Lae: 27 representatives from the different parishes in the Diocese of Lae gathered for a week-long Communications Seminar that focused on communicating the ‘Good News’ through the different platforms of media.
The seminar was held from 8thto 12th February at the St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre and had as its theme ‘Communicating and connecting with each other on our journey of faith.’
Hosted by the Diocese of Lae’s Catholic FM 103.7 Team, the program had facilitators from different parts of the country. The facilitators were Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, Catholic Bishops Conference Social Communications Secretary and his team; Fr Martin We-en, Director of Radio Maria; Sr Mary Lillian, Director of Trinity FM, Archdiocese of Mt Hagen; Fr Felipe Pepreciado IVE, Diocese of Vanimo.
The sessions focused on the newsletter of the diocese, World Communication Day 2021, writing news article, audio recordings, photography, short films, live streaming and had practical activities. The seminar also had prayer moments to strengthen the faith of the participants.
According to Fr Brian Nonde, Director of Catholic FM 103.7 and host of the seminar, the participants have been placed in strategic places where they can support, encourage and become the voice of the voiceless in the communities in Morobe Province. “They have a great potential of feeding the platforms and means of communication at our disposal with verified information. So, together with them, we can communicate positive messages in our society and bring about good change,” said Fr Brian.
Apart from the sessions, the participants had a special visit by Bishop of Lae, Bp Rozario Menezes and Mr Adrian Chow, Managing Director, Prima Small Goods. Mr Adrian shared his commitment to live his faith, communicate the Good News and reach out to better the lives of the people.
The program concluded on Friday, 12thFebruary with a Commissioning Mass celebrated by Bp Rozario. He encouraged the participants to put into practice what they have learnt and communicate Gospel Values by their lived lives. Following the commissioning, the participants are now part of the communication team of the Diocese of Lae and have been encouraged to journey together and communicate through each other.
The Media Seminar was sponsored by SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication committed to the task of using media to share the Good News and bring about positive change in the communities.
Comments:
“The seminar was really good. I absorbed the necessary skills on how to use the different media platforms effectively and appropriately.” – Isaac Yandu Watehopo
“Social Communications Seminar is the first of its kind in the Diocese of Lae and I am very privileged to be a part of the seminar. Thank you to all the facilitators who gave their time to train us.” – Ambrose Kamelo
“Generally, I was pleased with what I learnt here. I learnt the facts, the steps and guidelines on how to use media to communicate and send the message across clearly.” – Felicitus Hawigen