SSCS, as it may come to be known, is the basic framework for the Salesian Congregation's development of the communications sector of its activity.  Copies are now arriving in each Province. 

    It was only at GC25 in 2002 that social communications, to use the favoured Church term for (Mass) Media, became a sector and department in its own right.

    The document is particularly readable and practical - each section contains a set of clearly stated policies and desired praxis.  While summarising the state of social communications within the Congregation, as it has developed in line with the Church's thinking (particularly Aetatis Novae of 1992), the document breaks new ground.

    The application of 'system' to communications might seem commonplace, but Salesians, at least until Fr Vecchi's time as Rector Major, had reserved the term only for 'the Preventive System'.  Fr Vecchi began to widen its application, Fr Martinelli built on that, and the current Councillor, in a down-to-earth manner, has further developed it.  He has also introduced the concept of educommunication and ecosystems of communication.  These terms are clearly explained in the booklet.

    SSCS outlines the functioning of the system, especially in terms of animation, formation, information and production.  It then explains how the system needs to be organised at all levels, from the General Council to the local community.  A particularly useful appendix of key documents of the Salesian Society, and a checklist for province delegates brings the booklet to a close.

    Though in the initial mailing only two copies are likely to reach each province, the booklet is cheaply and readily available on request from the Centre - cost is around 2 Euro.