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Catholic Influencer Awards 2024: The Most Inspiring Catholics on Social Media
The week before the Oscars were televised, our community came together and voted for some of the best CATHOLIC Instagram influencers*, artists, authors, speakers and evangelizers who are working tirelessly to share the Light of Christ to people scrolling online.
Our community was founded in 2017. It started as a Facebook group where Catholic bloggers, artisans and small business owners with social media could support one another and help one another succeed in the “influencer world”.
It is truly full of talented, faithful individuals that have created ministries to counter the culture and businesses that spread the Light of Christ.
You will see some familiar faces in this post – and some not so familiar. We have winners from founding members, and some of our newest members (like Carmel Communications and Hallow) are not mentioned because we limited our categories this year.
We are taking this moment in time to celebrate some of our members and their incredibly diligent effort. You can see all members of our community by looking at our directory or by clicking on the Authors, Speakers, Businesses, Artisans or Ministries icons on our Home Page.
If you feel called to join our community, we would love to learn more about you! I believe everyone is an influencer – and there is nothing better than sharing your love of Jesus and your faith in His Holy Sacraments. Learn more on how to become a member here.
If you want to see a variety of our members’ work, follow Catholics Online on Facebook and Catholics Online on Instagram.
You can also follow Catholic Shopping Bag on Facebook and on Pinterest.
Lastly, we have a YouTube channel too!
Let’s get to the awards!
The 2024 Winners of the Catholic Social Media Influencers are . . .
Drum roll please!
Most Helpful Catholic Social Media Platform
Catholic Wife, Catholic Life by Annie Deddens
Annie Deddens is a founding member of the Catholic Social Media Influencers Group and of Catholics Online.
It is perfectly fitting that she was voted most helpful, because she has truly lifted up all of us by her positive light, generous heart and incredible reach since the very moment – in fact even prior to – our group was formed.
Annie is a writer and producer. She runs a prayer ministry with her husband, called Pray More Novenas. She has a heart for the sick & suffering, and she writes about living with greater faith (hope & love, too) in this imperfect world as a Catholic wife on her blog, Catholic Wife, Catholic Life.
We asked Annie for some words in response to her winning this category and we asked her what she is currently working on that has her full attention, Annie responded:
“I’m so glad to be considered helpful! In all the work I do, I love to point people to others who can move our hearts closer to the Lord — whether that’s through their writing and daily reflections, their art and liturgical home decor, or their Catholic jewelry.
I’ve currently been enjoying helping women decorate their homes with liturgical home decor under a budget in my subscription-based newsletter. I’m always looking ahead at the calendar and looking for ideas for how to bring the Faith into our homes in a way that’s meaningful and affordable.“
Follow Annie Deddens on these social media pages:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholicwifecatholiclife
IG: https://www.instagram.com/catholicwifecatholiclife
Most Inspiring Instagram Account: His Girl Sunday
Steffani Aquila: His Girl Sunday
His Girl Sunday is a a business and blog that helps individuals, families, and parishes live liturgically and build long-lasting, authentic Catholic traditions.
Follow Steffani_HisGirlSunday on Instagram and you will see
Super simple and festive tips for living the Church year;
Learn the “why” from a theology teacher
Get lost of ideas on living liturgically and from the Liturgy Kitchen and Market!
Steffani not only won “Most Inspiring Instagram Account”, she also won FIRST PLACE in the category, “Best CATHOLIC FAMILY MINISTRY”!!! Keep up the great work Steffani!
We asked Steffani for a few words, here is what she had to say:
It is with sincere gratitude, joy, and surprise that I welcome the gift of two Catholics Online awards: Best Catholic Family Ministry and Most Inspiring Instagram Account. This online community has offered me a sense of support amidst navigating online ministry, and connection with other Catholics striving to build the Kingdom on earth. I can’t thank Amy enough for the hard work she puts in to helping us every step of the way.
