Happy New Year! Happy New Decade! I cannot believe that the turn of the century was 20 years ago and that we are, at this moment, living through the ever changing and continuing technical revolution. It is a good time to reflect on how these changes have impacted our lives, our relationships and our ministries. In particular, as I reflect on the state of online faith-based ministry, I ask myself…
Category: Digital Age
14 Posts
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50 Years of Internet
The Internet as we know it today, started out as a means for researchers to connect with data on large, powerful computers at a distance. The first “connection” was on October 29, 1969. The effort was funded by ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency). Research computers at two then four universities were the first to be connected. In time more computers were added and eventually the “ARPANET” paved the way for…
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Social Media and Your Faith Life, Pastoral Ministry in the Digital Age Part 6
Responses to a poll conducted by America Magazine via Facebook, Twitter and their email newsletter in September 2017, found that 70% of the respondents answered positively to the question “Has social media helped you grow closer to God?”* Positive respondents praised Pope Francis for his use of social media and reported that access to Catholic sources through social media was very helpful to them. Of the 30% who answered the…
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Good Stories: Pastoral Ministry in the Digital Age Part 5
Everyone loves a good story. Jesus was a master story teller. Stories concretize and humanize the lessons and messages we share with each other. We all have stories to tell. That is why the fifth challenge that comes to Pastoral Ministry in this digital age according to Antonio Spardaro, SJ in his book, Friending God: Social Media, Spirituality and Community makes perfect sense. Pastoral ministry in the digital age is…
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Be Witnesses: Pastoral Ministry in the Digital Age Part 3
The third challenge that comes to Pastoral Ministry in this digital age according to Antonio Spardaro, SJ in his book, Friending God: Social Media, Spirituality and Community is: Pastoral ministry in the digital age is [needs to be] “a ministry of witness rather than a ministry of transmission.” Page 65
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People First: Pastoral Ministry in the Digital Age Part 2
The second challenge that comes to Pastoral Ministry in this digital age according to Antonio Spardaro, SJ in his book, Friending God: Social Media, Spirituality and Community is: Pastoral ministry in the digital age is [needs to be] “a ministry centered around people rather than a ministry focused on content.” Page 65