Announcement regarding the Department of Communications

Edmundo Reyes has been named Director of Communications in the Archdiocese of Detroit, effective May 17. He succeeds Ned McGrath, who will transition to the newly created position of Director of Public Affairs.

In making the appointments, Archbishop Allen Vigneron praised both as “talented and devoted professionals” who will help the archdiocese “advance on the way to becoming a band of joyful missionary disciples.”

Reyes currently serves as Director of Institutional Advancement for Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Under his leadership, the Seminary has implemented comprehensive and strategic communications and marketing plan that has increased enrollment, fundraising, and brand awareness among key constituents. Prior to his work with Sacred Heart, he worked for The Word Among Us, one of the largest Catholic publishers in the world, leading efforts in sales, marketing, and communications. Reyes also founded Catholic Parish Apps, a technology company acquired by Our Sunday Visitor in 2015 that provides best-in-class tools for parishes, schools, and dioceses. He previously served with Saint Paul’s Outreach, a national ministry for college students and young professionals.

“On behalf of us all, I want to give a warm welcome to Edmundo as he takes over the leadership of the Communications Department and as he seeks to expand the effectiveness of our efforts in line with the Post-Synodal Letter, Unleash the Gospel,” Archbishop Vigneron said.

Reyes will work alongside McGrath, who will continue leading the archdiocese’s response to crisis and critical situations with priests, parishes, schools and other public matters.“Ned has been an invaluable coworker during his many years in the Department. I am very grateful that he will continue to give that same fine service as Director of Public Affairs,” Archbishop Vigneron said.

Reyes said he was “deeply honored” to accept the archbishop’s appointment.“I look forward to working with Ned McGrath and the talented group of professionals in the Department of Communications to serve the parishes, schools, and ministries of the Archdiocese and help them unleash the Gospel in southeast Michigan. In his pastoral letter, Archbishop Vigneron has called for the renewal of structures in parishes and archdiocesan services to make them Spirit-led and radically mission-oriented. With the help of God and the intercession of Mary, I look forward to working with my new co-workers in the Department of Communications in order to respond to this invitation.”

Reyes thanked staff at Sacred Heart for their support during his time there.“It has been a great blessing to have been part of Sacred Heart Major Seminary family for the last four and a half years,” he said. “I thank Msgr. Lajiness, Rector/President, and my co-workers for their support and friendship.”

Reyes holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and graduated with honors from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. He lives in Dexter, Michigan with his wife, Melanie, and four children.