Mission, Relationships, and Radical Trust in the Lord: A Conversation with Cande de Leon

True evangelization begins when we stop counting numbers and start knowing names.

In this episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, we sit down with Cande de Leon, Chief Mission Engagement Officer for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, AZ. From feeding thousands of meals a day to preventing homelessness for families across Arizona, the Society embodies the Gospel call to “feed, clothe, house, and heal.”

Cande shares how their mission is more than just charity—it’s about restoring dignity, building community, and evangelizing through personal encounter. We talk about the epidemic of loneliness in our culture, the role of volunteers and parishes in living out this mission, and the importance of radical trust in God when it comes to both fundraising and parish life.

Whether you’re discerning how to inspire generosity in your parish or simply need encouragement in your faith, this conversation will leave you with practical wisdom and renewed hope for what’s possible when we serve with Christ at the center.

Be sure to tune in on Fio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, or YouTube!