Diocese debuts TV show

"In Word and Deed" will feature inspiring, positive stories about people of all faiths who live and work in the Diocese and upstate New York. It debuts Oct. 7 at 6 a.m.

The innovative idea was born as the result of Bishop Howard J. Hubbard's televised retreat series in 2000, also aired by Channel 13.

Co-hosts

Mrs. Malle, a former television anchor and now director of the Media Office, co-hosts the program with a well-known local radio talkshow host and author, Bob Cudmore.

Mr. Murphy, also of the Media Office, has more than 20 years experience with public service TV production in Florida and Colorado.

Celebrations

"The Bishop's TV retreat related some short, good news stories about real people -- local Catholics who were doing something that mattered in their community," Mrs. Malle said. "There was so much positive feedback from those stories that we thought we could elaborate on the one- to two-minute vignettes that we called 'video parables.'

"Pat and I thought that we could expand on that type of story, make it longer and, by doing so, produce an interesting show with positive stories in a magazine-type format. Hopefully, those that view this show will be inspired by what they see and say to themselves, 'I would like to do that in my own life.'"

Debut segments

The show also highlights Fred Boehrer and Diana Conroy, and their children Freddie and Helen, who live in and operate Emmaus House, a Catholic Worker home in Albany.

Kim and Reggie Harris, internationally known recording artists from Middleburgh in Schoharie County, are also featured, as are John Perrella, RN, and Sister Francis Eustace, CSJ. Mr. Perrella works for the Catskill Community Hospice program; Sister Francis spent a year with Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker movement.

Donated time

"They are not obligated in any way to provide us with this air time, and we appreciate their willingness to do so," he explained, adding, however, "we are always open to funding by underwriters" to cover production costs.

Mrs. Malle said that funding for "In Word and Deed" is being made possible in part by the annual Bishop's Appeal and the contributions of parishioners to the annual Catholic Communications Campaign, which takes place every June.

"We thought it was a 'value show' and, therefore, worth the efforts to produce it," she said.

(The Media Office is searching for inspiring personal stories of faith in the community and family life by people of all denominations. Contact Katherine Malle at the diocesan Media Office, 453-6690.)

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