Additional pictures can be found on Janet’s blog.

Video Source: Janet Walsh

Archbishop Wenski processes out of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe following the Farewell Mass

Earlier this evening, the people of the Diocese of Orlando bid farewell to their chief shepherd, Archbishop-Designate Thomas G. Wenski. As you may recall, Pope Benedict XVI appointed the Most Rev. Thomas Wenski as the fourth Archbishop of Miami on April 20, 2010. The Mass of Farewell was celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. Archbishop Wenski told those in attendance that the Mass was a “Last Supper” of sorts.

During the homily, the Archbishop-Designate spoke about the most memorable events of the Diocese in the seven years of his episcopacy. Included in that list were the first-ever diocesan synod (“Starting Afresh From Christ”), the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese and the beginning of the first diocesan capital campaign (“Alive in Christ”). Remarking on these achievements for the Diocese, Wenski stated: “If this local church has grown stronger in its faith, more confident in its hope and more ardent in its charity — and I believe it has — it has done so only because we have done it together, in a collegial way and in a collaborative way.”

Archbishop-Designate Wenski then went on to ask the people of the Diocese of Orlando for forgiveness for anything he did during his tenure that offended anyone and for anything that he failed to do during his time as Bishop of Orlando. He stated: “I am still a work in progress.”

At the closing of his homily, the Most Rev. Thomas G. Wenski asked the people of the Diocese for continued prayers as he undertakes his new responsibilities in the Archdiocese of Miami. He has consistently said that Miami has its own problems. This fact has  been witnessed over the last several years with scandals involving priests and the closing of parishes because of financial instability.

Before the final blessing, Sr. Elizabeth Worley, Diocesan Chancellor for Administration, offered some words of thanks to the Archbishop-Designate and presented him with his Orlando coat of arms. The coat of arms would have been attached to the new cathedra in the newly renovated Cathedral of St. James, which will be dedicated by Archbishop Wenski on November 20, 2010. After receiving his coat of arms, Archbishop Wenski thanked the people for their support. He also explained that the Diocese may be vacant for some three to six months. He remarked that any longer than six months may give the Diocese of Orlando a false sense that they do not need a Bishop.

Following these final remarks, Bishop Norbert Dorsey gave Archbishop-Designate Wenski a blessing. The date was a special day for Bishop Dorsey; on May 25, 1990, Bishop Dorsey was installed as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando.

At the end of the Mass, as “Bishop Wenski” processed out of the Basilica Shrine, the people in attendance offered applause to their Shepherd, wishing him congratulations and heartfelt gratitude.

PHOTO SOURCE: Orlando Sentinel

Yesterday, with my Bishop appointed as the Archbishop of Miami, I have not even truly begun to think about the implications this has for my own Diocese of Orlando. We will be vacant beginning June 1, 2010 and we could be vacant for some time. With the diocese in the midst of a $150 million capital campaign project to fund the outcome of the first ever diocesan synod that was called by Bishop Wenski back in 2004-2005, my prayer is that the Holy Father will send us a new ordinary as soon as possible.

I have also not even begun to think of the implications the appointment of the Most Rev. Thomas G. Wenski as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of Miami has for the Province of Miami (Catholic Church of Florida). Archbishop-elect will have a good fifteen to sixteen years at the helm here in Florida. With his qualifications and his enduring work for the poor and less-fortunate, Wenski has now been given a platform to bring a message to the whole of the United States. Let me tell you, that message needs to be heard now more than ever.

Please keep Archbishop-Designate Wenski, Archbishop Favalora, the future Bishop of Orlando (whoever that may be), the people of the Archdiocese of Miami, and the people of the Diocese of Orlando (clergy, consecrated religious, and laity) in your prayers over the next few weeks.

Time for a little breather. Final exams are next week and I haven’t started studying for them yet and, well, academics reign supreme over the next few days. Do not expect to see a post until the beginning of May, folks.

Thank you for reading! Peace to all of you!

PHOTO: cartoonworks.net

SOURCE: Archdiocese of Miami

This morning, upon the acceptance of Archbishop Favalora’s request to retire, Pope Benedict XVI appointed me as the fourth Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Miami.

