As part of its October-launched Year of Evangelization, the Diocese of Providence announced that it will begin a six-week bi-lingual advertising campaign during Advent inviting inactive Catholics to come back to the Church.  The campaign is made possible thanks to a generous $200,000 donation, which was given anonymously.

“These thought-provoking and inspiring advertisements speak of the centrality of Christ, tell our Catholic story, and to joyfully invite others to join our family of faith,” said Bishop Thomas J. Tobin. “The Year of Evangelization is by far one of the most important diocesan outreach efforts in recent history as we invite our neighbors back to Christ and his Church.  This special year is an opportunity to renew and revitalize the faith and enthusiasm of every parish, school and organization of our diocesan Church, to reach out to inactive Catholics and to share the good news of the Catholic Faith with the members of our community unfamiliar with the faith.”

“Epic”

The commercials will be aired between Dec. 18 and Jan. 30, reaching 98 percent of all Rhode Islanders an average of 26 times. Other dioceses that have run this campaign have seen a 20 percent increase in Mass attendance, according to Tom Peterson, founder and president of CatholicsComeHome.org.

William Patenaude, who is leading the evangelization committee, said that the commercials powerfully and effectively create a response within the viewer. “Their power comes not just their beautiful design, filming or music,” Patenaude said. “They cause a reaction because they speak the truth—God’s truth, and the truth of and about His Church. Hearing this, our human nature, although fallen, nevertheless responds with hope, with longing.”

“Movie”

 In three compelling commercial spots, which will air more than 1,000 times, Rhode Islanders have an opportunity to reflect on the current state of their own spiritual lives as they watch their favorite television programs.

The 30-second ad “Epic” emphasizes the history, beauty, spirituality and accomplishments of the Catholic Church over its 2,000-year history. It illustrates how the Church opens its doors to all races, ages, cultures and socioeconomic levels. Video for this ad showcases scenes of the sacraments being received around the world.

Testimonial

“Testimonials,” an ad series running 60 seconds each, features mini-documentaries consisting of dozens of real Catholics who share their stories of leaving the Church and the joy and peace they found upon their return.

The two-minute ad “Movie of Your Life” brings about sorrowful reflection of life’s trials and challenging times, as well as the joyful reliving of the good. In this ad, Catholics are reminded that it is never too late to ask for God’s forgiveness and to accept His mercy.

Epic en Espanol

Joe Fortin, parishioner of St. Jean Baptiste Church in Warren first saw the commercials at the Year of Evangelization Congress at Providence College. Fortin said that the television spots are an excellent way to jump-start the Year of Evangelization throughout the diocese.

“I think it will be a home run for the diocese. The commercials are awesome. I didn’t expect it, and they were so interesting,” said Fortin.

The television ads will be broadcast on WJAR, WLNE, WNAC, WPRI, WLWC, CNN, Fox News Channel and The Weather Channel.  The ads will also be broadcast in Spanish on Telemundo, Cox Cable and Poder 1110 AM.  The ads may be viewed at www.thericatholic.com, Keyword: Home

“Because of the internal challenges the Church has faced in recent years, and because we live in a very secular, even atheistic age – an age ‘without God’ – the Church has both an urgent need and a special opportunity to strengthen our faith and to share it with others,” added Bishop Tobin. 

 Bishop Tobin launched the Year of Evangelization in October with the diocesan Congress at Providence College that included representatives from most parishes in the diocese.  At the Congress, attendees were provided information and inspiration on how to best welcome Catholics back to the faith.  The Year of Evangelization includes a number of diocesan and parish programs that seek to welcome inactive Catholics back to the Church and educate the faithful and others about the many contributions of the Church through its ministries that provide health care, social services and spiritual support for all.

“It’s an exciting time in the diocese as we count the days before the ads begin,” Patenaude said. “There are many souls going about their business right now unaware of life-changing events and messages that are in motion and coming their way.”