Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Rick Grinstead

Knoxville,TN

Summary

Catholic ministry leader with a deep conviction that every parish can become a place of vibrant, life-giving prayer. With 29+ years of national experience in evangelization and discipleship, I have helped parishes cultivate healthy prayer cultures rooted in personal encounter with Jesus - whether through Eucharistic Adoration, small group prayer, retreats, or digital tools like Hallow and Alpha. My mission is to walk with leaders, empower communities, and create pathways for prayer to be at the heart of parish life.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

National Catholic Youth Specialist

Alpha USA
04.2023 - Current
  • Led Alpha Youth implementations and Catholic contextualization efforts in parishes across the U.S.
  • Trained youth ministers, pastors, and leadership teams on vision, implementation and logistics of Alpha Youth
  • Spoke at Catholic conferences promoting digital evangelization, including tools like Alpha and Hallow
  • Built trusted relationships with 50+ dioceses and hundreds of parish leaders nationwide

Director of Evangelization, Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
03.2020 - Current
  • Launched transformative youth and young adult ministries rooted in relational discipleship and Alpha in a variety of contexts
  • Oversaw Confirmation prep and parish formation strategies using both traditional and digital tools
  • Fostered a culture of invitation and encounter through Alpha, retreats, and intentional leadership development
  • Partnered with Alpha USA on large-scale events and program rollouts

Keynote Speaker & Coordinator

Alive in You Catholic Service Camp
01.2008 - 01.2022
  • Delivered keynote talks and led retreats for thousands of Catholic teens and leaders
  • Coordinated mission trips and service projects across the country, creating environments of encounter and action

Pastoral Associate, DRE, and Youth Minister

Saint Peter Catholic Church
06.2007 - 06.2018
  • Oversaw parish-wide evangelization and catechesis for children, teens, and adults as Director of Religious Education
  • Led youth ministry programs for middle and high school students, including retreats, service projects, and mission trips
  • Collaborated with the pastor on liturgical planning, parish outreach, and sacramental preparation
  • Built and trained teams of catechists, volunteers, and core leaders to foster a culture of prayer and discipleship
  • Facilitated parish-wide missions and formation events to deepen communal prayer and Eucharistic devotion

Education

Master of Arts - Theology

University of Notre Dame
South Bend, IN
06.2024

Master Catechist Certification - undefined

Grand Rapids, MI
01.2005

Bachelor of Arts - Theology

Aquinas College
Grand Rapids, MI
01.1998

Skills

  • Catholic Public Speaking
  • Alpha Youth & Adult Implementation
  • Evangelization & Discipleship Strategy
  • Youth Ministry & Confirmation Preparation
  • Leadership Development & Team Building
  • Ethical Integration of Artificial Intelligence for Ministry & Communication
  • Diocesan Partnership Management
  • Worship Leading (Guitar/Vocal)
  • Retreat Design & Event Planning
  • Digital Ministry Tools (Keynote, Office, Website Creation)

Accomplishments

  • Keynote speaker at national youth rallies, diocesan convocations, and Catholic Charities campaigns
  • Developed high-impact youth and young adult ministries from the ground up
  • A Project lead for $4.25M Family Life Center at Saint Peter Parish
  • Co-host and producer of diocesan-wide Catholic podcasts: From the Confessional and Happy Hour

Timeline

National Catholic Youth Specialist

Alpha USA
04.2023 - Current

Director of Evangelization, Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
03.2020 - Current

Keynote Speaker & Coordinator

Alive in You Catholic Service Camp
01.2008 - 01.2022

Pastoral Associate, DRE, and Youth Minister

Saint Peter Catholic Church
06.2007 - 06.2018

Master Catechist Certification - undefined

Bachelor of Arts - Theology

Aquinas College

Master of Arts - Theology

University of Notre Dame

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