COMING TO A THEATRE NEAR YOU: ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA EXPANDS MARKETING CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE CATHOLIC EDUCATION

PHILADELPHIA  (July 31, 2007) The Archdiocese of Philadelphia continues its efforts to promote the benefits of a Catholic education among prospective parents and students in Greater Philadelphia with the launch of an innovative marketing campaign targeted at summer filmgoers. Movie theatres in the Philadelphia area will run a 30-second commercial promoting the value of a Catholic education, a message that was first introduced with the launch of the Office of Catholic Education’s “Keeping Faith in Mind” campaign in January during Catholic Schools Week 2007.  The spot is also available for viewing at www.KeepingFaithInMind.org.

“Our efforts this year have been very successful in raising awareness of the unique benefits of a Catholic education rooted in Gospel values such as faith, service and hope,” says Richard McCarron, Secretary for Catholic Education. “Our “Keeping Faith in Mind” campaign has reached hundreds of thousands of families in our region through radio, print and out-of-home advertisements. Running video messages in local movie theatres this summer reiterating the idea that our children are worth a Catholic education will greatly expand the audience for our message.”

The new ad will appear on 264 local movie theatre screens 12-16 minutes before scheduled previews, and on 187 Lobby Entertainment Network flat screens, running on a continuous loop in theatre lobbies. The commercials will air from Friday July 6 through August 30, which is considered to be Hollywood’s summer blockbuster season when foot traffic among young people and parents is the highest.

“The main goal of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is to provide an education that not only sets our young people on the course for academic and professional success, but forms them in their Catholic faith with an unwavering focus on service, gratitude, and respect for others,” says Dr. McCarron. “Our new approach allows us to connect with today’s generation and approach them in a setting in which they are most receptive.”

For more information about the Office of Catholic Education’s new video please contact Donna Farrell at 215.587.3747 or visit www.KeepingFaithInMind.org for in-depth information about Catholic schools in the region.

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