The Youth Ministry Mindset Podcast

Summary: This finale episode of Season 2 is your TL;DR—Too Long; Didn’t (Listen)—recap of everything we’ve learned, wrestled with, and dreamed about for youth ministry in the Confirmation space. Hosts Jordan Biere, Jason Kidd, and Annie Grandell reflect on the highlights, themes, and powerful insights shared across all episodes and guests. If you didn’t catch the full season, this is your shortcut to the biggest takeaways.Notable Quotes:“We can’t keep domesticating the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Jason Kidd (2:05) “We need to abandon the outcome and embrace the posture of seeking and obeying in the space of Confirmation.” -Jordan Biere (2:43)

Summary: In this episode, hosts Annie Grandell, Jason Kidd, and Jordan Biere sit down with two seasoned practitioners—Hollie Danis of STA Catholic Youth Ministry in St. Michael and Albertville, MN and Rick Grinstead from the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville, TN—to share some powerful, raw, and often hilarious “stories from the wild” of Confirmation ministry.These aren’t theories. These are real-life moments from youth ministers on the front lines. Join these two seasoned youth ministry veterans as they share Spirit-filled stories from their own Confirmation ministries. This episode is packed with encouragement and grounded wisdom from the trenches.References & Resources:Catechism of the Catholic Church 1302-1305Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, Paragraph 236-239, 243-247Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, Paragraph 24Notable Quotes:“The most important thing to start with is just getting to know one another.” -Rick Grinstead (15:30) “We’re on a journey and we’re getting started, but it doesn’t end.” -Jason Kidd (21:23) “Don’t be afraid to not hyperfocus on the sacrament of Confirmation but to focus on the structure that you’ve built in your youth ministry program.” -Hollie Danis (50:19)

Summary: In this episode, hosts Jordan Biere, Annie Grandell, and Jason Kidd welcome Dayrín Perez from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to talk about what it really looks like to blow up the old models of Confirmation ministry—and walk away with confidence and clarity.With authenticity and a little humor (yes, the title is a Lonely Island reference), Dayrín shares what’s happening at the diocesan level in L.A., where leaders are giving parishes the freedom—and responsibility—to reimagine confirmation as a place of transformation rather than obligation. The result? A culture shift powered by vision, trust, and missionary zeal.References & Resources:Catechism of the Catholic Church 1309Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, Paragraph 206, 244-247USCCB Confirmation Resource PageNotable Quotes:“We're not just changing for the sake of change. The heart behind it is young people knowing Jesus—full stop.” -Annie Grandell (1:30) “Our formation is grounded on: what is a disciple?, how does someone become a disciple?, how did Jesus form a disciple?, and how can I accompany someone to be a disciple?” -Dayrín Perez (18:45) “You’re giving permission to the parish to slow down and pay attention and journey better .” -Jordan Biere (25:12)

Summary:In this episode, hosts Jason Kidd, Annie Grandell, and Jordan Biere are joined by Fr. Peter Wojcik of St. Clement Parish in Chicago to explore a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of Confirmation: the role of the pastor. Fr. Peter brings clarity, encouragement, and challenge as he offers a pastor’s perspective on how clergy and lay ministers can work together, not in silos, but in mission.References & Resources:Catechism of the Catholic Church 1311Pope Francis, Evengelii Gaudium, Paragraph 31-33Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, Paragraph 244-247Notable Quotes:“It isn’t the youth minister’s parish. It’s not the DRE’s parish. It’s the pastor’s parish.” -Annie Grandell (1:55)“We don’t need rogue agents—we need collaboration under pastoral authority.” -Jordan Biere (1:45)“The Church only will grow into the future if people really take responsibility for the Church.” -Fr. Peter Wojcik (16:00)

Summary: In this episode, hosts Jordan Biere, Jason Kidd, and Annie Grandell welcome Christopher Wesley, founder of Marathon Youth Ministry and author of Rebuilding Confirmation, for a compelling conversation on the often-overlooked role of sponsors in the Confirmation process.Instead of viewing sponsors as a checkbox or afterthought, Christopher challenges us to think of them as mentors in discipleship—people who can walk alongside teens in a meaningful way. The episode invites ministry leaders to reconsider traditional practices and reimagine how to form sponsors and integrate them intentionally into the journey of Confirmation.Notable Quotes: “Invest in a community where people can find sponsors or just great role models to nurture the faith beyond Confirmation” -Christopher Wesley (42:25) “You can’t force a relationship, but you can set the environment for it.” -Jordan Biere (32:18)Special Guest:Christopher Wesley – Catholic author and ministry consultant, best known for Rebuilding Confirmation, which encourages parish leaders to rethink outdated models and focus on relational ministry.References & Resources:Rebuilding Confirmation: Because We Need More Than Another Graduation by Christopher WesleyCatechism of the Catholic Church 1311, 1255Code of Canon Law, Canons 892-893Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, Paragraph 242Stay Connected:Find Christopher Wesley at: marathonyouthministry.comCheck us out: youthministrymindset.comGet your FREE Confirmation Toolkit from Alpha Youth and YDisciple: confirmationtoolkit.comLearn more about Alpha: alphausa.org/youth/catholicLearn more about YDisciple: ⁠⁠ydisciple.com⁠⁠