On Viatorian Voices, a few communications and vocations ministers joined us to share insights on faithful digital witness today.
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Ernie (right) on the road with Vocation Director Fr. Ed Nowak, CSP (left).
Ernie Garrido, vocations recruiter for the Paulist Fathers, reflected on digital media as a source for ongoing faith formation, even after you head home from Mass or other faith community gatherings. “I always value that the Paulists aren’t just confined to my time with them at church or Mass. I could always go home and check out their websites or YouTube and see daily Mass or see Paulists preaching a parish mission,” Ernie said.
Zack Dmyterko, vocation director for the Alexian Brothers, loves a good story. The brothers offer him great stories to share, both from centuries-old history as well as authentic and fraternal religious life today. “We let people know we’re an older order with older brothers. We don’t pretend. We don’t hide them. We show the community as it is,” Zack said. “The brothers don’t go to morning prayer in habits or all dressed up. They say, ‘Post it [the photos]. That’s what we do. Show us exactly as we are.’”
Rory Dayton founded VocationCRM to assist religious communities with online promotion and relationship management. As he works on campaigns and designs, he sees a shift in social media that can inform how we share digital witness. “It’s not so much social anymore; it’s really turning into interest media,” Rory said, as algorithms serve content based on interests and not just who we follow or add as friends. “We can layer our Catholicism into the everyday aspects of life. As communicators and users of this media, we can integrate our Catholicism into any hobbies, interests, or lifestyles that resonate with people.”
Hear more from Ernie, Zack, Rory, and Jesús Leyva of NRVC and Global Sisters Report in Episode 119 of Viatorian Voices on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.