From the crowds outside the Pope’s balcony who were taking his picture with cell phones and iPads to the millions of people tweeting and posting comments on his election, this papal election was a new media event.
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Doing Our Part to Have a Catholic Presence on the Web
Two weeks ago, I published my 100th post. In the world of blogging that may not seem like a lot, but to me it is an accomplishment. I am writing this blog to encourage people in ministry to use the Internet and social media to support their efforts. We all have to move forward in using technology for mission and ministry. We have to learn with each other and from…
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Year of Faith on the Internet—a Slow Start
A few months ago, I wrote on the Year of Faith hoping to surface institutions and individuals who would be using the Internet and social media to call attention to the renewal initiated by the Second Vatican Council 50 years ago and to deepen our understanding of the Catholic faith using the Catechism of the Catholic Church published 20 years ago. Now that the Year of Faith has been officially…
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Which Question About Social Media Needs Our Answer?
Is social media easy? That’s what some people in Catholic ministry ask. Others ask if it is a waste of time—a lot of effort for nothing or even “dangerous.” A growing number of us are recognizing that social media can be a tool for ministry and believe that eventually it will be considered an essential tool. Many other religious groups and non-profits as well as businesses have come to that…
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Using Social Media in Ministry is About Loving Your People
Valerie Deveza, a blogger and in-bound marketing guru, stresses in her writings the importance of falling in love with the people you serve and using the best tools to reach them. She is talking to business people about social media, but this is also true for people in ministry. In using social media for business and for mission, we must remember that it is about building relationships and providing content…
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Creating Internet Buzz for Your Cause or Mission
One of the main tenets of Catholic Web Solutions is that we can use the Internet and social media to advance our mission and raise awareness about our causes in ways that we could not do before they existed. This past Sunday, April 29, 2012, was the 49th annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Last year, my search for Internet buzz for the 48th World Day of Prayer for…