His Girl Sunday has been a heart project of mine, a place where I can hopefully inspire what I call village Catholicism. To me, this means encouraging people to really experience the festivity of liturgical living together, with your household, friends, and larger communities. The goal is to foster interpersonal, story-centered, people-centric, Catholic culture and tradition in the home and parish through the liturgical year. And it’s been my mission to fill a void that was once common practice, liturgical living for all ages and with all ages. If you are a Catholic young adult or adult looking to begin living the liturgical year in a way that’s meaningful and attainable in your current season of life, then you’ve come to the right place. I share orthodox and easy to understand liturgical theology, with practical tips and ideas for liturgical living.
Want to make your ordinary life a little more festive and focused on Christ? Follow along on Instagram or Facebook where I share and model simple ideas: IG// @steffani_hisgirlsunday or FB// @HisGirlSunday. For more resource guides, recipes, theology, and to shop all my curated heirloom goods visit www.HisGirlSunday.com.
Best Use of Social Media for Evangelization
We have been blessed to have Catholic-Link.org be a member of our community since the very beginning.
Catholic-Link is an online library of free resources available to use in your personal life or ministry. We offer video reflections, quizzes, saint quotes, infographics, and reflections on current issues. All content is free to print, share, and distribute!
When we contacted Becky Roach (Director of Catholic-Link.org) and Maryann Dolan (Social Media Director), Maryann gave us this quote:
“Catholic-Link is honored to inspire, form, and accompany searchers to missionary discipleship. We are grateful to our Catholic-Link community for deepening their relationship with Christ and responding to the Holy Spirit’s call in their lives with Christ through our social media content.”
When asked what project Catholic-Link.org is currently working on the response was:
“We look forward to further accompanying our community through our digital small group initiative Catholic-Link Connect. We will begin April 18th the study is a 5 part study called “A biblical walk through the Mass.” Follow us on all social media for updates and our best content! “
You can follow Catholic Link in the following places:
Best Catholic Artist: Nichole Lanthier
Seeing Catholic art online is so incredibly uplifting and refreshing. We felt that this category was a must – especially since social media is such a visual platform.
Our community consists of a ton of Catholic artists and Catholic artisans. We encourage you to take a peek at all of them here!
Nichole Lanthier is a wife, mother of five, artist, and musician living in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
She owns and runs the Etsy shop Nichole Lanthier Art
When Nichole found out she won, and was asked to share a few words, this is what she said:
“Five years ago, I picked up some old art supplies and felt a call to draw something. I had no idea that little whisper from God would blossom into a full-time business and ministry. God is so incredibly good, and I’m grateful that he has asked me to do this work. My goal has always been to simply create things that glorify Him and that, hopefully, bring others closer to His heart. And so I truly cannot say it enough—it is humbling, and such an honor, to be able to work creatively for the Church.
As a woman and mother of five, I feel like I naturally create items that resonate with women and mothers. Lately, however, I’ve felt called to create more items for children. I’ve got a few new projects in the works for our Catholic kiddos, and cannot wait to share them. I do hope everyone will follow along and enjoy them with me!“
Social media: Instagram @nicholelanthier
Nichole actually came in first in TWO categories! For Best Catholic Etsy shop the winner was Nichole Lanther Art!
Best Catholic Artisan:
Allison Seitz: Small Things Great Love
Both artisans and artists have a powerful way of helping the rest of us nurture our homes as domestic churches. We are uplifted and inspired to take what we see and learn as we scroll social media and bring it into our homes and share it with our loved ones.
Since there are so many Catholic artisans sharing their talent on social media, we definitely want to honor and celebrate this yes to God!
Allison Seitz, owner of Small Things Great Love (smallthingsgr8love on Etsy)
Allison creates products that are inspired through prayer and the desire to share the faith through beauty.
From Wall Rosaries to liturgical items, her shop is filled with gifts that will invite loved ones to pray. We love her home decor, beaded Rosaries, stickers and other gift ideas she makes with such great love for God and others!
We let Allison know she won and asked her to share some thoughts, here are her words:
” The love, I pour into the items I make can best be put by looking at 1 John 4:19, We love because He first loved us.
