mhicks's blog

One of the great things about being a publishing partner with FAITH Catholic is belonging to an extraordinary network of editors and Catholic communicators,” says Anne-Marie Welsh, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Erie, Pa. “It’s one of those unexpected benefits that really makes a difference. There’s so much to learn from one another, and I appreciate the way FAITH helps us capitalize on those relationships.”

What can Catholic organizations learn from secular associations about nurturing support from members and donors? Perhaps the most important lesson is the value of a membership magazine. According to the American Society of Association Executives, 70% of member organizations use print publications to promote relationships with their members. 

Regular columns help to foster a strong connection between readers and their magazine.

For the last five years, American bishops made it a priority to encourage parishes to focus on developing parishioners as “missionary disciples” — followers of Jesus who live out the Great Commission in their daily lives. To assist parishes in this effort, FAITH Catholic expanded its offerings to parishes with a subscription called GROW+GO, consisting of weekly content tied to each Sunday’s scripture readings. The content breaks open the Word of God, helping to build up disciples and teaching them to evangelize in simple, practical ways.

For the last five years, American bishops made it a priority to encourage parishes to focus on developing parishioners as “missionary disciples” — followers of Jesus who live out the Great Commission in their daily lives. To assist parishes in this effort, FAITH Catholic expanded its offerings to parishes with a subscription called GROW+GO, consisting of weekly content tied to each Sunday’s scripture readings. The content breaks open the Word of God, helping to build up disciples and teaching them to evangelize in simple, practical ways.

The message from Church leaders is loud and clear. They believe a key to encouraging people to come to Mass is to make them feel welcome. Especially in this post-pandemic era, we have an opportunity to communicate more effectively the message "you are welcome at this parish.”

We all know that digital communication is essential to sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ in the digital age. But is digital communication a better option than print for diocesan evangelization? Certainly, email, websites, social media, and even traditional media can be cost-effective and useful in reaching the people of God where they are — on cell phones, tablets, laptops and through TV and radio.

Read the full special report and the analysis of FAITH's exclusive research.

FAITH Catholic once again is proud to be a major sponsor for the Catholic Media Conference, held this year in St. Peterburg, FL, June 18-21. President and CEO Patrick O'Brien, along with Cynthia Vandecar, director of production and customer service, are on hand to greet attendees and share FAITH's myriad services, from custom publishing and digital solutions to integrated marketing and custom parish products.