Catholic Voices Equips Laity to Speak Up in Public Debate

Catholic Press · #1 Jun 28, '12, 6:00 am

Amid misrepresentations in the media and public square, a newly-formed U.S. lay Catholic group is working to communicate the Church's message in a way that is clear, positive and captivating.

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ricks1948 · #2 Jun 28, '12, 5:45 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catholic Press

Amid misrepresentations in the media and public square, a newly-formed U.S. lay Catholic group is working to communicate the Church's message in a way that is clear, positive and captivating.

More...

Good, I wish them all the best.maybe they can expose some of the MSM mis-direction.

Nec5 · #3 Jun 28, '12, 11:49 pm

It seems to me that the Pope and cardinals/bishops/priests, appointed by him, should be the ones speaking truth from the mountaintops as the Apostles did. The metaphor for people, and often laity, is sheep. The priests are the shepherds. It is they who must lead. It doesn't require a PR department, or an advanced media savvy operation. Just speak out. Use youtube and whatever vehicle is willing to carry your message. Speak in one clear unambiguous voice so that all us sheep know where the wolves are.

But all we get is silence.

**Holly3278** · #4 Jun 29, '12, 10:12 pm

That is certainly a good thing. We need more orthodox Catholics to speak up in the public square.

Elizium23 · #5 Jun 30, '12, 2:33 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nec5

It seems to me that the Pope and cardinals/bishops/priests, appointed by him, should be the ones speaking truth from the mountaintops as the Apostles did. The metaphor for people, and often laity, is sheep. The priests are the shepherds. It is they who must lead. It doesn't require a PR department, or an advanced media savvy operation. Just speak out. Use youtube and whatever vehicle is willing to carry your message. Speak in one clear unambiguous voice so that all us sheep know where the wolves are.

But all we get is silence.

I don't know where you are listening, but the Holy Father and the clergy are speaking loud and clear to me.

And what exactly is wrong with the laity having a voice in the world?

_Abyssinia · #6 Jun 30, '12, 3:38 am

Catholic Voices is needed all around the world to counter mainstream media misrepresentations of the faith and Catholic news.

**Dale_M** · #7 Jun 30, '12, 3:50 am

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Originally Posted by _Abyssinia

Catholic Voices is needed all around the world to counter mainstream media misrepresentations of the faith and Catholic news.

Earlier this year, a similar organization was established in Ireland.

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news...s-established/

**Dale_M** · #8 Jun 30, '12, 4:03 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nec5

It seems to me that the Pope and cardinals/bishops/priests, appointed by him, should be the ones speaking truth from the mountaintops as the Apostles did.

I agree this is important, but bishops are often not media-savvy, nor are they available for every occasion in which a strong Catholic voice is needed.

Organizations such as Catholic Voices or Catholic Comment aren't trying to speak on behalf of the bishops. They are taking the Catholic perspective into the public square and engaging in the myriad discussions which are ongoing on television, radio and in public debates. These organizations provide referrals to solid authorities who have the time to educate the often clueless reporters.

Yes, the bishops are a vital and irreplaceable voice. But the demands of their job are numerous, and their time is limited. They need assistance to meeting the insatiable media demands for appearances and quotes.

Here is a description of what is being done in the UK

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Catholic Voices – originally conceived to meet the media demands during the Pope’s visit to Britain – is being refashioned as an academy aimed at keeping Catholics in the public sphere.

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The Catholic Academy, as it is called, will hold a regular series of meetings, including public events, lectures and debates. The organisation will also host Chatham House-style meetings on the Church’s place in the public sphere.

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Those wishing to join the Academy’s speakers’ bureau go through a selection process where candidates will be chosen for their Catholicity, their sympathy to the bishops, and their presentation skills. The organisers have said they would prefer younger applicants with “ordinary jobs” from outside London, although they remain open to exceptions.

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news...anent-academy/

In someways, Catholic Voices seems to be doing much the same thing as Catholic Answers: educating the public and defending the Catholic Church. The two organizations have somewhat different methods, but the goal is the same.

Crescentinus · #9 Jun 30, '12, 5:51 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holly3278

That is certainly a good thing. We need more orthodox Catholics to speak up in the public square.

This is needed here in the Far East, especially in Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Tigg · #10 Jun 30, '12, 7:18 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nec5

It seems to me that the Pope and cardinals/bishops/priests, appointed by him, should be the ones speaking truth from the mountaintops as the Apostles did. The metaphor for people, and often laity, is sheep. The priests are the shepherds. It is they who must lead. It doesn't require a PR department, or an advanced media savvy operation. Just speak out. Use youtube and whatever vehicle is willing to carry your message. Speak in one clear unambiguous voice so that all us sheep know where the wolves are.

But all we get is silence.

There are many indications that things are turning around and we are not just sheep, but a community of God's people called and able to share in a manner that others can relate to. What better way to display our Catholic identity and evangelize than to witness exactly what that means by living our every-day faith in our speech, our good example and our encouragement of others. It is also a spiritual work of mercy to instruct the ignorant and counsel the doubtful.

What a marvelous idea this is.

saveusfromhell · #11 Jun 30, '12, 6:38 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elizium23

I don't know where you are listening, but the Holy Father and the clergy are speaking loud and clear to me.

And what exactly is wrong with the laity having a voice in the world?

A group of Ireland's clergy,ACP, the assosiation of catholic priests are speaking loudly both on and off the pulpit, i pray they stop.

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