Collection aids media ministries

On June 17-18, Catholics at Masses in parishes across the Albany Diocese will be called to support the spread of Christ's message by contributing to the annual Catholic Communications Campaign (CCC).

The appeal funds evangelization and information ministries that rely on mass-media technologies to bring the Gospel to Catholics.

This year, the Campaign has also set aside $500,000 to help rebuild the communication ministries in the dioceses hit by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

"The Catholic Communications Campaign has been the Church's voice in the media: educating, entertaining, inspiring and informing the public about Gospel values," Bishop Howard J. Hubbard wrote in a pulpit letter read at Masses last weekend.

Half of the contributions go directly to the Diocese, where they are used to fund projects like "Table of the Lord," the weekly televised Mass for elderly and homebound Catholics (see calendar page for details; campaign funds do not go to The Evangelist, which is supported by subscriptions and advertising).

The other 50 percent of donations help projects across the country, including:

* TV documentaries, such as "Jesus Decoded," about "The Da Vinci Code," which aired on NBC affiliates; "Picturing Mary," an examination of art related to the Virgin Mary; and "Personally Speaking," a forum for Catholics and other people of faith to discuss religion, family, career and world events;

* news coverage and streaming videos of historical events, including World Youth Day and last year's papal transition;

* Spanish-language public service announcements related to family issues;

* Catholic radio programs that deal with current events, young adult issues and books; and

* an internet video ministry that connects thousands with interviews with newsmakers and major Catholic personalities.

(For more information, go to www.catholiccommuncationscampaign.org.)

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