My Movies

Media Literacy Course Releases YouTube Video!

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:55:02 GMT

Thanks to Nick Pernisco of Santa Monica College, our Master Teacher in Media Literacy Certificate Course participants made a video and posted it today on YouTube!

We hope this is the first of many!

Tags: Media literacy, media literacy education, catechist certification, catechist specialization

St. Paul goes to the Movies in the Pauline Year 2008-2009

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:28:12 GMT

Painting of St. Paul by El Greco

I recently received two inquiries about major motion pictures that correlate with St. Paul's life, ministry, letters. Folks want to use the films to explore the theology and spirituality of St. Paul during this Pauline Year June 2008 -June 2009, commemorating the birth of St. Paul. I think this is a great idea! In fact, we may choose Pauline theological themes as the framework of the National Film Retreat in 2009.

Here are some suggestions for now, but I hope to amplify this list over the next few months. The first thing to do, is of course, is to identify the key theological themes in St. Paul's life and writings.

BOOKS

These two books explore some films from a Pauline perspective.

St. Paul at the Movies: The Apostles Dialogue with American Culture

by Robert Jewett; paperback, 1993

St. Paul Returns to the Movies: Triumph Over Shame

by Robert Jewett; paperback, 1998

CD's

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM offers many themes in his amazing CD series, The Great Themes of Paul: Life as Participation, from St. Anthony Messenger Press: http://catalog.americancatholic.org/product.aspx?prodid=A8340

I have already listened to this series twice (and some of the CD's even more). It is accessible and explains so very much about Paul.

ONLINE NEWSLETTER

You might also subscribe to www.zenit.org so you can received the Pope’s weekly talk from his Wednesday general audience). Pope Benedict XVI has already started what will be an amazing catechesis/exegesis collection of St. Paul.

THEOLOGICAL THEMES AND FILMS

Right off I can offer these four themes and if you order Richard Rohr's series and take notes while listening, which I warmly recommend, you can find so many more.

- Experience of God (Paul’s Encounter with Christ on the Road to Damascus; his mystical experiences; his understanding of redemption)

o Millions; The Third Miracle; Brideshead Revisited (on DVD but a new film version is coming out this summer); Cry the Beloved Country; The Mission

- Transformation (Paul’s Transformation – he never speaks of conversion but of transformation in Christ)

o The Lives of Others – a Stasi agent is transformed by art, and the goodness of others

- Participation (Body of Christ; love for one another; Agape, Filia, Eros)

o Mostly Martha, Big Night, Babette’s Feast; What’s Cooking; Simply Irresistible, Pieces of April; Soul Food; Eat, Drink, Man, Woman: any of the food movies that speak to family, food/meals, community

- New Creation (The cosmos; the new heaven and the new earth; care for the earth)

o Contact; An Inconvenient Truth; The Burning Season; WALL-E

METHODOLOGY FOR MOVIE-BIBLE EVENTS

Cinema Divina

I suggest using the Cinema Divina approach (based on the ancient practice of lectio divina.) For an article, Cinema Divina for Teachers: Spiritual Development through Contemporary Film (Today's Catholic Teacher, Jan-Feb, 2008) explaining this method, please visit http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/mediastudies/mediacatechesis/cinemadivinafeature.pdf

Theological Reflection

Another approach is that of Theological Reflection (which interfaces well with a media mindfulness approach). For an article, Preaching Goes to the Movies: the Gospel meets popular culture when homilies dare to engage film (National Catholic Reporter, 2004) explaining how to use theological reflection for film viewing, visit : http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/mediastudies/mediacatechesis/preachinggoestothemovies.html

Pastoral Planning and Preparation

Most of these films are for mature believers who understand that the film is a story about something rather considering it in its parts, which, when taken by themselves, may seem inappropriate to some viewers. Only one or two films above are suitable for adolescents; the rest are for young adults and adults. I strongly recommend that you screen the films ahead of time so that you will know the story, context and content, and be able to connect Pauline and cinematic themes (and decide ifthis is really the best film for your group.)