Jesus once bid Peter “Duc in altum” (Put out into the deep). Now Peter’s successor has asked me to do the same in entrusting to me this new responsibility. I am being called back to this local Church where I was ordained a priest and where I served as a parish priest and auxiliary bishop. Humbled by the Holy Father’s confidence in me and aware of my own limitations and shortcomings, I once again ask the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, that I may worthily fulfill my new duties as the fourth Archbishop of Miami upon my installation on June 1, 2010.

While I am “coming home to Miami”, I am leaving the Diocese of Orlando where I have served almost seven years. I am deeply grateful to the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Orlando. They welcomed me and always made me feel at home in Central Florida. As I return to South Florida, I know you will welcome me and also make me feel at home again as I reacquaint myself with priests, deacons and faithful of the Archdiocese of Miami.

I am grateful to Archbishop Favalora who shortly after he arrived here to the Archdiocese appointed me as the Archdiocese Director of Catholic Charities. I had big shoes to fill – replacing Msgr. Bryan O. Walsh. And, I have big shoes to fill now. Archbishop, I was privileged to serve as your auxiliary bishop for six years. You were always a good mentor and you taught me not to be anxious for “God will provide”. I hope that I can turn to you to seek your advice and counsel from time to time. Hopefully, retirement will afford you the opportunity to be as occupied as you wish – without being preoccupied.

Those preoccupations fall on my shoulders come June 1st when I will be installed as your new Archbishop. I am told that Miami has its challenges but what else is new? The Lord tells us: “Do not be afraid” (Mt 28: 5). But the fundamental challenge that we face together is: “to show the Church’s capacity to promote and form disciples and missionaries who respond to the calling received and communicate everywhere, in an overflow of gratitude and joy, the gift of encounter with Jesus Christ. We have no other treasure but that. We have no other happiness, no other priority but being instruments of the Spirit of God, in the Church, so that Jesus Christ may be known, followed, loved, adored, and communicated to all, despite difficulties and resistances.” (Documento Conclusivo de Aparecida –V conferencia de CELAM).

When I was in Orlando, I used to tell the priests that I would not ask them to work harder than I did. To the priests of Miami, I say the same. And priests do work hard – and our people do appreciate that; and, they have every right to expect that: not that we burn ourselves out but that we burn ourselves up with love for them and for the Lord.

As I prepare to become your Archbishop, I ask all of you, auxiliary bishops, priests, deacons, religious and members of Christ’s faithful, for your prayers and for your support. I ask the same from the other faith communities of South Florida and I look forward to collaborating with them and with our civic and political leaders to promote the common good and the dignity of the human person made in the “image and likeness of God.”

John Paul II reminded us: we must remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm and look to the future with confidence. And so, with a mixture of gratitude, enthusiasm and confidence, I would like to conclude my statement this morning with these words from Pope Benedict XVI:

“There are times when the burden of need and our own limitations might tempt us to become discouraged. But precisely then we are helped by the knowledge that, in the end, we are only instruments in the Lord’s hands; and this knowledge frees us from the presumption of thinking that we alone are personally responsible for building a better world. In all humility we will do what we can, and in all humility we will entrust the rest to the Lord. It is God who governs the world, not we. We offer him our service only to the extent that we can, and for as long as he grants us the strength. To do all we can with what strength we have, however, is the task which keeps the good servant of Jesus Christ always at work: “The love of Christ urges us on” (2 Cor 5:14). Deus Caritas Est, #31

SOURCE: Archdiocese of Miami

PHOTO: The Florida Catholic

“It was officially announced today at the Vatican that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted my letter of resignation as Archbishop of Miami. I have been privileged and blessed to serve as Metropolitan Archbishop of Miami for almost sixteen years. There is hardly a more exciting and challenging place than South Florida. As I move into retirement years, I bring with me very fond memories of my ministry with our dedicated priests and deacons, the wonderful religious and seminarians, and the faithful hard-working laity of the Archdiocese.

