We’ve been on quite a journey these past few months, and we want to share with you a bit of the background of our transition from TeamRCIA to Team Initiation. This transformation wasn’t just about a name change; it was a complete reimagining of our ministry and how we serve you in your ministry to make missionary disciples. To get here, we had help from two remarkable professionals who were instrumental in guiding us through this process: Lindsey Binion and Shandice Stallworth.

Refining our identity with Lindsey Binion

As soon as we learned the rites would be renamed, we knew that our ministry would also need a new name. And we knew we needed someone who could help us renew our “name” in ways that went way beyond just a title for the ministry. Thank goodness we found Lindsey Binion, a Catholic brand strategist and designer who truly understands the unique challenges and opportunities within the Catholic community.

Lindsey’s approach was both thorough and inspiring. She led us through a deep dive into our ministry’s core values, helping us define our audience with precision and focus on our mission with renewed clarity. Her process felt less like a business transaction and more like a spiritual discernment, which resonated deeply with our Catholic identity.

One of the most impactful aspects of working with Lindsey was her ability to translate our mission into visual elements. She crafted a new logo that captures the essence of initiation ministry, developed a color palette that conveys both warmth and professionalism, and selected a font family that enhances readability across our digital and print platforms.

Lindsey’s expertise went beyond mere design; she helped us see our ministry through fresh eyes. Her insights into Catholic branding allowed us to create a visual identity that not only looks appealing but also communicates our values and mission effectively to those we serve.

To learn more about Lindsey’s work and how she can help your ministry, visit her website at rechristencreative.com.

Telling our story with Shandice Stallworth

So once we had a new name, a new logo, and a new look, we also had a new problem. How would we tell world what’s new? The person who helped us solve that problem is Shandice Stallworth, a creative and skilled communicator.

Shandice has a deep understanding of how to connect with audiences authentically. She guided us through the process of refining our message, helping us articulate not just what we do, but why we do it and how it impacts the lives of those we serve.

One of Shandice’s most significant contributions was the development of a six-week campaign to announce our name change and new look. This campaign was a masterclass in storytelling and audience engagement. Shandice helped us craft a narrative that honored our history as TeamRCIA while telling our community about our future as Team Initiation.

What struck us most about working with Shandice was her ability to capture the heart of our ministry. She helped us find a voice that is both professional and warm, authoritative yet approachable. Her guidance ensured that every piece of content we produced—from social media posts to e-mail newsletters—reflected our mission and emphasized our deep level of commitment to those who work in initiation ministry.

To discover more about Shandice’s creative work and how she can assist your ministry in crafting powerful messages, visit her website at shandicestallworth.com.

The impact of collaboration

Working with Lindsey and Shandice was more than just a business transaction; it was a collaborative journey that enriched our ministry. Their combined expertise helped us to ensure that both our visual identity and our messaging were aligned with our mission and values.

This process taught us the importance of seeking expert help when making a big shift. Lindsey and Shandice brought perspectives and skills that complemented our theological and pastoral knowledge, resulting in a rebrand that feels authentic to who we are and what we do.

Moreover, their work has helped us to communicate more effectively with you, the community of catechumenate ministers. The clarity we’ve gained in our mission and messaging allows us to provide you with better resources, stronger support, and a clearer vision of how we can work together to accompany seekers on the journey of faith.

This process taught us the importance of seeking expertise when undertaking significant changes in ministry.

Lessons for parish catechumenate ministers

We think that a few of the things that we learned in this process might also be helpful to you in your ministry. As parish teams start to adopt the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, all of will have an opportunity to “rebrand” and “reimagine” our ministries. Can we do something more pastorally creative than just changing an “R” to an “O” (RCIA to OCIA)? Here are a few thoughts.

Clarity is crucial: Take time to reflect on and articulate your ministry’s core purpose and values.

Visuals matter: How your ministry presents itself visually can significantly impact how it’s perceived and received.

Communication is key: Crafting clear, authentic messages helps you connect more deeply with those you serve.

Don’t hesitate to get outside help: Sometimes, an outside perspective can help you see your ministry in a new light and unlock its full potential.

Embrace change: Rebranding or reimagining your ministry can be a powerful way to renew your mission and energize your community.

A heartfelt thank you

We want to express our deepest gratitude to Lindsey Binion and Shandice Stallworth for their invaluable contributions to our ministry’s transformation. Their expertise, creativity, and dedication have not only given Team Initiation a new look and voice but have also reinvigorated our mission and our commitment.

As we move forward as Team Initiation, we have renewed sense of purpose and energy. We’re excited to continue this adventure with you as we work together to proclaim the good news and accompany seekers on the journey of faith.

Thank you for all the amazing work you do. We are honored to be coworkers in the vineyard with you.