Rome Sweet Rome

There are many articles and tutorials concerning web design, strategy, and marketing, but very few focus on the niche of Catholic evangelization.  In this post, I am going to outline the strategy I used (and use) to develop, publish, market, and analyze content for CatholicTools. With using these simple techniques I have built a large Catholic blog in 3 months that attracts readers from across the country (and even the world).

As with all CatholicTools articles, this will give a good outline; however, feel free to customize each step for yourself.  I am going to use resources from other websites that I find very helpful.  Take note:  “Don’t get overwhelmed.” Read the article, bookmark it, and come back.

Develop an Idea

Ask your self 3 questions:

1. Why do I want to use the Internet to evangelize?
2. What unique niche or field could I develop or write about?
3. What are my goals?

Get a piece of paper and start brainstorming.  For CatholicTools, I originally wanted to test if I could develop something to be at the top of Google’s search results.  Well, I did that.  Now my unique niche is tools that help Catholic Parishes.  Specifically Catholic youth and young adult ministry.  I enjoy writing about my own past experiences and sharing ideas that could help spread the Gospel.

Try to think what keeps my readers up at night?  Why should a reader take the time to read my article?

More Resources

How to Choose a Niche Topic for Your Blog

Pope Suggests Blogging

Write Exciting Content

Love

But, Jason I want to buy a domain name.   Before a site can be launched it needs content.  Content that will be worth reading.  Now, I am a horrible speller, so I try and make up for it by writing awesome Catholic content.

1. Keep article length to 300-500 words (yes you can bend the rules)
2. Paragraphs should be no more than 3-5 sentences.  Short is GOOD!
3. Use beautiful pictures (make sure they are optimized)  How to Optimize a Picture for the Internet
4. Make the content personal and meaningful.
5. Develop 10 articles/post and write 10 more that are scheduled to publish once a week for the next 10 weeks.
6. Use headings, bullets, numbers, bold, italics, and underline.
7. Find someone to guest post and write some content for your site.
8. Follow simple Search Engine Optimization Techniques.
9. Don’t even dare worry about making money.  It will distract you.
10. Read other blogs/sites and mimic their style.

When I was first starting out I subscribed for 4 weeks to Copyblogger’s daily RSS feeds and Problogger.  They filled my inbox with quality articles, but over time I unsubscribed because I didn’t need them anymore.  However, I would suggest subscribing for the first 4-6 weeks.

5 years ago I did some work for a popular Catholic author.  I suggested he give his stuff away on his blog so his blog would be the hub of information regarding this Catholic topic.  The strategy worked extremely well.  Many people came to read his articles, hear talks, and see pictures from events.  People would leave comment, after comment on all postings.  Because of this strategey he further achieved the rank of guru of his field.

This technique is call Content Marketing or becoming the Authority in your field.  This is the way you should write.  Give away your tips, advice, and good thoughts.  Here is an excellent article on the subject.  Content Marketing 101

More Resources

Learn How to Copywrite – Great Articles!

Basic HTML Tags

Using Titles Effectively

WordPress Your Publishing Platform

Mary

WordPress is a free platform that runs on a web server (we will cover later), which publishes content to the internet.  Content is edited through a web browser.

I like WordPress.Org to publish my content into a website because it is free, accessible anywhere, and expandable. This tutorial is designed to show you how to set up your own web site on your own server; however you could use WordPress.Com or Blogger.

A little Homework

Learn About WordPress

Download and Install

Learn All About WordPress

It is important to read the documentation if you want to learn how to use it…Or you need to hire someone to install, setup, and teach you how.  It is very easy once running, but it will require a little work.

Why is it important to learn about WordPress?  It’s like reading the owners manual on your new car.

Buying a Domain Name

Share a Comment

In the past I would buy .com .org .net and Dot everything else for any project I was working on.  Now I just buy what I need.  However, at only 10 bucks each you can easily secure yourself.

