Father Darrin Merlino, CMF, is a Claretian Missionary priest renowned for his innovative approach to evangelization through media. Ordained in 2000—the first ordination in U.S. history to be broadcast live via the internet—Fr. Merlino has dedicated his ministry to spreading the Gospel in urgent, timely, and effective ways.
Early Life and Calling
Baptized Catholic but not raised in the faith, Fr. Merlino’s journey to the priesthood began with a profound spiritual experience on January 6, 1987. While pursuing a career in video production and working as a disc jockey, he felt a compelling call to serve God. This led him to study philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville and later join the Claretians, drawn by their mission to evangelize through various forms of media.
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Ministry and Media Evangelization
Fr. Merlino’s passion for media-driven evangelization is evident in his diverse endeavors:
- Catholic Media Missionaries (CMM): As founder and CEO of CMM, Fr. Merlino aims to utilize modern media platforms to share the Catholic faith, producing content that resonates with contemporary audiences.
- “Hound of Heaven” Series: He created and hosts this series, which delves into compelling human stories that inspire and uplift, demonstrating the transformative power of faith.
- Authorship: Fr. Merlino authored “30 Days Unplugged: How A Catholic Priest Turned Off His iPhone And Took A Call From God,” sharing his personal journey of disconnecting from technology to deepen his spiritual connection.
- Film Involvement: He served as the theological consultant and partial technical advisor for the film “Nefarious,” in which he also played a role as a prison guard, bridging the gap between faith and film.
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Pastoral Leadership
During his tenure as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Prescott, Arizona, Fr. Merlino spearheaded a $3.2 million renovation of the 50-year-old church, successfully reopening it in November 2018. His leadership revitalized the parish community, reflecting his commitment to both spiritual and communal growth.
FAQ
1. What is the mission of Catholic Media Missionaries?
Catholic Media Missionaries aims to evangelize through modern media, creating content that effectively communicates the Catholic faith to contemporary audiences.
2. Can you tell me more about the “Hound of Heaven” series?
The “Hound of Heaven” series, hosted by Fr. Merlino, features stories that highlight the transformative power of faith, aiming to inspire and engage viewers.
3. What inspired Fr. Merlino to write “30 Days Unplugged”?
Fr. Merlino wrote “30 Days Unplugged” to share his experience of disconnecting from technology to deepen his spiritual life and encourage others to consider similar retreats.
4. How did Fr. Merlino contribute to the film “Nefarious”?
He served as the theological consultant, partial technical advisor, and played a role as a prison guard in “Nefarious,” integrating his faith insights into the film’s production.
5. Where can I follow Fr. Merlino’s work online?
You can follow his initiatives through the Catholic Media Missionaries website and his social media profiles, including Instagram.
Fr. Darrin Merlino’s dedication to evangelization through media continues to inspire and engage individuals worldwide, demonstrating the enduring relevance of faith in the digital age.
