1.
JESCOM Coordinators of South Asian Assistancy Meet, at Satyodayam,
Secundrabad December 17-19, 2004
2. 12 persons attended (including one from East-Asia Oceania),
6 excused and 4 were absent.
3. JESCOM secretary then gave an update on the meeting of Secretaries
of the two Assistancies - South Asian & Asia Oceania - held
in Philippines in February 2004. He touched upon the letter
written by Fr. General on the occasion, to explore ways to forge
better collaboration between the Assitancies. One of the immediate
results of that meeting was the creation the website for South
Asian Assistancy - www.jcsaonline.com ; another was the 'Asian
Identity Meet' recently held in Delhi. JIVAN and 'The Jesuits'
also plan to compile a book on outstanding Jesuits in Asia.
The Secretary also gave an update of the church's Social Communication
in India and also the CBCI meeting on 'Communicating church'
that resulted a pastoral plan for all dioceses in India.
4. Some of the common features of several Jesuit media ventures
include successful networking with various religious groups,
lay organisations, and church institutions. There have been
also considerable efforts made to reach out to the marginalized
people - tribals, women and unorganised youth.
5.
Many established institutions face non-professional attitude
from their staff and many staff are still not media literate.
Management of Human resources, labour and finance problems
are areas of major concern. Many centres are single source
fund dependent, which is not healthy. Centres are also advised
to set aside some fund for staff security for future. Even
though there are so many audiovisual and printed materials
produced by our institutions, they do not reach the target
group due to lack of proper marketing and public relations.
6.
A special input session by Mr. Augustine Lurthusamy, representing
Asia Oceania Assistancy, was well appreciated. He elaborated
the communication ministry in the church and also institutions
like JESCOMEO, SIGNIS, CAN, WACC and AMIC. Our communication
should go beyond church walls. Professionalism is required
in our marketing, management of finances and in fundraising.
Many centres are suffering from 'founder's syndrome'. Networking
is the key to our success. He invited all to register with
ACN.
7.
Participants also raised concern over the absence of media
courses in our common houses - especially in Philosophy and
Theology. It was pointed out that India has the largest number
of Ph.D. priests in communication and yet less training is
imparted due to lack of networking among them.
8.
There are several individual initiatives, which have borne
fruit, but yet to receive Province support. The question was
raised as to what makes a work province work or individual
work. Some Province/region coordinators of JESCOM do not coordinate
or even convene meetings. Some of the commission members also
show lack of interest in the communication ministry.
Proposals
1. JESCOM Secretary proposed the revision of the existing
media directory. Though all the members were in favour of
a revised directory, only few showed any interest in a printed
directory. Most favoured a web directory or directory in a
CD. The meeting resolved to have a revised directory as soon
as the province coordinators make revisions.
2.
To make Jescom webpage in www.jcsaonline.com , more attractive
and informative, it was suggested to update information from
various provinces with their main focus areas.
3.
This year too Jesuit Artist Workshop (JAW) will be organised
by JESCOM in association with Gurjarvani at Mount Abu, April
15-16, 2005. Coordinators offered their support in finding
the right candidates for the same.
4.
It was proposed to have a Jesuit Muscians Workshop. Kaladarshini
(Andhara) has agreed to organise the same. The purpose is
to bring the Jesuit musicians together to produce an audio
album on the occasion of the twin Jubilees of Francis Xavier
and Ignatius Loyola.
5.
On the occasion of the Jubilees, MP Province will bring out
a book. JAMSHEDPUR province has a lot of b/w photographs on
the saints, which could be displayed. An Indian Christian
documentary is also proposed, but it was pointed out that
there are some already existing like 'Jesuit journeys', 'shared
vision'. A new venture could be presented to BBC/CNN/History
channel etc. However, further exploration is needed.
6.
JESCOM Secretary pointed out the number of coordinators present
and absent at the meeting. It was agreed that the Secretary
should inform the absent coordinators the feelings of those
present and take necessary action like informing the concerned
provincials /regional superiors.
7.
Though the Secretary presented a proposal for zonal meeting,
besides regular annual meeting, many felt it would not help
much.
8.
At the evaluation participants felt that meeting created a
new beginning and were happy with the interactions. Some felt
it could have been completed in two days time instead of three.
A few felt that the place was difficult to reach, though they
were happy with the board and lodge. The participants agreed
to hold the next JESCOM Meeting in Gujarat Province in the
1st week of November 2005.