It has always been my desire to pour the love that the Trinity has for me, and each one of us, into my products so that they can be used for His glory and greater intimacy with Christ in the ordinary day to day.“
Take a look at her shop and make a purchase to support her work! Follow Allison on IG at smallthingsgr8love
We have so many Catholic Artisans listed on our website. After we published the survey, I thought of another category we could have had “Best Use of a Needle and Thread”. Since I missed that opportunity, I wrote a post highlighting some of our sewers, knitters and quilters in this post:
Holy Threads: 5 Catholic Artisans Sewing Faith.
Best Catholic Author
Clair Dwyer: “This Present Paradise: A Spiritual Journey with St. Elizabeth of the Trinity”
@Clairedwyer.eventhesparrow on IG.
Claire’s been devouring books and pouring the words back out again longer than she can remember. It’s where her love of God and the Catholic faith finds its fullest expression. Claire has a certification in Spiritual Theology from the Avila Institute and is currently in the graduate program at St. Vincent Seminary’s Institute of Ministry Formation for Spiritual Direction. She has an undergraduate degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she serves on the Advisory Board of the Leadership Institute.
Her roles as writer, editor, spiritual director, and lifelong student of the interior life all came together in her first book, “This Present Paradise: A Spiritual Journey with St. Elizabeth of the Trinity.” She is also a contributor to Blessed is She’s Lenten devotional, New Wine, which released in January 2023. She works full-time for the Avila Foundation as copywriter and editor of spiritualdirection.com. She has a passion for helping women in particular see the beauty and possibility in their own interior lives and their unrepeatable place in the Church, and for Catholic writers to be encouraged and formed in their writing journey. She is a writing coach and the co-founder and content director of Write These Words and the PraiseWriters Catholic Writing Membership Community.
When I asked Clair to share some wisdom, she did not disappoint! Read this carefully – and, in fact, write it down!
“So often our creative works are done as pure acts of obedience. Then, we release them to the world in another act: this time, one of surrender.
I’m humbled and honored to receive this (totally unexpected) acknowledgment. It is such a consolation to be recognized by our peers when the fruits of our work are usually hidden!
Follow @Clairedwyer.eventhesparrow on IG.
I’m super excited about my upcoming course for Catholics who want to write a book! If you want to grow your following — and I know you do, that’s why you are here — crafting a book that shares part of your story is the BEST way to do that. “
Trust me, I know! (See above! Haha!). https://www.writethesewords.com/memoir-with-a-message-course
Best Female Catholic Podcast Host: Sterling Jacquith
Although podcasts may not be social media exactly, we feel that something would be missing if we didn’t include at least one podcast.
Sterling currently is hosting two Catholic podcasts:
Catholic Moms Made for Business
In Sterling’s words, this podcast is like having a business bestie who loves the Lord as much as you do! Sometimes it’s a kick in the pants; sometimes it’s a loving reminder to rest.
When asked to share some words and more about what she is working on passionately right now, Sterling said:
“I’m on a mission to help Catholic moms walk with the Holy Spirit so they can live with more peace! If God is calling you to something, it is possible to do it with peace. Fight for peace, my friends.
I help Catholic moms in motherhood at www.catholicmomcalm.com and @catholicmomcalm on Instagram and Facebook. You can check out my book Catholic Mom Calm on Amazon.
I help Catholic moms start and grow businesses at www.sterlingjaquith.com and @sterlingjaquith on Instagram and Facebook.“
Best Evangelizing Catholic Business: Sock Religious
Scott Williams: Sock Religious
What started as Sock Religious has now become a much bigger company called Catholic Concepts.
When Scott Williams was told he won this category, he was thrilled and shared the following words:
“ Our mission at Catholic Concepts has always been to start conversations through joyful products and services. Every day we talk about how we can make ministry and evangelization easier, so I’m glad to know that we’re hitting the mark.“
Follow Sock Religious on Social Media in these places:
Facebook: SockReligious https://www.facebook.com/sockreligious
Instagram: SockReligious https://www.instagram.com/sockreligious/
Best Social Media Platform for Catholic Parents
This category was a tie! The winners were: Sam Mead, Founder of Cultivating Catholics and Chantal Baros Founder of Shining Light Dolls
Cultivating Catholics
When we asked Sam Mead for some words, here is what she shared:
“I am SO honored to tie for Best Platform for Catholic Parents! If the Church ain’t crying, it’s dying, and God has put it on my heart to ensure we raise strong, confident Catholics!“
Currently Sam is working on a virtual baby shower for Mary!
