The Catholic New Media Celebration in Boston last weekend was such a rich and informative event that it will take many blogs to cover it all. A few days ago I gave an overview, and now I will get a little deeper into the opening keynote by Father Robert Reed, president of CatholicTV.com, based in Boston. He did a good job of explaining the unique character and mission of Catholic media while underscoring the ongoing need for high professional standards.
Just because it’s "for the Church" or "for Jesus" does not mean that you can let the message speak for itself without attention to presentation and context, Father Reed said. In fact, the Gospel message should be presented in most appealing manner possible – just as the precious blood of Jesus is carried in a gold chalice at Mass to signify the dignity of the divine Person.
Since the Gospel is timeless and true, it is relevant to every age and to each person, Father Reed noted. It is the challenge of media evangelists to find the best way to communicate that timeless truth to the people of today. New media technology can help immensely in spreading the message, but simply using TV, or the internet or Twitter does not guarantee an audience. You have to attract people’s interest and attention, just as with any medium.
The main goal of Catholic media should be to enhance people’s spiritual lives and lead them to the truth, he said.
"With all our technology, how are we doing in the mission?" he asked.
"What we communicate is sacred and deep. Handle with care," Father Reed explained. "We have in our hands the mysteries of the faith."
His final message to the new media gathering was: "We need to be fed if we would try to feed others." Those who are appointed or who take it upon themselves to represent the Church and her teachings in the media must make sure that they have a firm foundation in the faith and take the time to reflect upon the Word of God and receive the Eucharist with grace and reverence. Only then can they go forth to bring the Good News to others.
CatholicTV is the oldest Catholic station in America, and it is growing with the times under Father Reed, taking advantage of all the forms of new media. For more information, visit the website www.catholictv.com.
