OUR FOUNDING VISION TODAY: THE NEED TO BE COURAGEOUS IN USING ALL POSSIBLE METHODS OF COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA

We will always be close to the people with whom we work, taking into account their values and aspirations. To seek out new ways for the Word of God to reach their hearts often calls for daring; to present Gospel demands in all clarity should never intimidate us.

CC&RR. Constitution 8

At the congress of Mission with Youth, the current way of “seeking new ways for the Word of God to reach hearts” via social media was addressed. St Eugene, who used every possible means to communicate the Gospel in his time, would have loved being around today to use every available eletronic means possible.

In getting this message out we want to be courageous in using all the accessible methods of communication and social media. We know the dangers these resources have, but we want to work together with you to encourage all types of media to be an edifying source of God’s word to all its users, not tools to enslave them. For this to happen we must work towards well-made and sustained media ministry directed to all the youth in all accessible forms.

The participants of the Second International Oblate Congress on Mission with Youth.

logo-youth-conference

“The great challenge facing us today is to learn once again how to talk to one another, not simply how to generate and consume information. The latter is a tendency which our important and influential modern communications media can encourage. Information is important, but it is not enough.”   Pope Francis

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2 Responses to OUR FOUNDING VISION TODAY: THE NEED TO BE COURAGEOUS IN USING ALL POSSIBLE METHODS OF COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    I suppose it’s always a way of how one looks at something, especially something new. I think of the Oblates and other groups who have dared to use social media to share and inform, to teach and to enliven. It depends on how it is given but even more on how it is received. It is like anything else that is new and it might be in how we look at it. The small image this morning – is it of a world crushing down and a load on the young people. Or is it of young people together holding up and sharing, of young people joining in and taking part in.

    It always amazes me, awes me who and what God uses to speak to us, to inspire us. This place here, where we come each morning, to take-in, to read and reflect and begin our day. It can be passive or it can be active.

    It has become a part of my daily prayer ritual. It is like a traditional way of learning and being, a classroom where we are introduced to new ideas and ways of being and we can try them out or not – it depends on each of us. A classroom where ideas and thoughts are shared and explored. But it is a new way – do I fear it or welcome it?

  2. Jack Lau, OMI says:

    Thanks Frank for this timely reflection. I haven’t heard how the chapter will use media and communications in a new way. I may be happening. The use of media for the charism symposium was great. Thanks.

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