It is a good idea to create a handout for your event(s) with the name of the film, a brief synopsis of the film (essential information about each film canbe found at www.imdb.com - the Internet Movie Database), select quotes from Scriptures that provide a way to have a dialogue about the film and Pauline themes. It is also good to have 3-4 questions to guide the reflection and conversation.

Some words to the wise:

- Don't give in to the temptation to tell the story of the film ahead of time; if anything, read the Scripture quotes before the screening. The vast majoroty of people dislike having the story told to them in advance. Just watch the film... Let it tell the story.

- You MUST have a license to show films in any other setting than a normal school day and within the curriculum of the school: see www.cvli.org Christian Video Licensing International is the name of the company. This is a fine company that can keep us all legal. Retreats and after school programs require a license. RCIA does not count as school curriculum, for example.

- Be sure to have a break after the screening. Provide refreshments.

- Move the chairs into a circle for the conversation; this provides for a respectful and fair conversation

- Avoid doing all the talking; the role of the leader is to facilitate and draw out the participants.

- To prevent someone from hogging the time and dominating the conversation, be sure to ask everyone to keep their comments to two minutes at a time - and that you have the stop watch and will use it.

- Let the participants know that there are no right or wrong ways to interpret the film (this doesn't mean there is no right or wrong), therefore, everyone's opinion is valid and deserves respect. The facilitator may want to ask questions to clarify the comments, but respect is paramount.

Tags: St. Paul and Movies; St. Paul goes to the movies; activities for Pauline year

National Film Retreat 2008 Melting Pots: Food and Family

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:43:34 GMT

The 9th annual National Film Retreat took place this past weekend. All together, 19 people took part at one point or another. Reflecting on the spirituality and theology of food and family in the movies was enriching and inspiring. The theme was "Melting Pots: Food and Family."

What's Eating Gilbert Grape?, Eat, Drink, Man, Woman, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, The Global Banquet (a documentary on the politics of food), and finally, What's Cooking? yielded much"food for thought", conversation, and prayer.

Here are some photos from our weekend:

Some of the participants.... from Los Angeles, Boston, Ohio, Singapore and San Clemente, San Diego.... Sister Lynette Constance (4th from left)is a newly professed sister of the Daughters of St. Paul. Congratulations, Sr. Lynette!

During Mass, Fr. Greg used a clip from Mostly Martha.

After we saw Ang Lee's Eat, Drink, Man Woman, we went out to dinner at the newly renovated Fuji Wok Restaurant on Sepulveda Blvd., across the street from the Pauline Center in culver City.

Sr. Frances, Carol Anne and Sr. M. Joseph at the Fuji Wok!

The retreat concluded with lunch with the community of the Daughters of St. Paul in our convent dining room. Sr. Madonna Janet cooked Italian and Sr. Frances decorated....

For anyone who would like to join us for a repeat of this retreat, please see the entry below about the Catholic Cruise Retreat. I think there is still room! But act now!

(Two of the films will be replaced with Big Night and My Big Fat Greek Wedding because of the selection available to the cruise lines.)

If you would like to be notified of the 10th annual film retreat in 2009, please send an email to pcms@paulinemedia.com

Blessings to all!

Tags: National Film Retreat; film retreat; film and spirituality

Into Great Silence Office of Readings Soundtrack

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:17:17 GMT

Although I have not yet heard this new release yet, if it is anything like the sound track for INTO GREAT SILENCE, it should be good!

	\| spotlight
	available now

	Only in complete silence does one begin to hear. Only in the absence of language does one begin to see. After the incredible critical acclaim and commercial success of the documentary film Into Great Silence, Jade Music is proud to release the follow-up album to the soundtrack: Into Great Silence - Office of the Night. This is the first time that any recording of the Office of the Night at the Grande Chartreuse has been made available in its entirety. The two-CD album is a collection of chants, readings, prayers, and sounds of silence recorded by film director Philip Gröning during his six-month stay at the monastery. It includes an extensive 50-page booklet with liner notes, lyrics, and prayers. "This Office of the Night appeared to me to be the core of the Monks' life and spirituality, the heartbeat of the Order for more than 1000 years. I wanted to share my experience with an audience." - Philip Gröning *Available July 15th*
	into great silence \| movie soundtrack In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Gröning wrote to the Carthusian order for permission to make a documentary about them. They said they would get back to him. Sixteen years later, they were ready. The soundtrack to Into Great Silence includes the touching and amazing chants from the Monks that make up the Grande Chartreuse Choir. Available Now Visit Milan's Into Great Silence page About the film

