CCCom trains parish communicators

By Ma. Elena A. Agorita Our Lady of Assumption Parish Canaman, Camarines Sur NAGA CITY - The Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom) organized a seminar/workshop for parish communicators on February 24, 2018 at the Naga Parochial School. Forty-two participants represented the different parishes in Central, Bay, Rinconada, and Partido Districts of the Archdiocese of Caceres. The activity started with the discussion on “communication as ministry” with CCCom Director, Fr. Luisito A. Occiano as speaker. Fr. Occiano echoed Pope John Paul II and reiterated media as “the modern Areopagus” and the “housetops” from which the Gospel must be proclaimed. Julma M. Narvadez, Chief Operating Officer of the Madrigal Foundation, discussed News writing for Parish Bulletins, Announcements, Souvenir Programs, and Photo News Stories. Narvadez emphasized that parishes must gather and publish news stories that promote the four marks of the Church: one, holy, Catholic and apostolic. Lizel S. Macatangay, Director of the Philipine Information Agency in Camarines Sur, presented the current trends in social media and outlined for the participants the etiquette when publishing online. In addition, Dr. Digna Paner, Dean of the College of Humanities of the Ateneo de Naga University, demonstrated how to create and maintain a parish social media account. Later in the afternoon, the CCCom announced that it would be launching the Parish Media Awards to recognize outstanding parish publications. Categories include Best Feature Story, Best Editorial, Best Layout, and Photo of the Year. Outstanding social media accounts will also be recognized. The contest period will be from May to October 2018. Details of the contest rules will be presented during the formal launch come World Communications Day, which coincides with Ascension Sunday. The awards will be conferred in December. Most Rev. Rolando Octavus Tria Tirona, Archbishop of Caceres, graced the whole-day activity with his presence and heartfelt message. According to him, parish communicators are called to inform and inspire. Themed “Bringing the Good News outside the pulpilt”, the seminar-workshop also paved the way for the election of the Archdiocesan coordinator and officers of the Parish Communication Guild.