encounter? "If you don't take that risk, you won't ever discover how far you can take that conversation". Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever felt scared or intimidated to delve deeper in getting to know someone new? What happened? What steps can you take to ensure that you're inviting the Holy Spirit into your future conversations and encounters? Think back on the four skills of prophetic listening that Michael shared: "build rapport", "survey", "zoom in" and "strengthen". Which skills do you excel at? Which skills do you find challenging? As a group, brainstorm ideas on how to build on these skills together, and what helped you in your own journey. If time allows, try practicing these new skills together. Find a partner, listen to each other applying what you've learned about prophetic listening, and share feedback with one another. What have you learned from this experience/exercise? Michael Hall is the author of "Intentional Accompaniment" and a missionary with Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO). You can learn more about the Intentional Accompaniment model at CCO.ca and order Michael's book at store.cco.ca Proclaim is a movement of the Archdiocese of Vancouver inspiring disciples to proclaim Jesus in their homes and communities. The Proclaim podcast is a space where you listen to inspiring disciples talk all things around sharing Jesus with others, and learn how to step into your own missionary identity. To learn more about Proclaim, you can visit weareproclaim.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @weareproclaim.
In this episode, we continue our Intentional Accompaniment series with Proclaim Director, Eric Chow and CCO Missionary, Michael Hall. In this series, they break down CCO's model of Intentional Accompaniment - an essential skill for missionary disciples. In this episode, Eric and Michael discuss the three main aspects of Intentional Accompaniment: people, programs, and paraclete, and the importance of radical commitment in accompaniment. Discussion Questions: "When we're planning this parish event, we put the focus on what's the room gonna look like, what's the registration process going to work .. All those things are important, you don't wanna forget those things ... But at the end, you put so much focus on that, that you forget that the event is about reaching individual people". Have you ever experienced this in ministry? What steps can you take to ensure that you focus on your overall mission? "We have to have a radical commitment to a one-person-at-a-time mentality. A radical commitment to one person at a time". This is a powerful statement from our guest, Michael. Accompanying others in their journey to Christ is a personal encounter. What does Radical Commitment mean to you? How can focusing on one-person-at-a-time benefit the accompanier and the one who's being accompanied? "Let the Holy Spirit take the lead". What is my relationship with the Holy Spirit? How can we trust the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our own spiritual journeys and in the way that we accompany others? How can we let the Holy Spirit to take the lead in ministry and in our own lives? Michael Hall is the author of "Intentional Accompaniment" and a missionary with Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO). You can learn more about the Intentional Accompaniment model at cco.ca and order Michael's book at store.cco.ca. Proclaim is a movement of the Archdiocese of Vancouver inspiring disciples to proclaim Jesus in their homes and communities. The Proclaim podcast is a space where you listen to inspiring disciples talk all things around sharing Jesus with others, and learn how to step into your own missionary identity. To learn more about Proclaim, you can visit weareproclaim.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @weareproclaim.
In this episode, we continue our Intentional Accompaniment series with Proclaim Director, Eric Chow and CCO Missionary, Michael Hall. In this series, they break down CCO's model of Intentional Accompaniment - an essential skill for missionary disciples. In this episode, Eric and Michael discuss the role of an accompanier, how to grow in our interior life, and how to build the foundation of holiness and mission in accompaniment. Discussion Questions: "As an apprentice, you don't just go into a classroom and study how to be a cabinet maker or a plumber, and get thrown out into the field when you're deemed ready...There's that person who's there over your shoulder not to criticize you, but to be a support and a role model and who walks with you along the way." Michael shares about the importance and significance of having someone walk with you in your spiritual journey. When you think about your own spiritual journey, has there been moments where you felt like an "apprentice"? Who were your mentors? How have they helped you in growing in holiness and mission? As we grow and mature in our Catholic faith, it is likely that we have encountered others in that are in the beginning stages of their spiritual journey that we can accompany. Who have you accompanied? What insights and lessons have you learned about God, yourself, and the person you accompanied in the process? How have you helped them in their growth? If you haven't accompanied anyone before and would like to, was there a time that you felt an opportunity of accompanying others came up in the past? How can you prepare yourself to be an accompanier in the future? How have you passed on "the message and the mission" in your day-to-day life? What steps have you taken to grow in holiness and mission? What actions have you taken to learn more about our Catholic faith? How have you matured in holiness and multiplying in mission? Michael Hall is the author of "Intentional Accompaniment" and a missionary with Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO). You can learn more about the Intentional Accompaniment model at cco.ca and order Michael's book at store.cco.ca Proclaim is a movement of the Archdiocese of Vancouver inspiring disciples to proclaim Jesus in their homes and communities. The Proclaim podcast is a space where you listen to inspiring disciples talk all things around sharing Jesus with others, and learn how to step into your own missionary identity. To learn more about Proclaim, you can visit weareproclaim.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @weareproclaim.