Iron Man and The Iraq War Movie

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:14:40 GMT

Iron Man, based on the popular comic book character, is a thoroughly entertaining film. Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) runs a weapons development corporation. After he is captured by the Taliban while delivering the latest weaponry, a doctor/scientist/engineer, also a captive, gives him a new heart to replace the one that is damaged during his capture. He witnesses civilians being killed during attacks by his company's weapons used by the enemy. He then resolves to develop target-sensitive weapons and to find out how his company's weapons are getting into enemy hands. To escape, Stark and his new friend invent an Iron Man suit that allows Tony to fly. He returns to LA to find out who is selling his weapons to the enemy, make the target-sensitive weapons, and finesse his Iron Man suit.

Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark in Iron Man.

I knew Iron Man had to have had military backing because the only entity in the film without a moral crisis is the military liaison played by Terrence Howard. Now it's really obvious. The thing is, knowing that the military was involved in the film is a real let-down. How moral dilemmas have changed, how the moral premise of stories have changed. The article in today's LA Times (see link below) really deflates Tony Stark's hero status.

Take this and the way the latest version of The Incredible Hulk ends (this means you have to stay until the last credit rolls to find out) affirms that maybe super-hero movies aren't what they used to be. They are no longer about character (although I thought The Incredible Hulk was very good until that ending...) but propaganda pieces.

Marshall McLuhan was right: the medium is the message and media massage us into ... what?

Lots to think about.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-armyfilms7-2008jul07,0,2815991.story

Tags: Iron man, military influence in Hollywood, media literacy, comic book movies

Catechists Certified in Media Literacy

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:42:54 GMT

The Tidings

July 4, 2008

Page 14

Six catechists representing three dioceses were certified June 22 as Master Teachers in Media Literacy at the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Culver City.

Three of the catechists were from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, two from the Diocese of Orange, and one, Judy McMillan, is a Catholic school teacher from San Diego. The certificate is recognized by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Department of Catholic Schools and Office of Religious Education for continuing education and recertification.

“For me,” said Carmen Maldonado, the Director of Religious Education for St. Anthony’s Parish in El Segundo, “the curriculum was the most positive aspect of the course. The information was very useful and practical. The fact that we had the opportunity to put what we learned into practice forced me to focus more on the media I choose to watch.”

In addition to classes on popular culture, advertising, the Internet, and the history of film, “we spend an ample amount of time on the theory and practice of media literacy as an essential set of life skills for believers today,” explained Sister Rose Pacatte, a Daughter of St. Paul and director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies. “Media literacy, or media mindfulness as we like to call it in the faith community, is an educational imperative for citizens in the 21st century.”

Relgious of the Sacred Heart of Mary Gretchen Hailer, a program instructor, said she is “heartened to see the increase in interest in media literacy and the capacity of our catechists to integrate it into their ministry.” Sisters Hailer and Pacatte co-authored the award-winning resource guide, Media Mindfulness: Educating Teens about Faith and Media (St. Mary’s Press, 2007) and recently submitted Our Media World: Teaching Kids K-8 about Faith and Media to Pauline Books & Media for a 2009 release.

The 2008-2009 Master Teacher in Media Literacy Certificate course will begin on Saturday, September 20, 2008. The complete syllabus and registration form is online at www.PaulineCMS.org. Tuition is $310.00 and covers all materials. The deadline for registration is September 10. An identical course in Spanish, for Spanish-speaking catechists and teachers, is in development. For more information, contact Sister Pacatte at pcms@paulinemedia.com.

