Parish 'coupon' invites newcomers

The 20,000 homes in the Capital District that received the most recent "ConsumerPak" book of coupons in the mail got a surprise: sandwiched between coupons for a florist and an electrolysis provider was a "coupon" for Corpus Christi Church in Round Lake.

The unique form of advertising was partially spurred by the massive amount of publicity done by the Northway Fellowship in Malta, a "mega-church" that's "right in our backyard," said Corpus Christi's pastor, Rev. Martin Fisher.

Northway Fellowship sponsors billboards and television ads, and mails postcards to area residents, which "certainly has worked for them," Father Fisher noted.

The fellowship's congregation grew so much in its first few years that it began renting the Times Union Arena in Albany for its holiday services.

Outreach

A few years ago, Corpus Christi held a session on evangelization for its parishioners, which led to developing a "greeters' ministry" to greet people arriving at Mass and to considering other forms of outreach.

Putting an ad in ConsumerPak coupon booklets worked out, said Father Fisher, because of its cost and ability to reach so many homes.

He suspected that the many new faces he saw at Easter Masses this season may have been people who saw the coupon.

Questions

"Are you wondering where your life is going? Feel like you're going through it alone? Looking for more? You're invited to take a leap of faith," the advertisement enticed. "Come...all are welcome...to visit the warm faith community of Corpus Christi.

"We are Christians sharing our love of God through liturgy, song, lay ministry, faith education for all ages, Bible study, outreach programs, fellowship, hospitality and social gatherings...all in a Spirit-filled environment!"

The ad lists Mass times, contact information and the parish's website, www.corpuschristichurch.net. Although Corpus Christi is located right on Rt. 9, a major road, Father Fisher believes its location in between towns might mean many area residents don't know about it.

New elements

The pastor was particularly keen to highlight the parish's community catechesis program, which includes Catholics of all ages, and the fact that a new church was completed three years ago.

The church plans to keep advertising in ConsumerPak (which is mailed out four times a year), focusing on different aspects of the parish with each mailing. Father Fisher has heard from people who have seen the ad.

"I didn't know the Catholic Church advertised," one person joked.

"I think that's the perception: We're not in the advertising business," Father Fisher remarked. But "our purpose is to let people know we're here. We're looking for different ways to get the message out."

(4/26/07) [[In-content Ad]]