Communication & media: From theory to application Communication & Mass : Part 3 of 3 Catholic Distance Learning Network – August 2007

The biggest miscommunication is to assume communication has taken place. — Anonymous

Effects of Media Culture on the Catholic Church Others (media) define us “Spirituality” replaces religion Marginalization of our message Church seems irrelevant Soundbite mentality is the norm Parishioners are used to “on-demand” communication Nature of communication is changing Catholics incorporate all this into the way they approach their faith – parishioners expect their church to communicate effectively

Mass Attendance 40% of Catholics attend Mass “most” Sundays - “Self-appointed Mass Attendance of U.S. Catholics,” CARA, 10 January % of these Catholics only attend Mass most Sundays with no other interaction with the Church.

Communication during Mass Conclusion: the Mass becomes one of the most important methods of communicating with Catholics Activity: Discuss aspects of communication in the way God communicates His Son through the Eucharist and through the Word. How does the priest communicate God? How do lay people involved in the Liturgy communicate God? Is it effective? What needs to change to reach a media-saturated parish?

Everything is communication God communicates His Son through the Eucharist. The presider’s attitude, manner and style. The demeanor of everyone who participates in the Mass. The worship space. The attitude of members of the parish family.

Keys to great clergy communication Steep Yourself in Prayer You Have a Responsibility Define & Refine Your Message Be Yourself You Are a Conduit Communion With Your Parishioners

Keys to great clergy communication – cont Simple & Profound Respect & Love Your Audience Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into Theirs Give & You Will Receive Honest Assessment Activity: Have the students look for priests who employ and embody these keys. How do they communicate their message? How do parishioners react?

Adjusting to a media culture Know the message you want to communicate. Follow the model of Jesus – use the style and language your audience can understand. Remove the invisible, protective walls that project inaccessibility and distance. Activity: Explore these concepts with students and develop ways to incorporate them into homilies.

Relevant communication documents of the Church Inter Mirifica Communio et Progressio Aetatis Novae The Rapid Development Ethics in Communication Evangelii Nuntiandi Toward a Pastoral Approach to Culture These documents are readily available at orwww.vatican.va Activity: Discuss the relevant points of these documents as they relate to communication from the pulpit.

Final thoughts The need for priests to understand the level of media saturation in our society and its effects on the average parishioner. Learning the basics of media and how to apply it at the parish level and beyond. The changing style of communication during Mass, especially from the pulpit.