Tags: Media literacy certificate; media literacy education; media literacy faith community; Pauline Center

HERO AWARDS on July 4th

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:57:45 GMT

Here is an article that was published in The Tidings this week (www.the-tidings.com) about The Hero Awards. It's true, it will be up against the Boston Pops on July 4th, but if you have TiVo, or a way to record one and watch the other, this show is excellent. The stories, vignettes, really speak to conversations about character. Blessings! Sr. Rose 'Heroes' honors ordinary who do the extraordinary

By Sr. Rose Pacatte, FSP

A new awards show has been born in Hollywood. I was privileged to be present at the Universal Hilton June 13 for the taping of an inspiring evening honoring ordinary people who have done --- and continue to do --- extraordinary things. On July 4, the 2008 Hero Awards --- sponsored as a fundraiser for Feed the Children (www.feedthechildren.org) --- will air in Los Angeles on Channel 13, 8-10 p.m. This new awards show, hosted by actor Dean Cain, star of "Lois and Clark: the New Adventures of Superman" --- features numerous stories, often in re-enactments and interviews. Among them: ---Corben Whitney, an off-duty CHP officer from Fresno, was recognized for pulling a family out of a burning car, especially the youngest child who was caught in the strap of his car seat. Facing intense heat, Whitney succeeded in saving the child who sustained second and third degree burns but is recovering. ---Dr. Sean Boutros is a Houston plastic surgeon who chose his field because, as he told me, "I first wanted to be a heart surgeon. But I discovered that heart surgery is quite repetitive. Plastic reconstructive cranial and facial surgery lets me apply principles over techniques to give children a new start in life." In one case Boutros worked with a Houston hospital to give Daniel, a four year-old Kenyan boy who had been attacked by a dog, a new face and ear. Dr. Boutros also travels nationally and internationally to offer his services free of charge and to train other doctors in this field. ---When Leana Beasley had a grand mal seizure in 2007, "Faith" Beasley, her Rottweiler service dog, pushed a special 911 button on the phone and barked into it. Faith then rolled Leana into a recovery position and waited near her owner until help arrived. When I asked Leana what she would like to tell readers of The Tidings, she replied that faith saved her life. "Even when you lose everything," Leana said, "don't give up faith because you can get everything back again." Other inspirational stories include a teen musical prodigy who uses music to encourage young cancer patients, and a train-loving fifth grader created a foundation funded by recyclables to take sick and underprivileged children and adults on the train ride of a lifetime. A parade of average people --- kids helping kids, a man dedicated to healing and caring for endangered grizzly bears, doctors offering life-changing procedures to cancer patients, community activists and educators --- are recognized for amazing acts of heroism, uncommon generosity and humble service. These stories and more are linked by the reflections of such celebrities as Bryant Gumbel, Joan Lunden and Iron Man's Faran Tahir. Musical performances --- "The Rainbow Connection" by composer Paul Williams, songs by American Idol contestants Bo Bice and Ace Young, and the title song "Heroes" by the Greater Los Angeles Gospel Choir --- round out the show. Youth preparing for confirmation, as well as catechists, volunteers, teachers and anyone who enjoys true inspiring stories will want to tune in to this unique awards show. The 2008 Hero Awards is a meaningful way to commemorate the July 4 holiday. (This show has a BK rating --- "Bring Kleenex.") Daughter of St. Paul Sister Rose Pacatte is director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Culver City.

Tags: Heroes; stories; inspiration;

Media Literacy Master Teacher Certification Course 2008-2009

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:50:03 GMT

Registration is now open!

Master Teacher in Media Literacy Education Certificate Program
and
Specialization in Media Literacy Education Certificate Program

The 3rd Saturday of each month
10:00am – 4:00pm
September 2008 – June 2009

(The first class is on Saturday, September 20, 2008)

The aim of the Master Teacher Program in Media Literacy Education is to “train the trainers” to teach others media literacy skills for home, school, and the parish through various ministries.

The certificate is recognized by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Department of Catholic Schools and the Department of Religious Education for continuing education and recertification

The Diocese of Orange recognizes the Certificate for r e-certification of the Basic Catechist Certificate and fifty-one hours towards the sixty hours required in advanced methodology for the Master Catechist Certificate.

The Diocese of San Diego recognizes the Media Literacy Course as a Catechist Specialization

The syllabus, calendar, course requirements, tuition, and registration form are detailed at:

http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/mediastudies/masterteachercertificate.html

www.PaulineCMS.org

The deadline for registration is September 10, 2008.

