TV programs helps 'put face' on Charities programs, people

"Catholic Charities at Work," the monthly television program produced by the Media Office, features the services provided by Catholic Charities, thus raising awareness about the agency.

It airs on WTEN channel 10 the last Sunday of the month at 6:30 a.m. It is also broadcast on ten cable stations throughout the Diocese.

Deeper knowledge

Viewers are often surprised to learn, for example, that Catholic Charities provides services in all 14 counties of the Diocese. They are also impressed with the variety of needs the agency meets.

"Catholic Charities at Work" has profiled the agency's domestic violence, aging, homelessness, teen pregnancy and emergency assistance programs, as well as 11 other programs and services.

Not only has the television program elicited phone calls from viewers who were pleased to learn something new, but other viewers were so moved by the program they became volunteers, Sister Maureen said.

Word to wise

The program began airing in November 1996. It aired quarterly from March 1997 until June 1998. In August 1998, it became a monthly program.

Ms. Murante and Sister Maureen choose the topic of the program, and then Ms. Murante secures guests and writes the script. The Media Office provides video footage and tapes the show.

Dialogue

Sister Maureen knows what it's like to feel uncomfortable on air. "I'd hardly say I'm a pro," she said. "I'd rather be digging ditches than doing the show. The first few shows I thought would be the last. Susan Murante and especially Katherine Malle [director of the Media Office] have really coached me. The staff of the Media Office are very affirming. It's something I really work on because it's something difficult for me to do."

But it's important for her to do because "it's putting a face on people and needs," she said. "It's putting a face on the issue, problem and concerns, and saying this is the way we're addressing the issue."

Information source

"We're a community that needs to be stimulated in a variety of ways, including both the visual and written media," she explained.

The next show will focus on Camp Scully and Catholic Charities summer programs for migrant workers. Sister Maureen said it illustrates why this program is a good vehicle for educating people about the agency.

"There was a little girl who attended camp [for migrant children]," Sister Maureen said. "She was so excited about camp. I only had to ask a couple of questions for clarification. The

excitement she showed could only be shown on camera."

(06-17-99) [[In-content Ad]]