Our followers purchase items off of a giant Amazon baby registry. Then, the items get shipped to a Catholic maternity home. Last year we donated over $12,000 worth of items!
Follow Cultivating Catholics on Instagram (@cultivatingcatholics) and Facebook (Cultivating Catholics)!
Cultivating Catholics and Shining Light Dolls tied for this category. Unfortunately, Shining Light Dolls could not be hear tonight . . . but you can visit their store here and save 10% with the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE.
Most Inspiring Catholic Pro-Life Ministry
Be Not Afraid (BNA) is a private non-profit organization which provided comprehensive case management to parents carrying to term following a prenatal diagnosis for over 14 years, welcoming more than 300 babies with a variety of diagnoses. Following the cancer diagnoses of both BNA co-founders, the organization developed its Parent Care Coordinator (PCC) Training for the purpose of offering online training for organizations interested in providing the BNA-model of care. To date, organizations in ten different states have completed PCC Training, but more are needed.
Our staff and peers strive to develop a relationship of trust while providing for the emotional and tangible needs of parents at diagnosis, during pregnancy, at birth and during the post postpartum period for up to one year.
We believe that every baby is a gift, and we support parents not only in advocating for basic care, but also in obtaining the treatment they deem appropriate for their child after birth no matter the diagnosis. We follow the ethical teaching of the Catholic Church, but serve parents of all denominations.
When we asked what passion project was being working on at Be Not Afraid presently, Tracy Winsor, Founder responded:
“My passion right now is the ongoing training of other organizations in the Be Not Afraid model of care through our Parent Care Coordinator training. We have already trained organizations serving parents in ten different states, but we need more. Our goal is for parents to be able to find comprehensive, trauma-based, parent-centered, research-based. life-affirming support in carrying to term with a prenatal diagnosis close to where they live. We have been thrilled at the response to the training so far, and interested organizations can learn more about it at https://courses.benotafraid.net/.”
PLEASE SHARE THIS TRAINING WITH ALL YOUR FAVORITE PRO-LIFE GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS AND MINISTRIES!!!
And pray for Tracy . . . .
Be Not Afraid is on Facebook here and follow Be Not Afraid on Instagram too!
Most Inspirational Rosary Shop
When Della found out she won, here is what she had to say!
“We have a such fabulous group of rosary designers in our group, each with their own unique designs. I’m surprised and grateful to our community for the vote of confidence in choosing Della Madonna Rosaries! Thanks to all who voted and to Saint Teresa of Calcutta, who was the inspiration for this vacation.”
Della Madonna Rosaries make a meaningful gift of faith and are perfect for special events like baptisms, first communions or a gift for that special person in your life. They are made with quality gemstones and vintage bronze or silver replica metals.
Best Catholic Marketing and Tech Businesses
Emily Ricci is the Founder of Gloriam Marketing and has been in our community since the very beginning.
A few years ago our community held a weekend retreat/conference in New England (at the Trappistine Quality Candy Sisters’ Mansion) and Emily was one of our Conference Speakers.
Since then, Emily has helped many in our community and outside of our community develop marketing plans and email campaigns that truly help spread the Light of Christ further and farther than any of us could have done without her.
Upon hearing she won this category, Emily stated:
“What a sweet honor! All glory be to God – at Gloriam Marketing, my #1 goal is to help Catholic small businesses and ministries stop hating marketing so they can market like Jesus would. If you’ve been called by God to use your gifts and talents in the world, marketing is a part of that call – and just as holy! My clients are all doing such incredible things in the world to help people draw closer to God, and my humble way of getting to contribute to their work is by helping them get back to what He actually called them to, faster, while implementing marketing strategies to reach the people He’s called them to serve. It’s not me – I’m just here to show you how Jesus did it!!“
Follow Emily on Facebook here and on Instagram here!
