Meagen Farrell, the Diocese of Youngstown’s communications specialist, is really something of a cross between a Swiss Army knife and a field medic—she does a little bit of everything, helping to streamline and improve communication between the central offices of the diocese and the parishes.
Although it may sound stressful, Farrell enjoys the unpredictable nature of her job, as every day feels different from the last. She’s been part of the communications department since just before the department’s official launch in July 2022 as part of Bishop David Bonnar’s mission to bring all the diocese’s communication tools—such as television programming, social media engagement, print publications and internal communications (Farrell’s particular focus)—under the same roof.
“There’s a real power in speaking with one voice,” Farrell said. “Something that really makes us unique as Catholics is our work toward unity and communion, not just orthodoxy but orthopraxy—being able to practice [our faith] together. That requires us knowing what other people are doing, being able to connect people.”
Making sure that information is consistent and widely available is the core of Farrell’s work. For example, one of Farrell’s main projects is the monthly Communique email newsletter, which is sent out to parish and diocesan employees, whether in the central offices or parishes. The Communique compiles all policy updates, press releases, employment changes, news and more from around the diocese in one place, in order to keep everyone on the same page.
Another big project for Farrell is the overhaul of the diocesan directory. The print directory used to be released annually, but Farrell has been working diligently to digitize it so that updates can be made instantaneously. Making sure that contact information is as accurate as possible is essential in keeping parishes connected.
Ultimately, Farrell is driven by her desire to make all our parishioners feel like the Diocese of Youngstown is their home, even if they’ve come from far away or moved on to somewhere else.
“[People] are just much more mobile than we’ve ever had to deal with,” said Farrell. “Updating our communication systems allows us to be a Church that’s much more responsive and can keep in touch with people and maintain relationships with people over the years, even as their situations change.”
