The Catholic Leadership Puzzle Podcast

Discover how fostering authentic hospitality can transform your Catholic community. Join us as Richard McCorry shares his journey, the spiritual foundation of welcoming, and practical steps for parishes to become more inclusive and life-giving, especially remembering that welcoming the stranger is not optional. Key Topics* Richard McCorry’s faith journey and calling to promote hospitality* The biblical and spiritual foundations of welcoming strangers* Common misconceptions about hospitality in parishes* The importance of culture change over quick programs* A step-by-step process for creating a culture of welcome* Leadership’s role in fostering hospitality* Practical first steps for parishioners to encourage welcoming environments* The significance of assessing parish reality from a stranger’s perspective* How true hospitality supports evangelization and community growth* Real-life examples of hospitable parishes and their impactTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Richard McCorry and the importance of hospitality00:45 - Richard’s faith journey and calling to serve through hospitality01:49 - The biblical basis for welcoming strangers02:46 - Why hospitality is central to Catholic life and evangelization03:21 - Challenges and misconceptions in parish hospitality04:34 - History and inspiration behind McCorry’s book, Companies Coming05:30 - The spiritual importance of welcoming the newly merged parishioners06:48 - How being truly hospitable impacts visitors and newcomers07:49 - Hospitality as a culture, not just a program or committee08:46 - The process of developing welcoming parishes09:45 - The importance of understanding the “why” behind hospitality efforts10:20 - Misconceptions about hospitality and the depth of the spiritual practice11:21 - Hospitality as a whole-parish responsibility12:30 - Moving beyond quick programs to sustainable culture change13:58 - The process of assessing, discerning, planning, and implementing welcoming initiatives15:11 - Practical steps for parishioners to engage in hospitality16:40 - Overcoming resistance and examining parish realities honestly18:28 - Connecting hospitality with evangelization, drawing from the parable of the sower19:50 - Addressing the needs of both newcomers and long-time parishioners22:17 - The vital role of parish leadership and pastors25:35 - Practical first steps for parishioners to promote welcoming environments26:30 - The importance of seeing through a stranger’s eyes and the impact on church attendance28:15 - Recognizing and nurturing the faith of existing parishioners29:40 - Leadership as a model for cultivating hospitality in the community30:19 - McCorry’s final encouragement to prioritize culture over quick fixes35:21 - How to connect with Richard and access his resources for parishesResources & Links:* Catholic Hospitality* Company’s Coming: A Spiritual Process for Creating More Welcoming Parishes* Richard McCorry on LinkedInConnect with Richard McCorry:* Website* LinkedIn* Twitter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Catholic Leadership Puzzle Podcast, Christina Semmens sits down with Shawn Sommerkamp, Executive Leadership Coach and founder of Motivationeer Christian Coaching. His focus is to help leaders grow in their profession without compromising their faith in Christ. In this discussion, Christina and Shawn explore how Christian leadership, discipleship, and emotional health can be lived out in ordinary work, and how faith-based leadership can transform organizations as well as your own personal growth. Executive Leadership Coach Shawn Sommerkamp shares practical insights on integrating Christian principles into leadership, managing success spiritually, and fostering a healthy emotional and spiritual life.In this episode, you’ll learn about:* How to view your workplace as your full-time ministry* The importance of integrating discipleship and leadership* Traits and habits of Christian leaders making a kingdom impact* The difference between corporate and church leadership mistakes* Strategies for maintaining spiritual vitality and emotional health* The significance of setting and trusting in God-led goals* Practical rhythms for daily spiritual leadership and self-care* How to discover and align with your divine purpose in everyday work* Common leadership myths and the importance of investing in high-potential talent* Why leadership and discipleship should be integrated* The difference between ethical leadership and Christian leadership* How humility and self-denial shape kingdom-minded leaders* Why churches and businesses drift from their mission* The role of prayer in discerning God’s purpose* How to identify and live from your core values* Why emotional health matters in spiritual leadership* Daily rhythms that help leaders stay spiritually grounded* Practical leadership myths, habits, and priorities to rethinkKey Takeaways* Christian leadership is not separate from discipleship — it’s part of it.* Humility means lifting others up, not diminishing yourself.* Mission drift often comes from greed, pride, or losing sight of God’s calling.* Prayer and discernment help us stay faithful to today.* Knowing your core values can reveal why work relationships and environments create conflict.* Emotional detachment and healthy boundaries are essential in spiritual work.* Sustainable leadership depends on rest, rhythm, and wise investment of time.Memorable Moments* Shawn on his calling: discovering that his workplace was his full-time ministry* A discussion of the “fruit of the Spirit” as a model for leadership* The danger of success becoming spiritually distracting* Why churches can learn from business about strategy and measurable goals* Shawn’s practical advice: go to bed at the same time, wake up at the same time, and start the day with protein and prayer* Rapid-fire leadership wisdom, including the importance of investing in rising talentQuotes* “My workplace is my full-time ministry.”* “The most important thing is I’m His.”* “What is it you want me to do today?”* “We’re not self-degrading. We’re just lifting them up.”* “The biggest leadership myth is that you gotta work eighty hours a week to be the best.”Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Sean Sommerkamp and his ministry journey01:12 - The role of workplace as full-time ministry in faith-based leadership02:09 - Integrating discipleship and leadership as God’s calling03:45 - Traits of impactful Christian leaders: humility and self-denial04:58 - The importance of humility modeled by Jesus and John the Baptist05:41 - How success can become spiritually dangerous when misaligned with God’s mission06:26 - Handling church leadership transitions without feeling threatened07:52 - Celebrating growth and success in church and corporate settings11:28 - The role of strategy and teamwork in both church and business growth12:35 - Why organizations drift from their mission and how to protect it13:28 - The dangers of greed and materialism undermining spiritual and organizational health15:45 - How to discover God’s purpose through prayer and daily obedience16:52 - The importance of recognizing and respecting core values22:07 - Balancing spiritual leadership with emotional health and well-being26:44 - Practical rhythms for maintaining spiritual vitality: sleep and nutrition28:36 - Leadership habits and myths: from breathwork to work-life balance29:12 - A daily habit every Christian leader should adopt: prayer on knees30:20 - The importance of investing in rising talent and leadership development31:17 - Connecting further with Shawn Sommerkamp via his websiteResources and Links* Willpower Doesn’t Work by Benjamin Hardy* Motivation Ear* Motivation Ear on YouTubeConnect with Shawn Sommerkamp* Motivationeer Leadership Coaching* LinkedIn* TwitterMay this episode inspire you to lead with faith, humility, and purpose every day.The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

