As the Assumptionist Center in Brighton, MA continued its Sunday ‘conversations’ series, the most recent topic explored media and Assumptionist publications as a ministry serving the Church.

Historically, Church leaders have always had a special mandate from Jesus to proclaim, “that the Kingdom of God is at hand,” in every possible way, including and especially for us through the printed word. In today’s world of rapidly expanding means of technological communication, the publishing world is facing very difficult challenges.

The Assumptionists have always had a strong commitment to the ministry of the press in communicating the Good News. Since our earliest beginnings in France, our own publishing house, Bayard Press, has grown throughout the world, including here in the U.S.

Catholic Digest is the flagship publication of Bayard – U.S. and so it was with great pleasure and joy that the Center’s community, residents and guests welcomed Mr. Dan Connors, editor-in-chief of Catholic Digest and Mr. Brett Thomas, CEO of Bayard – U.S. on a recent Sunday.

In his presentation, Dan expounded on the challenge of Catholic publishers to re-imagine the Gospel today for particular audiences in a cultural context, as we have done in the past. This is no easy feat since our world and society are changing at such a rapid pace. But though we are so fragmented in many ways, we must tell ‘the Story, the Jesus story’ in compelling new ways. We must help people connect the original ‘Story’ to their story, especially if we are preachers, teachers, church ministers and leaders.

An animated discussion followed which led into a shared delicious brunch.