September 2018 Four County Catholic

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We all recognize the ever-growing reliance on the convenience, capacity and speed of digital communications. It creates quite a challenge and, at the same time, a wonderful opportunity for the Church and for those of us living our faith in a rural diocese in eastern Connecticut. The benefits, of course, far outweigh the shortcomings. Our call to connect with one another and share our faith freely and widely in today’s culture means we must be digitally prepared. I am pleased to share with you that the diocesan Communications Ministry will be implementing several initiatives to advance our digital presence.

It begins with the recently launched redesign of the diocesan website, transforming the appearance and ease-of-use of the site. Previously, the site was primarily a directory of diocesan programs and services. Now it becomes a more visually dynamic and functional resource. As soon as you arrive at the new homepage at norwichdiocese.org, you will feel the vitality of an active and connected community of faith.

While visiting the site, you will more easily access the complete digital version of the Four County Catholic, with animated page-turning software. The digital version of the newspaper is a good example of the balance we try to achieve between traditional print and digital communications as we strive to accommodate generations of parishioners with varying degrees of computer comfort. Certainly, the greater emphasis is moving toward the digital experience. As we manage through the balancing process, we do not lose sight of the call we all share to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. The truth of God’s unconditional love for all is the framework on which all our delivery platforms are built.

The message exceeds the technology. I would say that Pope Francis captured this perspective well when recently commenting on World Communications Day that “the digital world can be an environment rich in humanity; a network not of wires but of people.” With this focus, we will increasingly use technology to reach across our diocesan community and connect with faithful believers as well as those who may have withdrawn from regular practice of the faith and are welcome to come home.

A recent example of multiple technologies complementing each other to reach the largest audience would be the joyful ordination to the priesthood of Father Frank Gilbert. As we celebrated this blessed occasion, we were able to post the good news on the website, include a video clip, place an article and photos in the diocesan newspaper, a posting on Facebook as well as printed programs on the day of the event. All working together.

I would also note that there are other diocesan technology initiatives underway, such as the Enhancing Ministry with Technology workshops by the Office of Faith Events. I invite you to look for details of these programs and the dynamic new diocesan website design in this and future issues.

I can tell you that the journey many of us had revitalizing the website served as a moving reminder of the breadth of services the diocesan ministries provide to so many in need across our communities. Thank you, always, for your support and faith in the ministries of love and hope that are an extension of your good will and commitment to the loving ministry of Christ our Lord.

May you enjoy the remaining days of summer and approaching fall, and may you enjoy the newly energized diocesan website and more technology initiatives to come.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop of Norwich