Parish, diocesan, and Catholic school leaders often feel pressure to ‘say something’ during major Church events.  But what if our papal conclave coverage could do more than inform? What if it could actually evangelize?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of treating major Church events like breaking news. We rush to post updates, link talking head videos, and share novenas and prayers. And while those types of communications have value, they often miss the deeper evangelizing potential of a moment like this.

The conclave isn't just a Vatican headline. It's a living image of discernment, surrender, and communal listening to the Holy Spirit.  It embodies the very practices we hope to cultivate in our own parishes and mission fields. It sparks new curiosity from people at a variety of places on the journey of faith.   And that means it can become a doorway for deeper encounter.

How do we help our people walk through that doorway? How do we evangelize in this moment?

We can start by offering invitations that meet people where they are.

Not everyone receiving your bulletin, or scrolling past your social media post, or opening your parish email is in the same place spiritually. Some are deeply invested. Others are curious. Many are disconnected or even hurt.

When we communicate only to the "fully in" crowd, we unintentionally close the door on those still approaching.  Instead, we can be “threshold-sensitive” and choose to speak in ways that invite, not assume. We can be gentle, relational, and open-hearted.

Here are a few simple ways to consider these principles of accompaniment in your communications around the conclave:

1. Lead with curiosity, not just catechesis.

Instead of only offering a conclave definition or explaining how it works, ask questions that draw people into spiritual reflection:

Have you ever had to make a life-changing decision and just had to trust God would show you the way? That’s exactly what the Cardinals are doing right now…

When was the last time you stopped to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance? This week, the Church reminds us we don’t have to discern alone.

These types of prompts acknowledge where people are and help them draw connections between Church events and their personal experiences.

2. Offer layered invitations.

Intentionally craft your communication to include multiple entry points for people at different stages in their spiritual journey.  For example, instead of just reposting the Adopt a Cardinal prayer website, consider something like this: 

As the Cardinals gather in Rome to discern our next Pope, we invite you to join us in prayer.

Whether you’re someone who prays every day, someone who hasn’t prayed in a while, or someone who’s just curious about what this all means—there’s a place for you in this moment.

• If prayer is familiar to you: Add a special intention this week for the Cardinal electors and for our new Holy Father.  
• If prayer feels new or uncertain: Start with a simple phrase: Come, Holy Spirit. That’s enough.
• If you feel distant from the Church: Know that your desire to care, question, or even wonder why this matters… is a spark the Spirit can work with. You belong in this story too.

3. Connect the conclave to everyday discipleship.

Remind your community that discernment isn’t just for Cardinals. Each of us is called to listen and respond. A simple reflection could include:

"While the Cardinals listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance on who will lead the Church, where in your life are you being asked to listen more closely to God? Is it in a strained relationship? A job change? A nudge to return to the sacraments? This week, take five minutes in silence and ask, 'Holy Spirit, what are You inviting me to do?'"

Help people see that discernment isn’t something reserved for cardinals or only needed during a conclave.  It’s a daily posture of discipleship.

Need help with discernment?

4. Let your tone reflect accompaniment.

Tone matters. People can tell when your communication assumes belief, fluency, or full participation.  They can also sense when your voice is warm, open, and safe. 

Instead of:

“Join us in praying a Novena to the Holy Spirit starting this Thursday!”

Try:

"If you’re longing for peace or wondering how to reconnect with your faith, you’re not alone. This Thursday, we begin a simple 9-day prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts and our Church. Whether this is your first time praying or your hundredth, you're welcome to join us."

This kind of tone shifts your message from directive to invitational. It sounds like accompaniment.

The conclave is a sacred moment. Let’s not just report on it.  Instead, try crafting one message, one bulletin blurb, or one conversation that opens a door for someone on the edge of faith.

Let's use this moment as an opportunity to model and practice the kind of invitational, Spirit-led communication that helps people take one more step on their journey into relationship with Christ.