Code of Conduct for Catholic Bloggers? #1 on the list is to write "Truth with Charity"

VATICAN CITY (CNS) By Cindy Wooden

As president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Archbishop Celli presided over a four-day meeting of cardinals, bishops and Catholic media professionals to discuss -- mainly in small groups -- new pastoral guidelines for church communications.

A recurring theme during the meeting Oct. 26-29 was what constitutes Catholic communications and what, if anything, can be done about those who use the word Catholic to describe themselves while using all sorts of nasty adjectives to describe anyone who doesn't agree with them.

Archbishop Celli said he didn't think a Catholic bloggers' "code of conduct" would accomplish much, especially when what is really needed is a reflection on what it means to communicate.

Upright, ethical communication is a natural result of a sincere desire to share the truth about God, about faith and about the dignity of the human person, he said.The archbishop said that what Pope Benedict XVI has said about solidarity and development aid goes for communications as well: "Charity needs truth and truth needs charity."

Code of Conduct for Catholic Bloggers? #1 on the list is to write "Truth with Charity"

Wisdom From the Holy Father

I ran across this beautiful quote by Pope Benedict XVI.

"Wisdom does not need to impose itself by force, because it has the invincible vigor of truth and love."

I need to remember this when God puts me in a position to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and His Church. As a PK (preacher's kid) and former wife of a minister and a die-hard Protestant for 40 years, I am faced with opportunities to witness for Our Lord and His Church - almost daily. It can be a heavy burden - to think that I might be the only one my friend or family member will encounter who will stand up for Mother Church rather than tear Her down. How can I, in those fleeting moments, share in a winsome way all that I have come to love about being Catholic? Is it even possible for little ol' me to do anything - say anything - that will make a difference in their hearts?

There is divine peace available to me . . . if I would remember the Holy Father's words . . . there is no need to become frustrated or agitated when sharing the Truth with others. Truth and Love are all that is required.

The simplicity of evangelism rests in the "invincible vigor of truth and love".

Wisdom From the Holy Father