Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast) Evangelizing Without Pushing People Away
Jan 21, 2026
Kevin Pesek, Campus Minister at St. Mary's Catholic Center, discusses innovative approaches to evangelization at Texas A&M. He shares insights on the surge in OCIA participation and how nurturing authentic relationships with Jesus is key. Kevin highlights the role of student-led small groups in fostering conversions and the importance of tailoring evangelization efforts to resonate with student cultures. He emphasizes spiritual over intellectual formation and explains how community and belonging are pivotal in engaging students.
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Mobilize Student Small-Group Leaders
- Recruit many student volunteer small-group leaders and let them invite and accompany peers.
- Use peer leaders to build relationships, sponsor candidates, and create conversion opportunities.
Conversion Is Life, Not Just Lectures
- Conversion happens in shared life and consistent practice more than in solitary talks.
- Being 'all in' with faith across campus life makes Catholicism the foundation, not an occasional activity.
Freshman Retreat That Sparks Interest
- St. Mary's runs a huge freshman retreat based on John that draws hundreds of new students.
- The retreat shows vibrant, lived Catholicism and makes newcomers think, 'maybe I could do this.'
