Contact: Ashley Walker, 678-990-9032; Christine Schicker, 404-610-8871; both with The Maximus Group

ATLANTA, June 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- During the 42nd World Communications Day, Pope Benedict XVI stated that, "The new media - telecommunications and Internet in particular - are changing the very face of communication; perhaps this is a valuable opportunity to reshape it!"

Following the encouragement of Pope Benedict, as well as Pope John Paul II before him, the first-ever Catholic New Media Celebration will be held in Atlanta on June 22, 2008, the day after the Eucharistic Congress, an annual event hosted by the Archdiocese of Atlanta which attracts between 20,000 – 25,000 Catholics from across the Southeast.

Greg Willits, COO of the Star Quest Production Network and host of the event suggested anyone with an interest in new media should attend. "Our motto is come for the Eucharistic Congress, stay for the Catholic New Media Celebration," urges Willits.

Held at the Georgia International Convention Center, the Catholic New Media Celebration is a day to learn, share, and explore how new media can help the Catholic Church in the New Evangelization called for by Pope John Paul II. Parishes, dioceses, and other Catholic organizations are encouraged to send representatives to learn more about how the latest technologies can assist both religious and laypeople in evangelization efforts.

"It is amazing how much new media - such as podcasting, blogs, and other technologies - have helped people grow in their faith and grow closer to God," says Willits, who with his wife Jennifer created the popular "That Catholic Show" video series and co-hosts the award-winning Rosary Army Catholic Podcast. "We want the Catholic New Media Celebration to be exactly that - a celebration of this technology for the people who use it, as well as for those who create it."

In the spirit of Pope John Paul II's writings regarding the New Evangelization, the Catholic New Media Celebration is a day of sharing the latest technologies and techniques used to creatively and effectively invite others to grow in the Catholic faith through new and modern ways, not only in parishes and dioceses, but throughout the whole world.

Scheduled speakers include the music group Popple, Fr. Leo Patalinghug (Grace Before Meals), Jerry Usher (Catholic Answers Live), Mark Shea (Blogger and Author), Amy Welborn (Blogger and Author), Jeff Miller (Blogger), Fr. Roderick Vonhögen (Catholic Insider and Daily Breakfast), and Lino Rulli (Sirius Satellite Catholic Channel)

Registration and admission for both the Eucharistic Congress as well as the Catholic New Media Celebration are free. Participants can register online at www.celebration.sqpn.com. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Lisa Wheeler at The Maximus Group, lwheeler@maximusmg.com or by phone at 678-990-9032.

For more information about the Catholic New Media Celebration or to schedule an interview with Greg Willits, please contact Christine Schicker at 404-610-8871 or Ashley Walker at 678-990-9032, both with the Maximus Group.