In its fourth meeting (22-23 May), the international Communications Commission discussed future directions for communications within the Order. Among the directions planned are:
- Forming a network of those working in communications at all levels of the Order – friars, nuns, TOC, affiliated religious and Carmelite laity - to share knowledge, information, technical expertise and explore ongoing formation needs and resources.
- Online meetings of this network to develop a sense of communion among those working in communications, for ongoing professional and technical formation and to suggest ideas for future initiatives.
- A survey of communications activity in the various Carmelite entities. For example, names of communications personnel, what communications resources (human and material) these entities have, what communications material is produced (print, video, audio, social media, web presence, and so on). This will provide an overview of communications activity in the Order and allow for the possibility of sharing resources.
- Exploring the possibility of an ongoing formation course in Communications before the next General Chapter.
- Developing a Communications plan for the Order.
Among other issues discussed was a new website for Edizioni Carmelitane in the three languages of the Order, ways to increase the visibility of publications beyond the Carmelite family and the use of social media to increase sales as well as the ongoing updating of the ocarm.org website.
Present at the meeting were: Richard Byrne (President), Bill Harry (Director, Office of Communications), Manuel Freitas (Portugal), Mons. Janvier Marie Gustave Yameogo (Dicastery for Communications) and David Hofman (Australia). Andreas Dedy Purnawan (Indonesia) was unable to be present. Marco Pellitero (Communications Assistant) also joined the meeting to discuss the issues relating to Edizioni Carmelitane. At the beginning of the meeting the Prior General, Fr Miċeál O’Neill, addressed words of welcome and encouragement to the Commission.
