10 Catholic Bloggers Reveal What They Wish Their Readers Really Knew
When I started blogging in 2012 (Holy cow! That was quite a while ago!) there were so many questions that I had about blogging. What does the writing process look like? How could I use blogging as a part of the New Evangelization that Saint Pope John Paul II talked about? How could I engage in the digital culture without losing myself in it? And is blogging even a job?
I visited with ten Catholic bloggers for a behind-the-blog peek into their lives as writers. I asked them questions about the nitty-gritty of blog writing and how they use their digital platform to be missionaries on social media.
I asked each blogger four questions, and their answers will appear in future blog posts. But my favorite responses of each one was to the question, "What is one thing you wish your readers knew about Catholic blogging and your work online?" The answers they gave were honest and inspiring. Check it out below!
Kate Hendrick - Stumbling Towards Sainthood
"I wish people knew that it is a lot of work but it is absolutely worthwhile."
Pam Spano - Be Catholic . . . Really
"Social Media can be brutal. People are rude, cruel and threatening, but I don't think anyone would really be surprised by that. Maybe what I wish they knew is that I do love it and find it rewarding and a blessing."
Caitlyn Anderson - Mrs. Andy, Anchored by Faith
"I wish people knew that I do my best. I am by no means an expert on any of this, and I sure make a lot of mistakes... but I am just trying to share my story in hopes that it touches a few souls. If only a few people get closer to the Love of Christ and Grace of God- including myself- I will be happy in knowing I've done my job."
Amy Salazar - Catholic Girl Bloggin'
"Prepare for great battles. Yeah, I know that sounds grim, but it’s true. Right after the Catholic Girl Bloggin’ Facebook page hit 1,000 likes, I began experiencing spiritual attacks. I won’t go into too much detail, but I will say that Satan does not want Catholics who are passionate about the faith to evangelize online. The bitter fallen angel would much prefer Catholics who are shut up in their parishes, hiding from the culture that is hostile towards what we believe. I’d like to imagine that he throws a Kylo-Ren-style temper tantrum any time a committed follower of Jesus begins spreading the faith online. When you step out into the digital culture, you are stepping onto the battlefield, so put on the armor of God and be prepared for challenges. Our God goes before us, stands behind us, and walks right beside us. We are never alone because the Lord is always with us."
Ginny Kochis - Not So Formulaic
"I wish people knew that blogging is demanding. We all work super hard."
Allison Gingras - Reconciled to You
"I wish people knew that I DO NOT have it all figured out. I do not write about the faith because I AM an expert. I write because I am on the journey too and looking for others to share the trip!! Jesus sent out the disciples two by two ... I figure if they needed company for the journey, we do too!!"
Kirby Hoberg - Under Thy Roof
"I wish people knew that this is not lucrative. No really. I could work towards monetization but that would take a lot more time than I currently have to give, and I am very happy using my blog just as a space to have conversations, share stories, and document this fleeting time."
Leslie Sholly - Life in Every Limb
" I wish people knew that the USCCB actually put out a document a couple of years ago in which they said: “Catechesis on religious liberty is not the work of priests alone. The Catholic Church in America is blessed with an immense number of writers, producers, artists, publishers, filmmakers, and bloggers employing all the means of communications—both old and new media—to expound and teach the faith. They too have a critical role in this great struggle for religious liberty. We call upon them to use their skills and talents in defense of our first freedom.” (emphasis mine). So bloggers actually have a mandate from our Bishops to do the work we are doing. Blogging isn’t just a fun hobby or even a way to make money; it’s using our God-given gifts in the service of the Church. For me, it is a ministry."
Kimberly Cook - The Lion of Design
"I hope people know my writing is authentic. I hope that voice comes across, transcending the screen. I write about what I love or feel is important for others to hear. I wish people knew how much bloggers are lifted up by the comments of those reading their work!"
Anni Harry - A Beautiful Camouflaged, Mess of Life
"I wish people knew that bloggers are real people. Even the best of us, with all the inspiration and those who seem all put together? We have our bad days... our “real” days, where we struggle with our Faith, or we struggle with our relationships, or we struggle to keep our temper in check. Our house may look like a disaster more often than not, most likely because we are writing to bring God’s message to our readers. So, don’t let us fool you... we are real people. With the emotion that goes along with our pieces, and with the same temptations as everyone else. But, we love what we are doing, and we are passionate about our work - and, we wouldn't trade it in a heartbeat. Also, we love hearing feedback - that provides us with more inspiration to continue to do this work!"