In spite of being a seventy year old grandmother, I have tried to embrace all manner of tech-y stuff. I may not be very good at it, but I do soldier on through the maze of new terminology and new experiences. The bonus of having grandkids in their teens and twenties is that I can call on any one of them for assistance. They all recognize that Nana is having a problem when they answer their own cell phones and I say, "Hello. Tech Support?"

Currently I own an iPhone, an iPod and an iPad as well as a PC and I am proud that I can use them at least as well as the majority of my peer group.

My email contact list continues to grow and I am truly happy that I can be in contact with so many people so easily. I used to enjoy writing an occasional letter in longhand but now I seldom pick up pen and stationery.

The apps that inspire are some of my favourites. Living with Christ, Salt and Light, The Pope App, Laudate keep me up to date and let me carry my missalette and even my Bible with me. I look forward to my daily message from FAMVIN along with the morning newspaper.

Facebook is a mixed blessing. Our own parish and those that we visit while vacationing have FB pages. Friends share their good news. But there is also a great deal of negative material forwarded. I try to remember that my friends know that I am Vincentian. That means that whatever I write or share on FB about those who live in poverty or refugees or any issue can reflect not only on me but on our Society.

Jesus, St. Vincent, Blessed Frederic and many of those who inspire us shared their messages with all who would listen in the most effective manner of their time. If one of them was here today, I wonder how he would use social media? Perhaps this message from FAMVIN offers some suggestions for those of us who would be followers of Christ, serving Him in the poor, with love, respect, justice and joy:

Social Media is here, like it or not. Many people have reservations about it and, it can be misused. Like any other human phenomenon, it can be infused with virtue. And the Vincentian Family has something to offer:

HUMILITY: Always be yourself. Don't pose and don't use social media to dominate, denigrate or destroy. Build cultivate and strengthen persons and relationships.

SIMPLICITY: Speak the truth in love. It is not enough to be 'right'. Be loving. And be accurate. Don't simply repeat or 'share' everything you find. How many times have you shared a 'quote' form Pope Francis that wasn't his?

CHARITY: Have a beef? Take it offline in a private message. People are less defensive in a private forum. If you want to persuade don't back people into a corner with verbal violence.

Don't be afraid to use social media for good! And don't believe the myths about social media that suggest that it is to be feared or avoided.

Submitted by
Denise Bondy, Chair
ONRC Spirituality Committee