We continue our Intentional Accompaniment series with Proclaim Director, Eric Chow and CCO Missionary, Michael Hall. In this series, they break down CCO's model of Intentional Accompaniment - an essential skill for missionary disciples. In this episode, Eric and Michael discuss the stages of trust, curiousity, openness, and seeking in accompaniment. Discussion Questions: What are your takeaways from this episode? What stood out to you the most? In his book, “Intentional Accompaniment”, Michael writes that “if [the Gospel] isn’t shared in a relationship of trust, our best intentions may not matter. Others will not be able to receive it because they don’t trust us or our intentions”. This quote rings so true especially in evangelization. If those we accompany don’t trust us, our message may be lost in translation. How can we, as leaders, build on “strengthening our trust meter” with others? While discussing the stage of trust, Eric and Michael touch on the idea of “moving in the speed of [your mentee’s] trust”. Others may open up easily while others may have wounds that prevent them from opening up? Have you experienced this before? What helped you in opening up to our mentor? What helped you gained the trust of your mentee? Out of the four stages of intentional accompaniment: trust, curiosity, openness, and seeking, which one do you think others have the hardest time with? Which areas do you think you struggled with in your journey with conversion? How can you use what you have learned to those around you? Michael Hall is the author of "Intentional Accompaniment" and a missionary with Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO). You can learn more about the Intentional Accompaniment model at CCO.ca and order Michael's book at store.cco.ca. Proclaim is a movement of the Archdiocese of Vancouver inspiring disciples to proclaim Jesus in their homes and communities. The Proclaim podcast is a space where you listen to inspiring disciples talk all things around sharing Jesus with others, and learn how to step into your own missionary identity. To learn more about Proclaim, you can visit weareproclaim.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @weareproclaim.
We introduce our new series: Intentional Accompaniment with Proclaim Director, Eric Chow and CCO Missionary, Michael Hall. In this series, they break down CCO's model of Intentional Accompaniment - an essential skill for missionary disciples. In this episode, Eric and Michael discuss the three elements of initial conversion and the framework of intentional accompaniment. Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this episode? What stirred your heart? Eric mentions a quote from the tv show, “The Chosen”, where Mary Magdalene talks about her experience with Jesus with Nicodemus. She says, “I was one way, and now I'm completely different. And the thing that happened in between was Him.” We all have a story similar to Mary Magdalene. We were living one life before and then through Christ, we were renewed completely. What led you to Christ? How did He change your life? Our guest, Michael Hall, describes Intentional Accompaniment as such, “it may make the process less daunting because there is someone who is showing you the path that you can walk, you don’t have to figure it out on your own”. There are many huge benefits to accompaniment, for both the mentor and the mentee. Are you accompanying someone right now? How can you use your own experiences to help guide those you’re journeying with? Who is someone in your life that the Holy Spirit is calling you to reach out to? Michael Hall is the author of "Intentional Accompaniment" and a missionary with Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO). You can learn more about the Intentional Accompaniment model at CCO.ca and order Michael's book at store.cco.ca. Proclaim is a movement of the Archdiocese of Vancouver inspiring disciples to proclaim Jesus in their homes and communities. The Proclaim podcast is a space where you listen to inspiring disciples talk all things around sharing Jesus with others, and learn how to step into your own missionary identity. To learn more about Proclaim, you can visit weareproclaim.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @weareproclaim.
In this episode, Eric interviews the Choa family who are members of Families for Christ - an ecclesial movement here in our Archdiocese and abroad. They were in the middle of an Alpha course when the pandemic hit and they seized the opportunity to reach wider. Their online guests came from Montreal, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines! The Choas are truly a missionary family, and they share how the Families for Christ Community supports them in their growth as missionary disciples.
