Vatican Dicastery seeks young talents to communicate faith through digital media

The Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See is seeking 16 “Young Potentials” to communicate the faith through digital media.  

After the fruitful two-year pilot project “Faith Communication in the Digital World”, the Dicastery is renewing its commitment to continue the experience of “learning by doing” in a synodal perspective of mutual listening and sharing about how to communicate the faith in the digital world.

Sixteen young persons will be chosen for the forthcoming batch so as to enhance their potential to communicate their faith through digital media.

Last year three young persons from Asia were part of the program. The plan for the new batch is to increase the number of participants from Asia, giving adequate representation to various countries.

The Dicastery of Communication has announced the new edition of the “Faith Communication in the Digital World – A synodal perspective” program on the website of the Dicastery:

https://www.comunicazione.va/en/progetto-faith-communication-in-the-digital-world-terza-edizione.html 

Aims

• To promote best practices of spiritual formation and spread the inspiration for new and effective ways of Faith Communication through digital media.
• To foster the exchange of gifts with regions/countries where the Church faces. marginalization; this year, we are focusing primarily on the Asian region.
• To build awareness of how Catholics, particularly the younger generation, use digital media in daily life.

Activities/commitment required

• Series of pre-scheduled online meetings and individual work assignments for the interim period of May 2023 – March 2024; at least two days a week would be required (one day – mainly Fridays – for lectures and the rest of the time for individual and group work).
• One residential week in Rome in September 2023 for full-time activities (specific dates will be decided after the selection process, travel and other expenses will be covered).

Why apply?

The group of young communicators will be able to:
• Undergo a unique vocational training experience, starting with a pastoral reflection on digital media engagement.
• Participate in a “learning by doing” experience in a synodal dialogue, to foster inclusion and listening to the needs and hopes of people, in line with Jesus’ predication and with the Magisterium of Pope Francis.
 • Gain both content and communication expertise in using digital media for spiritual and pastoral purposes. They will receive lectures and coaching on specific topics, enabling them to develop practical skills for working in Catholic organizations, institutions, congregations, and local Church provinces to better communicate the faith and to effectively serve the Church’s mission.
• Take part in the development of concrete communication plans and tools. They will also participate in a discussion and hands-on activities – together with internationally renowned experts – about best practices for using digital tools in communicating the faith.
• Obtain a certificate of participation in the project “Faith Communication in the Digital World – A Synodal Perspective” from the Dicastery.

Selection criteria

• Maximum 35 years of age.
• Minimum Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Advanced English skills (B2 Level of CEFR or equivalent, e.g. IELTS score of 5.5): the working language of the entire program will be English.
• Experience in communication and digital media.
• Proven creative skills, especially in one of the following areas: communication strategy, visual/graphic design, and copywriting  (to be specified in the CV).
• A solid Catholic background: the ideal candidate is serving or is willing to serve in a Catholic community in the field of communication.
• A letter of motivation.
• A letter of recommendation from an ecclesiastical authority or a Catholic organization (Catholic universities included).
• Samples of previous and/or present work, i.e., articles written/published, photos, graphics design, and links to other resources.

When/where to apply

Not later than April 21st, 2023 by sending a CV, letter of motivation, letter of recommendation, recent passport-size photo, and work samples to this email address: faith.communication@spc.va

Selection process

• The Dicastery for Communication will first examine all the CVs/Applications based on the selection criteria.
• Selected candidates will be invited to participate in an online interview.
• The final decision will be communicated by e-mail to the 16 chosen candidates by May 10th, 2023