“Today the Apostolic succession continues with the naming of Bishop Thomas Wenski of the Diocese of Orlando as the Fourth Metropolitan Archbishop of Miami. With resounding joy we welcome Archbishop Wenski back home. This native son of ours served us well in the past as pastor, Director of Haitian ministry, Director of Catholic Charities and Auxiliary Bishop. The Archbishop knows us well and he is no stranger to us.

“His many pastoral gifts suit him exceptionally well to be our Chief Shepherd. His extensive understanding of and experience with Central and South America and the Caribbean Island nations will enhance the international relationships we already enjoy. His linguistic skills enable him to communicate well with our neighboring nations and Churches.”

SOURCE: Archdiocese of Miami

PHOTO: The Florida Catholic

“Jesus once bid Peter to put out into the deep. Now, Peter’s successor has asked me to do the same, entrusting to me this new responsibility. I am being called back to that local church where I was ordained a priest and where I served as a parish priest and Auxiliary Bishop. Humbled by the Holy Father’s confidence in me and aware of my own limitations shortcomings, I once again ask the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church that I may worthily fulfill my duties as the fourth Archbishop of Miami.”

For the full video, please go to the Diocese of Orlando website.

The official announcement from the Vatican Information Service:

The Holy Father:

Appointed Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, U.S.A., as metropolitan archbishop of Miami (area 12,836, population 4,299,000, Catholics 860,000, priests 397, permanent deacons 119, religious 415), U.S.A. The archbishop-elect was born in West Palm Beach, U.S.A. in 1950, he was ordained a priest in 1976 and consecrated a bishop in 1997. He succeeds Archbishop John C. Favalora, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.

The official Announcement from the Archdiocese of Miami is yet to come. Stay tuned.

SOURCE: (1) Diocese of Orlando; (2) Vatican Information Service; (3) Archdiocese of Miami [when made available]

PHOTO: Tom Pringle

Archbishop William Donald Borders was a good and gentle person whom I got to know very well over Saturday evening dinners following my installation as Archbishop of Baltimore. We would discuss all of the matters that were before us and I would share my viewpoint on activities in the Archdiocese. I was particularly grateful for his insights regarding the priests and people of the Archdiocese. When I told him recently that I had left the Archdiocese after the installation of my successor, he told me that he had done the same thing as a courtesy to me. I recalled that he made a long trip to the Midwest, probably to his relatives in Indiana, at the time that I had become the Archbishop here. These simple gestures indicate the kind of person Archbishop Borders was.

Early this afternoon, Bishop Thomas Wenski, fourth Bishop of Orlando, issued the following message regarding Archbishop Borders and his legacy to the Diocese of Orlando.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Archbishop William D. Borders, first bishop of Orlando and 13th Archbishop of Baltimore, who died this morning (04/19) at 10:03. He was 96 years old. His legacy to the Diocese of Orlando will never be forgotten. As our first leader, charting new territory and responding with courage and vision to God’s call, we are grateful for his many dedicated years of service in the Lord’s name.

A statement from Bishop Francis Malooly, Bishop of Wilmington and former Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore:

“I met Archbishop Borders for the first time in 1974 during his initial days as Archbishop of Baltimore when he dropped by the parish where I was serving as an assistant pastor, just to say ‘hello.’ We have had a strong friendship ever since.

My family always enjoyed his company as well. He has spent the last 15 Christmases with my family and my nieces and nephews always enjoyed his presence at those family gatherings.

I was also blessed to get to know the Archbishop’s family; his brothers, the late Chick and Kenny, and his sister, Janet. They are a typical Midwestern Catholic family – loyal, grateful and dedicated to service.

In 1989 when I began working with him at the Archdiocese, we would meet every morning at 8:15 for coffee and conversation. It was a pleasant ritual that would continue until well after his retirement.

When I think about Archbishop Borders, I always think of a teacher. I think it’s because he spent so many years as a campus minister at Louisiana State University. He is a great listener, as reflected in his motto “I will listen that I may serve.”

No matter what difficulties he would face, he was always happy, upbeat and optimistic. His faith was so strong, nothing would get him down. He was always joyful. My bishop’s motto – ‘Rejoice in the Lord Always’ – is an attempt to imitate him.

