Revitalizing Outreach: St. Luke’s Journey in Digital Evangelization

St. Luke Catholic Church, established in 1961 as the Parish of Saint Luke, traces its origins back to 1948 when the Archdiocese of Indianapolis purchased land in Meridian Hills. Since then, it has grown into a lively community of over 1,500 parishioners in the Indianapolis area, guided by a mission to embody the gospel through meaningful engagement and service.

Reflecting on the parish’s journey, Monsignor Joseph Schaedel recalls, “From our early days, St. Luke’s story has been one of growth and resilience. We’ve been blessed with unwavering support, especially from our Jewish neighbors, who understood our challenges and stood by us.”

In recent years, St. Luke Catholic Church embarked on a transformative journey, revitalizing its outreach efforts with the support of a Center for Congregations grant. Spearheaded by parishioner Tom Hirschauer and supported by Therese Hartley, Director of Evangelization and Stewardship, this initiative marked a pivotal shift towards innovative evangelization strategies.

“Our collaboration with the Center for Congregations was instrumental,” Tom says. “It provided us with the resources and support needed to elevate our outreach initiatives.” Therese echoes this sentiment, adding, “The Center’s grant program enabled us to expand our storytelling efforts and reach our parishioners in new and impactful ways.”

The grant project, spanning several phases over the past year, culminated in a collection of nine impactful videos (this number has continued to grow) and a corresponding series of engaging email campaigns titled “Follow Me Evangelization.” The series of videos highlighted various ministries and individuals whose lives have been touched by St. Luke’s, showcasing parish activities and personal testimonies of faith and service. 

Ephesians 4:32 https://followme.stluke.org/Ephesians.html

Central to their approach was leveraging technology and storytelling to foster deeper connections within the parish. “The Center’s grant allowed us to produce high-quality content that resonated deeply with our parishioners,” Tom shares. “These stories are more than narratives— they’re testimonies to the transformative power of faith and community.”

Monsignor Schaedel emphasizes the impact of these initiatives, stating, “The Center for Congregations not only supported us financially but also provided invaluable guidance on effective communication strategies. They helped us integrate these stories seamlessly into our parish life, strengthening our sense of community.” 

Mark 16:15 https://followme.stluke.org/Mark.html

St. Luke’s email campaigns saw open rates and click rates above marketing industry standards, demonstrating strong engagement and interaction from parishioners. “People appreciate the personal touch,” Monsignor adds, highlighting the significance of sharing authentic stories rooted in the gospel. “These initiatives align with our mission to spread the good news in ways that resonate with our parishioners’ lives and experiences.”

Beyond digital outreach, St. Luke’s has witnessed tangible signs of spiritual renewal. Therese shares, “We’ve seen increased participation in daily Mass and sacraments. It’s clear that our efforts are rekindling connections with our faith.”

The journey of St. Luke’s serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for congregations facing similar challenges. Therese offers insights for others embarking on similar paths: “Trust in God’s guidance and embrace innovation while staying true to your faith. It’s about fostering genuine connections and sharing the joy of Christ’s message.”

As St. Luke Catholic Church continues to evolve, so too does its approach to evangelization. In partnership with the Center for Congregations, St. Luke Catholic Church has not only revitalized its communication strategies but also reinforced its identity as a vibrant community of faith—a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in fostering connection and inspiring hearts.