From Welcome to Belonging: Fostering a Parish Culture for Evangelization
ACST Catholic
59:21
Today, many people who approach a parish are looking for more than programs, services, or efficiency. They are seeking a place where they feel welcomed, known, and invited into meaningful community. For parish and diocesan leaders, this makes belonging an essential starting point for evangelization.
In this webinar, Terry Poplava, General Manager of ACST Catholic, and Kate Sell of Mission Advancement Partners will explore how parishes can intentionally foster a culture of belonging through hospitality, communication, facilities, follow-up, and everyday human encounters. The conversation will focus on practical ways parish leaders can build trust and create environments where individuals and families feel seen, valued, and invited to take the next step in their faith journey.
Participants will consider how parish culture is shaped by first impressions, warm and friendly interactions, clear communication, accessible spaces, and consistent follow-through. Kate will also share practical examples and insights from her work with parishes, offering real-world approaches that parish and diocesan staff can adapt in their own communities.
The webinar will also touch on the role of technology and AI in supporting a culture of belonging. When used well, these tools can reduce barriers through language translation, accessibility, clearer communication, and staff support. At the same time, technology must never replace the personal contact and human encounter at the heart of ministry.
This session is designed for parish and diocesan staff, ministry leaders, and anyone interested in strengthening parish life by creating communities where people feel truly welcomed, known, and invited into deeper relationship with Christ and the Church.
Speakers
Terry Poplava
General Manager, ACST Catholic
About your host: Terry Poplava serves as General Manager of ACST Catholic, where he brings extensive experience in supporting Catholic parishes and dioceses. With a background in executive roles at Our Sunday Visitor and Catholic Leadership Institute, Terry has worked across the U.S. helping churches with planning, stewardship, and engagement efforts. He has also spoken nationally and in the media on a wide range of topics, from the epidemic of loneliness to the importance of stewardship in the Church. Terry’s passion for equipping ministries to thrive is at the heart of his current focus on serving the Catholic Church through ACS Technologies.
Kate Sell
Founder, Mission Advancement Partners
Kate Sell is the founder and managing partner of Mission Advancement Partners and an organizational strategist with more than 20 years of experience in business and nonprofit consulting. She has worked with for-profit companies, national nonprofits, dioceses, parishes, and ministry-based organizations, helping them navigate organizational development, growth, and change.
With extensive experience in the Catholic sphere in the United States and abroad, Kate brings a unique perspective to helping organizations understand today’s Catholic landscape, clarify their mission, and use their resources effectively in service to the Church. A convert to the Catholic faith, Kate lives in Atlanta with her husband, Bryan, and their five children.
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From Welcome to Belonging: Fostering a Parish Culture for Evangelization
59:21