Join our Q&A on parish renewal! Discover key insights on leadership, discipleship, and overcoming challenges in parish life.In the world of parish leadership, questions abound. Whether you’re a pastor or a lay leader, navigating the complexities of parish life can feel like solving a giant puzzle. In this post, I invite you to join our upcoming Zoom Q&A session, where we’ll tackle your burning questions about parish renewal and practical implementation strategies.The purpose of our upcoming Zoom session is not just to answer “what does this mean?” but to help you apply these insights in your parish setting, particularly when facing limited time and resources. This interactive session will provide clarity on how to effectively address common challenges in parish life.One of the critical questions we’ll address is the difference between parish renewal and parish maintenance. While maintenance focuses on keeping the status quo, renewal seeks to invigorate and transform the parish community. Understanding this distinction can drive effective leadership and foster a more fulfilling parish experience.During the Q&A, I’ll be discussing several important topics:* Leadership Development: Why is it crucial for parish life?* Active Discipleship: How can we move parishioners from passive attendance to active participation?* Collaboration in Ministry: How can ministries work together instead of in silos?* Healthy Parish Culture: What are the traits of a thriving parish, and what destroys it?By focusing on these areas, we’ll address practical strategies that can lead to lasting change in your parish community.I encourage everyone to send in their questions prior to the session! Your inquiries help shape the discussion and ensure that we cover the topics most relevant to your experiences. Please reach out either through email to: [email protected] or via The Catholic Leadership Puzzle Substack page.In addition to answering your questions, I will share actionable steps that can help you start implementing the discussed strategies effectively. For instance, understanding how long renewal might take and what to focus on for long-term growth are critical for planning.So, join Us for the Q&A on Wednesday, June 3rd, at 7 PM Central Time. I will provide the Zoom link on my social media and Substack, so stay tuned. If you can’t make it, don’t worry! Just let me know you’d like a recording, and I’ll ensure you receive it.As we enter the summer season, it’s the perfect time to assess where your parish stands. Let’s work together to address the challenges we face and turn busy parishes into vibrant communities of faith. Join me in this journey of renewal, and let’s solve the parish puzzle—one person, one disciple, and one leader at a time! Hope to see you THIS Wednesday at 7pmCST. Click the link below to join…Solving the Parish Puzzle Zoom Q&A This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

