Sharing a few personal thoughts…
Given that we are desirous of faith formation for all, and not just a few, we must also look both at the various methods of transmission and what forms such instructive communication might take. EWTN has encouraged viewership by mixing together religious devotions, the Mass and special dramatic programing with the general “talking-head” format. I think we can do a great deal more with teaching through drama and song. Given the cost and scope of the competition, we may have to rethink the gravity given parochial schools and converts through marriage preparation. There needs to be a shift in focus as to how we might maintain an effective presence in the public forum. When it comes to media, we need to instill in our people a greater appreciation for books and to provide literature that will inspire and move them. Music and visual media, including animation, holds great promise. And yet, as large as the Catholic Church is, her offerings are often eclipsed by the evangelical churches. The Mass for Shut-Ins depended upon gifted television time and this has largely disappeared. We may need to invest in television time (when people are awake) and in programs that will inform Catholics and maybe attract potential converts. However, this may become mute as people transition to internet television which is a cheaper option. (The problem I see at present with YouTube videos is that YouTube often attaches video links to suggested programming. Some of these attached “outside” videos are anti-Catholic and/or vulgar.)
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