3010 Online reflection for youth - Salesian media
austraLasia #3010

A reader asks a question - of all of us
ROME: 6 February 2012 -- A reader, who also happens to be a Delegate for Social Communications in another Region, asks the following question:

"I would like to know how others may be working to:
-  create Salesian social media
- that prompt youth reflection, authentic questioning, prayer and sharing,
as suggested by Pope Benedict in his 2012 World Communication Day message when he stated:
Attention should be paid to the various types of websites, applications and social networks which can help people today to find time for reflection and authentic questioning, as well as making space for silence and occasions for prayer, meditation or sharing of the word of God.

I would also like to know how these initiatives are being animated in other provinces.  - What department is taking the lead role?
(Social Communications, Youth Ministry or Mission Animation?)
- How are departments working together to make it happen?  
- How are youth being engaged in the production of content relevant to their peers?
"

That is a direct set of questions and they deserve a response, in fact more thane response. Such responses really need to come from anyone who has an idea, has tinkered in this area or is fully involved in it. I might add that these questions, or similar ones, seem to be coming from various quarters these days. Clearly they are deserving of answers.

Some other excerpts from the same reader's letter could be helpful to give the questions context:

The need to attend to this development is something I feel passionate about, partly because over recent years I have experienced the benefits of such a site for my own growth, though coming from another spiritual tradition, the Irish Jesuits: www.sacredspace.ie. AND  because of my hope for evangelizing youth by means of the space where they may more readily encounter the gospel on a daily basis: the internet.  In this space I believe we can accompany youth and particularly young people  who have moved on to universities and out of contact with their first Salesian home/oratory.  The project of which I speak was conceived by young adults imagining what an online oratory might look like (utilizing the Salesian website linked as well as FB and other social media channels).  Admittedly such an online experience would have its limits, but would also encourage youth to enter more personal face to face encounters with their local Salesian or Catholic faith communities.

The process for creating such a spiritual space was really the heart of my question.... Thus I sent you my question to see what input you might give on how such initiatives have been structured for creation in other parts of the Salesian world. ...Part of my department's line of action this past year has been to tap youth talents as a starting point for production.

Anybody, from our Region or beyond, feel able to respond even in some small way?