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Media wizard David Fortin's work advances Catholic Charities Appeal By MIKE GORDON, ANCHOR STAFF NEW BEDFORD - In a darkened office in downtown New Bedford, David Fortin works diligently creating videos about the Catholic Charities Appeal that nrises funds to benefit thousands of persons across the Fall River Diocese. '''Ibis is a way 1can use my talents and expertise to help Catholic Charities and further the work of the Church," said Fortin, this week's Person of the Week. "I appreciate the opportunity to work for the annual Appeal." Fortin and his wife Anne are parishioners at St. Joseph's in Fairhaven. Together they own and operate Media Image Productions Inc., creating professional programs for business, industry and education. ''We've been in business 22 years and I've always enjoyed multi-media work," he said. When The Anchor visited his office, Fortin was working on a safety training video involving shipyard accidents. He said being named a Person ofthe Week was ''unexpected.'' Fortin, a native of Fairhaven, attended Catholic schools in the diocese and graduated from Bishop Stang High School in North DartANCHOR PERSON OF THE WEEK mouth. He holds a bachelor's degree from Emerson College in Boston, where he studied communications and television production. ''I remember as a student being invited by Msgr. John F. Moore to come and watch the making of the television Mass for Channel 6. "I found that very interesting and year's later here I am." Fortin became involved with the yearbook in high school and did numerous multimedia projects for the school including slide presentations for graduation. He went on to work as a senior AV technician at Stone and Webster Engineering for five years before starting his own company. Fortin has been involved with the Appeal since 1992 and each year his video creations are shown on public access television, parishes and the appeal kickoff in several deaneries. ''It's nice to be able to work with the diocese and it feels good to do this kind of work." When he first got involved in the process, clients and service providers came to his office in New Bedford where they were interviewed and photographed. ''We did photos and live video at first," explained Fortin. "Eventually we went on location at the various ministries where we could see people being helped first-hand. We get to interview those who are directly - helped by the effort. We get to see the fruits of the labor and in the video you can see the work of Christ and the Church." Several stories made an impact on Fortin, including one woman who was a homeowner for 16 years who lost her job and ended up a the Samaritan House. Another woman and her daughter also found themselves homeless and were living at the Donovan House. Both locations are benefactors of the annual Appeal. ''We interview and ask about 15-20 questions. Then we make an audiotape and my wife creates a transcript of all that was said. Then on paper we select what we want and begin the process of editing." It's no easy task for Fortin who generally ends up with five to six hours of footage and has to edit those 330 minutes to about 12. ''We do several versions of the video," said Fortin. ''We do a 12-minute version eree. , •
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PRAYERFUL WALK - Processing with Bishop George W. Coleman, center, during feast of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, in St. Michael, Azores, are, left, Bishop Emeritus Aurelio Granada Escudeiro, former bishop of the Azores; and at right, Msgr. Antonio da Luz of Capelas, Azores, godfather to Father Henry S. Arruda, pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Taunton. At rear wearing miter is Bishop Antonio de Sousa Braga, bishop of the Azores. (Photo by Pedro Monteiro/Correio dos Ayores)
Msgr. John 1 Oliveira attends national meeting ofPontifical Missionary Societies DAVID FORTIN
SAN FRANCISCO - The National Meeting of the directors of the Pontifical Missionary Societies in the United States was held from April 24-26 in San Francisco, Calif. The meeting's theme was: "One family in mission' making a faithfilled difference at home - and around the world." Meeting annually, the directors and staff have an opportunity to interact with one another and with the National Directors from New York. Each year an annual financial report is presented and a specific mission society is highlighted. This year the Society of St. Peter the Apostle was featured. This segment of the Pontifical Mission Society exists to assist in the formation of priests in missionary areas. With the increasing vocations it is more important that the need be addressed. Msgr. John J. Oliveira, director of the Pontifical Mission Society for the Diocese of Fall River, raises money for this organization. He assigns parishes for this purpose through the Missionary Cooperative Plan in the summer months. Msgr. Jan Dumon, secretarygeneral of the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, made a presentation and Father Anthony Jayokody the rector of Our Lady of Lanka Seminary in Sri Lanka, addressed those needs how the SPA has assisted them. The Society welcomed Archbishop Henryk Hoser, the international president of the Pontifical Mission Society. National directors from Ireland, Ecuador, Zambia, the Antilles and Sri Lanka attended and
made presentations as well. The group had the opportunity to pray at Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption with Archbishop George Niederauer of San Francisco as celebrant. The Cathedral was a beautiful setting for this solemn liturgy, overlooking the city. It offers a modem and prayerful setting for celebration. Msgr. Oliveira likes to attend the meetings when possible. "It is great to see how the contributions for the Mission Societies and especially Mission Sunday collection are utilized," he said. "It also provides an opportunity to learn about the Church throughout the United States and throughout the world. It is always a great opportunity to experience the Universal Catholic Church beyond our usual areas." New at this year's meeting was a Propagation of the Faith credit card. Users of this card will automatically have one percent of their payments donated to the National Headquarters of the Mission Society. Those interested in using this card should contact the Mission Office "I take the opportunity to thank so many who assist in making Christ known throughout the world through your generosity and prayerful remembrance," said Msgr. Oliveira. "It also assists many of brothers and sisters in need to have the basic necessities of life." For those wishing to assist the missions throughout the world or support those preparing for the priesthood, contact the Propagation ofthe Faith office at 509-995-6168.
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