Led by the newly appointed director of communications for the congregation –– Fr. Radek Warenda, SCJ –– members of the International Communications Commission met in Rome October 12-13. Much of their work focused on promotion of the newly created Mission Statement (“With Open Heart and Mind”) as well as development of a renewed website for the congregation. So much has changed since the SCJs created their first website. Then, its primary purpose was to serve as an electronic bulletin board of news and photos.
Now, one must consider not only how the site looks and feels on a desktop or laptop screen, but more importantly, how does it work on a mobile device? Would a mobile app be a good complement to the members’ section of the website?
To ensure that the work of the commission isn’t just about eye-catching images and quick phrases, commission members also spent time in their meeting reflecting on Dehonian values and how communications must be based in and express values such as availability, an open heart and solidarity.
In the months ahead, the commission will continue development of the new website and other communication materials, as well as prepare for the next meeting of the congregation’s “Media Experts” (those who do communications in the entities). Members of the commission include Fr. Radek Warenda, SCJ (general communications director), Fr. Stefan Tertünte, SCJ (director of the Centro Studi Dehoniani), Fr. Antonio Rufete Cabrera (ESP) and Mary Gorski (USA). They were joined at the October meeting by Fr. Carlos Enrique Caamaño, SCJ, vicar general, and Alessandro Benassi, a specialist from Bologna in digital communication.
The next in-person meeting of the Communications Commission will be February 27-28. The 2018 Media Experts meeting will be May 23-24. Both will take place in Rome.
