Dear colleagues,

Christmas has a special meaning for those whose vocation is communications. God “spoke” to humanity in the Incarnation. By becoming one of us, the Word becoming flesh, God tells us of his great love for each of us. It is the ultimate “messaging concept!”

Communications is an essential aspect of our faith. The relationship of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a core doctrine of Christianity. And there is no relationship, divine or human, without communication!

Too often our Church leaders consider communication to be something like dessert after a meal. It’s to be brought out for special occasions, but for everyday budgets and activities, it’s not necessary. Instead, we should be thinking of communications as essential vitamins and minerals for our daily diet – the “essence” of what we are as Church, a part of every endeavor and initiative.

As we begin a new year in the Church, SIGNIS is renewing its support of our members, especially in their core mission as Christian communicators. If you haven’t already read about it, please visit our website and consider volunteering to be a member of one of our six Desks (see this article). This is a direct result of work by our members to encourage more networking and community-building. But it can’t be successful if you don’t engage!

I also want to take this opportunity to remind all of us of the upcoming World Communication Day message. “’The truth will set you free’ (Jn 8:32) -- Fake news and journalism for peace” is the theme for WCD 2018, May 13, 2018. The message is traditionally released on the feast of St. Francis de Sales, Jan. 24, so those of us in Catholic communications can strategize and develop useful resources around the message. I’m especially delighted to be in Lourdes on Jan. 24th-26th, for the French Catholic Media’s “International St. Francis de Sales Days;” I look forward to seeing some old friends and making many new ones!

I am grateful to have the opportunity to earn my livelihood working on messaging concepts such as “The truth will set you free!” I hope you also find reasons to be thankful for your vocation and the blessings in your life during this Christmas season.

With my best wishes for a joyful Christmas and a holy New Year,

Helen Osman,

SIGNIS President