Tags: Media literacy certification; media mindfulness certification; media literacy

Tribute to Tim Russert:Sunday Morning Tim Russert Academy of Public Affairs

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 01:31:52 GMT

Tim Russert (1950 - 2008)

I haven’t missed Meet the Press in 12 years. After Mass it is an essential part of my Sunday morning ritual. I am listening to MSNBC’s ongoing coverage of Tim Russert’s sudden death today, June 13, as I am working. I have this great sense of loss, as if a family member has suddenly gone to heaven without warning.

Tim Russert’s passing has touched me deeply. As a Daughter of St. Paul, with our mission of evangelization with communications media, I have had an enduring interest in discovering integrity in journalism, and civility. Tim Russert lived these values.

The 1971 Vatican document Communio et progressio spoke about the necessity for people to have access to information so that they can take an active part in democracy:

“If public opinion is to be formed in a proper manner, it is necessary that, right from the start, the public be given free access both to the sources and channels of information and be allowed freely to express its own views. Freedom of opinion and the right to be informed go hand in hand.” (para. 33) http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/pccs/documents/rc_pc_pccs_doc_23051971_communio_en.html)

Tim’s journalistic style seemed to have been framed by this teaching because he went after truth, transparency, and accountability in those in public service and/or the public forum.

As Andrea Mitchell said today, on MSNBC’c coverage of Tim Russert’s death, “Tim set the gold standard” for political journalism and analysis as the moderator of Meet the Press and NBC’s Washington Bureau Chief. Peggy Noonan, and others, commented beautifully on how Tim was a Catholic in the public forum with obvious joy – and without apology. I think it was Howard Feinman of Newsweek that said that if he ever thought of becoming a Catholic, Tim Russert would be the one he would follow into the Church. Cardinal John Foley, with whom Tim and his family had lunch a few days ago in Rome, concurred with the above and more.

Someone just called Tim “the great explanator.” Senator Joe Libermann called him “The explainer-in-chief.” With so much facility, and with dogged persistence, he got the facts and got at them for our information. He respected his guests but to the viewer’s benefit, he did not tolerate fools; he questioned them. What I most appreciated about Tim Russert’s style was that his show was not about him; he was not about his own celebrity. He let his guests speak and he drew them out. He challenged them with their own words but never “talked over” them like so many radio and television commentators do - to my great annoyance.

As a media education specialist I know that the news industry has agendas and perspectives, that ideology and ratings drive the business. So over my years at the Sunday Morning Tim Russert Academy of Public Affairs I tried out other Sunday morning news shows to compare them with Meet the Press, to make sure I was getting as complete a picture of our political reality as possible. But none reached the level of objectivity that Tim achieved. Even though Tim’s persistence or insistence that his guests pronounce on a hypothetical situation could sometimes push the limit, I think Tim’s integrity and professionalism ultimately won the day because he made people think. His technique of meaningful and civil inquiry taught me to think beyond the limits of information status quo. For Tim Russert there never was a status quo he couldn’t disturb.

A nun friend of mine sent me an email today saying, “Tim Russert was the best. Such an interviewer; a good man; a good Catholic.”

A few years ago the Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals honored Tim Russert with a Gabriel Award for Personal Achievement. You can see Tim’s acceptance speech in streaming video on www.CatholicAcademy.org where he talks about being a Catholic, meeting Pope John Paul II, and bringing The Today Show to the Vatican.

Tim Russert loved his family, his home town of Buffalo, New York, the Buffalo Bills, the nuns who taught him and his Catholic Jesuit education. How proud the Catholic community can be of this magnificent son. He has set the bar for people of good will everywhere who want to be political journalists. He was a mentor to his colleagues, a gentleman journalist who loved and lived his job with grace. A role model for Catholics who want to make a difference and contribute to the common good. Information is power and Tim empowered us, the regular people out there, by pursuing truth. Above all, he was who he said he was. May it be the same for all of us.

Someone once said that a person doesn't die until they have nothing left to learn.

We offer our prayers for the repose of Tim's soul, and that the Lord may console his loved ones at this sad time.