In this episode, Christina has a conversation with Patrick Neve, author of the Amazon bestselling book, Save Your Parish. In his book, Patrick shares a practical blueprint for revitalizing parish life, empowering laypeople to be proactive agents of change without waiting for priestly permission. Throughout our conversation, we discuss how small, intentional steps can transform your church community and inspire hope in a declining church landscape.Patrick’s book complements the work being done at The Catholic Leadership Puzzle, and which I shared about in my own book, Solving the Parish Puzzle in that both of our books act as calls to aspire to holiness through active parish engagement — and the reminder that even small acts of lay leadership can greatly impact our Church’s future. Key Topics:* Patrick’s faith journey from childhood Catholic to active parish leader* The importance of understanding parish as a community of people, not just an institution* How parish mergers in Pittsburgh influenced Patrick’s view on community and survival* The concept behind the “Four Floors” framework for parish revitalization: meeting, growing, sharing, and evangelizing* Practical ways laypeople can initiate ministry projects without waiting for clergy approval* The role of diagnostics and discussions in identifying parish needs and mobilizing lay action* Personal anecdotes from Patrick’s experiences in comedy, youth ministry, and podcasting that prepared him for evangelization* The impact of the “Save Your Parish” book and success stories of parish transformation* Overcoming resistance and encouraging perseverance in parish renewal efforts* How to stay spiritually grounded and present amidst online evangelization and everyday lifeTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Patrick’s faith journey02:15 - Parish as a community, not just an institution05:54 - How parish mergers shape community understanding12:14 - Genesis of the “Save Your Parish” vision16:16 - The four floors framework explained17:36 - Immediate steps for laypeople with great ideas20:23 - Diagnostic tools for parish assessment24:56 - Overcoming resistance and the hope for renewal26:14 - Patrick’s hopes for the movement and future plans28:13 - The most rewarding moments in parish transformation31:24 - Personal growth and sainthood through service33:10 - Practical habits for staying present and prayerful35:21 - Final encouragement and how to connect with PatrickResources & Links:* Save Your Parish – Patrick’s website and book info* Ministry OS – Organize and build your parish ministry* Book on Amazon – “Save Your Parish” by Patrick NeveConnect with Patrick Neve:* SubstackThe Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

In this video, Christina discusses the story behind the Solving the Parish Puzzle book, and the resources available to help unpack and implement the principles within your ministry and community. During the video, she speaks of the SPP Inventory and also the SPP Vision Board Exercise, both free resources available on The Catholic Leadership Puzzle website. She also announced the upcoming Zoom Q&A session happening on Wednesday, June 3rd at 7pm CST. The session will be focused upon answering any questions that YOU want answered from your reading the book, so you are invited to send any questions to [email protected] As a thank you for anyone who submits a question, they will be sent a copy of the SPP Book discussion questions, which currently are available only for Catholic Leadership Puzzle paying subscribers. The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Overnight, Solving the Parish Puzzle went to #1 in Amazon New Releases! You can see that reality in the screenshot taken last night at 8:57pm. The difference was each of YOU and your support throughout the day, and I am both grateful and humbled by your outpouring of help to get word about the book out far and wide. I also wanted to mention that if you did buy the book, then send me an email ([email protected]) telling me you bought the book, and I will add you to the list for the upcoming Zoom Q&A session that will be happening in a couple of weeks. Finally, let’s remember the REAL hero in all of this—Saint Anselm of Canterbury! He showed up in a BIG way, so let’s keep entrusting this book and its message to him. Saint Anselm, pray for us! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