I buy domain names at GoDaddy.com.  I don’t like their advertising, but they are cheap, reliable, and easy to work with.

1. Always use a promo code.  Google “Godaddy promo code.”
2. Never buy anything else they are selling.  “Just say No.”
3. Ask for help and be patient.

Hosting Company

Adoration

Now you need a home for your WordPress install and domain name.  Where to go?  I like www.site5.com.  I have used them for over 6 years and only once had a problem (which they fixed).  They answer your emails, plenty of space, and low cost.

Finding a Beautiful WordPress Theme

Now the search begins for an awesome site theme.  Since you probably read the documentation on WordPress you realize it’s pretty easy to add a new design to your site.

I use Mystique (I have customized my installation).  Preview Here Download Here

More Themes

• WordPress Themes
• 100 Free Themes
• 40 Themes

Search Engine Optimization

Rome is Home

Go to Google Adwords Search and search the word “Catholic” or any word pertaining to your Catholic faith.  The numbers are HUGE and give a solid example of why Catholics must be on the internet.

1. Register your website with Google Webmaster Tools.
2. Read about Search Engine Optimization
3. Track How People Find Your Content using Google Analytics.
4. Install the Google Sitemap Plugin.
5. Keep writing Content regularly.

These steps actually work.  If what you write is worthless and nobody reads it, your ministry isn’t working.  It needs to be improved.  In addition it takes time.  Yes, weeks, months, sometimes years.

RSS and Email Newsletters

An RSS feed is automatically generated from your site with your current publications and either emailed or downloaded to the person’s computer.  It is so your audience can receive your new updates with out always checking your site.

This is important to grow, because it ensures a regular audience of readers.  If you look around CatholicTools you can find strategically placed links asking readers to “Sign Up”

FeedBurner is the company that manages this service for free.

Another retention tools is an Email Newsletter.  The company I like the best is iContact.com.

More on Emailing

Emailing with Audacity

Email Newsletters for Catholic Parishes

Examples

As you look around CatholicTools.com take notice of all the listed practices in place.  Everything is place for a purpose.  Copy it (don’t copy my content and paste it on your site, but copy it’s style).

A few more good examples of sites practicing these techniques:

Signs of Contradiction

Janice Buck Design

Spirit Daily – Great content and Great niche

Divine Mercy

This is something that I have thought about for a year!  I haven’t seen it done, but I have a feeling that it would be excellent.  (not because I thought it up)  Stay with me.

Many city Catholic Churches have low attendance rates.  However, they are beautiful big old churches with houses and people surrounding them.  Most times they have high crime rates and poverty problems abound.

They also have high bell towers that can be seen up and down the street.

Those bell towers make a perfect spot to hang a divine mercy laminated picture.  Read about the promises of the image.

If the tower doesn’t work, what about the rectory?  What about anywhere?

Where do I buy a Huge Divine Mercy Image?

Head on over to Mercy Images.  Enough said.

Want some more Divine Mercy ideas?

• Magnets for the backs of cars
• t-shirts
• Door nob stuffer for a foot evangelization project
• Business cards with the image on it (Just the image)
• Get 4×6 photos made at the store and give them to everyone with information on the back
• Posters in your school
• Pamphlets on Divine Mercy

Vatican

Ever begin planning a talk for your Catholic parish school, but quickly stop because it’s too hard?  Those talks with so many facts, theories, and well language that’s hard to even pronounce?

Here’s the Remedy

Turn your talk into a short 3-7 minute length DVD.  Young people are trained to glue themselves to the projection.  Yes, a quite room attentively listening to your presentation.  All the plans and preparation are done prior to the presentation.  The best part is…you can go from classroom to classroom giving the same talk.

How to Make the Video

More resources are below (this is just the plan).  These steps are for a movie using photos, youtube, and voice. It’s simple!

