The Dicastery for Communications at the Vatican recently published “Towards Full Presence: A Pastoral Reflection on Engagement with Social Media. ”
The opening paragraph states: “Advancements in technology have made new kinds of human interactions possible. In fact, the question is no longer whether to engage with the digital world, but how.” (#1)
Whether you are a lead agent for your parish, school or organization, one who participates for leisure, or if you are resistant to using social media, there is much on which to reflect while reading this message.
The aim is respond to the question of “how Christians should engage social media.” (#5) It discusses some of the “pitfalls” of social media, but also many opportunities for building relationships and witnessing our faith. It encourages us to bear “witness to the joy that the Lord gives to us.” (#80)
The document can be found online, in English at:
https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/dpc/documents/20230528_dpc-verso-piena-presenza_en.html#
in Spanish at:
https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/dpc/documents/20230528_dpc-verso-piena-presenza_es.html
and six other languages (click on the top right of the website page.)
May this document provide insights and ideas as you engage with social media. May it affirm the Good News that you already share on your posts. May it inspire you to share more of God’s love through the digital world. As Jesus said in Acts of the Apostles 1:8: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Or at least as far as your social media posts reach!)