Wanted to share the story behind my latest book, Solving the Parish Puzzle: One Person, One Disciple, One Leader at a Time. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

Solving the Parish Puzzle: One Person, One Disciple, One Leader at a Time book launch begins in less than 15 minutes at 9amCST! YOUR support during the first hour WILL make a difference, so please go grab a copy here After you buy your copy, make sure to send me an email ([email protected]) saying you bought one so I can add your name to the upcoming Q&A session where you can ask me anything about the book! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!Thanks for reading The Catholic Leadership Puzzle ! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena Day 9 PrayersO my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God and You are my all and I have never seen You. You have made me and remade me, You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess, Still I do not know You. I have not yet done that for which I was made. Teach me to seek You. I cannot seek You unless You teach me or find You unless You show Yourself to me. Let me seek You in my desire, let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, let me love You when I find You. Amen. St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.(Mention your requests here…)Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…Day 9 — “God of peace, grant me rest in trusting You.”Historical note: Saint Anselm’s prayers often conclude in quiet confidence, trusting the Lord to respond. Reflection : The novena ends in trustful repose. Saint Anselm teaches that faith ultimately leads to peace. We are not meant to strain endlessly but to rest in God’s truth. After seeking, desiring, and loving, we are invited to trust. God completes the work He begins.Prayer/Resolution: God of peace, grant me rest in trusting You. Amen.The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