In this episode, we hear from Arnel and Vivian Balmeo, parishioners of All Saints Parish in Coquitlam and active members of Couples for Christ. They share their journey to discipleship in Jesus and the positive impact it has had on their marriage and family life. They also share the vital role that Couples for Christ has played in their active missionary life.
In this episode, we replay Eric's interview with Matt Maher from the Upper Room Conference in September 2020. Matt shares his connection with the Archdiocese of Vancouver, how God has moved in his life, and how music has become a missionary platform. He also shares the impact of COVID on his family and his growing devotion to St. Joseph.
In this episode, Eric interviews John Acosta - Director of Pastoral Services for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. John grew up in Vancouver and was introduced to Couples for Christ (CFC) through a youth retreat. Growing involvement formed his missionary heart, which led to 14 years of missionary work with CFC. John shares his journey and experience, lessons learned, and breaks down some of the ways CFC has been engaged in evangelization and missionary formation.
Eric has a discussion with Joseph San Jose from All Saints Parish in Coquitlam. Joe shares some practical ways that his Alpha team successfully invited close to 50 people in their proximate periphery. His passion to proclaim Jesus comes forth and he offers words of encouragement for all of us who desire to grow as missionary disciples.
Eric interviews Daniel - a missionary disciple in our Archdiocese of Vancouver with big dreams for our Catholic parishes and communities. Daniel shares his experiences with Couples for Christ, Catholic Christian Outreach, the Companions of the Cross, and St. Benedict's in Halifax. Eric and Daniel explore topics such as spiritual conversations with family and friends, the awkwardness of learning how to pray with others, authentic community, and the primacy of evangelization. He challenges each of us to be protagonists in the evangelizing mission of the Church.
Eric interviews Rachel Wong live on the Proclaim Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareproclaim). Rachel shares her story of encountering Jesus in Adoration and how God invited her into a unique mission, resulting in the launch of the Feminine Genius Podcast (https://www.femininegeniuspodcast.com)). Rachel shares some insights on how to get the most out of live streaming mass at home, how the Upper Room conference inspired her, and how we can all be encouraged to be lights in the world. Rachel Wong is a Catholic writer, creative, speaker and podcaster. Though she was born into the Catholic faith, Rachel had a re-conversion back to the faith in 2016. Since then, she's been on a beautiful journey of learning more about her faith and role as a Catholic woman, and she shares it with others through writing and speaking.
Megan and Nathan share how they encountered faith and community through others accompanying them, and how they are now in turn accompanying other young couples in their journey of faith. They discuss the impact of faith studies, relationships, and how conversations over brunch can be important missionary moments. Megan shares some exciting opportunities with Marriage and Family ministries - through mentorship and The Marriage Course.
Eric and Julia talk about opening "Holy Grounds" Coffeehouse at St. Patrick's Parish in Maple Ridge, and how the community began to grow. The coffeehouse wasn't just a novel idea but part of an overall parish strategy to call and form missionary disciples. Holy Grounds is the name of the space but the approach to community is seeing one another as holy ground, as Pope Francis stated in para. 169 of Evangelii Gaudium.
Eric talks with Julia Hanley from St. Patrick's Parish in Maple Ridge and Tim Glemkowski, Director of Strategy for the Archdiocese of Denver in Colorado. They discuss St. Patrick's discipleship pathway and parish culture. Having a discipleship pathway is one of the main principles outlined in Tim's book Made for Mission: Renewing Your Parish Culture. They discuss how the Holy Spirit moved Julia and St Patrick's disciples to formulate their pathway from principles, and the opportunities and challenges in parish life when it comes to evangelization.
In this episode, Eric sits down with Brian Joel, a parishioner at St Matthew's in Surrey. Brian shares with enthusiasm his journey towards discipleship through men's retreats, CCO faith studies, and with encouraging mentors. Brian has been involved in leading many ministries at St. Matthew's, including Alpha and the CCO Faith studies. He shares how he sees missionary discipleship as allowing God to work through him to help others. Brian Joel has been a parishioner at St. Matthew's for the past 20 years. He grew up as a Protestant and converted to Catholicism in 2001. He is very active in his church participating in many ministries, including Bible study, Discovery Discipleship and Alpha. One of his favorites is Man’s Destiny which just held it’s fourth conference this year. He is a long-time Surrey resident where he lives with his wife and family, he owns a software development company for over 25 years and likes to run marathons.
