Should we advertise?

[mike_sieber]

I see a lot of commercials on TV and newspaper ads for churches and it struck me that I’ve never seen any for the Catholic church.

The Latter Day Saints do a lot of TV advertising and I’m seeing more from the Methodists.

Since we have the fullness of God’s truth and all of the sacraments, should the church be using advertising to let people know that?

 

[YinYangMom]

edWest2, over in the Popular Media forum, mentions a time when the Church was actively involved in television and radio programming. I’m thinking he’s onto something in reminiscing about those days.

I think we not only should advertise, but we should develop programming for network television - not cable, not just the internet (though definitely we should take full advantage of that outlet). It takes money, though, and I’m not sure people would appreciate seeing their money go to such efforts, in light of how much money is still being doled out for the sex abuse scandal.

Still, as I noted in Popular Media, I commend the founders of a new university in San Diego, CA: John Paul the Great Catholic University. They are: Wes Fach, Philippe Dardaine, Derry Connolly, Ed Snow, and Scott McKenna.

The university porgrams are communications media, entertainment media, business and entrepreneurial business. It is a mandatum university “All faculty involved with the teaching of the Catholic faith will require a mandatum from the Bishop of San Diego.”

I am praying for and eagerly anticipating the first fruits of this university. Maybe we will see commercials for Catholicism in the near future

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I see a lot of commercials on TV and newspaper ads for churches and it struck me that I’ve never seen any for the Catholic church.

The Latter Day Saints do a lot of TV advertising and I’m seeing more from the Methodists.

Since we have the fullness of God’s truth and all of the sacraments, should the church be using advertising to let people know that?

The Catholic Communications Campaign does. But yes we should locally also especially about events that will be taking place at the local Catholic Church.

 

[puzzleannie]

in this diocese advertising on radio, billboard, and newspaper is used for Disciples in Mission, the evangelization program, for certain pro-life initiatives, for the adult sacramental program in Lent, and similar events. the diocese is also the main supporter of public TV and radio stations, so those outlets have more Catholic programming than in most cities.

 

[brosam]

I see a lot of commercials on TV and newspaper ads for churches and it struck me that I’ve never seen any for the Catholic church.

Actually, there’s a large print media campaign.

Every day when I get on the train, there is a poster for the Philadelphia Archdioscese.

Since we have the fullness of God’s truth and all of the sacraments, should the church be using advertising to let people know that?

The problem is that Non-Christians don’t care that you think you have the fullness of truth and Christians are probably already very happy in their churches, so it would be a bit of a tough sell.

If you were going to go that route, then your best bet would be not to try to recruit people in to Roman Catholicism, but to present the Gospel to them and then, as they respond to the Gospel, God will either lead them to Roman Catholicism or not.

 

[drafdog]

The best advertising might be just to have signs and broadcast ads the say something like “Come pray with us” and list area churches and Mass times. The vestibule of the churches should contain, under a small reproduction of the billboard ad, pamphlets for visitors and new comers who want some explanation of the Mass, its symbols and prayers.
All you media students out there, start drawing ad posters and writing pamphlets to go with them. Best set of ad and booklet wins a CAF T-shirt.

Matthew

 

[ASimpleSinner]

Bear in mind that paying for television ads means paying the networks and their affiliates for theier ad time.

I would have a big problem giving much money the faithful have raised to those companies…

A good start - on a smaller scale - would be to have Mass times posted clearly at every parish. I would estimate that about 30% + parishes don’t have their Mass and confession hours listed clearly for passers-by to read.

I once suggested to the pastor at my parish located on a busy street that we should put a sign up that worked like hotel “Vacancy/No Vacancy” signs…

One that read "Confessions now being heard - come in and get it off your chest!"

He seemed enthusiastic enough at the suggestion… But it never came to fruition…

 

[pyropam]

Yes!!

Being a business owner with more than 100 retail stores, Advertising is very important!

Advertising Ideas…

1. You are the best advertisement that the Catholic Church will ever have… So shine your light for all to see, show your Christian heart in all that you do. People are watching.
2. If your Parish has a changeable copy sign, then make the most of it! Make the wording inviting and not too crowded.
3. Hold community events… Health fairs, picnic’s, dinners, clean-up’s in the neighborhood.
4. Wear Catholic tee-shirts! (you may think this is funny… I have had several people stop and ask me about my shirt).
5. Use the paper, television, radio, and all media available to your advantage.
6. Visit hospitals, nursing homes, and shut-ins. You never know how many of their family members will be touched because of your visiting.
7. Be prepared, attend some RCIA classes even if you are a Cradle Catholic. Be able to defend your faith without having a feeling of defeat or having to become ill. Just be ready to answer question… Because if you do all that I’ve mentioned above… you will be asked questions…