Best New Catholic Business
Sacred Heart Tea: Jenifer Ramirez
Jenifer Ramirez is a Social Media Strategist and recently purchased Sacred Heart Tea which she manages with her 19-year-old daughter, Elizabeth. You can learn more about Jenifer and the many hats she wears here!
When I emailed Jen to give her the good news and congratulate her, I asked her to give us some words. Here they are!
“We are so grateful to receive this award! Thank you to each person who has made it possible for my daughter and I to run a business together. We love Jesus, the saints, and tea and we’re so grateful that you’ve come along for this wonderful adventure. We continue with our mission to bring a moment of calm into the chaos of life and remind you that it’s ok to stop, say a prayer, and drink some tea. The work will always be there waiting for us so it’s up to us to create these little moments of peace every day. Thank you for adventuring with us! “
“You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and email! Right now we are working on a Mothers Day box that is for ALL women since all women are called to motherhood whether physical or spiritual. Stay tuned! “
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartteaco
IG – https://www.instagram.com/sacredhearttea/
Email – Use the subscribe button for updates on new product releases! https://www.sacredhearttea.com
Most Helpful Catholic Wellness Platform
Jessica Castillo: A Thriving Catholic – Christ-Centered Peak Performance
We asked Jessica to share more about her platform and business, here is what she had to say:
“You know how really driven Catholic women tend to rely on themselves too much and burnout? I help high-achieving Catholic women optimize their health, productivity, and spiritual vitality so they can pursue excellence without burnout. If you’d like to learn how to take exceptional care of your body, mind, and soul while growing in trust and reliance on the Lord, I’d love to help you! “
Facebook: @athrivingcatholic
Instagram: @athrivingcatholic
Online: https://www.athrivingcatholic.com/
My most exciting current project: enrollment for the next Cohort of my flagship group coaching program, Mission-Driven Peak Performance (starting in May 2024!): https://www.athrivingcatholic.com/MDPP
Most Inspiring Facebook Account
What a joy and reflection of our community to see the platform where we try to share everyone’s work be voted as Most Inspiring Facebook account!
This is a place where you can not only find our latest blog posts and where we post our free resources, but it’s also where we share our member’s missions, positive thoughts, prayer graphics and more!
Please, give us a follow and if something we post resonates with you, please share!
Catholic Influencer on the Rise
Heather Lebano: House of Love and Laughter
Cohost with daughter of the Hear and Now Podcast
Heather describes herself and her platform in this way:
“I am a word weaver, and a truth, beauty and good seeker. I enjoy writing about deep faith, the gift of raising a family, the vocation of marriage and taking long walks while listening for the voice of God. I am a mother, a widow, a daughter, a friend, a shopkeeper, a speaker, and a podcaster. In July 2020 I have had to shift my focus to caring for my husband of 25 years as he battled terminal brain cancer and fought to regain function and strength from a stroke for 33 months. He lived well with eyes fixed on God and joy in his heart, loving and laughing knowing this would be his journey toward eternal life. Verso l’alto.“
When Heather was informed she was voted the Catholic Influencer on the Rise Award by her peers, she responded:
“Thank you for the honor. I am humbled to know that sharing my family’s journey of faith and walking my husband through brain cancer and home to heaven has inspired others to choose to read God writes on my heart and more importantly to gives glory to Him. I pray the words I weave inspire others to live each day with their eyes fixed on heaven our true home where love and laughter will never end.
