Veterum Sapientia Institute
Website redesign and marketing
The Backstory
The Veterum Sapientia Institute (VSI) is a non-profit distance learning institute with the mission of teaching Ecclesiastical Latin and Biblical Greek. VSI provides learners with a quality learning experience, empowering them to learn Latin and Greek as living languages, rather than just as a set of rules and memorized forms. It is proud to be the only organization in the world that offers Ecclesiastical Latin with accreditation by the Vatican. This unique standing has helped the institute distinguish itself as the go-to provider for Ecclesiastical Latin training, targeting a range of potential markets, such as priests, seminarians, religious brothers and sisters, as well as laypeople.

The Challenge
- Despite being the only Vatican-accredited institution for Latin learning, relatively few people have heard of VSI; they needed a website optimized for SEO to increase their brand awareness, as well as print collateral, to spread the word.
- VSI’s old site was cluttered and outdated; they needed a fresh new web presence that was easy to navigate for current students and faculty, prospective students, and donors.
- Because of explosive growth in recent years, VSI’s site needed to provide a top-notch user experience.
- With rapid growth, VSI needed to expand their faculty and staff but needed funding to hire at competitive rates.
- Finally, with summer classes quickly approaching, VSI needed their new site done fast, but only the essential pages would be done on time.
The Strategy
Catholic Web Design
- Create a beautiful, navigable website that communicates VSI’s mission, position, and drives conversions.
- Craft copy that captivates readers and moves them down the page.
- Communicate–in words and images–why Ecclesiastical Latin and Biblical Greek matter.
- Communicate VSI’s unique approach to Latin education: a process that is both fun and effective for learners.

CASE FOR SUPPORT FOR CATHOLIC NONPROFIT
- Combine storytelling, impactful visuals, and strategy to communicate VSI’s plan for growth.
- Target major donors who believe in VSI’s mission and will likely become benefactors to further that mission.
- Communicate need for hiring staff and faculty, as well as curriculum development to place VSI at the forefront of Latin education.
- Share VSI’s big goals and inspire major benefactors to give generously.
ONGOING WEB CONTENT SUPPORT
- Continue to build the VSI site, after initial launch, with blogs, landing pages, and other relevant content.
- Balance “timely” with “timeless” content: publish pages that pertain to upcoming important dates and deadlines, while keeping evergreen content fresh and up-to-date.
CATHOLIC PRINT DESIGN
- Promote VSI among donors, even smaller donors, to increase brand awareness.
- Create brochures for distribution in strategic locations so that more people have the chance to hear about VSI and explore their classes and curriculum.
- Embed QR codes and employ engaging copy, driving the reader to take the intended action and easily visit the website.
Why it Works
All of VSI’s collateral, from their website to their brochures, sync with each other to serve learners and inspire love of Ecclesiastical Latin and Biblical Greek. Our ongoing collaboration with VSI allows them to pivot as needs and opportunities arise. Using current technology and marketing tools, VSI is revitalizing Catholic culture in the modern age through making ancient languages accessible, engaging, and fun.