During the launch of a new book from Vatican publisher Libreria Editrice Vaticana (LEV) today, retired papal theologian Georges Marie Martin Cardinal Cottier, OP, and others asserted that during the course of his 26-year pontificate, John Paul II developed a “theology of communication.”
Joined by renowned journalist Joanna Bogle, educator Sr. Marie Gannon, FMA, and author Dr. Christine A. Mugridge at the official release of Dr. Mugridge and Prof. Gannon’s John Paul II: Development of a Theology of Communications, Cardinal Cottier and the others discussed how this pedagogy had the potential to impact not only ecclesial communications but communications in the media and beyond. The participants agreed that while the seeds of such a theology have always existed throughout Church history, its development only began to bear fruit during Pope John Paul II’s pontificate.
All also concurred that as the world becomes ever more secularized, expanding this development will be crucial if the Church is to succeed in its mission of evangelization.
Cardinal Cottier noted that when it came to communication in any form, the late Holy Father was always very concerned to acknowledge the role of Jesus Christ, Who was not only the creator of words but was Himself the Word.
In her presentation, Mrs. Bogle noted how communication is “a gift from God” in that it is words that “somehow get us to God.”
“For Catholics, word and action, Scripture and sacrament, go together,” she said, “and in a sense one flows from the other.” While she lamented the decline in all forms of communication, and admitted that even the Church has not been immune from its effects, “the Church still holds out to us the exciting recognition that we haven’t yet fulfilled – or even begun to fulfill – all of mankind’s great potential for creativity, wisdom, and beauty” in this regard. And this is precisely because that potential is ultimately born out of Christ, Who “is brought to the world again and again” as the Word made flesh.
“There is indeed a theology of communication,” she concluded, and “I am not sure we have really grasped its fullness yet.”
Dr. Mugridge concurred and noted that the late Pontiff was very keen to emphasize that there was a difference between a study of theology and communications versus a theology of communications. She also explained how, while the Pope never called it such, a theology of communications clearly did develop over the course of his pontificate.
Prof. Gannon observed how she particularly appreciated Pope Wojty³a’s work in this area because it drew on both secular communications as well as the Church’s Magisterium before, during, and after the Second Vatican Council. “This was possible,” she said, “because parallel criteria for principles and methodology in both the ecclesial and the secular field were used for the analysis of material from both fields that are apropos for speaking of a theology of communication.”
The round table was moderated by Libreria Editrice Vaticana (LEV) Director Don Giuseppe Costa, SDB, and took place at the offices of Vatican Radio.
It was announced at the event that Catholic Word, an American consortium of over a dozen publishers such as Ignatius Press and Ascension Press, will distribute John Paul II: Development of a Theology of Communications in the English-speaking world. This is the first work distributed by Catholic Word on behalf of LEV.
Catholic Word President Carolyn Klika expressed the great hope this new teaching holds for the entire Church. “The Theology of Communication can assist every bishop and parish priest in more effectively reaching his faithful, every teacher in connecting with students, every media outlet in conveying their message, and even impact every human relationship. We are grateful for the opportunity to make this timely and critical title available to the English-speaking world.”
Bishops’ For Your Marriage Website Offers Ideas for ‘Cheap’ Dates
With tough economic conditions impacting families, The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) "For Your Marriage" Web site offers ten suggestions for romantic, low-cost dates. From planning an indoor "picnic" to "midnight bowling," the ideas can inspire couples to be creative date planners.
"We came up with these low-cost ideas for time together as well as some articles that focus on family finances, which is a leading cause of marital stress," said Sheila Garcia, associate director of the USCCB Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, and lead staff for the project.
The "For Your Marriage" Website, located at www.foryourmarriage.org, stands as a key component of the USCCB's multi-year effort to promote the value of married life. The site was launched in June 2007 and now sports a new look and content. The page also is available on the social networking sites Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and the bookmark site, Delicious.
"The new home page has a clean, uncluttered look with photos and headlines that point to the newest content," Garcia said. "We're also using some of the new social media Web sites that are popular ways that people connect."
The updated Website also includes a "toolkit" for Webmasters and others who want to spread the word about resources on www.foryourmarriage.org. The toolkit contains animated banner ads using Adobe Flash programming that automatically updates the ads with new content from the Web site. There are also static ads for other applications.
Another new campaign element are billboards now seen across the country in space donated by outdoor ad companies.
"They're in several major markets including Baltimore, Charleston, Chicago, Miami, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and San Antonio," said Patricia Ryan Garcia, assistant director of the USCCB's Digital Media Office.
Radio and television public service ads also are part of the marriage campaign. The third and newest set of messages was released in December and invites viewers and listeners to visit the Web site.