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St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena Day 8 PrayersO my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God and You are my all and I have never seen You. You have made me and remade me, You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess, Still I do not know You. I have not yet done that for which I was made. Teach me to seek You. I cannot seek You unless You teach me or find You unless You show Yourself to me. Let me seek You in my desire, let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, let me love You when I find You. Amen. St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.(Mention your requests here…)Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…Day 8 — “Jesus, renew and refashion my wounded heart.”Historical note: Saint Anselm frequently described the soul as an image in need of restoration.Reflection :Saint Anselm acknowledges that the image of God within us is worn by sin. This prayer entrusts renewal wholly to Christ. For those discour­aged by slow change, Saint Anselm offers hope: God patiently reshapes what has been damaged. Sanctification unfolds gradually.Prayer/Resolution:Jesus, renew and refashion my wounded heart. Amen.The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena Day 7 PrayersO my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God and You are my all and I have never seen You. You have made me and remade me, You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess, Still I do not know You. I have not yet done that for which I was made. Teach me to seek You. I cannot seek You unless You teach me or find You unless You show Yourself to me. Let me seek You in my desire, let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, let me love You when I find You. Amen. St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.(Mention your requests here…)Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…Day 7 — “Strengthen my faith, Lord, and deepen my understanding in time.”Historical note: Saint Anselm famously wrote: “I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe that I may understand.”Reflection :This classic insight by Saint Anselm appears explicitly in the closing prayers. Faith comes first; understanding follows. In a world that demands proof before belief, Saint Anselm invites trust first. For lay Christians, this means remaining faithful even when clarity is delayed. Understanding ripens over time through fidelity.Prayer/Resolution:Strengthen my faith, Lord, and deepen my understanding in time. Amen.The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena Day 6 PrayersO my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God and You are my all and I have never seen You. You have made me and remade me, You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess, Still I do not know You. I have not yet done that for which I was made. Teach me to seek You. I cannot seek You unless You teach me or find You unless You show Yourself to me. Let me seek You in my desire, let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, let me love You when I find You. Amen. St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.(Mention your requests here…)Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…Day 6 — “Lord, may love lead me ever closer to You.”Historical note: Saint Anselm believed love purified the intellect and illuminated truth.Reflection :Saint Anselm reverses expectations: knowledge flows from love, not the other way around. We do not first understand God fully and then love Him; love itself becomes the path to encounter. This vision encourages believers to prioritize charity, prayer, and faithfulness even when theology feels distant. Love opens the eyes of the soul.Prayer/Resolution:Lord, may love lead me ever closer to You. Amen.The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena Day 5 PrayersO my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God and You are my all and I have never seen You. You have made me and remade me, You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess, Still I do not know You. I have not yet done that for which I was made. Teach me to seek You. I cannot seek You unless You teach me or find You unless You show Yourself to me. Let me seek You in my desire, let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, let me love You when I find You. Amen. St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.(Mention your requests here…)Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…Day 5 — “Receive my longing, O God, and draw me closer to You.”Historical note: Desire plays a central role in Saint Anselm’s spiritual theology.Reflection :Saint Anselm recognizes that desire itself can be prayer. When words fail or time is short, longing speaks. God sees the orientation of the heart even when action is limited. This line assures believers that holy desire pleases God. Saint Anselm teaches us that desire purified by grace leads us closer to God than performance alone.Prayer/Resolution:Receive my longing, O God, and draw me closer to You. Amen.The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena Day 4 PrayersO my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God and You are my all and I have never seen You. You have made me and remade me, You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess, Still I do not know You. I have not yet done that for which I was made. Teach me to seek You. I cannot seek You unless You teach me or find You unless You show Yourself to me. Let me seek You in my desire, let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, let me love You when I find You. Amen. St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.(Mention your requests here…)Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…Day 4 — “Guide me, Lord, for without You I cannot seek You.”Historical note: Anselm viewed prayer itself as a gift given by God before being practiced by the soul.Reflection :Here Saint Anselm affirms that grace precedes effort. We often assume spiritual progress depends entirely on our discipline, yet Saint Anselm insists that even our seeking depends on God. This prayer frees us from anxiety about “doing prayer right.” God instructs the heart quietly, often through patience and fidelity rather than clarity. Lay believers juggling responsibilities can take comfort in this truth: God guides sincere seekers gently.Prayer/Resolution:Guide me, Lord, for without You I cannot seek You. Amen.The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena Day 3 PrayersO my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God and You are my all and I have never seen You. You have made me and remade me, You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess, Still I do not know You. I have not yet done that for which I was made. Teach me to seek You. I cannot seek You unless You teach me or find You unless You show Yourself to me. Let me seek You in my desire, let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, let me love You when I find You. Amen. St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.(Mention your requests here…)Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…Day 3 — Renew me, Lord, and restore Your Image within me.Historical note: Anselm prayed that God would “renew and refashion” the wounded image of the soul.Reflection :Saint Anselm proclaims God not only as Creator but as Restorer. This prayer reassures us that failure does not cancel our dignity. God continually “re-makes” us through grace, especially when sin has distorted His image within us. For those burdened by regret, this line offers consolation: God never stops recreating. Our lives are not static but responsive to mercy. Each day of the novena renews our trust that God’s work in us is ongoing.Prayer/Resolution:Renew me, Lord, and restore Your image within me. Amen.The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena Day 2 PrayersO my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God and You are my all and I have never seen You. You have made me and remade me, You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess, Still I do not know You. I have not yet done that for which I was made. Teach me to seek You. I cannot seek You unless You teach me or find You unless You show Yourself to me. Let me seek You in my desire, let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, let me love You when I find You. Amen. St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.(Mention your requests here…)Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…Day 2 — Creator God, complete what is unfinished in my soulHistorical note: Anselm often emphasized that the soul requires God’s renewal to fulfill its purpose.Reflection :This honest admission that “I have not yet done that for which I was made” places us squarely before God without excuses. Anselm does not deny sin or distraction; he names them. This prayer acknowledges that something in us remains unfinished. For modern believers, this line should resonate deeply because we sense we were made for more than routine or survival. Anselm teaches us that recognizing our incompleteness is not despair but hope. God reveals our lack so that He may fill it. Spiritual growth begins when we admit we are not yet whole. This humility opens the door to transformation.Prayer/resolution:Creator God, complete what is unfinished in my soul. Amen.The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

