Document details

Towards Full Presence: A Pastoral Reflection on Engagement with Social Media

Vatican City: Dicastery for Communication (2023), 34 pp.
"The following pages are the result of a reflection involving experts, teachers, young professionals and leaders, lay persons, clergy, and religious. The aim is to address some of the main questions involving how Christians should engage social media. They are not meant to be precise “guidelines” for pastoral ministry in this area. The hope, instead, is to promote a common reflection about our digital experiences, encouraging both individuals and communities to take a creative and constructive approach that can foster a culture of neighbourliness. The challenge of fostering peaceful, meaningful, and caring relationships on social media prompts a discussion in academic and professional circles, as well as in ecclesial ones. What kind of humanity is reflected in our presence in digital environments? How much of our digital relationships is the fruit of deep and truthful communication, and how much is merely shaped by unquestioned opinions and passionate reactions? How much of our faith finds living and refreshing digital expressions? And who is my “neighbour” on social media?" (Page 5)
I. WATCHING OUT FOR PITFALLS ON THE DIGITAL HIGHWAYS, 6
A promised land to rediscover? -- Pitfalls to avoid -- Weaving relationships
II. FROM AWARENESS TO TRUE ENCOUNTER, 11
Intentional listeners -- Robbing our attention -- With the ear of the heart -- Discerning our Social Media Presence
III. FROM ENCOUNTER TO COMMUNITY, 17
Face to face -- On the road to Jericho -- "Go and do likewise" -- Sharing a Meal
IV. A DISTINCTIVE STYLE, 25
The what and the how: The creativity of love -- Tell it with a story -- Building community in a fragmented world -- The mark of witness