Accompany Podcast
Accompany Podcast is a ministry resource from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) that highlights the people, parishes, and organizations answering the Church's call to accompany others in faith. Hosted by Bro Rhy (Rhyan Ramirez), it features honest, hope-filled conversations about what it means to walk with others. Episodes look at parish teams re-imagining youth and family ministry and at national partners developing new models of formation and outreach. Through stories, strategies, and spiritual insight, the show helps leaders build cultures of encounter, empathy, and mission. It is aimed at parish staff, youth ministers, volunteers, and pastoral leaders looking for practical tools to grow as an accompaniment-centered parish.
Episodes
S1E23: Accompanying the Accompanyers
In this episode of Accompany Podcast, Bro Rhy discusses the process of building a culture accompaniment in a diocese with Marina Hedwall, Faith Formation & Evangelization Director in the Diocese of Reno. In their time together, they uncover struggles and successes of accompanying not just young people but those who accompany them.
S1E22: Shifting Your Focus
In this episode, Bro Rhy is joined by Deacon Mark Krejci and Misty Merkins from the small and mighty Diocese of Crookston. They share how shifting their focus to an accompaniment model has made a fruitful shift in how not just youth but also adults experience ministry.
S1E21: Mentorship That Matters
In this episode, Bro Rhy hosts Kevin Bernaga and Row David from the Diocese of San Jose to discuss the power of accompaniment in youth ministry, the growth of the diocesan youth retreat (DYR), and how collaboration and leadership development shape vibrant faith communities.
S1E20: Relationship Before Strategy
In this episode of Accompany Podcast, Bro Rhy engages in a heartfelt conversation with Josh Salinas, the director of youth, young adult, and campus ministries in the Diocese of Dallas. They explore the concept of accompaniment in ministry, the importance of relationships over strategies, and the collaborative efforts within the Diocese of Dallas to support youth and young adults.
S1E19: Bringing Loved Ones Back to the Faith
In this episode, Molly Schorr shares her inspiring journey in parish ministry, practical steps for accompanying loved ones back to the faith, and the importance of prayer and authentic love in evangelization. Discover how to foster trust, create welcoming environments, and be a joyful disciple in your ministry.
S1E18: Servant Leadership in Action
In this episode of the Accompany Podcast, host Ryan Ramirez engages in a deep conversation with Jc Montenegro, Ph.D about his journey from Ecuador to the United States, his transformative experience in the Amazon, and his extensive work in youth ministry.
S1E17: Renewing Parish Youth Culture
In this episode, we explore the transformative impact of the accompaniment project on parish youth culture, highlighting strategies for engagement, assessment, and community building. Guests from St. Joseph Catholic Church in the Diocese of Venice share their journey, successes, and future plans for fostering spiritual growth among young people.Guests: Fr. Rafal Ligenza, Hector Munoz, Liliana Rond
S1E16: Nurturing Faith Through Community
In this episode, Annette Haas from the Diocese of Crookston shares her journey into faith formation, the challenges and successes of implementing the accompaniment project, and innovative ways to engage parishes and youth in faith-based activities. Discover practical tips, the power of prayer, and the importance of community in nurturing faith.
S1E15: Prayer and Patience in Youth Ministry
In this inspiring episode, Dayrin Perez shares her journey in youth ministry, innovative approaches to confirmation, and the power of accompaniment and prayer in transforming parish culture. Discover practical insights and spiritual wisdom to enhance your ministry and foster authentic faith development.Guest: Dayrin Perez - Archdiocese of Los Angeles
S1E14: Fostering Parish Culture Change
In this inspiring interview, Courtney Callanan from the Holy Rood Collaborative shares her journey into youth ministry, the importance of building systems, and the role of fostering a culture of inclusion and patience in parish youth work. Discover practical insights on leadership, collaboration, and the power of community in nurturing young faith.Guest: Courtney Callanan - Holy Rood Collaborative
S1E13: The Power of Mentoring - A Conversation with Goodfaith
This episode features Maggie Smith and Stephanie Peddicord from Goodfaith, sharing their faith journeys and insights on intentional accompaniment in youth ministry. Discover how Good Faith is transforming youth engagement through relationship-centered approaches and empowering young leaders. Guests: Maggie Smith and Stephanie Petticoat — Goodfaith
S1E12: Transforming Parish Life Through Accompaniment
This episode features Fr. Ajani Gibson and Marinda Lee Houston from St. Peter Claver Parish in New Orleans, sharing their faith journeys, insights on accompaniment in ministry, and practical strategies for engaging parish communities. Discover how their parish is transforming confirmation and youth ministry through intentional accompaniment and authentic relationships.Guests: Fr. Ajani Gibson and