St. Anselm of Canterbury Novena Day 1 PrayersO my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are my God and You are my all and I have never seen You. You have made me and remade me, You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess, Still I do not know You. I have not yet done that for which I was made. Teach me to seek You. I cannot seek You unless You teach me or find You unless You show Yourself to me. Let me seek You in my desire, let me desire You in my seeking. Let me find You by loving You, let me love You when I find You. Amen St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for usAmen.(Mention your request here…)Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…Day 1 Reflection Intention—”Teach Me to Seek You, Lord”Historical note: Saint Anselm opens many prayers by asking God to teach him how to pray.Reflection (aligned prayer line: “Teach my heart where and how to seek You”):The novena begins not with answers, but with a plea to be taught how to seek. St. Anselm of Canterbury knew that prayer itself is learned through grace. We often rush toward solutions, yet this prayer slows us down, asking God to form our desire before satisfying it. To seek God rightly is already to be guided by Him. Anselm’s prayer reminds us that longing for God is not self-generated—it is invited by God Himself. Even imperfect prayer is precious when offered sincerely. When we ask God to teach us how to seek, we surrender pride and accept dependence. This is the foundation of genuine faith.Prayer:Teach my heart, O God, to seek You with humility and trust. Amen. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

My new book, Solving the Parish Puzzle: One Person, One Disciple, One Leader at a Time, is being released on Tuesday, April 21st—the feast of Saint Anselm of Centerbury.Therefore, I will be leading a novena to Saint Anselm to ask for his intercession that hearts and minds be open to the message of the book, and also that any success of the book bring about God’s glory and raises up many holy men and women to hlep build up the Kingdom of God.In Solving the Parish Puzzle, I offer a clear, practical, and deeply Catholic framework for building healthy, mission‑driven parish communities that truly save souls, make saints, and transform the world. Drawing from decades of my ministry experience, leadership formation, and evangelization, I present twelve essential leadership principles—the “puzzle pieces” every thriving parish must have in place.This book moves beyond theory to provide a repeatable, relational, and prayer‑rooted approach to leadership and discipleship. Readers will discover how evangelization, holistic formation, hospitality, communication, collaboration, and intentional leadership work together to create a sustainable community of communities—where people are known by name, accompanied with care, and empowered to live their baptismal call.Written for clergy, parish staff, ministry leaders, and engaged lay disciples, Solving the Puzzle challenges readers to rediscover their “why,” focus on what truly matters, and take concrete steps toward renewal—one person at a time.This is not another program. It’s a way forward.Some Background on Saint Anselm of CanterburySt. Anselm of Canterbury was a monk who lived in Italy and England in the 1000s and 1100s. He was a member of the Benedictine religious order. He also became the Archbishop of Canterbury and a Doctor of the Church.St. Anselm of Canterbury did a lot of important work for the Church and devoted his life to seeking truth, understanding God’s mysteries, and guiding souls toward holiness. His legacy continues to inspire believers around the world to pursue faith with both heart and mind.Each day offers a unique prayer theme inspired by the virtues of Saint Anselm—wisdom, humility, perseverance, and trust in God. As you pray, you will discover how these timeless spiritual truths can transform your life today.About St. Anselm of CanterburySt. Anselm was born around the year 1033 in Italy. His mother was a devout Catholic, though his father did not help influence him toward holiness. Anselm’s mother chose to send Anselm to a school run by Benedictine monks.During his time at the Benedictine school, Anselm began to feel called to pursue a religious vocation. This was influenced by a dream he had in which he talked to God. When Anselm was fifteen years old, he expressed his desire to become a monk. But his father refused to allow him to do so.Anselm’s mother died around this time. Anselm then contracted a severe illness. Once he recovered, he decided to leave his father’s house. He traveled throughout Italy and France for about three years.When Anselm traveled to Normandy, he met Blessed Lanfranc, who was a Benedictine prior. Anselm’s life regained a sense of purpose when he became Lanfranc’s disciple. Lanfranc recognized Anselm’s vocation and spiritual gifts.When Anselm was twenty-seven years old, he became a Benedictine and was ordained to the priesthood. In 1063, he became prior of the monastery. In 1079, he became abbot of another monastery.Because the Normans had recently conquered England, monks from Normandy went to England to help form the Church in England. So Lanfranc became Archbishop of Canterbury. He soon asked Anselm to join and assist him there.In the late 1080s, Lanfranc died. A period of turmoil for the Church in England followed. Anselm returned to his monastery in Normandy. In 1092, he agreed to return to England even though the current king was not friendly to the Church. But the king agreed to allow Anselm to be appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury.Anselm knew that this would lead to conflict between him and the English government, but he accepted the position anyway. As archbishop, Anselm insisted on the Church’s right to govern itself. The government attempted to claim the Church’s property and to rule over the Church. This conflict led to Anselm being exiled for three years. In 1106, he was restored to his archdiocese.For the rest of Anselm’s life, he carried out his motto: “Faith seeking understanding.” He pursued many theological investigations and wrote many significant works. He is considered by many to be the “Father of Scholasticism.” He did a lot of important work in both theology and philosophy.Anselm died in 1109. Pope Clement XI declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1720.The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

