Catholics Living Discipleship

We Stopped “Parent Drop-Off Faith” — And Everything Changed

If you’re a parent, pastor, or ministry leader asking:
“How do we engage families today?” — this is for you.
In this conversation we cover:
Why parents feel ill-equipped to lead their kids in faith (and how Pathways fixes that)
The 12-inch journey — from head to heart — and why it changes everything
How the Catechetical Choir program grew directly out of the Pathways model
What it looks like when a parish goes all-in on missionary discipleship
What if the biggest shift in Catholic family faith formation isn't a new curriculum — it's a total change in who does the forming?
In this episode, I sit down with Angela Daly — Catechetical Program Director for the Diocese of Austin and family faith formation leader at St. Jerome Parish in Waco, Texas — to talk about the Pathways program and why it's changing everything for Catholic families.
Angela shares how her parish moved away from the traditional "drop-off" model of religious education and toward a family-centered approach to Catholic discipleship that has transformed parish culture, filled parking lots on formation nights, and — most importantly — lit parents on fire for their own faith.
Resources mentioned:
Pathways Program — Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries https://www.fflcm.org/home
A Vibrant Parish Life https://www.avibrantparishlife.com/
Subscribe to our Catholics Living Discipleship Podcast at https://youtube.com/@catholicslivingdiscipleship?si=LTp0xBbmLBGziVYb
#CatholicDiscipleship #Catechesis #CatholicPodcast #FaithFormation #CatholicFamily

I Didn’t Realize How Powerful These 5 Catholic Practices Were For Discipleship

Are you a practicing Catholic ready to take the next step?
These 5 simple practices will help you move from going through the motions to living as a true missionary disciple of Jesus.
In this episode, Darrin Nelson shares 5 daily practices that form the foundation of Catholic discipleship — no complicated programs, just simple steps you can start today.
What you'll learn:
✝️ Practice 1: Tell Jesus you want to be His disciple
📖 Practice 2: Read the Gospels daily
🙏 Practice 3: Engage in reflective prayer
📓 Practice 4: Journal your journey with Jesus
🔁 Practice 5: Repeat consistently — discipleship is a daily decision Catholic discipleship isn't about perfection. It's about showing up every day and saying yes to Jesus.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your faith, these practices will help you Encounter, Awaken, and Witness.
👉 Subscribe to Catholics Living Discipleship for more on Catholic discipleship, pastoral leadership, and missionary living. https://youtube.com/@catholicslivingdiscipleship?si=iAXJLvkSEstxhs2-
🎙️ Listen to the CLD Podcast for deeper conversations on discipleship and parish mission. Encounter · Awaken · Witness
#️⃣ Hashtags #CatholicDiscipleship #MissionaryDisciple #CatholicFaith #Discipleship #CatholicLiving

Catholic Discipleship vs Practicing Catholic: 3 Discipleship Shifts That Matter

#catholicdiscipleship #catholicchurch #discipleship
Are we forming practicing Catholics… or true disciples of Jesus Christ?
In this video, we break down 3 key disciplines that separate a practicing Catholic from someone truly living out Catholic discipleship:
Attendance vs Attention
Weekly vs Daily Relationship with God
Maintenance vs Mission
If you’re a parish leader, volunteer, or committed Catholic, these differences may explain why your parish feels stuck—and what you can do about it.
I also share 2 practical steps you can start implementing right away to foster a culture of discipleship in your parish.
👉 If you’re serious about helping people grow closer to Christ, this video is for you.
🙏 Take the Next Step
If this video helped you, make sure to:
✅ Subscribe for more content on Catholic Discipleship ✅ Like this video to help others find it ✅ Share this with a parish leader or friend who needs it
🔔 Subscribe here for weekly content:https://youtube.com/@catholicslivingdiscipleship?si=Jlyyg-BV5VX4KBj1
🎥 This channel is dedicated to helping Catholics move from simply practicing their faith… to truly living as disciples of Jesus Christ.
🔎 Hashtags
#evangelization #catholiclife #parishrenewal #newevangelization #jesuschrist #catholicfaith #churchgrowth #catholicleaders #faithinaction

