The Catholic Media Conference (CMC) recently wrapped up with a fantastic turnout of around 350 attendees and 24 exhibitors at the Marriott Buckhead & Conference Center in Atlanta. The event served as a hub for sharing ideas, networking, promoting collaboration, and exchanging best practices in Catholic communication.
Hosted by the Catholic Media Association, this gathering in June brought together key leaders in the Catholic communication industry. It was a golden opportunity to stay updated on sector trends and gain insights from experts in Catholic faith communication.
Over four days, discussions centered on the power of clear and effective communication in strengthening faith and community. There was also a deep dive into the role of technology in modernizing Catholic communication, particularly exploring how artificial intelligence solutions can support this purpose. Dr. Paolo Ruffini, the prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, echoed Pope Francis’ message for the 58th World Day of Social Communications, emphasizing the positive impact of artificial intelligence in communication when used alongside traditional journalism.
Making a Faithful Impact
New technologies play a vital role in spreading the Church’s message globally. One notable contribution came from Alessandro DiSanto, the co-founder of Hallow, known for the popular Catholic app focusing on prayer and meditation.
Hallow made a significant splash by showcasing an ad during the Superbowl earlier this year, featuring actor Mark Wahlberg. The ad encouraged viewers to join Hallow in prayer and led to a record-high surge in app downloads.
Jim Wahlberg, brother of Mark, shared a moving testimony of his journey to faith at the Conference through his film “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist.” His encounter with Mother Teresa during a challenging time paved the way for a profound spiritual transformation.
Highlighting the essential role of mission work in the Church, The Pontifical Mission Societies expressed gratitude to the Catholic media for their efforts in promoting prayer and support for their cause.
The Hispanic Perspective
For the first time at the CMC, a panel delved into enhancing media outreach to the Hispanic community. The discussion emphasized the need for tailored and effective communication to reach this demographic effectively.
With a significant percentage of Catholics in the US being Hispanic, understanding and connecting with this audience is crucial for spreading the Gospel effectively.
Fostering Personal Connections
La Machi, a communication agency dedicated to supporting the Church’s messaging, celebrated its involvement in the CMC as an exhibitor. The event provided a valuable platform for industry leaders to engage face-to-face, discussing the challenges and opportunities in Catholic communication.
After 20 successful years, the CMC continues to be a vital gathering for professionals striving to enhance their skills, keep abreast of industry trends, and glean wisdom from communication experts in the Catholic realm. This Conference remains a guiding light for individuals committed to spreading the Gospel.
In the wise words of Pope Francis, our mission is to connect with people where they are and as they are, embracing the challenge of effective communication in today’s digital landscape.
Juan Della Torre – CEO & Founder of La Machi, Communication for Good Causes