Archbishop Borders has left his mark on the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He will be greatly missed. We find our consolation knowing that this wonderful man of God is with Jesus in heaven enjoying the reward of all good and faithful servants.”

SOURCE: (1)Archdiocese of Baltimore; (2) Diocese of Orlando; (3) Archdiocese of Baltimore

PHOTO: Baltimore Sun

]]> http://www.thomaspringle.com/2010/04/passing-of-a-good-and-gentle-person/feed/ 0 http://www.thomaspringle.com/2010/04/sad-news-out-of-baltimore/ http://www.thomaspringle.com/2010/04/sad-news-out-of-baltimore/#comments Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:38:01 +0000 Tom Pringle http://www.thomaspringle.com/?p=797 This morning it was announced that Archbishop William D. Borders, retired Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and first Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando, passed away at the age of 96. Below is the text of this morning’s press release.

“Archbishop Borders was a man of deep faith, great humility and great love for God, the Church and this Archdiocese,” Archbishop O’Brien said. “As a result, he was universally loved by the people of this local Church, by his brother bishops and priests, and by all who were blessed to call him Archbishop, Father, teacher, brother and friend.

“By any measure William Donald Borders served an extraordinary life. From the very date of his birth on October 9, 1913 in the middle of a flood so fierce it lifted his family home off its foundation and the doctor had to be transported to the home by boat, to his chaplaincy service during World War II in North Africa and Italy, which earned him the Bronze Star for Valor, the Archbishop’s quiet strength would guide him throughout his life of service.

“That strength would be called on throughout his tenure as the first-ever Bishop of Orlando and eventually the 13th Archbishop of the oldest Catholic diocese in the Nation, as he was forced to tackle a number of pressing issues, including the desegregation of public schools, housing for the poor, and the role of the laity in the Church.

“Ever the teacher, the Archbishop would guide the faithful on these and other issues with his prolific writings, many of which remain relevant today and serve as guides for Church leaders throughout the United States.

“The Church and people of God of this Archdiocese benefited immeasurably from his visionary leadership, indefatigable spirit and generous love. On a personal note, I counted him among my most worthy advisors since my arrival in Baltimore and will miss his fraternal love and supportive and joyful presence. May he be welcomed into God’s kingdom where he will suffer no more and where he will know God’s peace for all eternity.”

Archbishop Borders served as Archbishop of Baltimore from 1974-1989. Prior to leading the oldest Catholic diocese he led the newest, serving as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando from 1968-1974. He was the fourth-oldest living Catholic bishop in the United States at the time of his death and the longest-surviving of the (arch) bishops of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

SOURCE: Archdiocese of Baltimore

PHOTO: Whispers in the Loggia | Archdiocese of Baltimore

Friday, April 9, 2010

Thursday after Mass in Leogann where once a parish church stood we traveled across the mountains to Jacmel on Haiti’s Southeast coast. The city is known for its art and was a popular tourist destination for Haitians from Port-au-Prince.

The city’s cathedral was built in the 1840’s and part of the cultural patrimony of the nation did not collapse. However it sustained sufficient damage to render it unusable.

Other parishes in the Jacmel area were completely demolished. At the school run by Christian brothers since the 1880’s makeshift classrooms set up in the school courtyard now serve four different schools through a multiple shift schedule.

Returning to Port-au-Prince late afternoon we visited the grave of Archbishop Miyot which is next door to the provisional seminary erected in tents on land owned by the Haitian Bishops Conference.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Wednesday’s trip to Gressier on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince also included visits to Petit Goave, Grand Goave and Leogann. All towns have lost their parish churches as well as their outlying chapels (which serve the rural areas of the parishes). All but one have also lost rectories with priests now living in pup tents outside the ruins of their parishes. Schools have likewise been affected. Sessions are to resume next week for the first time since the earthquake. Classes will take place under tarps or in other make do structures

Despite the almost total destruction of infrastructure, the work of the Church continues. Priests celebrate Mass in front of the ruins of their parish churches. Dispensaries are operated under trees or from tents.