1. Brainstorm and collect ideas/facts.  PRAY to JESUS.
2. Begin using google image search to collect photos
3. Using iMovie (Yea I love Macs!) start placing the pictures together (Don’t forget about Transitions)
4. Write Your Script
5. Record Your Audio – Make it Sharp, Clean, Fast.  Added Bonus: Dramatic Voice
6. Now place the audio and video together.
7. Fix the pictures/video to go along with the audio
8. Leave a 15 second intro and exit
9. Place music in background, and fade it turning your audio
10. Add Transitions
11. Burn your semi-professional DVD

But your missing so many little steps.  Well, part of the fun is experimenting…and praying to the Holy Spirit.

Also make sure your movie is at a good fast pace.  Nobody likes distorted slow transitions or lousy voice-overs.

Resources Needed to Make Video

• Digital Camera or Camcorder – I like to use one with a firewire cable if I am importing video
• Google Image Search
• Audacity Audio Recorder
• iMovie This site includes “How To” videos
• How to take video off of YouTube for Mac and How to Convert it from FLV to MOV for iMovie use
• How to Turn it into a DVD – Mac

How to Present Your Movie

• Open with a Prayer
• Give an introduction to the topic, maybe a quick story and things to watch for in the movie.
• Play Movie
• Give a little followup and answer any questions
• End with a Prayer

Yea, its that simple.  This is an excellent way to teach and evangelize if you are nervous on a topic or make your life easier.  In addition, many Catholic topics are hard to explain without a picture.  It’s a lot easier to show a picture of a Eucharistic miracle, than to just talk about it.

More Articles on Technology

Video Conferencing for the Catholic Church

Email Newsletters for Catholic Parishes

10 Internet Tools Priest Should Use

The Hour of Power – Listening to the Holy Spirit

Social Networking Success for the Catholic Parish

How to Quickly Increase Donations at a Homeless Shelter

The mailing mentioned that their Priest are “ready and waiting to come to your area to help advance the pro-life cause.”

What are you waiting for?  They would make a great addition to your next meeting, event, fundraiser, or prayer event.  Catholic school and parish events would be ideal.

With an added bonus they list Fr. Denis Wilde, OSA a concert pianist as one of their main priest.  Father relates music to the pro-life message.

I have heard Father play and speak.  He is exceptional at both. Don’t miss out.

A simple and small request from the Blessed Mother warning her children of the pain we cause Jesus.

Who would have thought missing Sunday Mass and using the Lord’s name as profanity would have hurt our Lord with such intensity.

“If my people do not wish to submit themselves, I am forced to let go of the hand of my Son. It is so heavy and weighs me down so much I can no longer keep hold of it.  Apparition of the Blessed Virgin on the Mountain of La Salette on September 19, 1846

Sunday’s are busy days for families.  The words from this apparition would make a good teaching lesson for any youth or young adult event.

These words of pain don’t just end in La Salette, but are continued in the interior locutions received by Father Gobbi from the Blessed Mother.  These messages are printed in the book To the Priest Our Lady’s Beloved Sons.  The book carries an imprimatur, which means there is nothing contrary to faith or morals in the manuscript.

In message 332 on September 6, 1986 “My heart is bleeding…My heart is immersed in a sea of sorrow.”

Why is the Blessed Mother’s heart “in a sea of sorrow?”

Humanity has not answered the call to “conversion, to repentance, and to a return to God.”

And what does she warn will happen because of it?  “The greatest chastisement which the history of mankind has ever known.”

Devotion to the Blessed Mother is more important then ever.  Reading her messages is great motivation and inspiration for evangelization.  When ever you feel down or need some help pick up just one of the many approved messages from apparitions that have occurred from around the world.

There are plenty of insights from her words that will lend themselves to keeping your ministry on track and in the light.  She was given to us by Jesus on the cross, so look to her for Motherly guidance.

What mother wouldn’t want to help her child?

Catholic Tools

Before the band wagon police cry “Separation of Church and State,” read a little further.

As a Catholic who is most likely involved in Catholic Parish Ministry or Evangelization (Trick question we are all called to evangelize) it is important to stay informed about current political activities.

