Archdiocese Asks Catholics to Show Their I.D.

MILWAUKEE – Hot on the heels of its first archdiocesan Synod in 27 years and its world-renowned web series, “C4: Ignite Your Catholic Faith,” comes an all-new initiative from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee; “Catholic I.D.”

A video blog, “Catholic I.D.” is a direct response from Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki’s synodal challenge for Catholics to “ignite, renew and energize” their faith. Available on the archdiocesan homepage and YouTube, this original, weekly web series premieres on June 20, 2014, the last day of spring.

While the blog invites Catholics to take a collective, closer look at Christ in their daily lives, it also encourages them to live the Gospel; to live like Christ and his disciples. Even the name of the series serves as an invitation, with its simple double entendre.

Many recognize the letters “I-D” as an abbreviation for the word “identification.” However, in this instance, the combination also stands for the words “Intentional Discipleship.”

This phrase, made famous by writers like Matthew Kelly and Sherry Waddell, calls for people to do more than carry the religious title, but to truly “be” Catholic by their actions, every day.

“I’m looking forward to it,” says Rich Harter, the director of the office of evangelization and series host. “We want to reach both engaged and disengaged Catholics in southeastern Wisconsin and help them to answer the call to be Intentional Disciples – someone purposefully sharing the Gospel in their part of the world.”

Recorded at various spots across the Milwaukee area, these slice-of-life, one-minute vignettes include both a scripture passage and reflection. As with the most recent “C4” series, “Catholic I.D.” is a joint venture between the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s evangelization and communication offices.

“It’s pretty cool,” says Nisa Dalmas, assistant director of communication and blog producer. “We’re taking the Good News out to the streets and using our gifts to share it with everyone. It really gives me the feeling that we’re following in the footsteps of Christ in a fun, exciting way.”

In addition to social media promotions and reminders, interested viewers can subscribe to the archdiocesan RSS Feed for up-to-the-minute notifications. The entire “Catholic I.D.” series will feature 52 weekly blog uploads and is scheduled to run through June 2015.