Three West Windsor youth are involved in Realfaith TV under the auspices of the Diocese of Trenton. “The teen talk show, now entering its seventh season, has nearly all the ingredients necessary to reach its young audience,” says Rayanne Bennett, director of public relations for the Diocese of Trenton. “The topics highlighted are timely and in the news today.” The show, broadcast in five states, is available 24/7 at www.realfaithtv.com.##M:[more]## Each episode features a specific theme and upcoming episodes discuss peer pressure, being in a new school, teen pregnancy, sportsmanship, coping with criticism, sexual harassment, divorce, and cyber bullying. “With an overall goal of helping teens connect faith to their lives, the show has had an impact not only on the audiences it reaches, but on the teens who help to produce the show,” says Bennett.
Ciara Schoenauer, a freshman at High School South, has lived in West Windsor for nine years. She became involved as a studio guest with RealFaith TV this past summer. “I come in for shows that I feel comfortable talking about, or have a personal experience with to answer questions,” she says.
Christina Dunn, a sophomore at High School North, has lived in West Windsor for close to 13 years now. She also got involved as a studio guest with RealFaith this summer. “I got involved when the youth minister at my parish recommended I try it, and gave me one of the applications,” she says. “The program is really cool, because it helps teens relate to their faith by watching their peers give advice, and listening to other teenagers’ suggestions on how to use faith to guide them in the real world.”
Ian Clark, a senior at High School North, has lived in West Windsor for eight years. He has participated both as a studio guest and a host, and has been involved since the summer before his sophomore year.
“Each show usually has a few ‘teens on the street’ segments taped at the Seaside Heights Boardwalk. This is the part of the program where we get feedback from teenagers at random and get their opinions, thoughts, or beliefs on the particular topic,” says Marianne Hartman, director of the Office of Radio and Television, Diocese of Trenton. “Another on-location segment includes a spotlight guest whose interview is videotaped earlier and edited.”
Ian and Ciara both were guests on an episode titled “Words to Live By,” featuring in studio guest, Bishop, John M. Smith. This show will be kicking off the second half of the season on February 10. “Words to Live By” was about whether or not you have a saying or motto for your life, and if there is a saying, motto, or scriptural passage that encourages you in your life. “Bishop Smith talked about his scriptural motto and coat of arms, and along with other studio guests, also shared the best words of advice they ever received and the people who offered the advice, quotes that inspired them, Bible passages that have inspired them, and how the Word of God helps them to live a happy life and make better decisions,” says Hartman.
