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The Church Podcast
Each episode features conversations with people from various backgrounds, exploring the real side of ministry. We discuss insights and learnings from the local and national landscape, enriching our understanding of the ministry's impact.
All Episodes
Episode 035 – Sacred Listening: Building Trust and Belonging with Josh Packard and Cari Foster
In this timely and thought-provoking episode, Christopher Wesley sits down with sociologist and author Josh Packard, co-founder of Future Faith, and campus minister Cari Foster, Director of Mission and Formation at Lake Catholic High School. Together, they explore how sacred listening, accompaniment, and presence are transforming the way we engage with Gen Z and Gen Alpha in faith formation. Drawing from Josh’s upcoming book Faithful Futures and Cari’s on-the-ground ministry experience, the conversation unpacks why belonging comes before believing, how trust is shifting from institutions to individuals, and why listening is one of the most powerful tools ministry leaders can practice today. Whether you’re a parish leader, campus minister, or parent, this dialogue offers practical tools and fresh hope for walking with young people in an age of distrust, digital disruption, and deep longing for connection. For more visit https://thechurchpodcast.org
Episode 034 – Faith in Action: Service, Discernment, and Community with Greg Carpinello
In this engaging episode, Christopher Wesley reconnects with longtime friend Greg Carpinello, Executive Director of Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest (JVC Northwest). From his roots in Cincinnati to years of campus ministry at Xavier and Boston College, Greg shares the journey that led him to guide nearly 100 young adults each year in faith-driven service across the Northwest. Greg unpacks the four core values of JVC Northwest—spirituality and reflection, simple living, intentional community, and social and ecological justice—and why they remain essential for a meaningful life of faith. Together, they explore how service deepens one’s relationship with Christ, the importance of discernment in choosing missionary work, and what it really means to accompany rather than “fix” marginalized communities. This conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight for anyone discerning a path of service, leadership, or authentic accompaniment in the Church today. For more visit thechurchpodcast.org
Episode 033 – Servant Leadership and Catholic Identity in Schools with Evan Psencik
In this engaging and hope-filled episode, Christopher Wesley sits down with Evan Psencik, principal of St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School in Austin, Texas. With a background spanning parish ministry, diocesan leadership, classroom teaching, and now school administration, Evan shares his journey of discerning God’s call from engineering to theology, youth ministry, and ultimately Catholic education. Evan discusses what it means to bring relational ministry into the role of principal, the challenges and opportunities of Catholic schools today, and how his school emphasizes “forming servant leaders in the image of Christ.” He reflects on the hunger he sees in young people for authenticity, goodness, and witness, and how Catholic identity must remain at the forefront while pursuing academic excellence. Evan also opens up about the importance of walking with faculty and staff, building relationships before programs, and creating a culture where students see themselves as disciples and leaders both in the Church and in the world. For more go to thechurchpodcast.org
Episode 032 – Digital Accompaniment and Fearless Ministry with Ela Milewska
In this lively and wisdom-filled episode, Christopher Wesley sits down with Ela Milewska, Director of Franciscan Media. With more than 30 years of experience spanning parish, diocesan, national, and now digital ministry, Ela shares her journey from a small-town Catholic upbringing to shaping how the Church engages people online today. Ela opens up about her path into ministry, the mentors and experiences that formed her, and what she’s learning about digital accompaniment in reaching the “middle of the pew” Catholic—those who show up but often feel unseen. She unpacks how Franciscan spirituality, the theology of Duns Scotus, and her own hard-earned wisdom guide her work in helping people discover they are truly “enough” and deeply loved by God. This conversation is full of practical insights and hopeful vision: from embracing intentionality and professionalism in ministry, to avoiding burnout by remembering ministry is personal—but not to be taken personally. Key Takeaways A Reluctant but Faithful Call: Despite attempts to pursue other careers, Ela continually found herself drawn back to ministry, discovering God’s call woven into her life. Formation and Language Matter: Graduate and doctoral studies gave Ela not just knowledge but the language and confidence to engage ministry with depth. Intentional Accompaniment: What once came naturally in parish life must now be taught and modeled—welcoming, listening, and walking with others with purpose. Digital Accompaniment: Franciscan Media is creating journeys that meet people where they are and connect them to real-life communities. The “Middle of the Pew” Catholic: Many feel unseen, juggling family, work, and faith. They are often most ready for accompaniment if the Church listens with compassion. Professionalism as a Calling: Being prepared, accountable, and intentional honors God and those we serve. For more on Ela visit us at https://thechurchpodcast.org