Tags: Tim Russert; Tim Russert tribute; Tim Russert media education

Theology of Communication of John Paul II

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:00:22 GMT

John Paul II's Theology of Communication

Interview With Theologian Christine Anne Mugridge

By Carrie Gress

ROME, JUNE 3, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The theology of communication is not merely Christianizing media-technology or scientific techniques, but rather an encounter with the living Christ, says theologian Christine Anne Mugridge.

Mugridge, a lay member of the Society of Our Lady of the Trinity, is an author of "John Paul II: Development of a Theology of Communication." Salesian Sister Marie Gannon, professor at the Pontifical Salesian University and the Faculty of the Sciences of Education "Auxilium," provided research for the book.

The text was published by Libreria Editrice Vaticana in honor of the third anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II.

In this interview with ZENIT, Mugridge discusses the seminal work of a theology of communication found in John Paul II's pontificate.

Q: In your book, you focused on teasing out John Paul II's theology of communication. Did he speak of this theology explicitly, or is this something you were able to discover among his many homilies, letters, audiences, etc?

Mugridge: John Paul II spoke in terms that were explicitly theological in nature regarding the topic of human-social communications and the media of communications, offering us through his almost 27-year-long pontificate a great wealth of commentary and texts addressing the topic.

While he himself did not state the goal to develop a specific theology, from a compilation of John Paul II's theological work it became evident from both the organic development and strategic employment of a theology of communication that a new theology has emerged -- that is, formulated, actuated and lived -- through his efforts.

This advancement is the focus of the curriculum text wherein we site these findings and highlight the theological touchstones that reveal a working theology of communication.

Q: Is a theology of communication merely using social communication techniques to spread the Christian message, or is there more to it?

Mugridge: There is quite a bit more to experience that is provided through the understanding and application of John Paul II's theology of communication; this is not a mere Christianizing of the media-technology or scientific technique.

First, John Paul recognized that the ethical conscience of people today is disoriented. The theology of communication recovers social communications, if you will, precisely at the point where the understanding and activity of communications is linked with the moral life of believers.

John Paul II teaches us through a theology of communication that we must first encounter the living Jesus Christ in order to enter into the mission of Christ. God revealed himself through communicative terminology -- "the Living Word" -- to not only describe what he is doing in his Revelation, but more importantly who he, God is.

As we encounter Jesus Christ -- we are illumined in our understanding of not only what we are doing, but who we are as communicating persons, that is, as human persons in communication with one another and with our Triune God. The foundational structure of this theology of communication begins with the gift of the presence of Jesus Christ, and "The Encounter with the Incarnate Word." This encounter is most personally fulfilled in the Eucharistic Presence.

As a result, the theology of communication is a tool formulated in a truly interdisciplinary manner that will assist the Church/Christian communicator in dialogue with the culture of the media and the mediated cultures of the world today. Likewise, it is not strictly an academic study; but rather according to the method in theology evidenced, we may experience it as an organic theological instrument to better understand both interpersonal and social communications specifically in relationship to the communication of Christ both inside and outside the Christian community.

This important development allows for the technological use of the media to be enhanced as well as provide for a key link/bridge to be strengthened between the moral and ethical perspectives of social communications from both the theological and secular sciences; thus granting the Church the opportunity to communicate her message in a more meaningful manner in her mission.

All of us in the Church by virtue of our baptism are called to live the mission of the communication of the Gospel; that is the mission to communicate Christ. Truthfully, this is not a matter of application of technique so much as it is a matter of first contemplating God's Revelation in the Incarnate Word.

Q: You cite "Ecclesia in America" as a significant document to understand this new theology. What was John Paul II trying to teach the world, and in particular, America, meaning a united South and North America, through this particular apostolic exhortation?

Mugridge: "Ecclesia in America" is cited as a sample text for its demonstration of the presence of a working theology of communication that is a hallmark of the pontificate of John Paul II.

"Ecclesia in America" is likewise exciting because in it John Paul both expands and concretizes our understanding of how all can live more deeply the Church's nature and mission through his communicative strategy for the New Evangelization defined as "The Encounter with the Living Jesus Christ."

John Paul II is trying to teach the world that in its nature, we may see the Church as the lived communion of man with the Most Holy Trinity, and in its mission, we see this communion being brought to the whole of humanity in and through the Church.

