Support the Catholic Communications Campaign During the Weekend Collection

Friday, May. 06, 2016

 

How many of you were riveted by the media coverage of Pope Francis’ visit to the United States last September? This was a joyful and pivotal moment for all of us, and, through the power of communication, many of the faithful were able to experience the papal visit. Whether through the live-streaming of the Holy Father’s address to the Joint Session of Congress, following the activity from city to city on social media, or broadcasting the Mass in Madison Square Garden, the Catholic Communications Campaign (CCC) helped to engage everyone during this exciting visit. Social media was full of posts, photos and hashtags and 1.65 million video views (20,000 per hour!). This extensive media coverage was funded in large part by the CCC. 

The impact and reach of communications today is evident. In an increasingly mobile world, we not only demand information, we want it immediately. The plethora of platforms to reach people grows on a daily basis; even Pope Francis acknowledges social media’s influence and the opportunity it provides to share the Good News. While he was already very active on Twitter, he recently opened an Instagram account and had over 1 million followers in just 12 hours. 

The Jubilee Year of Mercy offers further impetus for encouraging and developing the mission of the Church through the communication tools available. As Pope Francis reflected in his message for the 50th World Communications Day (May 8, 2016), communications employs the “power of words and gestures to overcome misunderstandings, to heal memories and to build peace and harmony.” 

The theme for the CCC is “Faith – Worship - Witness” and this truly reflects the purpose of the collection. The funds raised serve to link us with local and national evangelization efforts and to deepen our witness to Christ’s message. Because 50 percent of the funds we collect stay in our diocese, your contribution also helps to facilitate communications right here in Utah. Our outreach includes our official Catholic newspaper, the Intermountain Catholic, as well as our diocesan and Intermountain Catholic websites, Facebook pages and Twitter accounts, the diocesan Instagram account, and Radio Feca. 

On a daily basis, we strive to “meet people where they are;” providing means of connection across our statewide diocese through the power of the Word. Indeed, communication has “the power to build bridges, to enable encounter and inclusion, and thus enrich society.”  

This outreach would not be possible without your support. Please consider giving to the Catholic Communications Campaign on May 15, and help us “touch the hearts of all people and inspire them to find the road that leads to the Father.” 

Don’t forget to follow us on social media: Twitter: @Diocese_of_SLC; Instagram: CathDiocese_SLC; Facebook: Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City and Intermountain Catholic; and RadioFeca.com.