Ministering to young people online : a mission in connectedness

Abstract

It is the digital era, and digital media and technology are here to stay. Connectedness has become a lifestyle, and young people of this day and age know no other. From contemporary literature about youth and digital culture, this dissertation attempts to elicit main trends which, on the one hand, are offering opportunities and, on the other, are proving to be quite challenging to our young people and to trusted adults who mentor them. Furthermore, through a study of eight decades of Church Documents on the means of social communications, it shows how the Church, on its part, progresses through a shifting perception vis a vis the media, while urging for competence and a significant evangelizing presence in the field and giving special attention to children and youngsters. This discussion proceeds towards a convergence of contemporary literature and Church teachings, which points towards the need for an urgent mission with young people, namely, for an evangelization and accompaniment in connectedness, which presupposes the presence of youth ministers online. This coupling of "secular" and ecclesial literature, in fact, provides a solid foundation for drawing up possible strategies for online youth ministry, a mission that is mapped on the signs of the times in a journey that is forever unfolding...