I can be found on my website at houseofloveandlaughter.com where I share reflections of the heart in blog pots, a monthly newsletter to email subscribers called The Landing, and shorter reflections as well as as products for our shop on instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/houseofloveandlaughterblog
and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/houseofloveandlaughter
Currently, I am working through the writing as God calls me about my new grief journey while in the early stages of writing a book God has been writing on my heart for years. My daughter and I are in the middle of relaunching our Hear and Now Podcast this month after a year long sabbatical. I am also working on creating meaningful products to wear our faith and share our faith in our homes in our shop at http://Houseofloveandlaughter.com/shop“
Best “Little Known” Catholic Ministry
Eileen Tully: Sursum Corda (formerly known as Present in the Pain)
When I contacted Eileen to let her know she received the most votes in this category, she responded:
“Thank you so much for voting for me! This comes at a time in my apostolate where I am feeling the Holy Spirit calling me to expand the scope of it a bit and to offer tools to help women who have been wounded and broken in life offer their broken hearts to God for His healing. The new name – Sursum Corda – means “lift up your hearts” and reflects this new direction so that those who are wounded not just by child loss, but by other things as well, may be encouraged not to hide their wounds away, but to make their wounds an offering to the Lord. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:18) Because I have experienced the beauty and healing that the Lord can bring out of our brokenness first hand, I am eager to share what I’ve learned and offer hope for this healing to others.“
People can find me at EileenTully.com, or on Facebook (Eileen Tully – Sursum Corda) or Instagram (@presentinthepain). Right now, I’m excited to offer a nine-week workshop series called “Beauty from the Brokenness” that calls to mind the Japanese practice of kitsugi, in which cracked pottery is repaired with gold. The history of the piece incorporates its brokenness, and the beauty of the dish is enhanced by its healed cracks. So, too, with us. When God heals our wounds, He is able to create in us an even greater wholeness than before we were wounded. God works all things together for our good, and is not afraid to enter into brokenness with us. In fact, it is by his own wounds we are healed. (1 Peter 2:24)
The workshop begins April 30th. You can learn more about this healing workshop at www.eileentully.com/beauty-from-brokenness
Best Catholic Speaker
Amy Brooks, Founder of Catholics Online, LLC and Prayer Wine Chocolate
As the author of this blog post, I’m trying not to feel completely uncomfortable here – but I am also incredibly honored.
I know I’m not THE BEST, but having this community vote for me allows me to be more confident in Christ with the mission He has given me.
I want to constantly reassure people that faith in Christ Jesus is the greatest gift.
I want to encourage every individual – regardless of age – to pray more and I want to assure you – yes you – that God does indeed hear your prayers and he is listening to each prayer with His loving, Sacred, Heart.
As I was going over the results of this survey, I was happy to see many votes in the author category, because many parents and children are really enjoying the Be Yourself Journals. But this, this came as a surprise.
But I have to believe the Holy Spirit is nudging me to spread the Light of Christ more frequently and with greater confidence.
If you would like to connect with me on Instagram, you can follow @prayerwinechocolate and @catholicsonline
You can also find me posting on Facebook and on YouTube.
If you voted for me, or you don’t mind listening to me speak with such a thick Philly accent, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
If you are a Catholic Speaker – keep talking!
Most Consistently Catholic Social Media Platform
Jessica Connolly: Telos Art Shop
I asked Jessica to tell us a little about her platform and shop. Here is how she described it:
“Telos Art is inspired by my grandmother’s love of faith and fashion. We hope to ignite a love for sharing the Gospel through unique Catholic jewelry.“
You can find Telos online at www.telosartshop.com and on Instagram @telosart
These individuals are just a few of the talented, faithful Catholics you will find on our website, within our community and on social media.
I encourage you to take time to peruse our directory and connect with others.
Last, but certainly not least, this survey and project was a team effort. Many thanks are due to Rachel Washington, Catholic Virtual Assistant and long time member of Catholics Online.
I asked Rachel to share a little bit about herself here – since she works behind the scenes daily for our group!
Here are Rachel’s words:
“I ’m a Catholic wife and Homeschool Mama. My husband Vernon and I have 4 children at home (3 boys and a girl) and 8 little saints in heaven. I love God, Coffee, books, and Hallmark movies. I am a virtual assistant, I specialize in the every day to day Social Media tasks, email, research, calendar upkeep, and data entry, etc. You can find me on Instagram instagram.com/washingtonhomestead or Email rachelwillis201385@gmailc.om. Or look me up in the directory https://catholicinfluencers.com/membership-profile/rachelwashington/“
Enjoy these Free Catholic Resources!
Guide to Networking as Catholic Online (Tips and Best Practices)
*I am aware that there are mixed feelings on this term influencer or “Catholic Influencer”. My personal opinion – we all are influencing others – for better or worse. I write more specifically on my comfort level of the term Catholic influencer on Clair Dwyer’s website. You can read that article here: Catholic Writers as Influencers