Brett and Eric discuss the importance of hospitality in our communities. Some simple actions like paying attention to the details, focusing on the person, and extending authentic curiosity, can help our communities in being hospitable to our proximate periphery. Hospitality isn't just a strategy, it's the privilege and responsibility of each of us as members of our parish communities.
In this episode, Brett and Eric discuss the missionary dimension of the home. There are many opportunities in our everyday living that allow us to witness to our faith. This episode was recorded earlier in the year, but it has impact and relevance for us today. Proclaim is about inviting disciples to proclaim Jesus in their homes and communities and we can take small steps towards growing the missionary dimension of the home.
In this episode, Eric and Brett discuss the role of relational trust in evangelization - why it is important, how suspicion plays against trust, and some tips to building trust in our proximate periphery. 1:19 Relational trust is the bond that exists between two people that allows for influence to happen 1:52 The first step towards faith isn't always faith itself but being in a trusted relationship with a believer 3:38 The Church is no longer viewed as the trusted lighthouse for society that it once was 5:02 Suspicion is the opposite of trust 8:43 Relational trust includes all those things that are outside the words of evangelization 8:52 People don't care how much you know unless they know how much you care 11:39 People are more likely to listen to witnesses over teachers, but listen to teachers because they are witnesses. 15:00 Being relevant in people's lives is being present in their moments. 16:25 Alpha as a great way to developing trusting relationships. 19:28 Practical tips to building relational trust: listing to people's story, authentic curiosity, asking open-ended questions, expressing genuine interest. 25:45 Building trust between parents and children who have walked away from faith. 27:40 Parents are the best people to intercede for their children. 28:30 Resource "Praying for your sons and daughters, and those you love, by Vernon Robertson" 31:30 Brett's word of encouragement - the little things are the big things when it comes to building relational trust 31:45 Eric's word of encouragement - you're not alone. We're all learning to build trust. Proclaim is here to help.
In this episode of the Proclaim Podcast Eric Chow continues the conversation with Deacons Raffaele Salvino and Richard Conlin. They discuss their experience with CCO's intentional accompaniment masterclass, prophetic listening, and the need to become great listeners in order to live out our missionary discipleship. 0:50 Evangelii Gaudium 169 The Church will have to initiate everyone – priests, religious and laity – into this “art of accompaniment” which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other (cf. Ex 3:5). The pace of this accompaniment must be steady and reassuring, reflecting our closeness and our compassionate gaze which also heals, liberates and encourages growth in the Christian life. 3:47 Deacon Richard: What a privilege it is to enter into their lives because the Lord has chosen them and deeply desires to have a relationship with them. 8:30 Discusses their experience of CCO's Intentional Accompaniment masterclass. A way to connect years of formation of seminary into living out the parish life. You can find CCO's Intentional accompaniment model https://cco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CCO-Intentional-Accompaniment-Booklet.pdf 12:02 What were some of the ways you found yourself applying intentional accompaniment in your ministry? Deacon Richard realized that an email blast wasn't enough. "I needed to reach out to them personally..there has to be intentionality to invitations" 16:30 Deacon Raffaele, we need to be prophetically listening - having one ear to the person and one ear to heaven. 20:45 Deacon Raffaele, What is not prophetic listening - while they're talking, I'm not listening and crafting my apologetic response. 20:40 "By your baptism, you're a prophet. The Lord has got your back!" Deacon Richard 26:30 "If I can be a good listener, then I can be confident that the Holy Spirit can work through me" Deacon Rafaelle 33:56 Christ modeled accompaniment with his disciples, and from there his disciples went on to accompany others. Deacon Raffaele. 35:10 Deacon Raffaele's word of encouragement - Accompaniment is easier than you think. Deacon Richard's word of encouragement - listen well Eric's word of encouragement - accompaniment isn't just hanging out, it's also inviting people to deeper discipleship and knowing where to take them. Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!
