The Diocese of Phoenix Office of Communications hosted its first-ever Communications Summit at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in downtown Phoenix on Friday (Oct 9). The historic event brought together nearly 100 people, representing 48 parishes from across the diocese.
Designed specifically for pastors, parish personnel and communications staff, the summit offered training for those who manage weekly bulletins, oversee parish social media and websites and utilize communication tools like Flocknote. Attendees walked away with practical assets and a roadmap for building an integrated pipeline to reach their communities effectively. Guest speakers included Bishop John Dolan, Joyce Coronel (Evangelization & Sacramental Life Manager for the diocese), Brett Meister (Director of Communications for the diocese) and Christel Mosby (chief marketing officer for Grand Canyon Education). The day began with Mass celebrated by Fr. Dan McBride and Fr. Don Kline in the Virgina G. Piper Chapel and wrapped with a tour of the new digital studio.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in specialized sessions covering modern media topics, including social media strategies, crisis communications, event promotion and the concept of radical hospitality. The event also featured an update on new initiatives within the diocese, including the new Catholic Sun (catholicsun.org) and concluded with a collaborative parish roundtable discussion hosted by Jennifer Ellis, co-host of The Bishop’s Hour and the content and strategic partnerships manager for the diocese.
“We are absolutely thrilled by the incredible response to our inaugural summit,” said Meister, who joined the diocese in his role in March 2022. “Seeing so many of our pastors and communication leaders come together from every corner of the diocese shows a profound shared commitment to spreading the Gospel in the digital age. Our goal was to equip our parishes with the practical, modern tools they need to share their unique stories, practice radical hospitality and build an integrated pipeline that truly connects with people where they are.
“The energy and collaboration we witnessed today prove that when we communicate with clarity and faith, we strengthen our entire Catholic community.”
