Technology for the Sake of the Mission By S. Louise Lears
“W
e commit to on-going education and development about the use of information technology for the sake of our Mission.” Our pledge at the Chapter of Affairs in April 2011 highlighted the enormous significance of technology, including social media, for our global community. Technology, and its impact on humanity, is not new. Consider the Gutenberg Bible, the first complete book printed with moveable metal type. prior to its printing in the mid-1400s, books were either copied by hand or printed from engraved wooden blocks—processes that could take months or years to complete. gutenberg’s printing press made it possible to produce many copies of a work in a relatively short amount of time. The Gutenberg Bible revolutionized the distribution of knowledge. When we talk about technology today, it is often of the use of computers or other sophisticated electronic devices. The catalyst for the current technology revolution was the creation of the internet, which helped to transform high-tech electronic devices into powerful tools for communication and information sharing. Because the internet is a global network, today’s technology revolution has global implications. Technology itself is value neutral; the same technology can do vast good or vast harm. The value attached to technology depends who is using it and evaluating it, and what they do with it. Each new development and invention raises questions about the extent to which technology controls us or we control technology. As Sisters of Charity and Associates, we promise to employ technology for the sake of our Mission: to act justly, to build loving relationships, to share our resources with those in need, and to care for all creation. Our challenge is to use technology to
Sue DiTullio, OPJIC administrative assistant, offers computer help to S. Marie Irene Schneider in the Motherhouse computer lab.
present gospel values in response to the basic human yearning for meaning, faith, community and justice that we already find in the online community. Such use places technology at the service of the common good. Since our April 2011 commitment regarding the use of technology, we have released a Facebook page to share our mission with others, implemented live video streaming for those who are unable to physically attend Congregational events, enhanced the SC website to feature ministry stories, created digital forms to save paper, designed electronic newsletters, surveyed Sisters and Associates to determine technology needs, and set up “help sessions” for those in need of support. And, one of our Affiliates writes a blog, “Diary of a Sister-in-Training”! To proclaim the gospel through the new social media means witnessing consistently to gospel values in the ideas we communicate. Our voices on blogs, webcasts, and social networks offer graced opportunities to engage in meaningful, mutual dialogue with our neighbors of the “digital continent.” As St. Vincent de paul said, “Our vocation is to go not just to one parish, not just to one diocese, but all over the world.” We are committed to utilizing technology in ways that enhance our global vocation. Source: St. Vincent de paul. xii: 262 (May 30, 1659)
Social Media Use by U.S. Catholics
Born before 1943
Born 1943-1981
Born 1982 or later
YouTube (videos)
43%
67%
84%
Facebook (personal/organizational information)
37%
59%
82%
Twitter (short messages)
6%
10%
24%
How should we evaluate both the promise and peril of technology? How might theological considerations illuminate our understanding and use of technology?
“Use of new Media by Catholics, 2012 CArA report,” at usccb.org/about/communications 4
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