Evangelizing and Catechizing the 'Net' Generation

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

Facebook

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