Staying on Mission is a challenge regardless of circumstance, but even more so in the midst of personnel changes.Life happens in the midst of ministry efforts, and the time will come when vital members of our team have to leave due to a variety of reasons—spouse job relocation, the need to care for an aging parent, or sadly, due to the unexpected death of a loved one. In the midst of that change, it is vitally important to engage with the situation with compassion, clarity and courage so as to not only help your community be able to stay on mission, but to ensure the transition is as easy as it can be for everyone involved. Watch now to hear the specifics of how to engage with compassion, clarity and courage so that each member of your team, current or past, is cared for holistically and in a way that enables the community to not falter in its mission to save souls, makes saints and transform the world! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

In this latest addition to The Catholic Leadership Puzzle, Christina speaks about the importance of roles and responsibilities for helping teams function effectively and efficiently, the value of prayer and how to overcome FUD (Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt) in the midst of any transitions that may be happening. Watch now to gain some insights into how to negotiate transitions, ensure that each member of your team is being best utilized according to their gifts and talents, and negotiating FUD during times of transition. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

This latest conversation on The Catholic Leadership Puzzle dives into a practical exploration of how you might integrate all the Leadership Puzzle pieces into your ministry annual events and activities cycle. Any ministry cycle contains the core components of evangelization, holistic formation, leadership accompaniment, assessment and strategic planning, and are integrated and supported by continuous prayer. These core components express themselves in the ministry activities and events throughout the year. Optimally, these ministry activities and events are occuring within the liturgical cycle of the Church so as to enhance the discipleship of both individuals and the Body of Christ as a whole. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

In this video, Christina shares the importance of being able to set attainable goals and objectives for a new year, both on a personal level and within our ministries. In the video, she shares the “Stop, Start and Continue” process to help you realistically assess your life and/or team and ministry so that you can make this new year your best one yet. The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

It’s time to get really serious about this work at The Catholic Leadership Puzzle. What do I mean? Well, simply put, it’s time to put my time where my mouth is in intentional accompaniment for those who are trying to implement the ideas I share here on The Catholic Leadership Puzzle substack. In the months ahead, you will hopefully see the release of th… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatholicleadershippuzzle.com/subscribe