Award-winning Catholic author meets with diocesan communicators

^{Source: Diocese of Nottingham}

Around 40 delegates, attending the first ever diocesan ‘Communications Conference’, were granted the unique opportunity to engage with American commentator Katie Prejean McGrady, who delivered a thought-provoking online talk on the power of the digital age in evangelisation and human connection.

During her live talk, McGrady emphasised that advances in technology were a gift to those hoping to encounter Jesus and that no such opportunity had existed in the Church before the age of the internet and social media.

She encouraged participants not to view the digital world “from the lens of ‘that’s where the crazy stuff happens’ or ‘that’s where people argue’…but instead, ‘that’s a place where I can go and encounter a person, can see them, I can speak to them, can love them and I can show them the love of Christ.’”

McGrady explained: “Because of the beauty of the internet, I can have a family because I met a guy online; people can engage with the words of the Holy Father; I can sit in England and talk to you about the digital world from the United States of America and we can engage with one another. There’s a gift in this moment and that brings us to this opportunity that we have to recognise; never before in human history have we been able to so easily meet one another.”

She went on to ask: “So, what do we do with that? What do we do with the meeting? What do we do with that moment of ‘I can talk to you over there’ ‘you can talk to me over here’….what could happen when we recognise that in these moments of being able to engage like we never have before, we actually have the opportunity to communicate Christ and perhaps change a heart, save a life, invite someone into their own encounter with Jesus?”

Participants at the day were a diverse group, coming from different schools and organisations, including the Diocesan Youth Service, Cafod, the Legion of Mary, and many parishes from across the Diocese of Nottingham.

The day was organised by members of the Diocesan Communication’s Department, who hired Bishop’s House at St Barnabas Cathedral to facilitate the day’s events.

The day began with a continental breakfast buffet, excellent coffee and a wide selection of tea.

Along with Katie Prejean McGrady, speakers included Nazar Al-Samarai, Director of Peter’s House and Eve who founded the social media campaign, ‘Let’s Make A Difference’ stemming from her experience of autism and selective mutism.

While Nazar led a workshop on Communication and Mission, Eve’s workshop focused on conveying emotion through the use of sign language.

Michelle Thomas of the Diocesan Youth Service and Liz Gutierrez also organised a workshop on the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence.

Before breaking for lunch, Bishop Patrick McKinney celebrated Mass in the Cathedral where he bestowed the Jubilee blessing for communication workers, on all those present.

During his homily, he appealed to the congregation to be ‘communicators of hope.’ He said: “All of us without exception are called to communicate our faith, more by the way we live our lives each day, but when needed also with words of hope and encouragement. May we all be, not just pilgrims of hope but also ambassadors of hope, to others.”

Commenting on the day, Naomi Archer-Roberts, Director of Communications said: “Today was a wonderful testament to the power of communication. All the talks were so positive and inspiring and united us all in our passion for ensuring that digital communication is used to unite us in our shared love of Christ and his Church, and our desire to help others to know Him.”

What’s in store for Communications Day 2026? Well, it is hoped that more events similar this will occur in the years to come, at a variety of locations across the diocese, so watch this space…