In the encampments like the one I celebrated Mass in last night people are living in Spartan conditions but still respond enthusiastically in song and prayer. Catholic Relief Services is a supportive presence – providing latrines in some areas and emergency food aid in others.

Today after an early Mass in Leogann to be celebrated on the spot where the church once stood we travel to Jacmel on Haiti’s Southeast coast. The cathedral and several of its parishes were similarly affected by the earthquake.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Tuesday we began with the celebration of Mass with the Missionaries of Charity at their convent. Then we visited the slum area of Site Soley and the works in education and health care of the Daughters of Charity. Later we visited a clinic staffed by doctors from Cuba. Accompanying me are three structural engineers so the rest of the day was occupied looking at damaged church buildings to see what may be reparable and studying what type of new construction is needed to enable the Church to continue to provide pastoral, educational and health services.

On Monday we visited Sacred Heart parish and St Francis de Sales; on Tuesday the Cathedral, St. Therese and St. Louis parishes. Next to St .Therese we visited an encampment of several thousand people where we met with a congressional delegation from the United States

Today we head out to Gressier near the epicenter of earthquake and on return to the capital I will celebrate Mass at Club Petionville, one of largest camps of people left homeless after the earthquake.

Evenings have been taken up with some “formal” dinners with church dignitaries and other officials.

As we have seen over recent days and weeks, the priesthood is taking a beating by the media as a result of the news of the sexual abuse scandals. As you go about your day, please remember those priests who have touched your life. Thank the Lord for their “yes” to serving His people. If you have the chance, thank those priests personally and let them know how much they have touched your life. Because of recent weeks, that thank you could mean something so much more than usual.

Also, please remember to pray for all the bishops of the Catholic Church who have been given the task of shepherding  the Church through these difficult days. In a special way, pray for Pope Benedict who needs more prayers than usual these days.

*****

Yesterday, the priests of the Diocese of Orlando renewed their commitment to the Catholic faithful of Central Florida. Bishop Wenski celebrated the Chrism Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. The Mass was absolutely beautiful!! At the end of Mass, as the priests began processing out of the Basilica Shrine, the people applauded–some 200 priests were in attendance. It was a very moving Mass for all those in attendance, especially the Bishop who was visibly touched by the peoples’ love for their priests.

Here are the remarks Bishop Wenski made to all the priests:

This year’s celebration of the Chrism Mass takes place within the commemoration of the 150 th anniversary of the entry into eternal life of St. John Vianney. The Church has proposed this humble parish priest of 19 th century France as a model for all priests. In designating this anniversary year as a Year for Priests – with its theme “The Fidelity of Christ, the Fidelity of Priests” – the Holy Father expressed his hope that this observance would help “all priests to identify totally with the Crucified and Risen Jesus so that, in imitation of St. John the Baptist, they may be prepared to “shrink” that Christ may grow and that, in following the example of the Curé d’Ars, they feel constantly and profoundly the responsibility of their mission, which is the sign and presence of God’s infinite mercy”.

That some few of our number have betrayed “the responsibility of their mission” is not new – for betrayal is as old as Judas; but it continues to be “news” which unfortunately is often distorted, sensationalized, and misrepresented. As Archbishop Dolan of New York said this past Sunday in commenting on the renewed attention of the secular press on cases of clerical sex abuse that date from three decades ago: “The Church is being singled out for a horror that has cursed every culture, religion, organization, school, agency and family in the world.”

But, in any case, any baptized Catholic’s failure to be responsible, to be accountable for the mission, hurts the Church. This is even more true in the case of the Church’s ordained ministers. As Pope Benedict said himself last year at the opening of the Year for Priests:

“How can we forget, in this regard, that nothing causes more suffering for the Church, the Body of Christ, than the sins of her pastors, especially the sins of those who become “thieves and robbers” of the sheep (cf. Jn 10:1 ff.), lead them astray by their own private teachings, or ensnare them in the toils of sin and death?”

