Here is some information about the Speakers’ Training Programme for Catholic Voices that begins in September. See their website here.
Catholic Voices was originally created for the 2010 papal visit, when 23 ‘ordinary’ Catholics received training in communications techniques and media skills, as well as in-depth briefings on the neuralgic issues behind most news stories concerning the Church. Since then, the project has led to books, the Catholic Voices ‘Academy’, similar groups abroad, regular communications workshops and talks, an authoritative blog and the enthusiastic backing of bishops and broadcasters. To find out more about how we have developed, have a read through our brochure…
In the UK, the heart of the project remains our ambition to create, each year, a growing number of trained Catholic Voices (CVs) who, together with the existing teams, make themselves available to comment on radio and television. Last year, 2012, CVs did 93 radio and TV interviews on a huge range of topics (many of which are recorded and uploaded to this website). This year, we expect to do more, as more media come to us.
The fourth National Speakers’ Training will be held, following the same three-weekend format, in the north-west (Hawkstone Hall plus studios in Manchester). We particularly hope to receive applications from the dioceses of Liverpool, Salford, Lancaster, Shrewsbury but we welcome applications from anywhere in England and Wales. The training is free, but we ask participants to pay for their travel and accommodation costs if they are able (if not, we will subsidise).
We welcome applications from any practising, committed Catholics of all ages and walks of life; who are available on all three training weekends and one of the interview dates; who believe they may have a calling as a Catholic Voice; and who will offer themselves after the training for interviews on a variety of topics. (There are more details about this in our ‘Notes for Applicants’ sheet).
Interviews will be on 26th and 27th April in Manchester, and 29th April in London.
The three residential weekends, each lasting from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, will be: 20-22 September, 18-20 October, and 15-17 November.
Read more from past participants here!
Thanks for the information Fr Stephen. I won’t be able to offer my services. However, I think such schemes go some way to gradually educating the general (non Catholic) public that our Church does not only consist of Clergy who are able to speak on her behalf. It’s encouraging, though I think the process of education may be gradual for both those non Catholics and Catholics alike to accept. Definately a step in the right direction!
Thanks for the information also. For my part I seek to go into consecrated/religious life and Catholic Voices is all about lay Catholic people with the blessing of the Bishops having a voice in the media – so I can’t see myself offering my services here. That said I think the work of Catholic Voices is excellent – our religious leaders require support in our media in order to help convey Christ’s love from a different perspective – that of lay people.
Catholic Voices is making itself known in the national arena due to spokespeople commenting on the Holy Father’s resignation – I have seen them on TV and on the BBC news website. Also, Fr Stephen, I found your article on the BBC website interesting!