Eric Chow has a conversation with Deacon Rafaele Salvino and Deacon Richard Conlin about the impact of relationships in their journey to discipleship and vocation. They discuss why relationships matter and the missionary skill of 'matchmaking': taking God's grace and matching it with people's needs. 1:00 Deacon Raff Salvino shares his story 3:55 Deacon Richard Conlin shares his story "Going to confession, that day I became an intentional disciple and a missionary disciple. I just had to go tell everyone what happened" 7:32 How friendship witnessed to Deacon Raff: "I knew there was more, I wasn't sure where it would come from, but I knew it was possible. I encountered Christ in adoration as the fulfillment of all my deepest desires." Deacon Richard "Out of that commitment, the intentionality of journeying with someone, our ability to be a disciple came about. You're commiting to a person, it's not a program you're putting someone through, you're not trying to fix someone. You're committing to the person and that relationship brought us here. " 11:40 -12:10 "The Archdiocese of Vancouver wouldn't have Deacon Richard and Deacon Raff if there weren't a couple of people who wanted to commit to us. And out of that relationship we have a relationship with Christ and we want to share that full time, all day everyday, and that's what we have the privledge to do now. You being intentional about a relationship with someone...you never know what could come of that" 15:20 Deacon Richard says "When you look at the people that you want to bring to Christ, you have to ask yourself if there's a genuine relationship of trust there. Are you only reaching out to them to invite them to events at church? Or do you hang out with them to build trust or text them to see how they're doing? Or is it always connected to 'can you come to this next event? " 17:50 - 18:36 Deacon Raff talks flag football and Christ 18:42 - 19:30 Deacon Raff missed faith study, leader came to his family's house. 20:48 Deacon Richard discusses how preaching has helped him grow as a missionary disciple. The skill of "matchmaking" - taking the grace of the readings with the needs of the people, and you match them. But it's not just for preaching, this is a skill that all missionary disciples need to grow in. 24:30 Being a missionary is challenging, and experiencing rejection in an invitation is a moment that strengthens us as missionary disciples. "Not having it all together is one of the greatest assets that you have (as a missionary disciple) because you're authentic. You're authentically striving to live a life for God, and the people around you see that. They see your flaws and they also see the beauty of that too, so that when you make that appeal to live a life for Christ, it carries so much more weight and authority." 33:43 Deacon Raff dismantling the lie that "only the priest evangelizes" and "I don't know enough to be a missionary". 34:56 Deacon Raff says"I would die with a huge smile on my face if I could see every single parishoner know that, by baptism, God has called them to be a missionary."
Some moments of particular interest: 1:19 The story of OLGC, and the origin of Acts XXIX 6:00 How Eucharistic adoration can change everything 9:15 A powerful story of youth dropping their nets (literally) 11:00 Taking a whole parish on retreat with Alpha 15:00 “We all of a sudden had a tool that we could use for the unchurched.” 21:36 The parish staff is the spinal cord of the body, and most parish spinal cords are broken 26:59 The document Unleash the Gospel, and how it animates Acts XXIX 31:38 3 essential principles for transforming the Church 36:19 “Maintenance” in our era equals death 39:29 Why programs don’t convert people Takeaway quote: “I’m just convinced that exposition (of the Blessed Sacrament) is a wrecking ball.” Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://youtu.be/1EiGZFSWmXE).
Some moments of particular interest: 10:04 A vision of Jesus, a partial of surrender 12:26 A surprise vocational call, delivered through Scripture and prayer 15:55 (Mary) “I am a testimony of God’s patience and mercy as well.” 18:11 “They spoke the name of Jesus unapologetically. That was something new for me.” 20:47 Learning to pray from (non-Catholic) Christian friends 22:18 Embracing God’s will in a serious illness 25:50 Having someone accompany us in our discipleship 28:00 Avoiding the temptation to let prayer become rote 30:01 “For some reason, I don’t know why, God enjoys my company.” 32:00 “Time is the currency of friendship.” If we are serious about being on mission, we pray 39:40 When the enemy tries to disqualify us after a fall, Jesus restores us 43:19 “There will not be parish renewal without priestly revival.” Takeaway quote: “If that’s really you, Lord, I need a desire for that. Because I don’t want to do that… “I woke up two days later with an insatiable desire to be a priest.” Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://youtu.be/ZhpesHuBKnw).
