Upstream Podcast

Pat and his friend Fr. Michael Andrade, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Clovis, CA, have a vulnerable and practical conversation about the challenges pastors face when taking over a new parish. They challenge the conventional wisdom of waiting to make changes and explore how immediate, prayerful, and intentional leadership fosters healthier transitions. Fr. Michael also shares his personal experiences of forming a supportive team, embracing criticism, and leading courageously for the good of the parish.

Fr. Mike Schmitz, a dynamic Catholic priest and youth minister known for his engaging videos, joins Pat to explore the perilous dance between popularity and authenticity. They discuss how fame can distort personal identity and the importance of being a truth-teller in leadership. Highlights include the necessity of genuine relationships rooted in love, the challenges of accountability among clergy, and the ultimate choice between unconditional love and the allure of admiration. Their insights encourage listeners to prioritize truth and authenticity over comfort.

Fr. John Riccardo, a passionate priest from ACTS XXIX, dives into the growing curiosity for the Catholic Church among non-Catholics. He shares insights on how individuals, especially from the Bible Belt, are drawn to the beauty of the sacraments and the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The conversation highlights the importance of authentic communication, the transformative power of adult baptisms, and the significant role of the Easter Triduum in inviting seekers to explore their faith.

Pat and his friends Fr. John Riccardo of ACTS XXIX and Chris Jenson discuss small adjustments priests can make to their Christmas Masses. These adjustments could make this year’s Mass extra special for people who might only attend church once or twice a year and be an excellent reminder for those who attend more often.   YouTube video Pat references: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYLRuVy0t6Q

The Church in America is facing significant challenges related to the restructuring of parishes due to priest shortage. While some may suggest closing parishes to streamline operations, the Church is a spiritual entity that requires thoughtful, prayerful management rather than just business-like solutions. The approach taken to address these challenges can greatly impact vocations and the overall spiritual life of the Church. It’s essential to prioritize the protection of holy, faithful priests as the starting point for any strategy moving forward. Pat is joined by friends Chris Jenson and Matthew Rudolph to begin the conversation about this important topic.   Here is a link to the Multiple Parishes article by Patrick Lencioni https://upstreampodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/UpStream-Multiple-Parishes.pdf  

Accepting low standards comes at a cost. So, why do leaders tolerate it? In this episode, Pat sits down with his good friend Chris Jenson, a management consultant, and discusses what mediocrity really is, why leaders let it occur, and how to overcome it.

It may come as a surprise to many lay people, and perhaps even priests too, that worldly opposition can come from within the Church.  Pat sits down with his friend Fr. John Riccardo of ACTS XXIX to discuss the different ways we can face this truth, overcome worldly opposition, and avoid being discouraged in the process. 

The power of the Mass is the Eucharist. Sometimes the efforts to elevate the beauty of the mass can actually detract from magnifying Christ. There are a few implementations that you as a priest can instill that enhances rather than detracts from the elevation of the Mass. Today Pat is joined with Chris Stefanick and Fr. Sean Conroy from the Archdiocese of Denver to discuss this topic.

Transition is a challenge that every priest encounters but how do you not only navigate but embrace it. Oftentimes the challenge comes not singularly in the change but primarily in the loss. When these losses come it is absolutely necessary that our priests come to terms, respond, ceremonialize, and finally ask for a brother or member of Christ who reminds and encourages them of their purpose, picture, plan, and part to play in the midst of that loss. In today’s episode I am joined by co-host Matt Rudolph, founder of Chrism, with Priest Fr. Adam Cesarek from the Diocese of Peoria. Find out where you can listen to our podcast: https://upstreampodcast.com/ Find more information on transition management here: https://tinyurl.com/3f5n9p4y 

The position of a priest can be the loneliest position in the world. All humans have a fundamental hunger to be appreciated, yet very few of our Spiritual Fathers fully receive or seek this out. Affirming what you know is good and true about another person is not only necessary, but essential, for the nourishment of any relationship. This can begin with you. Find out where you can listen to our podcast: https://upstreampodcast.com/ Check out the Amazing Parish Summit: https://amazingparish.org/summitsanantoniocoaching/