Updated Timeline & Milestones

Phase 1: Project Launch & Sponsorship Development

January – March 2026

  • Finalize national tour framework and priorities.

  • Prepare sponsorship prospect lists and outreach strategy.

  • Develop sponsorship levels and presentation materials.

  • Secure Sanctuary approvals for sponsor outreach.

Phase 2: Infrastructure, Database & Content Development

February – May 2026

  • Build and validate national database of parishes, dioceses, schools, and Catholic organizations.

  • Update and launch the U.S. tour website and landing pages.

  • Develop branding assets, bulletin inserts, print materials, and a short promotional video.

  • Establish CRM, email marketing, and social media systems.

Phase 3: Parish Engagement & Pre-Tour Promotion

April – August 2026

  • Begin structured outreach to parishes and dioceses requesting relic visits.

  • Distribute informational packets, brochures, and enrollment materials.

  • Launch national email and social media awareness campaigns.

  • Conduct virtual information sessions for host parishes.

  • Confirm parish readiness and hospitality requirements.

Phase 4: Relics Tour Promotion & Active Support

September 2026 – March 2027 (Tour begins in Washington, D.C. and progresses regionally)

  • Provide ongoing promotional support for each tour stop.

  • Coordinate communications with host parishes and dioceses.

  • Support local and national media coverage of relic events.

  • Manage real-time website updates, social media content, and email communications.

  • Support ambassadors and volunteers during relic visits.

Phase 5: Post-Visit Engagement & Continuing Coordination

October 2026 – June 2027 (overlapping with tour)

  • Deliver follow-up communications to host parishes and attendees.

  • Grow and steward Friends of Lourdes membership.

  • Share testimonies, photos, and stories from the tour.

  • Maintain newsletters and digital engagement beyond individual visits.

Budget Overview

A detailed budget will be provided and reviewed based on:

  • Monthly retainer

  • Digital marketing tools and advertising

  • Print materials and parish distribution

  • Media partnerships and advertising placements

  • CRM and database management systems

All variable expenses will be reviewed and approved on a monthly basis.

Expected Impact & Benefits

Through this updated and sustained marketing effort, the Sanctuary of Lourdes will:

  • Reach thousands of U.S. parishes and Catholic institutions.

  • Ensure strong participation throughout the Relics Tour.

  • Inspire deeper devotion to St. Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes.

  • Establish long-term spiritual and organizational ties with the U.S. Catholic faithful.

  • Strengthen and grow the Friends of Lourdes community.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Atimo Marketing, LLC would be honored to continue this sacred mission in partnership with the Sanctuary of Lourdes. Beginning in January 2026, we are prepared to immediately launch outreach, infrastructure, and promotional efforts leading into and sustaining the September 2026–March 2027 Relics Tour.

Proposed Next Steps:

  • Approval of updated marketing plan and timeline.

  • Review and approval of initial budget allocation.

  • Formation of a core project and communications team.

  • Initiation of sponsorship outreach and parish engagement.

We welcome feedback and look forward to a fruitful collaboration.

Prepared by:
Atimo Marketing, LLC

One-Page Executive Timeline (January 2026 – June 2027)

January – March 2026 | Project Launch & Foundation

  • Formal project kickoff with the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

  • Confirm U.S. tour framework, priorities, and governance

  • Develop sponsorship strategy, prospect lists, and materials

  • Establish project infrastructure (CRM, email platform, workflows)

  • Begin ambassador recruitment framework

February – May 2026 | Infrastructure & Content Development

  • Build and validate national database (parishes, dioceses, schools, media)

  • Update and launch U.S. tour website and landing pages

  • Develop branding assets, bulletin inserts, parish toolkits, and promotional video

  • Finalize social media and email marketing strategy

April – August 2026 | Parish Engagement & Pre-Tour Promotion

  • Structured outreach to dioceses and parishes requesting relic visits

  • Distribute informational packets and hospitality guidance

  • Launch national awareness email and social campaigns

  • Conduct virtual information sessions for host parishes

  • Confirm parish readiness and communications schedules

September 2026 – March 2027 | Active Relics Tour (U.S.)

  • Ongoing promotional support for each tour stop

  • Coordinated communications with host parishes and dioceses

  • Media relations, interviews, and event coverage

  • Real-time website updates, social media, and email communications

  • Ambassador and volunteer coordination during relic visits

October 2026 – June 2027 | Post-Visit Engagement & Continuity (overlapping)

  • Follow-up communications with host parishes and attendees

  • Testimonial, photo, and story collection

  • Growth and stewardship of Friends of Lourdes membership

  • Ongoing newsletters and digital engagement

Scope of Work Summary

1. Strategic Planning & Oversight

  • Overall marketing and communications strategy for the U.S. Relics Tour

  • Coordination with the Sanctuary of Lourdes leadership

  • Timeline, workflow, and priority management

2. Sponsorship Development

  • Identification and qualification of potential sponsors

  • Creation of sponsorship levels and presentation materials

  • Coordination of approvals and outreach

  • Stewardship of sponsor relationships during the tour

3. Parish & Diocesan Outreach

  • Direct outreach to bishops, pastors, and parish administrators

  • Development of parish toolkits (bulletin inserts, posters, digital assets)

  • Virtual information sessions and ongoing parish support

4. Digital Marketing & Communications

  • Email marketing strategy, segmentation, and execution

  • Website and landing page content management

  • Social media planning, content creation, and posting

  • Automated reminders and follow-ups

5. Media Relations & Public Relations

  • Press releases and Catholic media outreach

  • Coordination of interviews and feature stories

  • Support for national and local Catholic media coverage

6. Ambassador & Volunteer Support

  • Recruitment framework and onboarding materials

  • Messaging guides and recognition tools

  • Ongoing coordination during tour stops

7. Database & CRM Management

  • Acquisition and maintenance of national Catholic contact database

  • CRM implementation and data governance

  • Tracking parish engagement, communications, and outcomes

8. Tour-Phase Support & Continuity

  • Promotional and communications support during active tour months

  • Post-visit follow-up and storytelling

  • Friends of Lourdes membership growth and stewardship

  • Sustained engagement beyond individual tour stops