Why I started The Catholic Scroll and what's coming Next!

Beginning anything new is challenging.

Ideas, creative endeavors, marketing, etc. But when the content is good, the goal is strong, and the message is clear, it is a worth while effort.

Starting The Catholic Scroll has been an adventure. I am so pleased and humbled at the response this week. My goal is to bring the rich history of the Church, it’s tradition, theology, philosophy, and propositions to you, the present reader. As we finish the first week, I want to give some insight into the idea, research, and content this past week on The Catholic Scroll.

1. The Inspiration: I was reading about The Morning Brew, an insanely large company that started in a college dorm as a newsletter about the current market and business world. It grew and grew and has become a behemoth of a community. After receiving their newsletter and listening to their founder, I said to myself, “Why isn’t there a Catholic newsletter that has as much impact on people as The Morning Brew had, and continues to have?” Thus, my idea for a Catholic newsletter.

2. The Research: After deciding to start a newsletter, I then began listening to other creators and entrepreneurs who have had success with building an audience using a weekly newsletter. I started researching various software to facilitate The Catholic Scroll. I ended up settling on Beehiiv, an all-in-one platform for email newsletters and blogs. I have loved it thus far! I’m still working out the quirks, but I think I’m getting the hang of it, unless you think otherwise??

3. Week One Content: If you haven’t subscribed to The Catholic Scroll, do it here! But if you haven’t, here is a recap of the content:

   • St. Irenaeus of Lyon, a big player in the Early Church shortly after the time of the Apostles

   • St. Augustine of Hippo, a major figure (Need I explain more?)

   • An article about the approval of a Plenary Indulgence during the celebrations of St. Thomas Aquinas by the Dominican Order (The Angelic Doctor!)

   • An article about the new reality of the Church, i.e., the declining numbers of priests, seminarians, and the average attendance at Mass

   • Plus: Some great books! (Benedict XVI, St. Augustine, A Severe Mercy, and more!)

It’s been a great journey starting out! I can’t wait to continue curating great content to educate, entertain, and inspire people to learn more intentionally about the Church, her history, tradition, and beauty!

Where we go from here …

I’ve got big plans — Weekly BLOG, additional WRITERS (Different perspectives and states of life)!

Continue to follow along as we grow and adapt together, and build a platform and community that is centered on:

1. Jesus Christ

2. The Catholic Church

3. The Tradition of the Church

4. Bringing those together in a way that is enjoyable, educational, and inspiring.

Let’s build it together!

If you haven’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out on this growing community!

Until next week, happy Ordinary Time!

Donald Paul Maddox