3 minute read
Social Media Ministry Responds to Pandemic with New Outreach
In the 1990 encyclical, Redemptoris Missio, St. Pope John Paul II called for the “new evangelization.” We are charged with the task of finding new ways to reach out to those who have never heard the Gospel, as well to those who have fallen away from the faith. In the decades since this document was published, the internet has transformed our world. So, in order to keep up with our culture, having a presence on social media is a vital new aspect of our Catholic faith.
Thankfully, we have a team from our parishes doing this good work — the Social Media Ministry. The group includes Michael Retka, Lori Kneeland, Melissa Peterson, Jessy Waldock and Fr. Mark Botzet. The team monitors the Little Falls Catholic Facebook page, which was established by Michael Retka in 2014.
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“The main goal of the social media committee is to have a public space with readily available content to evangelize, provide up-to-date information, list events, and share catholic related news stories,” says Jessy Waldock, who brings to the group a mass communications and public relations background and serves as a staff member at Holy Family.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Facebook page was mostly used to share pertinent posts from Ascension Presents, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Bishop Robert Barron. Members also posted historical information on each parish and shared information on events. “We wanted a way to implement the new evangelization, reeducate, educate, and build community. A way to ‘feed the flock’ so to speak,” says Michael Retka.
When churches closed in March for COVID-19 precautions, parish staff worked to shift their work from traditional to modern, says the committee. The Social Media team was ready for the challenge.
“Instantly, digital became our primary source of communication,” Lori Kneeland says. “Our priests, the social media committee and other technology experts in our parishes began creating ways to better engage with our parishioners during a time of isolation.”
The social media committee will continue to do this good work after COVID-19 is no longer a threat. They believe that the livestream Masses will continue, but with a reduced schedule.
“We need a place where we can have a community of Catholics even when people are not able to come to Catholic events and Masses in person,” Melissa Peterson says.
Each of the ministry members has a reason they are involved, with something they enjoy about this group. Lori was asked by Michael Retka to be an active contributor because of her skills in marketing and branding. Melissa is a social media administrator for a variety of organizations in the Little Falls area, and she saw that there was a need for more help with posting. Fr. Mark was appointed to the committee to provide pastoral guidance and is very well-versed in technology.
“I enjoy the camaraderie of our group, and I like to see the comments and interactions of fellow Catholics, especially when it comes to the history and architecture of the Catholic Church,” Michael says.
“I enjoy creating and sharing the content to help inspire and engage others,” Lori says.
“I have a passion for all things related to communications, especially if it helps lead people to a greater understanding of and relationship with God,” Jessy says.
“I enjoy being a part of this community and helping to organize our ever-changing strategy,” Melissa says.
“I enjoy being able to reach out to the parishioners, because during this pandemic, it’s been hard to engage with them after Mass and get an idea of their needs,” Fr. Mark says. “I also enjoy looking at the Facebook analytics and data because it helps me to better shepherd the flock.”
