The Catholic Morning Show

From Encounter to Mission: Becoming an Everyday Missionary – Dan DeMatte – 06/26/2026

Episode Summary

Damascus founder Dan DeMatte joins The Catholic Morning Show to share how a small Catholic youth ministry became one of the fastest-growing missionary movements in the country, now reaching tens of thousands each year. He explains why every baptized Catholic — not just priests and religious — is called to live on mission, and how encounter with Jesus always leads to mission. Listeners get a simple, powerful challenge: love like Jesus loves, right where you are.

Episode Notes

Dan DeMatte, founder and executive director of Damascus, joins guest host and former Damascus missionary Sam Halligan for a conversation on mission, discipleship, and revival in the Church.

Key Highlights

• The origin of Damascus — from youth ministry done in community to a national movement built on encounter with Jesus
• Why Damascus says they're "not camp people who talk about Jesus, but Jesus people who run camp ministry," using camps to draw middle schoolers and high schoolers into life-changing encounter
• The scope today: roughly 450 full-time summer missionaries serving campers across Ohio, Michigan, and Maryland, plus year-round retreats, a worship collective, and traveling speakers — reaching an estimated 50,000 people annually
• How the Church after Vatican II emphasized the universal call to holiness, and why Damascus aims to add the equally essential call to mission
• A practical challenge for every listener: love like Jesus in your home, workplace, and community; ask questions, truly listen, and then share the name of Jesus

Learn more, listen to the podcast, and connect with Damascus at damascus.net.

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