The Church and Internet

Pontifical Council for Social CommunicationsGroundings #1

Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski, MHSH, D.Min.

AS

(Arch) Diocese

(Episcopal Conferences)

(Vatican Councils/Commissions

(Vatican Offices)

Benedict XVI

Church Structures &

Documents

Vatican Documents◦ Encyclicals◦ Apostolic Exhortations◦ Pastoral Instruction◦ Apostolic Letters◦ Statements

Episcopal Conference Country◦ Pastoral Letters◦ Statements

Diocesan Bishop◦ Synod Document◦ Pastoral Letter◦ Statement

Types of Church (Ecclesial)Documents

Church’s Historical AttitudeMedia

Miranda Proprus – Encyclical 1957 – Pious XII

Communio et Progressio – 1971 – Paul VI

Progress (Kingdom) Human Development Human Dignity Justice & Peace Dialogue – honest and respectful Solidarity

Re-occurring themes in Church Communication Documents

Communio et Progressio (1971)Pastoral Instruction on Social Communications)

Inter Mirifica (1963)(Decree on Social Communications)

Evangelii NuntiandiEncyclical on Evangelization

Catechesis TradendaeApostolic Exhortation – Catechesis in Our Times

Redemptoris Missio Encyclical on The Missionary Activityof the Church

Aetatis Novae (1992)Pastoral Instruction PontificalCouncil for Social Communication

General Directory for Catechesis (1997)Congregation for the Clergy

Ethics and the InternetPastoral Instruction - PCSC

Church and the Internet (2002)Pastoral Instruction - PCSC

Rapid Development (2005)Apostolic Letter (WDC)- John Paul II New Technologies – Relationships (2006)

Apostolic Letter (WDC) – Benedict XVI

Significant Church Communications Documents 20th – 21st Century

Foundation for the Church’s Concern about Communications

God continues to communicate with the world through the Church.

Communication is of the essence of the Church.

Therefore, “the Church’s practice of communication should be exemplary…”

The Church would feel guilty before the Lord if it failed to use the media for evangelization.

(Communio et Progressio – Paul VI)

“It is necessary to integrate the message into the ‘new culture’ created by modern

communications.” ( CP)

Communication in and by the Church is essentially Communication about…

Opportunities◦ Two-way communication◦ Education – Formation◦ Missionary activity of the Church◦ Administration within the Church

Challenges◦ Indifferent and hostile◦ Confusing with diverse opinions – with uniformed◦ Need pastoral communication plans◦ Virtual reality vs Real Presence◦ No Sacraments on the Internet

Explores Opportunities and Challenges

Use the Internet - Church’s Mission Explore new ways to dialogue Formulate Pastoral Plans for Communications Establish review boards for monitoring unofficial

Catholic websites. Integrate training for priests and Church ministers For those in Communications ministry – nurture a

spiritual life Educators and catechists Parents Young Children

Recommendations

Prudence◦ See implications

Justice◦ Digital divide and solidarity

Fortitude◦ Courage for facing truth

Temperance◦ Use wisely and only for the good

Virtues to be Cultivated

Christ is the ‘perfect communicator’ the norm and model for us!