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PRACTICES AT WORK
Going to the Digital Margins
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A Q&A WITH JOHN GROSSO
1. Is it important that parishes utilize digital and social media? It’s vital. In an age in which the Church in the United States (at least in the Northeast) is facing a crisis in Mass attendance, sacramental celebrations, and Catholic burials, we must use every avenue available to us to preach the Good News and spread the message of Christ. Pope Francis talks about “going out into the margins of society” to help our neighbors and to spread the Gospel. What about the digital margins? Social media is where many of us spend large portions of our day being exposed to dangerous rhetoric, horrifying images of violence and oppression, fake news, racism, and sexism. On the other hand, social media has the ability to connect us to distant family members, spur social change, and help others in need. If Christ was physically present in 2020, would He not communicate on Twitter or Instagram, where millions of people are each day? Parishes should utilize digital media as part of a larger communications strategy. The parish bulletin is still statistically the number one source of church information, but it won’t stay that way forever. You are only reaching people “in the pews” with print materials. Increasingly, millennials are identifying as having no religious affiliation or are disaffiliating from the Church. How can we reach them when the only way we communicate is a piece of paper we hand out at a Mass they are not attending? The best way for a parish to show the world that they are a loving, warm, and welcoming community is through social media.
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c21 resources | spring 2020
John Grosso, BC’14, is the Director of Digital Media for the Diocese of Bridgeport. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on why digital media is essential for parish mission and offers practical ideas for pastors and a parish staff. For an in-depth look at how Boston College influenced John’s career and vocation, visit bc.edu/c21parishes. The interview has been edited for length.
2. What are some digital platforms that are effective for parish ministry? I would like to see all parishes equipped with effective websites and good email newsletters. A lot can be accomplished with a well-organized, intuitive website and a weekly email newsletter sent to parishioners. I like Flocknote for email newsletters, because their programs are easy to use and scalable to the size of a parish. In terms of social media, I always recommend parishes start with Facebook, which usually attracts people already in the pews (due to algorithms and the fact that those who are most active on it tend to be older). I then recommend they develop an Instagram account for the younger crowd. A lot of people can be reached with those two social media accounts. 3. Producing digital content is time-consuming and often a responsibility added to a staff member’s already-full plate. What are some resources available to pastors or a parish staff to ease that burden? When I make the case for social media to pastors and parishes, I always tell them that it is vital to designate a lay member of their staff as a communications person, whether that person is stipended, part time, or full time. Creating content and managing social media does not work unless someone with experience has ownership over it. You wouldn’t have someone without faith formation experience serve as your Director of Religious Education, so why have inexperienced staff members run Facebook pages?
