Sail the Digital Sea: Does Tech Matter for Ministry?

Name some of the technology developments over the course of…. The last five years? The years since you were in high school/college? The years since you were a child? The more things change…

…the more they stay the same Who said it? “We have fallen upon evil times; the world has waxed old and wicked. Politics are very corrupt. Children are no longer respectful to their elders. Each man wants to make himself conspicuous and write a book.” Found on a tablet at the Imperial Museum of Constantinople, from Naram Sim, Turkey, circa 5000 BC

…the more they stay the same

Where we live now:

“Without fear we must set sail on the digital sea facing into the deep with the same passion that has governed the ship of the Church for two thousand years. Rather than for, albeit necessary, technical resources, we want to qualify ourselves by living in the digital world with a believer’s heart, helping to give a soul to the Internet’s incessant flow of communication.” Pope Benedict XVI, April 2010

"A culture of encounter demands that we be ready not only to give, but also to receive. Media can help us greatly in this, especially nowadays, when the networks of human communication have made unprecedented advances. The Internet, in particular, offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity... This is something truly good. A gift from God.“ Pope Francis, January 2014

Language & literacy  communication & connection

Worried? Overwhelmed? Don’t be! "I have to tell you the truth. I am a disaster with machines. I am not able to use computers. What an embarrassment, right?“ Pope Francis, February 2015

Our plan today: Administrative tools: technology that makes your life easier (not harder!) Social media tools: communication to strengthen relationships in ministry Lightning round: quick-hit topics Q & A