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Marist Internet Project In 1996, professed and lay Marists gathered for the New Zealand Marist Assembly. The Assembly developed the theme of the 1993 General Chapter, to "establish the Church where it does not exist, and renew existing communities". The Assembly accepted that the present and future mission of the Province needed to reach a significant group of people who are not catered for in our present modes of mission. The Marist Internet Project is an example of establishing the Church where it does not yet exist. The project developed as a tangible expression of the 1996 Assembly and the ensuing Provincial Chapter, which encouraged Marists to pursue evangelisation through use of the Internet and urged Marists with technological skills to use them for the purpose of evangelisation. The project has two main aspects: working along side others in an advisory capacity development of communications technologies material to engage people in gospel-based communication Both aspects aim to give birth to what can be called the establishment of the "virtual Church". The Province's first attempt to use the Internet for evangelisation was to support the Religious Education programme and Special Character of New Zealand Catholic secondary schools. This initiative, called FaithCentral is now owned and managed by the NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference. In addition to this Website, other initiatives the Marist Internet Project team have contributed to, include:
The Marist Internet Project team is keen to promoting the use of the Internet for internal communications in the Society of Mary New Zealand, and for communications between those of our colleagues who are working as overseas missionaries. Currently, 75% of those listed in the Province's Index have email addresses and all members of the Province have been offered a free email address. The team is always looking for ways to enhance Church-based virtual communication and we are currently involved in a project to enhance the profile of New Zealand and South Pacific Catholic News on the Web. In general we have a preference to develop communication channels outside of the walls of the Church and we hope to develop other online pastoral initiatives such as the a website to assist couples prepare their Wedding Ceremony and an outreach to encourage New Zealanders to reflect on the events of their day. Three Marists and one lay person are involved in the Marist Internet Project. It is the primary work for Rowan Donoghue and John Murphy, while Tim Duckworth is involved on a part time basis. Michael Homer works part time on a job-contract basis. "The Internet can offer magnificent opportunities for evangelisation if used with competence and a clear awareness of its strengths and weaknesses. Above all, by providing information and stirring interest it makes possible an initial encounter with the Christian message, especially among the young who increasingly turn to the world of cyberspace as a window on the world." (John Paul II The Internet: A new forum for Proclaiming the Gospel.)
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Contact Details PO Box 24-082 Manners St Wellington
Phone: 04 472-1750 Fax: 04 472-1751 |
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