S1E11: Building Faith and Community in Constant Transition
In this insightful interview episode, Mark Moitoza shares his extensive experience in military chaplaincy and youth ministry, emphasizing the importance of accompaniment, hospitality, and presence in ministry. Discover practical strategies for supporting military families and young people through transitions and learn how faith can be a stabilizing force amidst chaos.Guest: Mark Moitoza — Archdioc
S1E10: Building a Lifelong Faith Culture
Join us as we explore the transformative journey of St. Stephen Parish in Bridgeport, Connecticut, through the eyes of Faith Formation Director Todd Kellogg. Discover how their innovative approach to youth ministry, rooted in lifelong culture and continuous assessment, is creating a vibrant, faith-filled community that spans generations.Guest: Todd Kellogg — St. Stephen Parish
S1E9: Empowering Young Leaders
In this episode, Bro Rhy interviews Marisally Santiago from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia about the Youth Co-Leadership Protagonism Initiative (YCOPI). They explore the program's origins, structure, challenges, and impact on youth ministry, emphasizing intentionality, clarity, and faithfulness in youth accompaniment.Guest: Marisally Santiago — Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Introducing the NFCYM Podcast Network
In this special episode, the hosts of the NFCYM Podcast Network’s three charter podcasts, Accompany Podcast, The Church Podcast, and The YDisciple Podcast, come together to share the heart behind this collaboration and why it matters.Featuring:Rhyan Ramirez — Accompany PodcastChris Wesley — The Church PodcastAnnie Grandell and Pete Burds — The YDisciple Podcast
S1E8: Hope on the Horizon - A Conversation with Kevin Molm
In this episode of the Accompany Podcast, Kevin joins Bro Rhy to have a conversation on hope, leadership, and what’s next for the field of youth and family ministry. Together they explore how accompaniment changes not just ministries, but ministers, one encounter at a time.Guest: Kevin Molm — Diocese of Helena
S1E7: Building Bridges - Engaging Families in Faith
In this episode of the Accompany podcast, host Ryan Ramirez engages with Deacon Mike Fitzpatrick and Erica Marquette from St. Elizabeth's in Maryland. They share their personal journeys into youth ministry, the importance of accompaniment in their parish, and the challenges they faced in implementing this approach. The conversation highlights the significance of building a culture of accompaniment
S1E6: Accompaniment Beyond the Parish - A Conversation with Rachael Flanagan
In this episode of the Accompany Podcast, host Rhyan "Bro Rhy" Ramirez speaks with Rachel Flanagan, a youth minister from Our Lady of Peace Parish. Rachel shares her journey from theater to youth ministry, the importance of accompaniment in faith, and the structure of her youth ministry program. They discuss the challenges faced in youth ministry, the significance of mentorship, and the need for a
S1E5: St. Mary Parish and the Spirit of Collaboration
St. Mary Parish shows what accompaniment looks like when ministry becomes a team effort. Hear how four leaders from different roles came together to build bridges across generations, languages, and programs, proving that true renewal happens when every member of the Body of Christ walks in unity.Guests: Tammi, Brian, JP & Linnea (St. Mary Parish)
S1E4: Who Will Replace Me?
Fr. Manu offers a pastor’s perspective on building an accompaniment-centered parish, a a parish that forms disciples rather than just fills pews. Through humility, empowerment, and shared leadership, he reveals how pastors can create the conditions where Christ truly leads and the parish walks together.Guest: Fr. Emanuel “Manu” Franco Gomez, O.Carm, Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Tu
S1E3: Listening Before Leading
What happens when parishes restructure and in some sense fall apart? This episode focuses on how to slow down and truly listen? Antony from Good Shepherd shares how his community transformed ministry meetings into moments of discernment. This episode reminds us that accompaniment begins not with programming, but with presence, patience, and prayer.Guest: Antony Ta (Good Shepherd Parish)
S1E2: Reviving Mission – A Conversation with Dan DeMatte
Dan joins Bro Rhy for a passionate conversation about awakening missionary discipleship in today’s Church. Together they unpack how authentic accompaniment requires both encounter and empowerment calling leaders to move from maintenance to mission with renewed zeal for the Gospel.Guest: Dan DeMatte - Damascus
S1E1: The Power of Parish Presence
When accompaniment becomes the culture, everything changes. Claire and Nicole share how St. Clement of Rome Parish is rediscovering the power of being present with families, teens, and one another. From listening first to building trust across ministries, this episode explores what it looks like when “parish” becomes “home.”Guests: Claire & Nicole — St. Clement of Rome Parish
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