Diocesan – Wide Catholic Journalism Seminar and Workshop, Lenten Recollection and Quarterly Meeting

MATI – With its mission to use social media for evangelization and to be able to do this mission effectively and approach it systematically, the Social Communications Ministry of the Diocese of Mati conducted a Diocesan-wide two-day Seminar and Workshop at St. Joseph Formation Center, Dahican, City of Mati, March 25-26, 2023.

The said Catholic Journalism seminar consisted of various skills training particularly in the field of news writing and news reporting as people in this modern time acknowledge the utilization of the digital era.

Rev. Fr. Ritsche Gamaya, SOCCOM Director of the Archdiocese of Davao shared his experiences and gave emphasis on Aetatis Novae, which is an evolution of Inter Merifica and Communio et Progressio, and its influence in the Catholic Media in Davao.

He also mentioned the crucial role of media at the service of human community and progress, ecclesial communion, evangelization and discussed the communication of truth and the work of social communications, with its aim to unite the Catholic believers and the Church leaders.

On the other hand, Sr. Federica Dalaguit, FSP, Production Head of DXGN Davao and Annie Libres Program Head of DXGN Davao also discussed the challenges, the advent of social media, secularization and disaffiliation during the second part of their collaborative input. Forty (40) committed evangelizers were guided and reminded by common social media best practices that every communicator must uphold. After all the inputs were discussed, participants had a group sharing of what they have learned, followed by the SOCCOM core group and coordinators’ quarterly meeting.

On the second day, Rev. Fr. Alfe Alimbon, Director of Social Communications Ministry officiated the Lenten recollection in which he underscored the importance of prayer and the qualities of Catholic evangelizers as the bringer of the Gospel truth.

Fr. Alimbon expressed his gratitude to speakers and participating evangelizers for always answering to the call of serving the Lord. With full of hope and enthusiasm, the two-day gathering concluded with the Holy Eucharist and giving of certificates to the attendees. (Kyrie Jacky Sobrecarey | SOCCOM San Salvador del Mundo Parish)