Communications collection aids in bringing Good News to all

In a world knit together by media, Catholics are called to "proclaim the Gospel to every creature," and to "communicate the importance of family and God's abounding love," Bishop Howard J. Hubbard said in a pulpit letter read in parishes in the Albany Diocese last week.

The letter invited Catholics to contribute to the annual Catholic Communication Campaign, which funds evangelization and information ministries. The collection will be taken up at Masses on June 19-20.

This year's collection has the theme of "The Media in the Family: A Risk and A Richness," which, according to Bishop Hubbard, springs from Pope John Paul II's concern that "the media enrich family life, not damage it."

"CCC programming seeks to enrich family life and offers inspirational alternatives to network offerings," said Ramon Rodriguez, director of development for the CCC. "Supporting the CCC assures that the voices of the viewers and listeners in the pews are heard in the marketplace."

Where donations go

Half of the contributions to the appeal remain in the Diocese for such efforts as "Table of the Lord," the weekly televised Mass that reaches more than 9,000 aged, infirm, homebound and disabled Catholics. It airs on WTEN-TV as well as on cable channels in the Herkimer and Oneonta areas.

The portion of the collection that is sent to the national campaign helped to:

* introduce "Catholic Radio Weekly," a current-events show that airs on 50 stations across the country; 

* found an internet video ministry connected to such major events as the Winter Olympics, World Youth Day and interviews with newsmakers; and 

* produce literacy programs shown on public television stations.

The CCC also uses funds to produce Spanish-language public service announcements related to family issues. They are aired on more than 450 Hispanic stations, including national networks Univision and Telemundo. The CCC backs the "Talk to the Ones You Love" campaign of radio and TV announcements on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, 40 national cable networks, 1,100 local television stations, and 600 cable systems.

Healing and sustaining

"Throughout this past year, we have endured a time of great challenge," Bishop Hubbard said in his letter. "Our personal, family and faith lives have been tested, leaving many of us in search of strength, comfort and inspiration.

"We, as Catholics, have a responsibility to reach out to others and to meet this need. The CCC seeks to renew the mind of the secular media -- it also touches, heals and sustains the faith of viewers and listeners across our nation."

(6/17/04)