Some moments of particular interest: 2:55 Finding meaning and purpose in mission 5:18 Living a relationship with Jesus as a day-to-day encounter and a love story 10:00 Conversion involves the whole person 13:08 Staring down a new missionary age 18:16 Remembering where the New Evangelization began: in the heart of God 24:01 If we want to be effective, we have got to get in front of the Lord and just be with him 29:01 From belonging, to belief, to behaving 31:26 We need a kerygmatic revolution in the Church 48:27 We need to retool and reprioritize based on this place we are in at this moment in history 53:30 As a Church, we may need to again earn the right to be heard Takeaway quote: “Too often in the Catholic Church we're trying to build the building from the 5th floor down. We gotta start from the foundation and build up.” Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://youtu.be/pFBHH7CXya0).
Some moments of particular interest: 2:00 A billboard with a spiritual message can really have an impact on your life! 2:55 The loss of a loved one, raising the bigger questions about life 4:52 Realizing that the claims of the Resurrection “had real value to them” 7:54 Reading the apostolic fathers to gain insight into what to believe 10:40 After Confirmation, a different kind of encounter with Jesus 12:22 How did Bishop Scott know God was calling him to be a priest? Takeaway quote (On baptism in the Spirit): “It was the watershed moment in my life. I encountered the living Christ. The risen Jesus. And that faith that was developed in my head, and was germinating in my head, really found (an) anchor in my heart in that moment. Those hungers, those desires that I was experiencing… they found their source, and their fulfilment.” Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://youtu.be/RbvanhpogFE).
Some moments of particular interest: 1:58 How asking questions can help people unearth their spiritual concerns, experiences, etc. 5:20 What is the difference between pre-evangelization and “just chickening out?” 8:26 Working towards a spiritual environment change 11:11 Figuring out what the Holy Spirit is already doing, and asking how we can help 15:33 All of the baptised have been given charisms that operate in and assist in our evangelization 18:00 Bringing people to an invitation to follow Jesus and letting them decide their own speed Takeaway quote: You’ll never meet a person for whom God is not already present in some way, whether they know it or not… So you say, “Lord, show me what you are doing.” Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://youtu.be/1rdhAVZl2hY).
Some moments of particular interest: 4:05 How the Holy Spirit can give us a key question to ask in conversation 6:49 Why the “bridge of trust” is so important 9:31 The prayer of openness, and how the Holy Spirit is already working in people’s hearts 12:48 Never accept a label in place of a story 14:14 Correcting years of personal misperception about God, and the 4 things that keep people Christian 21:05 Breaking the silence in our daily encounters and saying the name of Jesus Takeaway quote: “You can always ask someone if you can pray for them. Most people won’t turn you down.” Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://youtu.be/gnteii2DQSU).
Some moments of particular interest: 0:59 How can we present the Gospel in the midst of horrible scandals in the Church? 2:27 The Church has entered into a time of disciple and purification. 2:56 A powerful and timely word from the Lord that came to Peter during prayer 6:08 What do you say to someone who is leaving the Church because of the sins of her leaders? 9:17 We are living in a “Psalm 2 crisis” where the kings of this earth have abandoned God 12:56 The devil is a real being, but we live in the age of the power of the Spirit 16:11 What would happen if a whole parish proclaimed that Jesus is Lord? 18:24 It’s right and good for us to mourn in the body of Christ 22:48 What does an hour of the laity really mean? 28:33 Stories of when evangelization didn’t go so well (and what you can learn from those moments) 34:35 Why we are really living in a privileged moment Takeaway quote: “One of the things that's getting manifested in this hour in the Church is how few people seem to have a living, vital conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord. “ Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp6x2FDvk4k).
Some moments of particular interest: 0:50 The first major turning point in Peter’s faith and family 6:57 The SECOND major turning point in Peter’s faith journey 10:53 Heather’s story of encounter with Peter at youth conference 13:13 The importance of hungering, thirsting, and seeking for the Lord 14:58 If you don’t know, just pray. God loves to answer 16:00 Why do Catholics tend to “complicate” evangelization? 18:56 Getting past feelings of being “unqualified” for evangelization 25:00 Where are the pockets of hope in the New Evangelization? Takeaway quote: “All that matters is are you connected to the Lord? I mean, are you in love with him? Are you alive in the Spirit? And (if you are), anything’s possible” Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0fA9QMjr-E&t=4s).
