May 5, 2010. She’s the face and the voice behind the U.S. Bishops Conference. Helen Osman has worked as their spokesperson since 2007.
Helen Osman
USCCB Spokesperson
“The primary reason why I accepted this job is because I have four adult children they are of course Catholic and I think its important for me to keep the church relevant to them and their lives.”
Relevant to their lives, the lives of young people and especially the internet world. Speaking at the 7th annual International Congress for Church Communications at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, Osman stressed how social networks and the digital age come with new opportunities to reach out but also new challenges.
Helen Osman
USCCB Spokesperson
“The impact that social media, web 2.0 not only within the Church but that’s in our societies in general its something very new and exciting for some people and fighting’s for others.”
The U.S. bishops are continuing to take their message to the masses by making thousands friends on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Prior to this position, Osman was the head of the communications department at the diocese in Austin Texas where she also helped develop a program to prevent sex abuse in the Church, a program that now serves as a model for the Church nationwide.
Osman stresses, that at a time when the Church is facing a sex abuse crisis, the Church’s message needs to be clear and simple.
Helen Osman
USCCB Spokesperson
“If we speak the truth, it all works and that sounds very simplistic but its so true, if you simply say, we care about those who are wounded we care about our children and we will do everything we can do measure sure they are safe.”
A simple message Osman says can be just as powerful at the pulpit, in front a room full of journalists or a web of social networks.
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