Today, we priests will all renew our commitment to priestly service. To do so is not to deny our own shortcomings, our limitations and our weaknesses as if all depended on our own force and will. But, in doing so, we wish to entrust ourselves once again to the Lord who through the gift of his Spirit who has anointed us as ministers of the Word and stewards of the mysteries of faith.

That commitment, first made on the day of our ordinations, demands that we be men of prayer, mature in our choice of a life for God; it demands that we make use of the means of perseverance, such as the sacrament of confession, devotion to the Blessed Mother, and the mortification of our senses and desires for the sake of our pastoral mission.

As Pope John Paul II said: People today look to priests for the “lived word” before they look to him for the “proclaimed” word. The priest must “live by the word.” Today, we recommit ourselves to “live by the word”. And, at the same time, we wish to honor those of our number who have given us examples of priestly service and devotion “living by the word” for 50 years and for 25 years.

Celebrating 50 years of priesthood, we congratulate Monsignor Fabian Gimeno, Father Stephen Krisanda, Father Robert Kurber and Father Joseph Nolan. Celebrating 25 years of priesthood, we congratulate Fathers Ben Berinti, Ramon Bolatete, Frank Buck, Krzysztof Bugno, Pedro Cordeno, Glenn Parker and Richard Trout.

In June, God willing, I will ordain Deacon Bernard Kiritu to the priesthood – a fitting way for us in the Diocese of Orlando to close our observance of the Year for Priest. And, I say to Bernard, and to our seminarians and those who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood you can find in these men worthy mentors, guides and teachers. These men, these priests, in a variety of assignments, either here in this Diocese or elsewhere have “lived by the word” teaching, sanctifying and leading God’s people.

In the name of those people, and as your bishop, I thank you, jubiliarians, for not only the “yes” you gave to the Lord on the day of your ordination but for the “yes” of your witness, your fidelity given daily – in spite of difficulties and disappointments, in spite of trials and hardships- over years of service to God and his people.

With you and with our fellow priests we will renew the promises made on the day of our ordination when the bishop handed us the chalice and paten and said: “Receive the oblation of the holy people to be offered to God. Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.”

And, knowing that we carry this treasure in earthen vessels, we ask your prayers – deacons and holy people of God – we ask your prayers that we will faithfully carry out the ministry entrusted to us by God for you.

At this Mass, of course, we bless the Holy Oils and consecrate the Sacred Chrism. So today is also a celebration for all God’s people.

The itinerary of our lives as Catholics is marked by various anointings. As we were prepared for baptism, we were anointed with the Oil of Catechumens; then, in Baptism and Confirmation with the Sacred Chrism. Please God, at the end of our lives, we will receive a final anointing – with the Oil of the Sick so that, at that hour, the Spirit will strengthen and console us.

These oils then are closely linked to the Paschal Mystery – for through them the Holy Spirit sanctifies us, through them the Holy Spirit conforms us more perfectly to Christ, so that we might spread the fragrance of his presence throughout the world as we grow in the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me.”

*****

As we have arrived at the Triduum, pray without ceasing for our salvation is at hand. The Lord died upon the cross for the redemption of all of us. Slow things down for the rest of the week and take some time to reflect on the great gift that God the Father has sent us in Jesus Christ. Prayers for an excellent Easter Triduum for all.

Pax.

SOURCE: Diocese of Orlando

PHOTO SOURCE: ABC News

Please pray for Archbishop William Borders who is critically ill and is resting at home under Hospice care. His staff states that he is ‘very alert.’ Bishop Borders was appointed the first bishop of the newly created Diocese of Orlando.

SOURCE: Diocese of Orlando

PHOTO SOURCE: Archdiocese of Baltimore

Benedict XVI, the first pope with his own YouTube channel and presence on Facebook, is urging Roman Catholic clergy to use social media to communicate with parishioners and reach those outside the church.

“Priests are thus challenged to proclaim the Gospel by employing the latest generation of audiovisual resources (images, videos, animated features, blogs, websites) which, alongside traditional means, can open up broad new vistas for dialogue, evangelization and catechesis,” the Pope declared in January in preparation for World Communications Day in May.

But the Catholic Church, including the Orlando Diocese, has policies that take the “social” out of social media. Parishes that use social media, such as Facebook, are instructed to disable the comment functions of those sites.