In this second part of an interview with Vernon Robertson, Brett and Jason discuss with him how we can pray prophetically, with a listening heart and expansive expectations. Vernon also shares an incredibly powerful story of the Holy Spirit guiding him in a conversation with a family member he was desiring to bring to Jesus. Some moments of particular interest: 0:16 What it means to pray prophetically 3:40 We need to turn to the Holy Spirit to teach us how to pray 4:22 God leads us from praying mainly for ourselves to a more expansive prayer as intercessors 7:00 Praying with Scripture for our loved ones who have fallen away 8:55 What the friends of the paralytic in the Gospel can teach us about interceding for others 10:08 A personal story of “pray, watch, listen” in sharing Jesus with his father 16:30 Failure is thinking that only you can do what only the Spirit can do Takeaway quote: (On prayer) “Are you willing to get emotionally involved? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to hear what you need to hear?” Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://youtu.be/4PhRC2fBnUQ).
In this conversation with Vernon Robertson, Brett and Jason discuss his personal journey of faith and the powerful question that led to a total change in his life. They also discuss the absolutely crucial role of the word of God in the prayer life of a missionary. Some moments of particular interest: 2:22 How Vernon met Jesus 9:07 Prayer is about spending time with God and receiving from Him 10:22 How we can learn to pray like Jesus did 12:20 Praying from the Scriptures for loved ones 14:05 If you’re being led by the Spirit, you’ll never be led apart from the word of God 19:19 Get “addicted” to the Holy Spirit 21:14 Receiving healing of past traumas through God’s grace 28:24 Parents need to know the Holy Spirit through Jesus’ words and be a “Gospel” to their children 33:21 Learning to pray with tears when a crisis hits 39:09 How do we discern that it is God speaking to us? Takeaway quote: “I think sometimes, without having the answers, we need to have the right questions. Because Jesus asked a lot of questions...” Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F90g1YHTaUE&t=1211s).
In this episode of the Proclaim podcast, Jason and Heather talk with Brett Powell about Alpha and Discovery, two tools for evangelization being employed in the Proclaim movement. They also discuss the phases an evangelist might progress through as he or she matures, and how radically intimate and personal a relationship with God can be. Some moments of particular interest: 0:40 A story of when you try to share Jesus with others and it goes wrong 5:05 Why it’s ok to make mistakes and learn from them as missionaries 8:53 Why are Alpha and Discovery the two tools being chosen for Proclaim? 11:12 How do you help people who feel like they’ve already “been there, done that” when it comes to hearing the Gospel? 14:33 3 phases an evangelizer might progress through in maturation 18:01 Alpha or Discovery: which tool should I use? 21:40 Cooperating with the Holy Spirit, the “principal agent” in evangelization 24:37 The radical intimacy of a relationship with God 34:06 We are not leading people to more knowledge, but to an encounter with Jesus Takeaway quote: “Christianity is useful because it is true.” Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3hvBX8nUp4&t=1050s).
In this episode of the Proclaim podcast, Brett and Jason talk with Amber Zolc about creating an “Impact List,” a list of names of people you want to invite to your evangelization initiative. The discuss how God is already working in the life of every person, and we are coming alongside that work in inviting and opening our homes to them. Some moments of particular interest: 1:14 What exactly is an Impact List, and who goes on it? 3:45 What if people say no to my invitation? 4:45 Fighting through internal hesitation to deliver an invitation 7:36 Whether we realize it or not, our hearts were made for relationship with God 8:26 Why we should never categorize our friends as people God can’t reach 10:37 Overcoming resistance, inviting, and seeing God move 12:48 The radical power of an invitation 16:22 When do I create my Impact List? Do I invite people and then choose Alpha or Discovery? 19:48 If we haven’t built trust with someone, maybe it’s best to start with connecting over dinner Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK0peyapuAI&t=207s).
