As the esteemed Fr. Z notes, it’s a “vicar of online ministry.”
He makes a persuasive case (one, sadly, most dioceses will likely dismiss or ignore) that the future lies in the electronic pulpit — the one you’re giving attention to right now.
And he concludes that Christ himself was a communications pioneer:
Our Lord asked to be let out on the water in a little boat at the end of a line so that He could address a much larger crowd on the shore. He thereby gave us the first example of “on-line ministry” (cf Mark 4). He used technology to address a wider audience.We must contribute not merely more of the same to the digital pulse of this age. We must find ways to adjust the very frequency of that digital pulse. We need what Pope Benedict called a “‘diaconate of culture’ on today’s ‘digital continent’”.
Read the rest. It’s well worth your time.
posted November 21, 2009 at 9:52 pm
I am not a fan of his but that is outstanding!
posted November 22, 2009 at 10:23 am
I agree that every diocese and parish should and needs to use technology in their ministry. My only concern is that it is used wisely.
I just hope that in a frenzy to incorporate new technology that it doesn’t become over used in areas where there is no need for it (i.e the Mass). Holy liturgy and a well planned and delivered homily is what people are hungry for and is what gives a person a sense of peace, hope, and joy that is sustained……
Technology is wonderful and must be used in the church’s mission, but discernment in how it is used is a must.
posted November 22, 2009 at 10:42 am
I echo Deacon Pat Kearns comment. I must say that it is my experience, after two years of blogging and one year of Facebook, that there are many, many powerful connections to be made in our online faith journeys.
There are opportunities for evangelizing and community building and technology is a tremendous resource for all kinds of Catechesis.
I have been richly blessed to meet and pray with many of my online faith friends in person, Deacon Greg Kandra among them. Real presence must never take a back seat to anything “virtual” about the Eucharist and life.
posted November 23, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I think this would be a good idea for the people who cannot come and hear the preacher or want information as to what is going on in the church or with the pastor and his church. It would also be very valuable to let people know who you are and where you are coming from.
Some people just can’t come face to face and ask questions or think about them right at the moment but can come up with them later on.