School Vouchers, Abortion, Same Sex Unions, Health Care…these are just a small list of topics that greatly effect Catholic Parishes.

Where do we start?

Start with Thomas…That’s Saint Thomas.

Google Books has an online copy of The Summa.  Very difficult, but search for “Natural Law.”

Kinds of Law (Discussed by St. Thomas in the Summa Theologica): (Also just a primer here)

St. Thomas’s definition of law - an ordinance of reason for the common good promulgated by him who has care of the community

Eternal law -God’s rational plan (Providence) for the good of men and the world and eternal, because it is as an exemplar found in God (not subject to time) promulgated in the person of the Logos, or Word of God (Jesus) Eternal law is the basis for any other true law not directly known by men; it is known by its effects (natural law)

Natural law – participates in the eternal law; an imprint of the eternal law in human nature; it is unchanging in all times and places (yet discovered over time); relates to habit; the virtues are habits of living naturally and rationally

Human law- temporal or civil laws, which are added onto the natural law by men.  The state is natural and good; its laws provide restraint and teach virtue.  Human (civil) law must reflect the natural law

Divine law- positive laws of revelation (OT and NT) that God adds to the natural law.  Divine law (and not just natural law) is needed to direct man to his highest end, which is not a natural, but a supernatural end.  The divine law also makes natural law known more clearly.  The divine law addresses interior states concerning which the human law can neither legislate nor punish.

Did you understand all of it?  Natural Law is the big one.

Why is Natural Law so popular within Catholic circles?

Compared to other ethical systems, the natural law is the only holistic basis for making ethical decisions, because it considers the totality of human nature, focusing on reason, but also including a role for the will, the emotions, pleasure, society, etc.

Interesting Conservative Blogs/Videos/Pope Worth Looking At

Signs of Contradiction

Run by a sophomore at James Madison University, this conservative college blog highlights college students and their conservative remarks.  Some of the authors lack experience, but the main author and editor is fantastic.

Guarrentte this will be a big hit in 2010

Campaign for Liberty

The Vatican

I just stumbled upon this one, but was very impressed with their content and information.  Very serious, not entirly sure about them.
However, they produce some awesome material that would be worthy of duplication.  I especially like their “Talking Points.“  Their Talking Points are fast, and easy to remember.

Real Catholic TV

They have been featured before on CatholicTools, but they deserve another shot out.  They are growing ever more popular each day and will dominate the Catholic/Political news arena by the end of the year.  They are Glenn Beck Polished.

The Right Scoop

Another Youtube Video Blog, but this is where news is going.  They have Glenn Beck Content, but really, I would be at a loss not to mention him because his popularity is so high.  He ratings are through the roof.  Content is good, but his delivery is AWESOME.  Take some tips.

The Laura Ingraham Blog

Catholic, easy to listen to, interesting and on the mark.  She host a Radio Show, Podcast, and Blog.  If you are looking into getting into Catholic Blogging or Media…Follow her model.  And she supports Little Sisters of the Poor.

The Heritage Foundation

This is where all the young people are going to get internship and learn about leadership.

ISI

They produce some of the best philosophical books and articles for those interested in natural law.

Lastly Pope Benedict XVI Caritas in Veritate

It is hard to read off the Vatican website, so just save it as a PDF and read it on your computer.  Yes, its long.  Save it for a really rainy day.

Where do I go to School for Political Science?

Check out Christendom College.  They offer an incredible Political Science Program.  Yes, I know I usually support Franciscan University, but wait until you see what Christendom has to offer.

The priest is in the middle with other men who are busy with their daily lives.  I am trying to evoke the emotion that everyday men are called to the priesthood.
Please add a comment with any suggestions.

Catholic

Who has attended a homily that put you to sleep?  What about a talk on Metaphysics that made you depressed?

Now, do you remember that talk that made you feel like “Wow! I understand, I got it, and I am charged up ready to go.”

