We are very encouraged to see some exceptional and innovative ministry (especially through digital) from parishes across the country. Although many of these efforts have been established as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, these examples all use tried-and-true methods and means of engagement we can learn from. There are many parishes doing great things… these are just a few of our top favorites!

San Fransisco Solano Catholic Church, CA

Solano has created a sub-brand of how they will do church called Mass as Home and is building content (social, video) around this new way of worship. The quality is exceptional, the music is inspiring, and the pastor and his team are engaging and vulnerable.

• Livestream daily and Sunday masses – example
• Message from the pastor inviting people to mass – link
• A vibrant and engaging giving page – link
• Recorded acoustic worship from parish ministers – link
• Virtual stations of the cross page on the website – link
• A great Instagram account – link

Sacred Heart of Jesus, LA

Sacred Heart has an incredible social media outreach, specifically through Facebook — and it’s received well by the numbers and their engagement. A few items stand out as extra creative:

• Daily and Sunday mass, as well as live-streamed holy hours – link
• A Netflix watch party for a family-friendly movie with parishioners – link
• Video wine and cheese with the pastor and priest for reflection – link
• Weekly video show with the two faith formation staff members – link
• Live-streamed family rosary – link

St. Mary’s, UT

Engagement is about a two-way conversation, not just a megaphone approach. We especially love the coffee with Fr. Gray – what a great way to have a daily touchpoint with the pastor.

• Daily prayer, reflections, and a virtual “morning coffee” with the pastor via Zoom – link
• Short video content sent daily via Flocknote – link
• A virtual content section of their website packed with resources – link to the site

We will keep adding more great examples as we see them. Want to add a suggestion? Join our Facebook group to contribute!