To date, Nielsen Media Research reports that six "For Your Marriage" TV messages have been broadcast a total of 38,300 times. Mediaguide reports that the seven radio messages aired a total of 155,000 times.
The entire "For Your Marriage" project was made possible through a grant from the Catholic Communication Campaign.
"We came up with these low-cost ideas for time together as well as some articles that focus on family finances, which is a leading cause of marital stress," said Sheila Garcia, associate director of the USCCB Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, and lead staff for the project.
The "For Your Marriage" Website, located at www.foryourmarriage.org, stands as a key component of the USCCB's multi-year effort to promote the value of married life. The site was launched in June 2007 and now sports a new look and content. The page also is available on the social networking sites Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and the bookmark site, Delicious.
"The new home page has a clean, uncluttered look with photos and headlines that point to the newest content," Garcia said. "We're also using some of the new social media Web sites that are popular ways that people connect."
The updated Website also includes a "toolkit" for Webmasters and others who want to spread the word about resources on www.foryourmarriage.org. The toolkit contains animated banner ads using Adobe Flash programming that automatically updates the ads with new content from the Web site. There are also static ads for other applications.
Another new campaign element are billboards now seen across the country in space donated by outdoor ad companies.
"They're in several major markets including Baltimore, Charleston, Chicago, Miami, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and San Antonio," said Patricia Ryan Garcia, assistant director of the USCCB's Digital Media Office.
Radio and television public service ads also are part of the marriage campaign. The third and newest set of messages was released in December and invites viewers and listeners to visit the Web site.
To date, Nielsen Media Research reports that six "For Your Marriage" TV messages have been broadcast a total of 38,300 times. Mediaguide reports that the seven radio messages aired a total of 155,000 times.
The entire "For Your Marriage" project was made possible through a grant from the Catholic Communication Campaign.
Internet pornography workshop helps seminarians become better ministers
The statistics are staggering: U.S. adults spend more than $3,000 per second on Internet pornography; 25 million U.S. adults spend 1-10 hours per week engaged with Internet pornography; 10 percent of U.S. adults admit to an Internet sex addiction.
Addiction to Internet pornography is so pervasive that seminaries are searching for ways to provide future priests with the tools to aid those struggling with the addiction.
Achieving this goal was brought one step closer as almost 100 formation directors and seminarians gathered at St. Paul’s College in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18 for a workshop titled, “Caught in the Web: Internet Pornography Addiction and Resources for Healing.”
“The more we know, the more compassionate we can be when people come to us with these issues,” said seminar leader Kathleen Gallaher, Ph.D. “There are moral and religious issues regarding the use of money that goes into Internet pornography and the amount of time spent on it. … It can stack up to years of a person’s life and destroy relationships.”
Internet pornography goes far beyond the inquisitive adolescent male getting his first glimpse of a racy magazine, Ms. Gallaher said.
“The level of hard core exposure at such a young age without someone to process it with can really affect that person into adulthood,” she said.
Internet pornography is so compelling, said Ms. Gallaher, because of the anonymity (you don’t have to show yourself at a public place to obtain it), the accessibility (the Internet does not close), and the affordability (some sites are even free), and the instant gratification.
“You never get to the end of the Internet like you do a magazine,” she said. “There is no natural stopping point.”
Some of the tools Ms. Gallaher suggested to help those struggling with Internet sex addiction include:
• Using e-mail accounts with effective spam blockers (such as Yahoo)
• Installing filtering and tracking software
• Placing the computer in a public are in the home
• Placing a photo of a loved one near the computer
• Try an Internet fast: only log on when there is a specific goal to achieve
• Create a “first aid kit” for when you are struggling with your addiction: people to call who know your struggle; a list of 10 things you hate about being addicted to Internet porn; a favorite poem
• Keep a list of online and other resources for recovery to sex addiction, such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (sexaa.org).
Father Dave Pivonka, T.O.R., brought 10 seminarians to the workshop because “they are going to be in ministry where people are struggling” with Internet sex addiction.
“The exposure to the issue and the tools to help others will help them be more effective ministers,” he said. “The issue is all pervasive. Someone they encounter will be affected by it.”
* Statistics gathered from MSNBC.com, toptenreview.com and alexa.com.
Addiction to Internet pornography is so pervasive that seminaries are searching for ways to provide future priests with the tools to aid those struggling with the addiction.
Achieving this goal was brought one step closer as almost 100 formation directors and seminarians gathered at St. Paul’s College in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18 for a workshop titled, “Caught in the Web: Internet Pornography Addiction and Resources for Healing.”
“The more we know, the more compassionate we can be when people come to us with these issues,” said seminar leader Kathleen Gallaher, Ph.D. “There are moral and religious issues regarding the use of money that goes into Internet pornography and the amount of time spent on it. … It can stack up to years of a person’s life and destroy relationships.”
