Issue 1.6 - May 26, 2025
Effective communication is essential to the success of our initiative to spread hope through mercy. It’s how we inspire participation in works of mercy, share stories of impact, and keep the mission alive in the hearts of our communities. This week, we focus on developing your communications strategy — a vital step in ensuring your message reaches and resonates with those you hope to engage.
A thoughtful communications plan helps you clarify your goals, identify your audiences, and choose the right channels and messages to connect with them. Whether you’re working within a parish, school, ministry, or program, consistent and creative communication can help others see how simple — and meaningful — acts of mercy can be.
From flyers and social media posts to pulpit announcements and community newsletters, every message you share is an opportunity to invite someone to participate in works of mercy.
COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING
Strong, consistent communication is the foundation of an effective campaign. A well-thought-out communications plan helps ensure that your message is timely, clear, and engaging. Use the following steps to organize your efforts and keep your community connected and inspired:
- Create a Message Schedule: Map out a calendar for when key messages will be shared. Aim to communicate once a week across your various platforms to maintain momentum and keep the Mercy Challenge top of mind. Regular updates help build anticipation and provide a rhythm to your outreach.
- Plan Communication Channels: Strategically prepare your bulletin announcements, social media posts, pulpit announcements, and email newsletters. Consistency across all channels helps reinforce the message and reaches people where they are most engaged. Consider using themes each week to tie into homilies or specific Works of Mercy.
- Mailers Campaign Planning: If you plan to send printed postcards or mailers, allow for at least four weeks of preparation time. This includes writing, design, printing, and mailing. Postcards can be a powerful tool to reach people who may not be active online but are still very much a part of your community.
- Identify Your Target Audience: Define who you want to reach—families, seniors, youth, new parishioners, school families, or broader community members. Understanding your audience will help you tailor your messaging, choose the right tone, and select the best channels to connect with them.
- Incorporate Weekly Homily Highlights: Align your communications with the messages shared during weekend Masses. Sharing a short recap of the weekly homily through your bulletin, email, or social media. This will extend the Gospel message beyond Sunday and help people put it into action.
Thoughtful planning now will allow your campaign to unfold with purpose and creativity. It also gives you the flexibility to adapt as the Mercy Initiative progresses and new opportunities emerge.
Which communication channels work best in your community?
Bulletin Announcements
- View Details
Email Communications
- View Details
Pulpit Announcements
- View Details
Social Media Posts
- View Details
Other
- View Details
REMINDER
Please link to the Diocesan webpage www.Mercy2025.org on your parish/school website to facilitate the submission of Acts of Mercy.
BOOST PARTICIPATION
The goal of the initiative is to spread hope through mercy. A little recognition and fun incentives can help maintain the momentum. Here are ideas to help motivate continued participation:
- Create a "Mercy Wall" featuring photos of participants in action
- Highlight a "Mercy of the Week" in your bulletin or morning announcements
- Award special certificates to classes or ministries reaching participation milestones
- Create a "Mercy Tree" where leaves are added for each act recorded
- Share stories of impact through bulletins, newsletters, emails, or announcements
- Host a breakfast or ice cream social when your community reaches a goal or milestone number
- Create friendly competitions between grades, ministries, or parish groups
- Offer a small keepsake token (bookmarks, prayer cards) for those who record their acts
- Consider a pastor/principal challenge (e.g., "If we reach 5,000 acts, Father will shave his hair!")