Practice Makes Perfect

As a Catholic involved in ministry it is important to be a good speaker.  The Holy Spirit will give you the words (as often stated in Scripture), but as laborers in the vineyard we have our own responsibility, too.

That is what is so amazing about the Lord’s will.  He allows us to enter into it and He uses our talents to carry out His message of Salvation.

Point made, don’t be mediocre, be Amazing.

3 Steps to Becoming a Better Speaker

1.  Pray, Pray, Pray

Pray with the scriptures and spend plenty of time with the Lord.  Once you have done that, just do some more.  Yes, it’s that simple, but often overlooked.

2.  Watch and Learn

There are so many excellent speakers who practice what they preach.  Look at the way the stand, talk, use their hands, use notes, dress, tone of their voice, and material.

Glenn Beck does a great job at all of this.  He has mixed WWF Wrestling with politics and come out with a great drink.

Watch his talk at C-PAC and follow along with pen and paper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz2u-xC1FMM

3.  Read and Prepare

Books, articles, blogs, and writing.  Make sure your material is solid and worthwhile.  If your audience isn’t gaining anything, thinking about why they should pay attention.

Practice in front of your kids, family, or mirror.

Know Who You Are

Remember we can’t all be stellar like movie star, but when become the best in our area of expertise.   If you young, talk about young topics and don’t expect to be as good as a polished professional.

If we are older, remember, you are weird to young people, but there are ways to use the “weird” for your benefit.

A good Example of “Old” speaking to “Young” is George Will at the 2010 CPAC Conference.

I first hear this talk on a podcast and thought, “Wow, he has a great ability to mix humor, politics, and figures, and he makes sense.”

His video might not be as good as his plain audio, however, listen to his jokes and delivery.  Excellent.

Pray

Catholics often stop their daily devotions on Sunday.

Make sure you get to Sunday Mass and hopefully stay until after the final blessing, but before the song is over.  But has this left many Catholics unsatisfied?  What do our Protestant and Evanglical brothers have that we are missing?

They always carry the bible around and are talking about the Word?  Maybe the Word is what we as Catholics are missing?

The Problem with Prayer

For some reasons many cradle Catholics have been left to believe that Sunday mass is all that they have for prayer.  Sunday Mass is very important and spiritually filling, but many are missing out on the daily prayer that Jesus has called us to.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is available daily at many parishes, however, many parishioners due to their work schedule or family life can’t make the one mass offered a day.

Maybe us Catholics would become more Holy if we prayed more.  Listened to God.  Made ourselves available to all the riches the Catholic Church has to offer.

It seems that Catholic don’t know what to do in between mass?

Opening up scripture for Christian denominations offers spiritual food.  I believe they learn at a young age to pray throughout the day.  Maybe it’s just the simple move of breaking open scriptures with friends and family.

Simplicity from Mary

Our Lady of Medjugorje gave a simple practice for daily prayer life.

• Eucharist
• Scripture
• Frequent Confession
• Fasting
• Rosary

I like and promote this simple little prayer exercise because of it’s simplicity.  Just as Jesus said love God and neighbor as yourself when asked what the greatest commandment was.

Even this simple little 5 step plan can be expanded upon, but it gives a little structure and guidelines for daily living.

PS.  You could take this little plan and turn it into a teaching on prayer for your Parish.

The Liturgy of the Hours

The Liturgy of the Hours provides a good opportunity to pray throughout the day.  The structure is easy to learn, it can be like a bookend to start and end the day, it is personal, but also communal.  Everything is contained in 4 books and over time because a beautiful rhythm.

Public and private pray are is considered one of the primary duties of the Church.  The early Christians  “devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the community, to the breaking of the bread, and to prayer” (Acts 2:42)

The Liturgy of the Hours is a prayer of praise and petition which sanctifies the hours of the day.  This wonderful pray has been consistent since the 11th century combining  Psalms, prayers, canticles and readings.

