How can we help you?
The Diocese of Orlando Communications Office is responsible for developing and leading strategies in media relations, community relations, issue management, and crisis communications. Our goal is to promote Gospel values using various tools of communications. We distribute newsworthy information from the bishop’s office, diocesan offices, local parishes and schools. We keep you informed of papal encyclicals, the bishop’s pastoral letters and diocesan-wide initiatives that affect the Central Florida community.
Diocesan Calendar
If you would like your parish event publicized on the diocesan website calendar please send your information to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Information should be provided at least four weeks prior to the date of the event.
Workshops
Good communication skills are more important today than ever before. To help you gain additional insight and knowledge on this important subject, the Diocese of Orlando Communications Office offers an assortment of workshops for parishes, schools and Diocesan entities.
Here you will find a comprehensive line up of topics along with brief descriptions. If you are interested in scheduling a workshop at your parish or school, and have at least 10 people interested in attending, please contact Teresa Peterson, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 407-246-4811. Please include workshop title(s). We will contact you to arrange a convenient date, time and location for the workshop(s) to be held.
Good News Travels Fast
How to promote your ministry
Your ministries are a light in the darkness and bring Christ’s love to this broken world. You have a message people are desperate to hear. But unfortunately, your story is never told or is not properly communicated. During this workshop, you will learn practical ways to share the good news of your ministry with others. You will learn why audience segmentation and marketing are necessary to target and enhance your message. Plus, you will learn the basics of creating an effective communications strategy. When so much of our society is focused on scandal, crime and controversy, isn’t it time for some good news?
Keys to Communication
How to communicate effectively with your target audience
Whether you want to communicate with parishioners, volunteers or students, there are basic strategies to help you connect with your target audience in a meaningful and memorable way. During this workshop, you will learn five keys of effective communication. Plus, see why technology is changing the very nature of communications and learn how to respond to the new trends. Good communication enhances relationships, understanding and trust. Unlock the door to effective communications!
Marketing Magic
How to market your book store/thrift store
Non-profit doesn’t mean “no” profit! The money earned from your book or thrift store can boost your charitable and church ministries. But to realize their true potential, you must develop a marketing strategy. During this workshop, you will learn easy ways to promote your store and increase sales. Topics covered include: branding, database and direct marketing.
Surviving a Crisis
How to create a communications plan to effectively handle an emergency/crisis
Do you have a communications plan which outlines how to manage a crisis? How would you handle an onslaught of media and public demands for information? During this workshop learn the best way to survive the crisis while keeping your audience informed. We will put you to the test during a drill, record a “news” interview and critique the results. Learn what to do and be prepared!
Read All About It
How to make your church bulletin a must read publication
Is your church bulletin really an effective communications tool? Do people skim the headlines, glance at the photos or just ignore it altogether? This workshop will show you why so many church bulletins are missing a golden opportunity. You will learn simple design and writing techniques to dazzle your readers. Plus, see how a simple promotional campaign can turn your church bulletin into a “must read” each week.
Language, Culture and Church
How to communicate effectively in a bi-lingual parish
With Central Florida’s growing multi-cultural community, churches are welcoming those from many foreign countries. How can churches survive and thrive in this environment? During this workshop, learn how to use communication strategies to bridge the cultural divide.
Website Wonders
How to enhance your church website
Whether you like it or not, your website conveys a powerful message about your parish, school or organization. Never before have so many people had access to or interest in the web and it’s time to take your website to the next level. During this workshop, learn what research reveals are the best website design elements and explore some of the newest navigation trends.
Plus, learn how to revamp your website so that it truly reflects your mission and ministry.
Event Extravangza
How to plan a successful parish event
Preparing for a special event can be an overwhelming project. Don’t be stressed – impress! Whether it’s a fundraiser, a festival or a Christmas pageant, the same strategies apply. During this workshop, learn how to plan an event that is a faith and community building opportunity and learn about the three pillars that will help you along the way: preparation, publicity and partnerships.
Publicity 101
How to obtain free publicity for your event/ministry
There are more news outlets than ever before but it seems harder than ever to obtain news coverage. How can you write a news release that stands out from the hundreds sent to newsrooms each day? During this workshop, learn how to “pitch” your story to the press and who to contact with your story ideas. Plus see how new media is changing the world of journalism and how the rules of publicity are changing also.
Style and Substance
Writing, Editing and Design tips to produce effective brochures and newsletters
Brochures and newsletters are ingredients that can spice up your communications menu. To capture the reader’s attention, there are tried and true rules of writing and design. During this workshop, learn how to design creative publications and write copy that is clear, concise and compelling. Plus, learn how the experts snap those perfect pictures and write those attention grabbing headlines. Also to be discussed: how to create an excellent e-newsletter.
New Media Opportunities
How to use new media effectively to target your message
What if the weekly homily were not only heard on Sunday in Church but also heard around the world anytime, any day. That’s the power of new media. Learn how to upload homilies to your website so they can be played on I-tunes or other mp3 players. See how churches in our own diocese are using this new media to share the good news of Christ.
Clearance for Visiting Priests or Speakers
All visiting priests, religious, and lay persons who are invited to come to the diocese must receive clearance and/or permission before they are able to perform any type of public ministry, parish missions, or speaking engagements.Click here for the Diocese of Orlando policy on visiting priests or speakers.
Crisis Communications Protocol and the Media
It is important to present the Diocese accurately to the public. When information is released, every effort must be made to avoid misunderstanding, misinterpretation, or confusion. Once a misconception takes root, it is always difficult and often impossible to make a full correction. Click here for diocesan policy regarding external communications during a crisis situation.
Any external communication from a Diocesan Entity regarding unexpected events or serious incidents must be approved by the Director of Communications and the Chancellor for Administration before information is released; written communication is prepared in collaboration with the appropriate leadership of the entity and the Chancery. This includes any letters to parents, boards of directors, individual summaries distributed to staff or faculty, etc.
In the interest of timely communication to required regulatory agencies and diocesan leadership and orderly, consistent management of information released to the news media and the general community, this policy and procedures is required for all Diocesan entities.
Communications and Secular Media Interviews
To manage the flow of information and to ensure consistency and accuracy in any news story or event, it is important to follow diocesan policy when contacted by a member of the secular media. Click here for the diocesan policy on handling media requests.
Logo Guidelines
The Diocese of Orlando encourages the use of the Diocesan logo for print and web materials. In order to maintain the integrity of this logo, we have established certain guidelines which should be followed. Please click here to read the Diocese of Orlando Logo Style Guide.
