What if your parish’s most “welcoming” events are actually pushing people away? In this episode, I sit down with the team to unpack the surprising truth about relational outreach—and why it’s often the last step parishes build, even though it’s the first step many people need. We talk about what makes outreach truly relational (hint: it’s not donuts after Mass), how to create spaces where people feel like they belong before they believe, and why introverts might just be your parish’s secret evangelization weapon. If you’ve ever wondered how to reach people who’ve drifted from the Church—or never really connected in the first place—this one’s for you.

[00:16 ] Series Overview: Choosing Ministries for Your Clear Path

[03:09 ] Understanding Relational Outreach

[06:01 ] Characteristics of Effective Relational Outreach

[09:58 ] Practical Examples and Parish Initiatives

[15:17 ] Neighborhood Outreach and Community Building

[20:42 ] Supplemental Parish Events for Outreach

[24:47 ] Challenges and Considerations for Parish Events

[27:27 ] Challenges of Transforming Existing Events

[29:10 ] Alternative Outreach Methods

[36:08 ] Discerning Effective Outreach Methods

[41:28 ] Forming Missionary Disciples

[49:53 ] Overcoming Mental Hangups in Outreach

Don’t forget to check out Options for Relational Outreach.

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. And for more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)