This missionary mandate is given a new impetus in our age through the Holy Father's teaching on the mission to communicate Christ as expressed in the New Evangelization. In particular, John Paul speaks of all America as being one united people both North and South. He places this people under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe as the Star of the New Evangelization, Mother of Hope.

Finally, in "Ecclesia in America," John Paul II asks the people of America to embrace the call to the New Evangelization with open hearts. Pope Benedict providentially inspired America to live more profoundly this reality in his recent apostolic voyage wherein he encouraged Catholics to live their faith in union with one another in and through "Christ Our Hope."

Q: How should understanding the theology of communication change the way those involved with social media think about their work and/or themselves with regard to Christ and the Church's mission?

Mugridge: The understanding a theology of communication offers the transformative gift like any applied theological study. Specifically, it more fully reveals to man his providentially ordained communicative potential and the profound truth and nature of man's communicative reality.

The simple key of "The Encounter with the Living Jesus Christ" that John Paul developed in his communicative strategy for this mission of the Church is a gift that is easily comprehended and applied to personal and social, secular and ecclesial communication experiences -- thus transforming the members of the Church personally and corporately.

Understanding this theology gives both those involved with social media and those involved in the Church's mission the opportunity to experience personal, ongoing conversion wherein Christ becomes the living presence who reveals a model par excellence for all human communication activities.

The knowledge and application of this theological perspective of being necessarily impacts our daily lives. This theological awareness provides the foundational platform into which we then incorporate excellence in communications science principles, methodology, theory and management in all our communicative activities.

Q: Practically speaking, how can the "theology of communication" be applied to diocesan communication offices, seminaries, media outlets, etc.?

Mugridge: The Church, as noted, has a keen interest in the science of communication. So crucial is the role of public relations and communications that the Church requested formally that an office be established in each diocese for such an operation as well as the development of a diocesan plan of communications and for the development of a theology of communication.

From this interdisciplinary study, there emerge new horizons of convergent platforms for personal formation, interdisciplinary dialogue and pastoral initiatives providing for a meeting ground between the Church and the media, what Pope Benedict has urged -- a new type of "info-ethics."

The practical applications of a theology of communication within the Church are numerous and rich; in the formation of priests for their own personal/pastoral growth, for use in all diocesan offices regarding the development of communications planning, in media outlets for ongoing maturing of personnel to obtain a more profound and integrated understanding of their own communicative potential and so on. We offer ongoing education seminars to assist leaders in the Church to understand this theological development and to better use the textbook in their own particular milieu.

Q: Finally, why do you think this new theology is coming now, at the beginning of the third millennium?

Mugridge: In actuality, the foundational structure of this theology is not new, but is integral to the existing patrimony within the Church.

What is occurring now is the new awareness of both the need for and the presence of this theology of communication as well as the integral role that the media plays as a fundamental piece of the answer to the "anthropological question that is emerging as part of the key challenge of the third millennium" which Pope Benedict refers to in his World Communications Day message of 2008.

"Humanity today," Benedict explained, "is at a crossroads. [...] [S]o too in the sector of social communications there are essential dimensions of the human person and the truth concerning the human person coming into play. [...] For this reason it is essential that social communications should assiduously defend the person and fully respect human dignity. […] The new media […] are changing the very face of communication; perhaps this is a valuable opportunity to reshape it, to make more visible, as my venerable predecessor Pope John Paul II said, the essential and indispensable elements of the truth about the human person."

According to John Paul II, the means of social communications must become a way of communicating the fullness of the truth of man as revealed in Christ, for this is the only authentic foundation for solidarity and the realization of the integral development of all humanity according to the divinely ordained potential and dignity of the human person.

The application of this theology as a communicative strategy for the Mission of the Church is a crucial bridge to the "info-ethics" so needed in our day.

--- --- ---

On the Net:

"John Paul II: Development of a Theology of Communication": www.sacredartscommunications.org

For information on how to obtain a copy of this book, visit the publishing house of the Vatican at: www.libreriaeditricevaticana.com or

PaxBook.Com (distributing house for the Vatican)

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Tags: Theology of Communication;