Claudia+Social+Networking+Assignment+2

Assignment #2
Expected time to complete reading and the written assignment: 15 - 45 minutes

Your assignment for this segment is to post a SHORT reflection paragraph about what you learned from reading ONE of the church publications listed below. Your reflection can be about anything you found interesting or relevant to your ministry in your reading. For example, you could reflect on your role as a catechist in maintaining a safe online environment in compliance with the diocesan guidelines. Or you could reflect on the themes related to moral responsibility that you read about in Inter Mirifica. Choose something that is interesting and relevant to you.


 * [|World Communications Day Message 2014]
 * [|USCCB Guidelines for Use of Social Media]
 * [|Diocese of St. Petersburg, Guidelines for Social Networking, 2011]
 * [|Inter Mirifica]

Kellie De Leo - Reflection on Social Media Use

I love the fact that we as a church have another tool to be able evangelize. I am concerned that people take what is out on the internet as the gospel truth without researching further. I know this gives us the tool to engage in dialogue with people to help help them see the truth. I like what Pope Francis say at World Communication Day - " Effective Christian Witness is not about bombarding people with religious messages, but about our willingness to be available to others "by patiently and respectfully engaging their questions and their doubts as they advance in their search for trugh and the meaning of human existence." I know using social media will help me as Director of Faith Formation for children evangelize our parents and have better communication with them.

Linda Anderson - Reflection on Social Media Use vrs. Abuse As I read a couple of the articles I was first a little shocked to see the Church (Rome & Pope) as open to the idea of social media as is stated in the writings. My own parish doesn't seem to be looking at this communication tools for what it can do. They instead seem to focus on the pitfalls - i.e. lack of human touch, safety problems, and other negative effects. It was great to see that some have really been working with this tool and have broke ground for the "slow to follow" group. The articles also showed there has to be knowledge and reflection before stepping into the scene if the tool is to be used effectively and safety. Awareness and education are definitely important. The possibilities though are exciting!

Mary Smith--Inter Mirifica For not all knowledge is helpful, but "it is charity that edifies."(Cor 8:1, Inter Mirifica #5) I enjoyed reading all the articles, but chose this one to reflect on because of the importance of basic principles. We can all try to do great things in the world and to build up the Kingdom, but if we lose sight of fundamental principles, we are lost. In the document Inter Mirifica the Church takes on and stresses the importance of moral responsibility. This responsibility rest not only with producers of information, but also with all readers and contributors. We need to take time to process and reflect on what we read and see... "They should, moreover, endeavor to deepen their understanding of what they see, hear or read. They should discuss these matters with their teachers and experts, and learn to pass sound judgments on them."(Inter Mirifica #10) I like that this document challenges us all to do this...not only the "Church" but the world.

José Amaya -World Communications Day Message 2014 I read each of the four documents but will comment about the World Communications Day Message 2014. The Church recognizes that the digital social media is a gift from God to be used for connecting with neighbors around the world without forgetting those who may not have access to technology and without becoming isolated ourselves. The document states that "In a world like this, media can help us to feel closer to one another, creating a sense of the unity of the human family which can in turn inspire solidarity and serious efforts to ensure a more dignified life for all. Good communication helps us to grow closer, to know one another better, and ultimately, to grow in unity." Pope Francis invites us to "boldly become citizens of the digital world". We must bring Christ to the digital continent. This is evident in my ministry with the miitary families. I may not be able to meet in person those I collaborated with and support aroudn the world but I am connected with them through techonology. However, a personal face to face encounter will never be replaced by technology. The sense of closeness and unity experienced in person is rather unique. Although I am connected with you through the windows of the boot camp, it was a delight to meet Claudia McIvor in person. I use technology to connect with my friends and family around the world and it inspires me to visit in person.

Dolly Vail – USCCB Guidelines for Use of Social Media While reading Pope Benedict’s statement from 2009 on social media, I felt a sense of relief. I hear so much about social media in a negative context, I needed to hear that our spiritual leader thinks it has great potential. Starting new friendships and expanding one's knowledge base are not the end goals. Human relationships and sharing of ideas are at their best when used to develop real community. Social Media becomes a valid and successful tool when it is employed to spread the Good News and grow a community of faith. We are encouraged to be accountable with our use of social media. That's not too much to ask.

Maura L. Sweeney - World Day of Communications Message 2014 What struck me most is Francis' affirmation that "...Communication is ultimately a human rather than technological achievement." I firmly believe that if our communication and network building is superficial and does not as the pope encourages lead us to be "genuinely attentive in listening to others" that we will have missed a tremendous gift from God. We are fortunate to live in this place and time where we can come to know people from all over the world from diverse experiences. Sometimes I fear that words printed on a page can not communicate the depth of caring we need to have for others. For example I can write that my policy is to never turn any family away from our religious ed program based upon their ability to pay tuition. but until they meet me face to face and I show that I care for their family many will doubt this truth. These new forms of communication are like a double edged sword, efficient at sending big messages but not really designed for the delicate work of pastoral care. They can bring us together but ultimately we will sometimes need to be face to face and arm in arm. While a word or a picture can move us to action or invited us to come forward sometimes it takes presence to heal. I think it will be a challenge to balance the desire to go spread the Word in big ways while making sure not to neglect being available in person for those who need us.

// Post your reflection paragraph below using the following format: //

** Your name. Name of the document you read. Your Reflection. **
KKHuey - - Diocese of St. Peterburg guidelines. I have been very concerned as is everyone else about safety on the internet with our young people. What really struck me was the paragraph "They must be taught and be expected to report violations of their electronic safe environment just as they are of their physical environment. Similarly they need to be instructed in their responsibility as participants in the conversation of social media within the Church. Just as young people are corrected when they violate the norms and expectations of a school or any community (including the possibility of disciplinary measures), so must they also be for misuse of the social media resources of the parish, school, or the diocese. I can't let fear of the unknown keep us away from a powerful evangelization tool. The answer is and always has been information and formation for and about safety on the sites.

Barbara F. [|Diocese of St. Petersburg, Guidelines for Social Networking, 2011] (SECTION:: ** Use **** in **** Ministry **** to **** Young **** People **)

The responsibility that Social Media places on the volunteer Catechist or the Catholic school teacher is tremendous. We, appropriately, must be aware of our language, manner of speaking, information, etc. BUT we must also "police" the postings of the students in our classes AND "appropriately" discipline a child who improperly uses Social Media. I can understand the resistance of DREs and other parish leaders who do not want to have this additional responsibility to correct young people "when they violate the norms and expectations . . . for misuse of the social media resources of the parish, school, or the diocese." My parish's elementary & middle school Faith Formation classes do not have access to the internet. Our elderly volunteers (we have many in their 70's and 80's) who are wonderful teachers without all the glitz of today's technology. If individuals READ __all__ the diocesan guidelines AND __all__ the fine print of the many legal agreements for numerous software applications, we would be astounded to what we "agree to and are responsible for." I desire to use technology that's why I am in this class. However in my Faith Formation classroom I am restricted to a TV and DVD player. Until the young people of today start filling the Church with their technological gifts in service of evangelization and other aspects of ministry, large numbers of the current clerical leaders are not likely to seek out and promote extensive use of Social Media and other forms of computer technology.


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