Communications

How to Cover the Catholic Church

The Department of Communications represents Bishop Frank J. Dewane and the Diocese of Venice to the news media. Responsibilities include preparing and distributing statements and other resources for the media, arranging interviews, preparing statements from the Diocese, organizing press conferences and responding to various media inquiries. Any reporter, journalist, photojournalist, or other representative of the news media interested in writing a story about the Diocese of Venice should first contact the director of communications for the Diocese of Venice, Karen Schwarz, at (941) 441-1118 (office), or 941-275-5183 (mobile).

How to Cover the Catholic Church, produced by the Office of Media Relations for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), is a useful resource for any news personnel covering the church whether it is on the local level (diocese) to the national level (USCCB) and the Vatican. The publication includes a glossary of terms and helpful resources. For more information, contact the director of communications for the Diocese of Venice, Karen Schwarz, at (941) 441-1118 (office), or 941-275-5183 (mobile).

How to Cover the Mass, produced by the Office of Media Relations for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), describes the various parts of the liturgy, explains ceremonies therein, and defines liturgical terms so that media can accurately describe events for those who follow their coverage.

The Mass is at the heart of the Catholic Church. It conveys the depth of Catholic theology, especially in the Eucharist, which is at its center. Rich in symbolism, the Mass provides a deeply sacred moment for all who attend. The Office of Media Relations for USCCB developed this resource to assist the media in their important work of covering the Church. The Mass is public prayer, yet on many occasions, it is also a news event. Journalists can be found, for example, at an ordination or installation of a bishop, at a commemoration of a special occasion in society, the blessing or dedication of a new facility to serve the disadvantaged, and more. The role of the Department of Communications at the Diocese of Venice is to communicate the message of the Church to the media and to bring clarity to various issues.