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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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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Listening is the First Stage in Planning Our Online Presence
As more and more communication takes place on the Internet, organizations and ministries are recognizing that not all websites, social media sites, or blogs are equal. Some are more effective than others. Some are really good and others are really bad. What makes the difference? One of the variables has to be the planning process that brings a site to life. To be successful on the Internet whether we have…
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Use Web-Analytic Tools to Improve Web Presence
Many ministries already have a presence on the Internet and others are considering it. To be effective in this presence, it is important to implement best practices in web-based technologies to present the message, attract readers and engage them in conversations and relationships rooted in the gospel. There are several free analytic tools that can help to measure a website’s effectiveness in terms of reach and influence. I discuss two…
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The Church and New Media
Brandon Vogt’s new book, “The Church and New Media: Blogging Converts, Online Activists, and Bishops who Tweet”, released in August 2011 by Our Sunday Visitor is getting good reviews for good reasons. The twelve contributors are all pioneers in the use of social media for sharing our Catholic faith. They share what they have learned and how they want to move forward in using new media for good. Their contributions…
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Sisters Learn Social Media Tools for Communication and Ministry
One of the things I love most about being a woman religious and more specifically a Sister of Notre Dame is all of the wonderful women with whom I share that vocation. From my earliest recollection of sisters through my years of formation and ministry —I have been constantly amazed at the courage, imagination and ingenuity of sisters in forging new paths and using new methods to proclaim the Good…