Called to Lead: Pastoral Leadership for Today’s Church

The Synodal Parish: Moving from a Concept to a Lived Reality

In this season finale of Called to Lead, Dr. John Rinaldo shares a solo reflection to synthesize the key insights from the inaugural season. Addressing a common hurdle for pastoral leaders, John unpacks why "synodality" does not mean tearing down existing parish structures or throwing out current programs. Instead, drawing from his own writing, experience, and upcoming summer course, "Shared Leadership in a Synodal Church," he explores how parishes are already living out synodal principles every day. Reflecting on past conversations with guests like John Roberto, Christopher Wesley, Casey Stanton, and Charleen Katra, this episode is a warm, encouraging invitation for leaders to identify the seeds of synodality in their local communities and make the small, intentional shifts that foster a culture of true accompaniment, listening, and mission.

Ignatian Wisdom for the Mission-Driven Leader

In this episode of Called to Lead, Dr. John Rinaldo sits down with Matthew Carnes, S.J., Vice President for Mission and Ministry and Executive Director of the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education at Santa Clara University. Drawing from his new book, Leadership Lessons from the Jesuits, Fr. Carnes explores how the 500-year-old tradition of Ignatian spirituality offers practical, life-giving tools for leaders in today’s complex organizations. The conversation delves into the power of discernment, the importance of "finding God in all things"—including our administrative work—and how to lead with a clear sense of mission. Whether you lead in a parish, a non-profit, or an academic setting, this episode offers a roadmap for leading with purpose, humility, and hope. You can pre-order Fr. Carnes new book here [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=leadership+lessons+from+the+jesuits&crid=1085L72159KRX&sprefix=leadership+lessons+from+Jesui,aps,203&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker_2_29].

Forming Digital Disciples in the Age of AI

In this episode of Called to Lead, Dr. John Rinaldo is joined by Meaghan Crowley-Sullivan, Curriculum and Professional Learning Developer for the iDEAL Institute at Loyola Marymount University [https://soe.lmu.edu/centers/ideal/]. As technology—and specifically Artificial Intelligence—reshapes the landscape of education and social interaction, Meaghan reflects on how Catholic schools and parishes can move beyond "tech management" toward true digital formation using her Catholic Companion Framework [https://soe.lmu.edu/centers/ideal/ccf/]. The conversation explores how we can empower young people to use technology with creativity, critical thinking, and a grounded sense of Christian ethics, ensuring that our digital tools serve the mission of the Gospel rather than distracting from it.

Innovation, Online Learning, and What Church Leaders Can Learn

In this episode of Called to Lead, Dr. John Rinaldo is joined by Toby McChesney, Vice Provost for Graduate Programs at Santa Clara University. Drawing on decades of experience in graduate education, enrollment strategy, and marketing, Toby reflects on why online learning has become essential to the future of higher education and what trends are shaping how adults learn today. The conversation then turns to the Church, exploring what pastoral leaders can learn from higher education and marketing practices about accessibility, communication, and meeting people where they are—without losing mission or identity.

Latino Ministry, Liberation, and the Wisdom of Lived Faith

In this episode of Called to Lead, Dr. John Rinaldo is joined by Christopher Tirres, the Michael J. Buckley, S.J. Endowed Chair at Santa Clara University and the president-elect of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the U.S (ACHTUS). Drawing from liberation theology, U.S. Latine theology, and decades of teaching and pastoral engagement, Dr. Tirres reflects on how the Church can more faithfully minister with—and learn from—the Latino community. The conversation explores popular religiosity, everyday spiritual practices, liberation as lived experience, and what pastoral leaders must understand if they hope to serve Latino communities with authenticity, humility, and hope.