Internet pornography goes far beyond the inquisitive adolescent male getting his first glimpse of a racy magazine, Ms. Gallaher said.
“The level of hard core exposure at such a young age without someone to process it with can really affect that person into adulthood,” she said.
Internet pornography is so compelling, said Ms. Gallaher, because of the anonymity (you don’t have to show yourself at a public place to obtain it), the accessibility (the Internet does not close), and the affordability (some sites are even free), and the instant gratification.
“You never get to the end of the Internet like you do a magazine,” she said. “There is no natural stopping point.”
Some of the tools Ms. Gallaher suggested to help those struggling with Internet sex addiction include:
• Using e-mail accounts with effective spam blockers (such as Yahoo)
• Installing filtering and tracking software
• Placing the computer in a public are in the home
• Placing a photo of a loved one near the computer
• Try an Internet fast: only log on when there is a specific goal to achieve
• Create a “first aid kit” for when you are struggling with your addiction: people to call who know your struggle; a list of 10 things you hate about being addicted to Internet porn; a favorite poem
• Keep a list of online and other resources for recovery to sex addiction, such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (sexaa.org).
Father Dave Pivonka, T.O.R., brought 10 seminarians to the workshop because “they are going to be in ministry where people are struggling” with Internet sex addiction.
“The exposure to the issue and the tools to help others will help them be more effective ministers,” he said. “The issue is all pervasive. Someone they encounter will be affected by it.”
* Statistics gathered from MSNBC.com, toptenreview.com and alexa.com.
New CatholicTV Show: Dynamics of the Local Parish
Starting in March, CatholicTV will air a new television series called “parishFamily” which looks at the local parish. Father Robert Reed, who co-hosts the show says that, “On a very basic level, a parish is a family. It’s a family of families. If you are Catholic, then you belong to a parish, either by active participation or by geography.”
CatholicTV, is a nationally-broadcasted television station headquartered near Boston.
“parishFamily” is about the culture that exists in a parish and how Catholics must work to build a bright Catholic future. Dr. Melanie Morey and Father Reed spend some time sitting in the pews and discussing the parish as the place where Catholic culture is nurtured, sustained and transmitted.
“parishFamily” is hosted by Dr. Melanie Morey and Fr. Robert Reed. Dr. Morey has worked for thirty-five years in the areas of education and administration. Her main areas of expertise are Catholic culture, leadership, institutional identity, and governance. Dr. Morey is the co-founder of Substantially Catholic Summer Seminars Integrating the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and co-author of the book, Renewing Parish Culture: Building for a Catholic Future. Fr. Robert Reed was once a Pastor of a parish and understands very well the challenges of managing a parish.
Topics discussed on the show include: Mass attendance, reconciliation, religious education of children, the priest shortage and pastors, lay leadership, finances, and politics.
“parishFamily” will begin airing in March at the following times (EST). Monday-8PM; Tuesday- 11AM; Wednesday- 4AM; Thursday- 12:30PM & 9PM; Saturday- 3:30PM; Sunday 4:00AM.
The show is viewable on CatholicTV where available and is also streamed live (simultaneously) at www.CatholicTV.com. The show will also be offered in the archives and will be viewable full-screen now for free. CatholicTV is a non-profit corporation.
CatholicTV, is a nationally-broadcasted television station headquartered near Boston.
“parishFamily” is about the culture that exists in a parish and how Catholics must work to build a bright Catholic future. Dr. Melanie Morey and Father Reed spend some time sitting in the pews and discussing the parish as the place where Catholic culture is nurtured, sustained and transmitted.
“parishFamily” is hosted by Dr. Melanie Morey and Fr. Robert Reed. Dr. Morey has worked for thirty-five years in the areas of education and administration. Her main areas of expertise are Catholic culture, leadership, institutional identity, and governance. Dr. Morey is the co-founder of Substantially Catholic Summer Seminars Integrating the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and co-author of the book, Renewing Parish Culture: Building for a Catholic Future. Fr. Robert Reed was once a Pastor of a parish and understands very well the challenges of managing a parish.
Topics discussed on the show include: Mass attendance, reconciliation, religious education of children, the priest shortage and pastors, lay leadership, finances, and politics.
“parishFamily” will begin airing in March at the following times (EST). Monday-8PM; Tuesday- 11AM; Wednesday- 4AM; Thursday- 12:30PM & 9PM; Saturday- 3:30PM; Sunday 4:00AM.
The show is viewable on CatholicTV where available and is also streamed live (simultaneously) at www.CatholicTV.com. The show will also be offered in the archives and will be viewable full-screen now for free. CatholicTV is a non-profit corporation.
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