“It’s important for religion to be online,” said Sister Patricia Phillips, SHCJ, Executive Director of Wordnet. “It’s where everyone is. We will do everything in our power to be there.”
The use of media to spread the Good News has been a primary element of Fr. Manning’s priestly ministry for decades. He has achieved success in television media with his program “The Power of Love,” as the lone Catholic voice on the famed Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).
Meanwhile, Fr. Porter has launched “Divine Intervention,” a reality series produced by Lighthouse Blues Productions that captures his unique zeal and inspiring ministry to God’s people through life’s turbulent and joyful moments. The show focuses on difficult issues faced by ordinary people, both Catholic and non-Catholic, such as addiction, loss of loved ones and child abuse.
“My whole philosophy is to show people what priests in the 21st Century are up to, the kinds of situations we are faced with,” Father Porter said. “I hope they walk away with a feeling that there’s hope.”
The show launched on June 3 as part of CatholicTV’s summer season. CatholicTV is a 24/7 television network that broadcasts local and national religious programming and live events through its web site, mobile apps and widget. Some cable television systems, primarily on the east coast, offer CatholicTV.
Divine Intervention airs Mondays at 9 p.m., Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and Fridays at 2 a.m. The show’s latest episodes are also available on the website catholictv.com. Fr. Porter says CatholicTV has asked for an additional slate of episodes for the Fall.
Most of the programming currently being streamed on Wordnet’s new web channel has been self-produced at their San Bernardino studio. Wordnet is reaching out to others and hopes to offer shows created by other Catholic producers starting in August. So far they have received interest and commitments from 50 producers, Sr. Phillips said.
Father Soney Sebastian, SVD, Director of Production at Wordnet, is in talks with members of the Society of Divine Word serving around the world, searching for content that may also be relevant and appealing to viewers.
Current videos cover several themes and topics, including scripture, youth-to-adult offerings, preaching and prayer, and music and film among others. Wordnet expects to produce original programs and include interfaith and youth programing in the future.
“We know that life has changed drastically and we believe Catholic media has to be online,” Sr. Phillips said. “It’s challenging and it’s fun.”
Fr. Porter says he believes he has achieved the initial goal for his show of reaching people who are not necessarily practicing their faith, those in turmoil and in great need of God’s love and guidance.
“I’ve had a tremendous response from people who are hurting in the same way that the show depicts,” Fr. Porter says.
Several years in the making, Fr. Porter was interested in using current forms of mass communication to reach a greater number of people.
“Pope Francis is telling us to get out of the churches and go talk to people who aren’t Catholic, to carry the message,” Father Porter said. “That’s what I am trying to do.”