You Don't Have to Be a Priest to Be a Missionary with guest Jason Kidd

"I'm just a beggar telling other beggars where the food is." — Mother Teresa (shared by Jason Kidd)
What if mission isn't just for priests and full-time ministers — but for every single Catholic?
In this episode, Jason Kidd, National Director for Alpha in a Catholic Context, breaks down what it actually means to live as a missionary disciple in your everyday life. Whether you're a teacher, a bus driver, a business owner, or a parish leader — you are called to mission.
Jason shares how Alpha is helping over 100,000 Catholics rediscover that calling through conversation, community, and encounter with Jesus. In this episode you'll discover: Why Catholic discipleship isn't reserved for "professional Catholics" How to bring Christ into your workplace, neighborhood, and daily life What Alpha is doing in 1,300+ Catholic parishes across the country Why listening may be the most powerful evangelization tool you have Jason's personal story — from engineer to national ministry director
🔗 Learn More About Alpha: Website: https://alphausa.org/Catholic Email: Catholics@AlphaUSA.org
🎙️ The CLD Podcast — new episodes every week for parish leaders and missionary disciples.
 
#catholicdiscipleship #discipleship #catholicmission #catholicevangelization #alphacatholic #JasonKidd #missionarydisciple #catholicism #AlphaUSA #parishmission #Catholicfaith #missionarydiscipleship #Catholicslivingdiscipleship #CLDpodcast #Catholicpodcast #parishevangelization #Catholicchurch #howtoliveyourfaith #Catholicoutreach #faithandmission

You Don’t Understand Holy Week Until You Experience it!

 
Here is the Youtube version of this episode:
https://youtu.be/dsuLEMVK4QQ?si=NTEXLFfOIKk_Qj5U
Have you ever wondered… is Holy Week really worth it?
In this episode, I share from personal experience why Holy Week has become one of the most powerful and meaningful times in my journey with God. This isn’t a deep theological explanation—but a real, honest invitation.
Because the truth is… Holy Week isn’t something you can fully understand just by hearing about it. 👉 You have to experience it.
From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, each liturgy invites us deeper into:
The reality of God’s love
What Jesus endured for us
And the hope of the Resurrection
If you’ve ever felt unsure, disconnected, or just curious about Holy Week, I hope this encourages you to take that step—even if it’s just attending one liturgy.
🙏 I’ll be praying that you encounter God in a powerful and personal way this Holy Week.
⛪ What’s Covered:
What Holy Week is (simple overview)
Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday
Why it matters for your life today
Why it’s something you need to experience for yourself
👉 Next Step:
If this video encouraged you, consider attending just one Holy Week liturgy this year.
🔔 Subscribe for more content on living out your faith in everyday life.
 
#HolyWeek #Catholic #ChristianFaith #FaithJourney #Lent #Easter #JesusChrist #CatholicLife #GrowInFaith #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLiving #CatholicYouTube #FaithInspiration #GodsLove #Discipleship

Believe in Jesus, Watch What Happens.

What does it truly mean to believe in Jesus?
In this final Lenten reflection of 2026, Darrin Nelson shares how faith in Jesus Christ can bring real transformation—peace, healing, growth in virtue, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Drawing from personal experience, this reflection explores how belief isn’t just intellectual—it’s something we come to understand through the works of Jesus in our lives. From moments of healing to overcoming judgment and frustration, you’ll hear how even small steps in faith can lead to meaningful change.
Whether you’re new to prayer or deepening your relationship with Christ, this message offers a simple invitation: start where you are. Take a few minutes, open your heart, and encounter Him.
🙏 In this video:
How belief in Jesus transforms your daily life
Why “believe in the works” matters
Practical ways to grow during Lent
Simple steps to begin (or renew) your prayer life
📖 Recommended reading: Into His Likeness https://amzn.to/4sv3fAy
If this reflection speaks to you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need encouragement today.
Hashtags:
#Lent2026 #CatholicFaith #BelieveInJesus #ChristianLiving #FaithJourney #PrayerLife #SpiritualGrowth #JesusChrist #CatholicYouTube #LentReflection #PeaceInChrist #HealingThroughFaith #WalkWithJesus #DailyFaith #ChristianInspiration

