PALO, LEYTE – In line with the establishment of Social Communications and Mass Media as one of the commissions under its Pastoral programs; the Archdiocese of Palo conducted a Seminar-Workshop for Pastoral Workers on Media Literacy for Evangelization held at the Palo Archdiocesan Chancery and Pastoral Center, Barangay Salvacion, January 31 – February 1. 

Partnering with Paulines Institute of Communication in Asia (PICA), Foundation Inc., the two-day seminar-workshop was attended by 85 participants from the different parishes of the Archdiocese. Rev. Fr Chris Arthur Militante, the director of the Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media, emphasized utilizing mass media platforms for evangelization.

“The digital age gives the Church a voice that can transcend many barriers. Media is a God-given gift that can serve as a vehicle for the Good news to reach the hearts of many…” pointed out by Fr. Militante.

Having Rev. Fr. Norman Peña, SSP, Ph.D., and Sr. Ma. Consolata Manding, FSP, Ph.D., and PICA Directress as the resource persons, the training was also part of the call to take part in promoting Media Information Literacy (MIL) to teachers, especially those who teach in Catholic schools.

“We got information that the core curriculum of K11-12 is Media Information Literacy (MIL). DepEd by region has been organizing MIL seminar to teachers of public schools.” [excerpt from Sr. Consolata initial email]

The seminar-workshop served a series of lectures and workshops on book and movie reviews. Developing the necessary skills of the delegates who will be coordinators themselves off the media commission of their respective parishes is the goal of the seminar-workshop.

Goals of Archdiocesan Seminar-Workshop for Pastoral Workers on Media Literacy for Evangelization 2019

The Archdiocese of Palo Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media aims to cascade participation in the media apostolate from the parish to the Archdiocesan Level. Parish Coordinators will serve as correspondents who will provide content such as news and bulletins from their congregations to be posted on the different social media platforms of the Archdiocese. The Palo Archdiocese has an active Social Media Page (https://www.facebook.com/archdioceseofpalo) that responds to Church-related queries and a Website (www.archdioceseofpalo.org) which was one of the five (5) nominees for the best diocesan website category during the 2019 Catholic Social Media Awards. The website also provides information on the Archdiocese of Palo from its official list of priests and parish information.

Coordinators prime towards heightened evangelization through social Media

As new official members of the Commission, the parish coordinators took the seminar-workshop as the first step towards heightening evangelization using social media platforms as means.

“It helps a lot, especially that we will begin the live coverage of Sunday Masses and special events in our parish,” said Mirasol Astillo of St. Francis Xavier Parish of Palompon, Vicariate of Palompon. 

Coordinators also emphasized the impact of the activity on their respective Facebook pages as a way to evangelize.

“This seminar-workshop will contribute a lot, especially on enhancing our FB page so that we may reach out to more parishioners,” said Donna Lyn Jorda of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish of Palompon, Vicariate of Palompon.  

Further, they also pointed out the significance of the conduct of the activity.

“It’s very relevant and timely. It opens our understanding of our roles, not just as pastoral workers but also as media users. The experience in this two-day activity is worthwhile,” according to Weena Luz Cañeda of St. Vincent Ferrer, Tanauan, Leyte, Vicariate of Palo.

-Nova Magne Gandolfos (Media Coordinator, St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Javier Leyte)-