A NEW advertising campaign aims to bring American Catholics back to church with adverts airing on major television networks between December 16 and January 8.
The campaign, sponsored by Catholics Come Home, aims to reach 250 million television viewers in more than 10,000 US cities. Tom Peterson, the organisation’s founder, said the campaign’s “inspiring messages” are an invitation to Catholics to come “to the largest family reunion in modern history”.
The adverts – airing in prime time on broadcast and cable channels – focus on the richness and history of the Catholic Church and highlight Catholic traditions of prayer, education and help for the poor. “If you’ve been away, come home to your parish, and visit Catholicscomehome.org today” is part of the advertisement message.
Since 2008, Catholics Come Home officials say Mass attendance has increased by 10 per cent in targeted areas.