In this crossover episode from the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, host Christina Semmens interviews Taylor Kemp, Vice President of Content at the Augustine Institute. Taylor shares his journey from a successful soccer career to a profound conversion to the Catholic faith. The conversation delves into the revitalization of the Symbolon series, a program designed to educate and deepen the understanding of the Catholic faith.

Taylor discusses the importance of storytelling, the integration of prayer, and the goal of inspiring holiness in viewers. The episode concludes with reflections on personal faith, the significance of patience in the spiritual journey, and the call to conversion.

Takeaways

* Taylor Camp transitioned from a professional soccer career to theology.

* Symbolon serves as a vital resource for faith formation.

* The series emphasizes the call to holiness for all individuals.

* Revamping Symbolon focuses on American Catholic history and local stories.

* Each episode integrates salvation history, pilgrimage, theology, and prayer.

* The goal is to deepen devotion to the Eucharist and the Catholic faith.

* Patience is essential in the journey of faith and holiness.

* The series aims to inspire viewers to live out their faith heroically.

* Personal experiences shape the way faith is taught and shared.

* The Augustine Institute supports parish leaders in their ministry efforts.

Sound Bites

* "I had a pretty radical and powerful conversion."

* "Symbolon is a beautiful entry point."

* "Every single one of us is called to sainthood."

* "I felt so privileged to be a part of it."

* "Patience is the fundamental virtue for you."

* "The work of holiness is an act done by God."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Taylor Camp and His Journey

05:47 The Symbolon Series: A New Initiative

12:42 Revamping Symbolon: Focus on American Catholic History

17:51 Structure of Symbolon: Integrating Faith and Prayer

22:05 Goals of the Revamped Symbolon Series

25:24 Personal Reflections on Faith and Holiness

32:52 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this crossover episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens and Dave Pliskey discuss how one might live an integrated life, and what we can do to help others do the same.

This conversation is held in the context of discussion about the ongoing impact of a study on intentional discipleship, the importance of spiritual direction, and the launch of the Religion to Reality webinar series.

Dave and I explore the findings of the study, including the barriers to evangelization and the need for community and ongoing formation. Our conversation highlights the significance of integrating faith into daily life and the generational differences in discipleship, emphasizing the need for in-person community engagement—the foundation of what The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is all about.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts about this conversation, and how you are looking to apply some of our suggestions within your own work as a ministry leader.

This 1:1 conversation with Tom Carroll is a crossover post from a conversation that I had with him for the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, but one that is SPOT ON for our discussions here on The Catholic Leadership Puzzle.

Thomas W. Carroll is the President and Founder of Catholic Talent Project, and former Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Boston from 2019-2024. and serves as a Consultor to the USCCB Committee on Education.

The Catholic Talent Project is an initiative to cultivate faithful witnesses serving within Catholic schools across America. The process advocated by the Catholic Talent Project is one that grew out of Tom Carroll’s successful experience as Superintendent to bring about Catholic renewal within the schools throughout the Archdiocese, and he is now on a mission to bring that renewal to others through the country.

Bottom line, what Tom and I speak about throughout our conversation is the impact leadership can have in the transformation of any culture so the mission of that organization is not only be achieved, but exceeded in ways that might currently be unimaginable.

I hope you enjoy this conversation, and that it inspires you to continue your efforts to implement the pieces of the Catholic Leadership Puzzle in your sphere of influence.