“The whole life of the faithful, hour by hour, during day and night, is a kind of leitourgia or public service, in which the faithful give them-selves over to the ministry of love toward God and men…For this reason the Hours are recommended to all Christ’s faithful members.” Pope Paul VI

The Liturgy of the Hours allows one to begin and end their day in prayer in union with the whole Church.  It is easy, quick, and extremely fulfilling.

Just imagine yourself praying alongside of the entire clergy of the Church, united in petition and praise to God.

If you read nothing, read THIS

The Classical Liberal Arts Academy has a wonderful article written about the LOH and family prayer.

Another Resource for Learning the Liturgy of the Hours

Rosary Shop Prayer Guide

And you can also ask a priest!

Not a “Best Practice”

In a newsletter published on February 16, 2009 the Catholic Legislative Network suggested the Lenten practice of reducing your Carbon footprint as a practical Lenten sacrifice.   Check out the Calendar Here.

It was released through the California Catholic Bishops lobbying arm.  A 40 day carbon-fasting calendar published by the Archdiocese of Washington’s Environmental Outreach Committee.

“Show reverence for life and for the Earth today by obeying the speed limit…”

This is what the newsletter had to say:

“As the Lenten season arrives, the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change has provided Catholics, schools and organizations with more tools and resources for its annual Catholic Climate Covenant.  The Coalition was formed three and a half years ago to help implement the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) 2001 initiative ‘Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence and the Common Good.’ Launched last year, the Covenant revolves around the St. Francis Pledge, which correlates five key actions — pray, learn, assess, act and advocate — to the issues of the environment and poverty.”

The Catholic Coalition on Climate Changed is funded primarily by National Religious Partnership for the Environment as stated on their website.  Also the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development.

One of the founders of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment was John Carr who’s actions and decision are coming under heavy fire from Catholics across the country.  NRPE is also the ones who released the DECLARATION OF THE ‘MISSION TO WASHINGTON signed by many including John Carr.  In the lengthy statement, one part hints to and maybe even advocates population control.

We believe there is a need for concerted efforts to stabilize world population by humane, responsible and voluntary means consistent with our differing values. Declaration of the Mission to Washington May 12, 1992 National Religious Partnership for the Environment

Good for these Bishops and interns for protecting the earth.  There genuine concern is noteworthy.

However, where is their concern with the salvation of their flock?

Get off the magical mystery tour green station wagon and get back to Preaching, Hearing Confessions, and Offering the Holy Mass.

A Better Way to Save the Earth

Celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.  Preach the Gospel.  Hear Confessions.  Do what only a priest can do.

Here are a few quotes on the benefits of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

“The celebration of Holy Mass is as valuable as the death of Jesus on the cross.” St. Thomas Aquinas

“It is most true that he who attends holy Mass shall be freed from many evils and from many dangers, both seen and unseen.” St. Gregory

“A single Mass offered for oneself during life may be worth more than a thousand celebrated for the same intention after death.” St. Anselm

For More Great Reasons for Mass Read Power of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

The Bigger Problem

Our Lady of La Salette said the two things that weigh our Lord Jesus down so much are: not keeping holy the Sabbath and taking the Lord’s name in vain.

Read this short excerpt from the approved apparition.

“I have suffered all of the time for the rest of you! If I do not wish my Son to abandon you, I must take it upon myself to pray for this continually. And the rest of you think little of this.  In vain you will pray, in vain you will act, and you will never be able to make up for the trouble I have taken over for the rest of you.

“I gave you six days to work; I kept the seventh for myself, and no one wishes to grant it to me. This is what weighs down the arm of my Son so much.

“Those who drive carts cannot speak without putting the name of my Son in the middle.

“These are the two things which weigh down the arm of my Son so much.

The Agenda

Unfortunately this “green” agenda does not bring people back to Jesus Christ.  So where is this agenda coming from?  Has smoke entered the Church?
If you want to do something for Lenten fast, pray, and give alms to the poor. It’s been working for a number of years.  I guess someone wanted to distract us.