For Colleen Gallion, the transition to Publications and Multimedia Coordinator here at St. Leo’s was a natural move. Colleen and her husband, Todd, have been parishioners at St. Leo’s for about eight years and happen to live just a few doors down from Fr. Don. Colleen has worked with the parish in the past through her work with the Diocese of Grand Island. She has also served as the Associate Editor of the West Nebraska Register Catholic newspaper, as well as the West Nebraska Catholic magazine.
“When I wrote for the newspaper and the magazine, I felt it was important for me to help share stories of faith and the Good News,” Colleen says. “I’m looking forward to working with the staff here. I’ve known most of them for several years now because I worked with them through the diocese. I’m excited to see what I can bring to this position.”
In Colleen’s experience, print and digital media is a valuable way to inspire Catholics to embrace their faith more deeply. Real stories of real people have the power to touch people’s hearts. While media has evolved rapidly in recent history, Colleen sees value in all its forms.
“I think that newspapers, print media, and digital media have to work together in this day and age,” Colleen says. “You can’t have all one or the other. I like the idea of joining them together and reaching both worlds — the elderly who might not have computers or cell phones, and the younger generations.”
As she takes on her new role, Colleen is learning a lot about what St. Leo’s already has in place and forming ideas of her own for ways to build up our media presence. It takes a good deal of teamwork to coordinate the events and make sure that parishioners are well-informed about everything that is coming up.
“St. Leo’s has already done a great job of using many apps such as Facebook, Instagram, myParish, YouTube, and the website and print,” Colleen says. “I hope to continue the great work they’re already doing.”
From social media to our printed bulletin and newsletter, and the parish website, St. Leo’s strives to keep our parishioners up-to-date on our many events and opportunities for community and faith formation. What makes each of these resources engaging is their ability to bring people together and share in a genuine life of faith.
“My background has always been in journalism and writing stories,” Colleen says. “I’ve always been inspired by the stories of the people I have met through the diocese and I hope to keep putting news out there that inspires people.”