MEDIA AND THE NEW EVANGELIZATION
During the 42nd World Communications Day, Pope Benedict XVI stated that, "The new media - telecommunications and Internet in particular - are changing the very face of communication; perhaps this is a valuable opportunity to reshape it!"
The previous Pope, John Paul II, first used the expression "the new evangelization" in a trip to Latin America in 1983. Ever since he had "unstintingly recalled the pressing need for a new evangelization" (Faith and Reason, n. 103). This urgency stems not only from the fact that entire nations still haven't received the Gospel, but also because "entire groups of the baptized have lost a living sense of the faith, or even no longer consider themselves members of the Church, and live a life far removed from Christ and His Gospel" (Mission of the Redeemer, n. 86).
Therefore, one thing "new" about this evangelization is that it's directed in large part towards "baptized non-believers." Men and women in large numbers are "culturally Christian," but haven't experienced a conversion of heart to Christ and His teachings. The call to interior conversion, in fact, was one of the main themes of Vatican II. As the Council understood well, this can only happen through an authentic, compelling, evangelical witness to salvation through Jesus Christ.
As John Paul II clarified in his Apostolic Letter At the Beginning of the New Millennium, the new evangelization isn't "a matter of inventing a ‘new program.' The program already exists: it is the plan found in the Gospel and in the living Tradition, it is the same as ever" (n. 29). What's essential in order to bring the Gospel to the modern world is a proclamation that's "NEW IN ARDOR, METHODS, AND EXPRESSION" (March 9, 1983).
CATHOLIC MEDIA HOUSE
Here at Catholic Media House we want to do our part to help you and your efforts in the New Evangelization by providing you with modern media resources to help convey the gospel and the hope it contains, and to help "make disciples of all nations".
We strive to provide you with Catholic Christian resources faithful to the Holy Father and the magisterium of the Church. With these resources bishops, pastors, priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters, catechists, youth directors, and teachers/instructors of all varieties are now able use media in a positive way to re-evangelize the baptized, disciple and mobilize them for evangelization and to be a blessing. It is a great joy to assist you in this noble and essential cause.
MASS MEDIA?
Yes, I know what you're thinking...."Are these products, such as mini-movies, intended for the liturgy in the Mass?".
Great question! Straight off we want to say that we love the beauty, richness and significance of the sacred liturgy of the Mass and it is certainly not the intention to try and modernize or reinvent the liturgy.
Our products are primarily designed to be used in bible studies, retreats, camps, youth and children's ministry, RCIA, faith formation, devotions, rallies, special events and other types of meetings outside of the Mass. However, with careful selection, some items may be ideal in the Mass, particularly in certain seasons of the liturgical calendar. Care, obviously needs to be taken so that the media enhances our worship and is not a distraction. Let's remember that the church has used visual aids and physical signs, for centuries, to help focus our minds and draw us into worship.
ENJOY!
Our desire is to serve you as best we can, so we'd really appreciate your feedback on how you are using the media resources on CMH to share with others. Please contact us by clicking here.
God bless you and your efforts,
Stephen Officer
Catholic Media House
