“We are very grateful to Fr. Barry Cardozo and his team of Priests, namely, Fr. Leo Fernandes, Fr. Albano Fernandes, Fr. Onasis D’cruz, Fr. Anthony Carvalho and Fr Jofhuo Fernandes, for conducting this media mission in our parish. It was informative and need of the hour, preparing the people to face the challenges with communication and new media technologies” Said Fr. George Ratos, Parish priest of Our lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Paroda, as he gave the vote of thanks. Whereas Fr. Xavier Estibeiro, Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Church , Benaulim, appreciated the efforts put in by the DCSCM team in educating the people in such important communication matters. The Media mission was conducted in Paroda and Benaulim during the Novenas of Nativity of Mother Mary, from 30th August to 8th September. The Parishioners of Paroda and Benaulim parishes actively participated in the programme and expressed their contentment with the input sessions. The Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media, Goa, India has been organizing media missions in various parishes of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman for the last three years. Since then, it has gained momentum and is already bearing good results.
This Media Mission is a 10 Days unique media education and communication skills empowerment programme organised by the Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media (DCSCM), Goa. It is based on Media education and interpersonal communication, touching the day to day lives of the people. The Mission helps the people to reflect on their interpersonal relationship within the family by improving their communication skills and behavioral approach towards each other. It also focuses on communication skills for children and youth . It deals specially with social media, including safety measures while using social media. Some Cyber Scams and how to deal with them are also mentioned. Analysing, news, public opinion, Advertisements and AI generated Content to discern the truth behind the message, is also part of the teaching. Knowledge of some documents of the church related to media and communications is also being given to the public in most simplified manner with practical examples. This year new sessions on AI and Communicating with Nature have also been introduced.
The programme helps participants reflect on and strengthen their interpersonal communication skills within the family and society by enhancing both communication and behavioural approaches. It also focuses on developing communication skills among children and youth.
The theme of the year of the Archdiocese as well as the focus on different events at the Vatican Level is also being incorporated in the Teachings
People also appreciated the information on digital ethics and responsible use of social media. Participants also shared positive feedback, noting that the programme helped them improve interpersonal communication skills, gain essential knowledge about media and understand the Church’s teachings on social communication. Some also shared personal experiences of falling victim to digital scams and expressed that such media education programmes are the need of the Hour.
