For Immediate Release

Radio Ads, Website & Open Church Doors –
Catholic Church Launches wearecatholic.ca Outreach Campaign

TORONTO (6 April 2009) – The Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto launched a new public awareness campaign today, designed to reach out to Catholics who have been away from the church and affirm those who actively practice their faith.

Combining a radio advertising campaign, dedicated minisite and online video message from Toronto Archbishop Thomas Collins, the initiative highlights the rich diversity of the Catholic Church in the Greater Toronto Area, providing information and resources to reconnect Catholics with their faith community. The wearecatholic.ca campaign coincides with Holy Week, the most holy time of year for Catholics.

“We know there are many Catholics who wish to return to the church but don’t know where exactly to start. Most importantly, we want these people to know they’re welcome now and always,” said Neil MacCarthy, communications director for the archdiocese. “These resources give visitors a chance to dip their foot in the water before they consider diving back into full, active participation in the church.”

MacCarthy also highlighted an additional goal of the initiative: “The campaign also provides an opportunity for all local residents, regardless of religion, to gain a better appreciation of the extensive work the Catholic Church undertakes to strengthen our entire community. During this most holy time of year, let’s celebrate the contribution of those inspired by their faith across the GTA.”

The campaign includes radio ads featuring Archbishop Thomas Collins, a minisite, www.wearecatholic.ca, with information about Catholicism, references to local Catholic organizations and a searchable directory of 225 local Catholic churches. The site also links to sections of the official website of the Toronto Catholic Church, www.archtoronto.org, which has welcomed more than 750,000 visitors since 2008.

While these resources encourage Catholics to consider returning to the church, more than 1,000 adults have made the commitment and will be “welcomed home” in parishes throughout the GTA this Saturday evening during the Easter Vigil. These participants have spent several months of formation in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program offered each year for those wishing to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Stretching from Toronto to Orillia, Mississauga to Oshawa, the Archdiocese of Toronto is the spiritual home to 1.9 million Catholics, celebrating Mass at 225 parishes in more than 30 languages each week.

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Media Contact
Neil MacCarthy, Director, Public Relations & Communications –
Archdiocese of Toronto (416) 934-3400 x 552 (416) 879-2846 (cell)
neilm@archtoronto.org
www.archtoronto.org | www.wearecatholic.ca