Post on 10-Jul-2015
Evangelizing &
Catechizing
the ‘Net’
GenerationJonathan F. Sullivan
Indiana Conference for Catechetical Leadership
November 3, 2014
Jonathan F. Sullivan Originally from Kansas
City suburbs
Studied at Quincy University and Aquinas Institute of Theology
Director of Catechetical Services, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Blogger at JonathanFSullivan.com
Husband and father of 6 (+1 on the way!)
Overview
Who are the “Net
Generation?”
3 myths about the
Net Generation
Net Generation’s
learning style
Strategies for
engaging online
youth
General Tips &
Internet Safety
Communication
Catechesis
Prayer
Confraternity Teacher’s Guide
(Very Rev. Joseph B. Collins, 1960)
The catechist will find that catechetical material in filmstrips, both black and white and in color, is
steadily increasing in volume. He will find satisfactory
filmstrips which correlate with courses of study and
with the catechism…
The number of catechetical subjects available on
sound motion-picture film is comparatively
limited. The teaching value of the silent movie is
greatly reduced by the fact that today pupils are accustomed to sound movies.
(emphasis mine)
Who are the “Net
Generation?”
photo by demi-brooke/Flickr
Myth: Youth are
“wasting time”
online.
photo by Jeroen Thoolen/stock.xchng
Myth: Online youth
are a
homogeneous
body.
photo by Konrad Mostert/stock.xchng
Myth: Youth don’t
care about
privacy.
photo by Robert Linder/stock.xchng
Net Generation uses
technology for…
…communication
and interaction…
image by Jason Nicholls/flickercc
…non-linear
media
consumption
image by Craig Rodway/flickercc
Strategies for Evangelization
and Catechesis“The ‘variety of methods is a sign of life and richness’ as well as a demonstration of respect for those to whom catechesis is addressed. Such variety is required by ‘the age and the intellectual development of Christians, their degree of ecclesial and spiritual maturity and many other personal circumstances’.”
- General Directory for Catechesis, no. 148
A few general suggestions:
Try the tools
Become a connection
Be open
Encourage appropriate sharing
Follow policy
Photo by somethingstartedcrazy/Flickr
Youth and the internet
What age is
appropriate?
COPPA
Internet safety
Posting pictures
Photo by escapedtowisconsin/Flickr
Communication
Photo sharing
YouTube
Start a blog
Email and text
Catechesis
Curating Resources
Evaluating online resources“Is it official?”
“Do they have a track record?”
“Is it faithful to the fullness of the Church’s teaching?”
“Does it pass the ‘smell test’?”
Keep it Limited
Keep it Fresh
Integrating
Mobile Tech
Show a video
That Catholic Show
Make a video
Prayer
Praying with New
Media
Bottom line:
Q&A
photo by Melodi T/stock.xchng
For notes and additional
resources
visit JonathanFSullivan.com