The Hidden Reason You Feel Stuck in Your Faith

Have you ever felt like holding onto control is the only way to keep your life together?
In this reflection for Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent, we look at the powerful moment of Mary’s “yes” during the Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38). Faced with uncertainty, Mary chooses trust over control, saying, “May it be done to me according to your word.”
So often, we hold onto control because it makes us feel safe—but in reality, it can keep us stuck in our relationship with God. What if letting go isn’t losing control… but actually gaining peace?
In this video, we explore:• Why control feels so necessary in our lives• How Mary’s response models true trust in God• What it means to grow in relationship with Jesus, the Word of God• A simple 3–5 minute practice to help you let go and listen to God
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or looking to go deeper this Lent, this reflection will help you open your heart to God’s voice and experience greater peace and clarity.
🙏 Take a few minutes today to sit in silence and pray:“God, help me to hear your word more clearly, so I can trust you more fully.”
—
🔔 Subscribe for more daily reflections and faith-based content📲 Share this video with someone who needs encouragement today
🎧 Check out our podcast: Catholics Living Discipleship
#Lent2026 #CatholicFaith #ChristianLiving #TrustGod #LetGoAndTrust #Annunciation #BibleReflection #FaithJourney #PeaceInGod #SpiritualGrowth #DailyReflection #JesusChrist #WordOfGod
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec

Why Jesus Refused to Condemn Her (And What It Means for You) Mon 5th Week of Lent 2026

If you’ve ever felt unworthy of forgiveness—or know someone who does—this Gospel reflection is for you.
In today’s reading from John 8:1–11, we encounter the powerful story of the woman caught in adultery. While others were ready to condemn her, Jesus responds with something unexpected: compassion. His words challenge not only those who judged her—but each of us as well.
As we continue through the fifth week of Lent, this reflection invites us to look honestly at two things: Where do we need God’s mercy in our own lives? And who in our lives needs to experience compassion through us?
God does not seek to condemn—but to transform us through His mercy.
Take a few minutes today to reflect, pray, and ask: How can I be an instrument of God’s compassion?
🙏 If this reflection encouraged you, consider liking, subscribing, and sharing it with someone who may need to hear this message today.
🔖 Hashtags
#Lent2026 #Catholic #GospelReflection #DivineMercy #Forgiveness #JesusSaves #John8 #CatholicYouTube #FaithJourney #MercyNotJudgment #ChristianLiving #BibleReflection #LentJourney #GodsLove #Compassion #CatholicFaith
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec

Do You REALLY Want to Experience God’s Glory? (Most People Miss This)5th Sunday of Lent

#Lazarus #BibleReflection #ChristianLiving #FaithJourney #Discipleship
#ChristianYouTube #FaithInspiration #SpiritualGrowth #EncounterGod #GodsGlory
Do you want to experience the glory of God?
In this short Lent reflection, we explore the story of Lazarus and how Jesus invites us not only to believe—but to recognize and share God’s glory in everyday life.
Two questions I would like to consider: Can the Glory of God truly be experienced by you in your life? Would you like to experience the Glory of God in your life? In today’s Gospel reflection Jesus answers both of these questions for us. 
Welcome to the 5th Sunday of Lent 2026. My name is Darrin and thank you for joining me in this short reflection. Today's Gospel reading and Encounter with Jesus is  John 11:1-45
You can find the reading here:https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032226.cfm
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec

Are You Letting Others Shape Your Faith? (A Dangerous Trap) Sat 4th Week of Lent 2026

#FaithOverFear #SeekGodFirst #RelationshipWithGod #KnowJesus #SpiritualDiscernment #TruthMatters #Don’tFollowTheCrowd #FaithNotOpinion #ListenToGod #EncounterJesus
In what ways do you allow others to negatively impact you in your life
Welcome to Sat Fourth Week of Lent 2026. My name is Darrin and thank you for joining me in this short reflection. Today's Gospel reading and Encounter with Jesus is  John 7:40-53 
You can find the reading here:https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032126.cfm
Division among the crowd:  community and culture and that can create a mis perception of something in our own hearts.
I know at times in my life I have listened to the Crowd, in todays culture or society often someone will say What Koolaid have you been drinking. In todays reading Nicodemus makes a very important suggestion that we need to apply to our lives especially when it comes to knowing God. He said “Does our law condemn a person before it first hears him…
This can apply to many things in our faith journey. 
For some, it could be an introduction to Jesus. 
It could be a deeper appreciation for the Saints
It could be understanding the Real Presence of the Eucharist
It could be the healing practice of Reconciliation
What I have found in my life is that prayerfully encountering Jesus has helped me to build Trust and Curiousity that has provided real Truth directly from the source. 
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec