Facebook & Your Parish (Social Media Summer Series)
What once was an online platform strictly for college students to chat after hours, is now a booming billion-dollar business that encompasses Fortune 500 businesses advertising their goods, to grandparents sharing photos of their grandchildren. As of early 2021, there are approximately 2.85 billion monthly active users on Facebook, and that number is growing by the day. If your parish has yet to join this extremely popular online community, it’s time to hop on the bandwagon.
From sharing news of your thriving faith community, photos from your latest festival, and Father’s latest Gospel reflection, there are numerous ways you can utilize Facebook for Christ.
First, Some Stats
- Facebook is a social networking platform where users can post comments, share photographs, and post links to news or other interesting content on the web, chat live, and watch short videos.
- There is no official character count, but less is more when it comes to grabbing followers’ attentions!
- Facebook supports group pages, fan pages, and business pages that let businesses use it as a channel for social media marketing.
- You can stream video live using Facebook Live (in fact, Facebook Live was often the way that parishes livestreamed their Masses during COVID-19).
- In addition to a communication platform, Facebook also offers digital advertising, a buy/sell community (known as Facebook Marketplace), the ability to accept online payments, and much more.
Parishes & Dioceses to Follow on Facebook
Looking for a little inspiration? From the use of live video to everyday inspirations, check out these parishes and dioceses that take social media engagement to the next level.
Prince of Peace Catholic Community – Houston, Texas
A mixture of livestreaming Mass and inspirational quotes, reflections, parish updates and high-quality photos to tie everything together, this parish gets great engagement with followers.
Archdiocese of Detroit
From events throughout the archdiocese, Mass livestreamed by the bishops at the cathedral, Gospel reflections and more, the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Facebook page is a great example of one religious organization promoting the good works of parishes far and wide.
St. Anthony the Hermit Parish – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
The faith community of St. Anthony the Hermit Parish posts on a regular basis inspirational quotes, upcoming events about the parish, and images from Mass and processions. It gives an authentic glimpse of life at the parish and invites you to come and experience it yourself.
St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church – Hartford, Connecticut
Livestreamed Masses, Gospel reflections from the pastor, live “off-the-cuff” announcements, and invitations to sign up for the weekly newsletter, the St. Patrick-St. Anthony communities have a lot going on.
Sample Parish Facebook Schedule
There is so much happening within your faith community — it’s time to let everyone know about it! From livestreaming Mass to Gospel reflections, inspirational quotes, and upcoming events, Facebook is one of the most perfect platforms around to get the message out. Check out this sample content schedule, and feel free to edit/add for your own faith community!
Monday
Our parish is proud to offer an easy, hassle-free way of supporting our community — online giving! Become a recurring donor today and support our parish no matter where you find yourself! Sign up today.
Tuesday
“Faith is to believe what you do not see. The reward of faith is to see what you believe.” St. Augustine of Hippo
Wednesday
This week, Fr. Patrick shares with us his thoughts on how the upcoming Gospel can be applied to our everyday lives. Read, react, share with a friend!
Thursday
Face-to-face and anonymous confessions are available this afternoon (and every Thursday!) at 4 p.m. If that time doesn’t work for you, feel free to contact us to make an appointment. Has it been awhile? Don’t stress, we’re here for you!
Friday
Every Friday, we come together to pray collectively for the members of our parish most in need of support. Have a prayer request? Add it here! Come Holy Spirit, Come!
Saturday
Mass of Anticipation begins at 4:30 p.m. — we can’t wait to see you! Be sure to grab a bulletin on the way out or download it through our website to read on the go!
Sunday
Join us for Mass at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. Afterwards, stick around for donuts, coffee, and fellowship with friends! What a beautiful day to receive Jesus Christ in the Eucharist!
Looking for more ways to utilize social media platforms? We’ve gotcha covered! Check out Twitter & Your Parish for ways to engage your followers.
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