The start of a new era in how the Gospel is delivered is underway.
The evolving methods of communication are an important concept for the Church today.
While for many, engaging with the digital era poses more challenges than imaginable, the words of Pope Francis are paramount in reminding each one of us, what is at the heart of the role of communications.
In his 2014 message for World Communications Day, Pope Francis challenged the Church to be a people of depth, attentive to what is happening around us and spiritually alert.
He sees the revolution in communications and media as representing “a great and thrilling challenge” and asks us to “respond to that challenge with fresh energy and imagination”.
It has been a challenge the Archdiocese of Perth, led by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, has addressed head on.
Following the finalisation of The Record Review in September 2013, and cessation of The Record newspaper in July 2014, a new online publication, delivered via email, called The eRecord commenced production and distribution in October 2014.
With more than 5000 subscribers, its presence and appreciation continues to grow among a wide and varied audience – young and old.
The weekly publication is accompanied by a PDF version that can be printed and made available to those who would still like to receive a hard copy of the weekly news to take home with them.
The new publication has been strengthened by the launch of a new Archdiocesan website in August 2015. The new site includes a dynamic search engine facility that allows users to find exactly the information they are looking for, such as mass times, parish information, as well as current news and events.
Archdiocesan Manager of Communications Jamie O’Brien, who appointed in December 2015, said the new ways of communicating are being implemented with patience and perseverance.
“So that we do our best to engage with what is a very wide and varied audience, the communications team is regularly analysing how we approach each and every task,” Mr O’Brien said.
“It’s about staying focussed on the end result, which can change lives,” he said.
Mr O’Brien went on to explain that the Archdiocese is not alone in its efforts to understand effective methods of communication – particularly when it comes to delivering the Good News. Dioceses across Australia and the world – including Rome – have all been evaluating and assessing how, when and why dialogue with its people should take place.
“Don’t be afraid to engage with these new forms of communication, which as Pope Francis has said, helps us to grow closer, to know one another better and ultimately, to grow in unity,” Mr O’Brien said.
To access back copies of The eRecord PDF, go to www.issuu.com and search Archdiocese of Perth, or email editor@therecord.com.au
To subscribe to The eRecord, email communications@perthcatholic.org.au or contact 08 9220 5900.
From page 21 from Issue 1: ‘The Year of Mercy: Seeking an Encounter with Christ’ of The Record Magazine