This document outlines Jonathan Sullivan's presentation on evangelizing and catechizing the "Net Generation". It discusses who the Net Generation is, common myths about them, their learning styles with technology, and strategies for engaging them online. Some strategies suggested include using popular tools, connecting with them, being open, encouraging appropriate sharing, following policy, curating resources, integrating mobile tech, showing videos, making videos, and praying with new media. The goal is reaching youth online while maintaining internet safety and protecting privacy.
1. Evangelizing &
Catechizing
the ‘Net’
Generation
Jonathan F. Sullivan
Indiana Conference for
Catechetical Leadership
November 3, 2014
2. Jonathan F. Sullivan
Originally from Kansas
City suburbs
Studied at Quincy
University and Aquinas
Institute of Theology
Director of Catechetical
Services, Diocese of
Springfield in Illinois
Blogger at
JonathanFSullivan.com
Husband and father of 6
(+1 on the way!)
3. Overview
Who are the “Net
Generation?”
3 myths about the
Net Generation
Net Generation’s
learning style
Strategies for
engaging online
youth
General Tips &
Internet Safety
Communication
Catechesis
Prayer
4. Confraternity Teacher’s Guide
(Very Rev. Joseph B. Collins, 1960)
The catechist will find that catechetical material in
filmstrips, both black and white and in color, is
steadily increasing in volume. He will find satisfactory
filmstrips which correlate with courses of study and
with the catechism…
The number of catechetical subjects available on
sound motion-picture film is comparatively
limited. The teaching value of the silent movie is
greatly reduced by the fact that today pupils are
accustomed to sound movies.
(emphasis mine)
5. Who are the “Net
Generation?”
photo by demi-brooke/Flickr
6. Myth: Youth are
“wasting time”
online.
photo by Jeroen Thoolen/stock.xchng
7. Myth: Online youth
are a
homogeneous
body.
photo by Konrad Mostert/stock.xchng
13. Strategies for Evangelization
and Catechesis
“The ‘variety of methods is a sign of life and richness’
as well as a demonstration of respect for those to
whom catechesis is addressed. Such variety is required
by ‘the age and the intellectual development of
Christians, their degree of ecclesial and spiritual
maturity and many other personal circumstances’.”
- General Directory for Catechesis, no. 148
14. A few general suggestions:
Try the tools
Become a
connection
Be open
Encourage
appropriate
sharing
Follow policy
Photo by somethingstartedcrazy/Flickr
15. Youth and the internet
What age is
appropriate?
COPPA
Internet safety
Posting pictures
Photo by escapedtowisconsin/Flickr
23. Curating Resources
Evaluating online resources
“Is it official?”
“Do they have a track record?”
“Is it faithful to the fullness of the
Church’s teaching?”
“Does it pass the ‘smell test’?”
Keep it Limited
Keep it Fresh