The Orlando Diocese’s rules for the use of social media, enacted in August after six months of study and debate, expressly prohibit blogs because they imply two-way communication that encourages responses from the public, said Carole Brinati, Diocese spokeswomen.

“Blogging is ‘I can comment on that,’ and that is what we don’t allow,” she said. “Some people feel that is shortsighted, but that is our policy.”

The purpose of the pope’s push for social media is to get the church’s message out to the people in as many ways as possible. It’s not intended to spark debate; invite opinions and opposing points of view; or open a dialogue between church leaders and parishioners, Brinati said.

Churches have been riding the social-media wave for some time now. Many denominations reach out — either through their own Web sites or sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

By their nature, social media are wide open and egalitarian: Anyone with a keyboard and an opinion is entitled to join the conversation. That makes the incorporation of social media difficult for hierarchical religious organizations or denominations, said the Rev. Anthony Pogorelc, a research fellow at Catholic University’s Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies in Washington.

“In some sense there is a tension between social media and traditional, hierarchical organizations like the Catholic Church,” Pogorelc said. “With social media, everyone has a voice and can say what they want. In the system of the Catholic Church, more weight is given to the key spokespersons — the bishops or leaders of the church — and what they say.”

Some of the Catholic concerns about the rudeness, anger and inappropriate commenting that take place on some blog sites is not typical of Facebook, which is built around like-minded “friends,” experts contend.

“Facebook is a conversation that is already riding on the rails of relationships. The tracks are set. These are people who are friends with whom you share something together,” said Bill Reichart, a social-media consultant in Atlanta who works with faith-based organizations.

To short-circuit the interactive part of social media dilutes the full impact of what the technology can bring to a church and its congregation, he said. The discussion is already going on within members of the church. Social media just give that expression a different forum.

“What a lot of churches fail to realize is social media is already happening in their churches. People are already having conversations; people are collaborating,” Reichart said. “The church may not like what they hear, but it’s better to know and have open and honest discussion of what is going on.”

Mary Ann Brussat, director of the SpiritualityandPractice.com Web site, said Facebook and other social-media sites can help a church educate and inform its members.

“The medium is really totally open and nothing to be afraid of,” Brussat said. “People are using it to share what is meaningful to them, and that’s a function of religion and spirituality.”

The Rev. Stephen Parkes, pastor of Most Precious Blood Church, said his parish since its inception five years ago has used a Web site as an effective means of communicating with parishioners while their church in Oviedo is being built. But he doubts that social media can ever convey spiritual matters as effectively as face-to-face communication.

“We can’t replace personal interaction with technology,” Parkes said.

Even at half-strength, social media can be a powerful tool for churches and their congregations. Parishes within the Orlando Catholic Diocese use their Web sites and Facebook pages to post videos of Sunday sermons; send out last-minute notices and reminders of meetings and events; and provide ways parishioners can volunteer and donate to the church.

“It’s not just for the sake of communication, but lets us use the technology to speak the Gospel to people,” Brinati said.

And that’s not a bad approach to take, Reichart said. Even if the Catholic Church is being cautious in its embrace of social media, at least it is giving careful consideration to the long-term pluses and minuses of the technology.

“A lot of churches think, ‘I’ve got to do this,’ ” he said. “But if you don’t see the lasting value, you are going to give up. You’re not going to persevere. Other things are going to catch your eye.”

SOURCE: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/os-catholic-social-media-20100311,0,5867293.story

PHOTO SOURCE: Alessia Giuliani | AFP | Getty

Diocese of Orlando:

Archdiocese of Miami: 305-762-1137

Diocese of St. Petersburg: 727-345-3452

Diocese of Palm Beach: 561-775-9552

Diocese of Venice: 941-484-9543

Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee: 850-435-3552

Diocese of St. Augustine: 904-262-3200, ext. 101

***Note: If you are the bulletin editor at a parish in the Diocese of Orlando, please email me (tom@thomaspringle.com) for additional bulletin inserts promoting Vocations Awareness Weekend.***