The Catholic Church disseminates information through a vast amount of different mediums, but the press, “of its power and nature, is of towering importance” (PCSC). The press can be seen as a vital way to disseminate information in the religious sector through magazines, news outlets, books – even church pamphlets. This blog will focus on the importance of press in the Catholic religion and the Church, and how said press unites the Church together.
The importance of the press can be seen in the writings of the Communio Et Progressio. The press can cover a wide array of information in a multitude of ways: newspapers, bulletins, leaflets, books, and many others, thus further disseminating information further than ever before. Not only does the press spread this information, it is also “marvelously effective in bringing a knowledge of the Church to the world and a knowledge of the world to the Church” (PCSC). Therefore, Catholics are expected and encouraged to read these publications regularly and interpret them with a “Catholic attitude,” hence, with an open heart and an inquisitive mind. In contrast, those who publish these writings must keep their writings to a high standard, so as to compete with the other publications of today’s society. Examples of these publications can be seen in everyday life, specifically in the church.
In the Catholic Church, there are many forms of printed media, which can be seen from the bulletins outside to the leaflets passed around indoors. In Italian Easter Mass, it was observed during a visit to Parrocchia del Rivaio that a main form of printed media can be seen in the pamphlets handed out to the congregation, which allowed congregated members to follow along with the priest. By handing out these pamphlets, one can see that the printed media acts not only as a guide, but also as a form of community, allowing those who are gathered to join in together and learn with one another. Says the Communio Et Progressio, printed media is “a forum, a meeting place” (PCSC). By using the pamphlets to join members and visitors alike, this printed media created the church into a forum, allowing those of faith to meet together in worship, praise, and peace.
The press is an important aspect of the Catholic Church. Through a wide dissemination of information and high-quality writings, the religion can reach and join those who are near (or far) together.
Pontifical Council for Social Communications. (1971). Communio Et Progressio [Pastoral instruction]. Retrieved on April 21, 2019.
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