One of the most effective ways to promote and instruct about missionary discipleship is to show people what it looks like to be a disciple. Witness stories — the foundation of a strong, evangelizing content strategy — allow everyday Catholics to share their experiences of encounter with Christ. These encounters propel people to put their faith into action. They do more than describe discipleship; they portray it with stories and photos that bring faith to life.

“Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to share our faith,” says FAITH President and CEO Kayla Simon. “In the same way that Jesus used parables to illustrate his teachings, we can use the inspiring stories of our brothers and sisters in faith to present the life and work of a disciple in unique and meaningful ways. Plus, witness stories are relatable and interesting to read, so they draw people into the pages of a magazine or website.”

FAITH’s recommended content framework encourages editors to feature an individual on the cover of their publication using strong, inviting photos, interesting headlines, and attractive typography. “Every design decision on the cover of a magazine helps encourage readers to open the pages and dig into a story,” Kayla says. “We know from industry research that magazine covers establish a first impression. If they’re compelling, they entice readers to engage with the story, and in the case of Catholic magazines, that means they can create an opportunity for an evangelizing moment.”

7 stories that show disciples in action

Parable

Diocese of Manchester

January/February 2025

Building better futures: Julie McCarthy-Brown continues serving women in New Hampshire with the residential program she started with her husband Jack in 2016. Dismas House provides women transitioning out of the criminal justice system a place to heal and prepare for a new life with their families. After participating in a 90-day treatment program and a six-month transitional living program, women who have spent their whole lives battling trauma and substance abuse now have a 95 percent success rate returning to society.

FAITH Grand Rapids

Diocese of Grand Rapids

January/February 2025

From the classroom to the cemetery: Pat Nugent’s life is devoted to his Catholic faith. His days are filled educating students at West Catholic High School, and he also serves as the sexton at his parish, St. Patrick in Parnell, Michigan. Whether he is working as a teacher or digging a grave for a beloved parishioner, Nugent’s ministry is devoted to the dignity of each person.

On Mission

Diocese of Green Bay

November/December 2024

Let’s have a welcoming porch:

Diane Roundy is all about giving her time to bring others together to make a difference — whether in her parish, at the local Catholic school or on the board of directors for the Green Bay Packers. She envisions the Church as a welcoming porch that provides the right space to inspire people in their faith. First, she serves in a needed capacity, then she finds the right people to work with her who can eventually take over the work.

Acadiana Catholic

Diocese of Lafayette

October 2024

Finding joy in being a witness to life:

Dustin Bertrand has spent his life seeking his place in God’s plan. From golfer to seminarian to inspirational speaker, Dustin has been guided to work that helps others and shows them the joy of the kingdom. Close to his heart is the right to life movement, the importance of which comes from his mother’s decision to say yes to her unexpected pregnancy with him.

The Valley Catholic

Diocese of San José

Fall 2024

Bringing Holy Mass to the masses:

Ivonn Rivera may be an unassuming fast-food worker in San José, but her superpower is bringing the people of her community to Mass. By organizing pop-up Masses in parking lots using the low-tech advertising method of handmade signs, Ivonn has shown that evangelization is all about talking to people and giving them hope. She was the 2023 recipient of the Cardinal Bernardin Award, given by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, to young leaders who live a Gospel commitment to the poor.

The Catholic Compass

Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee

July/August 2024

Responding to the call of what we have seen and heard: Rosetta Durant’s life has followed the exhortation of 1984’s “What We Have Seen and Heard: A Pastoral Letter on Evangelization from The Black Bishops of the United States.” A convert to the faith, Rosetta has lived her life in service, proclaiming the Gospel message of God’s love through word and example. She believes the work of the Church cannot be limited by race, ethnicity, class, or gender.

One Voice

Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama

March/April 2024

Doing what Jesus said: For Shelley Douglass, the call of Christ guided her to Catholicism at the age of 18 and to open a Catholic Worker house in Birmingham in the 1990s. Through faith that God would provide, and hard work done by Shelley, her husband and members of their community, a place where those in need could find respite and comfort became a reality. Her focus has always been inspired by her mother, to do what Jesus said we should do.