A reader asks:

….I am a parishioner at [a local parish] and a member of the Knights of Columbus. My wife and I both really enjoy your homilies [thank you], we have been to St. Joseph’s numerous times to hear you speak [welcome!]. One thing that I must tell you that I cannot say enough about is the way you utilize social media (i.e. facebook). We are struggling with mass attendance and youth interaction at our parish, I was wondering have you noticed an increase in mass participation since you have been more of a presence on facebook or the internet? We are trying to convince our pastor that he needs [well....] to take a more active role in this area. It would be helpful if we had another parishes results to compare to show an improvement albeit large or small, that there is a need and benefit. ….

It has been a great joy to see more and more bishops, priests, deacons and religious make a place for themselves on the internet. The plethora of bishops who have taken to having blogs is especially heartening , as we have such a great need to feel their support and have access to their direction. I am convinced that the same applies for priests to parishioners.

I must admit that I have never considered an online presence as an attractor to Masses. It might have some effect, but I can’t say that it is either a big motivating factor for me or a realistic expectation.

What I have noticed, both in my own internet ventures and those of other priests, is that the level of engagement has increased – and that significantly. Parishioners who may be less involved for whatever reason have come up out of the blue and started talking about the latest Facebook post, a recent blog entry and so on. Parishioners who are involved are grateful for the opportunity to interact a little more – and I dare say that they appreciate the opportunity to interact in a less formal setting.

Quite frankly, it isn’t just that our parishes need more people (though they do) – our parishes need their current parishioners to be active, enthusiastic and alive. This is where I have found this digital living room environment to be most fruitful: you can come in, enjoy some conversation, reflections, goofiness and fraternity a little more readily.

In the end, I have this blog and the Facebook account because a) I see it as an extension of my ministry and b) I enjoy it. To any parishioners, I say that you should encourage your priest to create an online presence. Such suggestions will go much further if you can offer practical ways to assist and enable a priest so that its not more work. But also respect that it may not be something is comfortable doing (its no small venture) or has time to do.

And if that is the case, maybe its time to build a parish blog or Facebook account – with his approval – that is maintained by trusted parishioners with his guidance. He could dip his toes in the water without having to commit himself – and the parish would still benefit.

In all cases, pray for and support your priests! And pray for vocations.

your brother in Christ,
Fr. Maurer