The Voice Online - Archive May 2006

May 2006 Edition Archive

FORTY YEARS ON:

ARE WE BEGINNING TO GET IT RIGHT?

Whatever else may be happening in your church on May 28th, one thing is for sure; there will be a Special Collection. This one will be for World Communications Day, or as some call it, The Catholic Media. This year there will also be a message from the Holy Father marking the fortieth anniversary of the first World Communications Sunday and the first Special Collection for "The Media."

But before we get to "Media Sunday" May 28th, The Voice draws the attention of its readers to the poster opposite. It is used by a parish in this diocese (identity revealed inside) in the most direct and honest attempt at Communicating that we have come across. This is not just dealing with the Media. I t is certainly not attempting to present ourselves in a favourable light. Nor is it a carefully honed image of the institutional church. It is dealing directly with people, where it matters.

The Voice asks all its readers, would your church be willing to make such a statement and ready to deal with the response?

Greg Watts of the Catholic Communications Network has outlined how the Church in this country does indeed need to work with the professional media.

We will be publishing his statement in full in the June edition, which appears on Media Sunday itself, May 28th. But that should not blind us to our own need to communicate in the best way possible right where we are. For our readers comments on just how we can do better in our own communities and among our friends and neighbours and even among those who hold us in suspicion, see this story. See also, "Cooking for Communications Sunday".

Bishop Patrick:
"Problems aren't solved by throwing dollops of spirituality at them, you have to go to the heart of the matter, the greatness of human beings." - Bishop Patrick Gives Interview To Blackpool Newspaper

When George Dropped In

Media Man, George Alagiah of the BBC is pictured here with Keswick parishioner, Sheila Tolley. Read all about it in Diocesan News

Features this month...

More Than A Rumour
Having a message to tell is one thing: Telling it so that others want to listen is another. Ahead of Communications Sunday on May 28th, some of our readers offer their thoughts

Stop Press:
Bishop Patrick Gives Interview To Blackpool Newspaper

Why We Must Pray To The Lord Of The Harvest
Fr. Emmanuel Gribben, Diocesan Vocations Director

Doctor For Africa: An Appeal
Dr F Carter, Chairman - Garstang Friends of Chivuna - SS Mary & Michael, Garstang.

The History Man
'That Sizergh Shall Be Burnt'
Michael Mullett

The Law Man
"Holiday Questions"
Mgr Michael Tully

His Presence To Us / Our Presence to Him
Fr Tony Ashcroft

The Scripture Man
The Real Miracle
Fr Hugh Pollock

Drug Rehabilitation Centre Celebrates First Year At Dodding Green

Cherishing Life
A Conference Organised By "Women Together In The Diocese Of Lancaster,"
Morcambe. 25-26th, March 2006.
Sister Maureen Grimley SHCJ.

A New Monthly Series: Spirituality Today
Being An Active Catholic Lay Person -
An introduction for people who want to do a little more
John Wilson, Carlisle

Second Northern Catholic Conference
"That the name of Jesus may once again be music in the air"
Fr Jimmy Collins

Annual Secondary School Mass In The Cathedral
On March 28th, 2006
Rosie O'Donnell, Castlerigg Manor.

Bishop Of Monze (Zambia) To Visit Our Diocese

Parables For Our Times
1. A Rare Work Of Art, Indeed
John Wilson, Sacred Heart Parish, Preston

Major Event In Month Of May
Being A Welcoming Community

Regulars...

Editorial

Diocesan News

Your Letters

Cooking For The Saints
Communication Sunday May 28th.
Georgina Protheroe Beynon

A Voice From Rome
Sr. Janet Fearns