Step 1: Relational Outreach – The Ministries that Make Up a Clear Path of Discipleship

Do you have a way to introduce your non-practicing friends and family members to your faith community that doesn’t involve inviting them to Mass or other gatherings that might make them feel isolated? Does your parish offer a space where you can meet and build trusting relationships with those distant from their faith? The Clear Path step Relational Outreach is designed for just that. My guests, Katie Winkler and Beth Carlson, share their experience at the JPII Newman Center, where they’ve created spaces for authentic friendships to flourish. They discuss the importance of intentionality in outreach, creating welcoming environments, and the role of personal stories and experiences in building genuine connections. Katie and Beth also highlight the challenges and learning opportunities in outreach efforts, emphasizing the need for patience and persistence in forming meaningful relationships. [05:46] Creating Welcoming Events [11:24] Training and Preparing Leaders [27:41] Inviting to a Deeper Faith Journey [34:10] Celebrating Effort and Building a Culture of Outreach [38:29] Translating Outreach Lessons to Different Contexts [55:32] The Importance of Personal Prayer in Outreach For more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship, or check out our “cheat-sheet” Clear Path Definitions and Phases. If you were inspired by Katie and Beth, take a look at JPIIOmaha.org. For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)