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

8. Myth: Youth don’t
care about
privacy.

9. photo by Robert Linder/stock.xchng

10. Net Generation uses
technology for…

11. …communication
and interaction…
image by Jason Nicholls/flickercc

12. …non-linear
media
consumption
image by Craig Rodway/flickercc

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

16. Communication

17. Photo sharing

18. Facebook

19. YouTube

20. Start a blog

21. Email and text

22. Catechesis

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

24. Integrating
Mobile Tech

25. Show a video
 That Catholic Show

26. Make a video

27. Prayer

28. Praying with New
Media

29. Bottom line:

30. Q&A
photo by Melodi T/stock.xchng

31. For notes and additional
resources
visit
JonathanFSullivan.com