In Part 3 of our series with Fr. James Mallon, Brett and Jason speak with him about the importance of focusing on one tool for evangelization and investing deeply in it, and the need to rely on the Holy Spirit. Some moments of particular interest in their conversation: 0:00 The unique missionary advantage and unique challenges we have in the Catholic Church today 4:20 Person to person relationship is crucial in evangelization 6:08 Why we need to have a “shallow end” in our Church 8:48 The power of the Alpha Weekend and why we shouldn’t cut it out 14:06 Hope is the ground of all that we do, and how we can grow in this virtue 16:55 We need to call on the Holy Spirit and expect the Holy Spirit to come Takeaway quote: “It’s as simple as this: we need a new Pentecost in the Church. The wind of the Holy Spirit has to breathe.” Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://youtu.be/QuF-WN8au00).
In this episode of the Proclaim podcast, Brett and Jason welcome CCO Missionary and coordinator for Discovery faith studies for the Archdiocese of Vancouver, Amber Zolc. In the course of their engaging conversation they discuss the methodologies employed by CCO missionaries in evangelizing and discipling on campus and in parishes, and how we can engage in “spiritual multiplication” and really change the world! Some highlights from the conversation include: 0:33 Dealing with a difficult “failure” in discipleship 5:11 The key role of trust, and how modern man often needs to belong before he believes 8:37 Having a missionary heart means making room for people in your life 11:04 Amber’s personal faith journey 15:04 The life-changing power of an invitation 15:40 Spiritual multiplication: what it really is 18:55 Jesus’ model of discipleship: 1 to a few 20:28 Maybe the peripheries are closer than we think 26:26 What it means to be “successful” in evangelization 31:22 A story of spiritual multiplication from an Oklahoma City parish 36:00 What do we mean by “Proclaim, Equip, Commission”? *Takeaway quote: * “Sometimes we need to ask ourselves: how long am I willing to walk with someone? Am I willing to stick with them in the long haul? To journey with them for a year, two years, three years… If it took Jesus three years, what makes me think I can do it any quicker?” -Amber Zolc Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://youtu.be/AdR9TOmztDU).
In Part 2 of our series with Fr. James Mallon, Brett and Jason speak with him about how crucial it is to give primacy to evangelization in the Church today. Some moments of particular interest in their conversation: 0:00 The problem of complicating a simple sharing of the Gospel 3:00 What Pope Francis says about “pastoral ministry in a missionary style,” and the difference between kerygma and catechesis 5:56 The problem in Church ministry of confusing “not caring” with “not knowing” 9:15 The need to create spaces of belonging for people who don’t believe yet 12:17 Why we must avoid “spiritual vampirism” and truly reflect the heart of the Father 14:43 Alpha is great for those of us who may not have the charism of evangelization 17:32 Alpha as a program vs. Alpha as a culture 21:29 Looking at Alpha as a leadership pipeline 23:05 Looking outward to “the peripheries” 28:35 The “gravitational pull” to be inward focused, and why we need to fight it Takeaway quote: “The whole thing (Alpha) is geared up to welcome the outsider and just love that person like crazy.” Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://youtu.be/sOVoulaX3WQ).
In this episode of the Proclaim podcast, Brett and Jason talk with Fr. James Mallon of Divine Renovation about what it really means to be a missionary disciple, and why a missionary disciple might choose to use a resource like Alpha to help others encounter Jesus. This is Part 1 of 3 episodes with Fr. James Mallon. Some moments of particular interest in their conversation: 1:22 Fr. James shares his own conversion story, and how the passion that came from it drives his ministry 4:26 The kind of motive that must “ground” our evangelizing mission 5:43 What really makes a missionary disciple 8:40 The universal call to holiness and mission, and what happens when we neglect the second part 11:30 How Jesus models perfectly for us how being relevant does not mean abandoning the essence of who we are 14:42 Why we must lead with evangelization with people who have not yet fallen in love with God 18:12 Is Alpha Catholic? 22:22 The distinction between feeding sheep and catching fish 24:15 Why it is actually an advantage that Alpha comes from outside the Catholic Church Takeaway quote: “If your investment in growth as a missionary doesn’t keep pace with your growth as a disciple, 3 things happen: you become weird, judgemental, and irrelevant.” - Fr. James Mallon Want to watch the interview? View it here (https://youtu.be/g15njXOqDDs).
The vision of the Proclaim Movement is something that has been growing for years, leading up to an impulse that transforms everything. Hear the stories of how God has been moving in the Church and the launch of a movement in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.