A training workshop on print and digital media was organized for the Parish Bulletin editors at three zonal centres of the Archdiocese. It was held at Don Bosco, Panjim, on July 4th, at St.. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, on 11th July and at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Fatorda, Margão, on 18th July. A total of 65 participants from 30 parishes and from Rachol Seminary participated.

The resource panel comprised of Fr. Victor Ferrão, Fr. Ralin de Souza sdb and Mr. Orlando Fernandes.Speaking about the importance of communications for the Church, Fr. Victor Ferrão spoke about the nature of the Church being a community; and as such she would have to use every means for the transmission of the Word which is at her very core. Underlining that the purpose of communications is to inform and form, he spoke of three fidelities which needed to be respected: fidelity to humanity and its time, fidelity to Christ and His Gospel and fidelity to Church and its mission.

Fr. Ralin quoting Richard Keeble who said: “At the heart of Journalism lies the Source. You need to know a lot, where to go for information, whom to ask”, developed the whole concept of news. He said that any news item would have to answer 5 “W”s – Who, What, Where, When and Why - and one “H” – How. He developed details such as the human interest angle, being specific highlighting the uniqueness of the event being reported and causes which would be required to be stressed. After giving the checklist the observers would have to observe to make news as reliable and precise as possible, Fr. Ralin gave instructions on Bulletin and Web reporting.

The participants at all three centres were given practical tips on how to use the website and were familiarized with the Archdiocesan website www,archgoadaman.org by Mr. Orlando Fernandes. Through very personal attention to every participant, he together with Fr. Ralin de Souza and the staff at the respective Institution fascinated them as they watched their own contribution uploaded on the Internet.

The generous collaboration of Don Bosco Fathers in Panjim as well as at Fatorda as well as of Fr. Walter de Sá, Principal of St. Xavier College, Mapusa, and their respective staff is sincerely appreciated. -Romualdo Fernandes