A notable increase in Catholic content creators utilizing various social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube has emerged as a method for evangelization. These creators range from clergy and religious figures to catechists, authors, and lay individuals.
Desirae Sifuentes, UncatechizedCatholic on Instagram
Desirae Sifuentes, known as UncatechizedCatholic, caters to Catholics who feel they lack a strong foundation in Church teachings, stemming from her own experience. With over 70,000 Instagram followers, she focuses on catechesis, aiming for what she terms “200- to 300-level catechetics,” often incorporating philosophical perspectives. Sifuentes, a mother of six, is set to graduate with a theology degree from Franciscan University in May. She views online platforms as a vital “first door” for evangelization in the modern era, complementing rather than replacing in-person efforts.
Emily Wilson, emwilss on Instagram
Emily Wilson uses her platform, followed by over 120,000 on Instagram, to encourage women in their faith journeys and vocations. While influential, Wilson distinguishes her work from typical content creation, stating she shares “meaningful things God puts on my heart” rather than just filler content. She believes authentic and vulnerable online sharing can effectively showcase the beauty of the Catholic faith to others.
Kira and Jeff Andrea, MercyDivineMusic on Instagram and YouTube
Formerly performers in secular bands, Kira and Jeff Andrea transitioned to creating Catholic music and content under the name Mercy Divine. Their work, shared with over 286,000 Instagram followers and 165,000 YouTube subscribers, includes Latin hymns, novenas, and discussions on faith aspects. Their goal is to highlight Catholicism’s beauty, tradition, and reverence, particularly for the Eucharist, aiming to inspire love for God and bold faith living. They emphasize the importance of Catholic creators engaging on social media to evangelize and counter secular culture, noting their first viral success involved devotion to the holy face of Jesus.
Alexandro Jurado, VoiceofReason_clips on Instagram
Alexandro Jurado, a Byzantine Catholic operating as “Voice of Reason,” launched his social media presence in March 2023, expanding to TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, where he now has significant followings (e.g., over 96,000 on Instagram). His content primarily involves apologetics – defending Catholic teachings, responding to criticisms, and promoting Eastern rites and Catholic culture. Jurado posits that social media influencers have become the “primary evangelists and catechists” for many lay Catholics today, influencing faith formation significantly, a trend even clergy are embracing.
