What do we need this Katolinen.net site for? So far we've had a couple of dozen replies to our Survey, with answers coming in from several parishes but with most from the Helsinki metropolitan area. On the basis of the replies we’ve had, other people are looking for the same thing I am. They – and I – want to see improvements in how our parishes cooperate with each other and how information flows in the Diocese.
There are requests for reports on what is happening in the parishes. Even small events are worth sharing, people feel. Any and all activities that will improve chances of information reaching people are deemed welcome. Among the things requested is a clear-cut events calendar and more photos.
People have also asked for texts that provide sustenance for their spiritual life, for different expressions of the Catholic faith in everyday life. Theology is valuable, but people would also love to see interviews that give a frank view of what it is like to live as a Catholic in Finland. Stories of conversion and memories of how things used to be in the diocese decades ago are also on the 'shopping list’ for this site.
There are expectations of what the site could offer in the way of information. Among the requested subjects are the history of the Catholic Church in Finland; saints that have a special place in Finnish history; sites that have a connection to the Church; but also information about the Saint’s Days that are celebrated particularly within a certain community or group, as well as information about the groups that are active in the Church in Finland today.
There are requests for reports on what is happening in the parishes. Even small events are worth sharing, people feel. Any and all activities that will improve chances of information reaching people are deemed welcome. Among the things requested is a clear-cut events calendar and more photos.
People have also asked for texts that provide sustenance for their spiritual life, for different expressions of the Catholic faith in everyday life. Theology is valuable, but people would also love to see interviews that give a frank view of what it is like to live as a Catholic in Finland. Stories of conversion and memories of how things used to be in the diocese decades ago are also on the 'shopping list’ for this site.
There are expectations of what the site could offer in the way of information. Among the requested subjects are the history of the Catholic Church in Finland; saints that have a special place in Finnish history; sites that have a connection to the Church; but also information about the Saint’s Days that are celebrated particularly within a certain community or group, as well as information about the groups that are active in the Church in Finland today.
Many people mentioned ease of access. We should consider those who are not Catholic, but also those who are not necessarily fluent in the languages we offer. Both groups benefit from shorter texts that are easy to read. We must also remember to provide explanations for words that might not be clear to everybody.
A number of people have requested presentations of Catholic literature, particularly tips on fiction with a Catholic dimension. That is a need we’ve already responded to through the blog Ota ja lue, in which we follow the steps of Saint Augustine and take a book and read it – and comment on it afterwards.
It is troubling that information is a problem in the Diocese. People in the same parish may not know each other or know about the groups that are active in the parish, let alone what the aims of those groups are. But we can try to look on the bright side: if people see this as a problem that means that they are looking to find each other.
Another good thing is that all of us who want to see better communications can do something about it ourselves. A good place to start is by penning a little text about something that has happened in your own parish and have it published on the Katolinen.net News page. If you’ve got a picture to go with the text, all the better.
Becoming a community is not something supernatural, it is something that happens when ordinary people do perfectly natural things in their everyday lives. Thank you, therefore, to all those who have taken part in our Survey. Please note that it is still open. Also note that the stories and reports of all of you are welcome on this site. When we want to see more communications and more of a community we can joyfully start that work with ourselves. We can make sure we communicate with each other and get people involved in the community that is the Catholic Church in Finland.
A number of people have requested presentations of Catholic literature, particularly tips on fiction with a Catholic dimension. That is a need we’ve already responded to through the blog Ota ja lue, in which we follow the steps of Saint Augustine and take a book and read it – and comment on it afterwards.
It is troubling that information is a problem in the Diocese. People in the same parish may not know each other or know about the groups that are active in the parish, let alone what the aims of those groups are. But we can try to look on the bright side: if people see this as a problem that means that they are looking to find each other.
Another good thing is that all of us who want to see better communications can do something about it ourselves. A good place to start is by penning a little text about something that has happened in your own parish and have it published on the Katolinen.net News page. If you’ve got a picture to go with the text, all the better.
Becoming a community is not something supernatural, it is something that happens when ordinary people do perfectly natural things in their everyday lives. Thank you, therefore, to all those who have taken part in our Survey. Please note that it is still open. Also note that the stories and reports of all of you are welcome on this site. When we want to see more communications and more of a community we can joyfully start that work with ourselves. We can make sure we communicate with each other and get people involved in the community that is the Catholic Church in Finland.