Sri Lanka e Evangelization

with an online medium to learn more about the Catholic faith, through online catechetical and theological in-puts. However, we wish to first gather all Catholic individuals, organisations, parishes, which are already actively engaged in various forms of evangelization using social media. We intend creating a forum for all these authors and designers of Christ, to share what they do with others, so that we strengthen one another in spreading the Good News of salvation. EVENTS
We are planning a “Meet and Greet” day for all Catholic individuals and groups who are actively involved at present in sharing the Good News and faith experiences. We invite all those Catholics who are interested in taking part to register online. MESSAGE OF THE MODERATOR
We live in a world which talks more and more now of new solar systems, planets and milk-y Ways. Attention is drawn towards the space beyond the earth, and the hope of finding living beings in other planets has never been so trendy. On the other hand, the availability of flabbergasting means of getting connected with people around the globe, or in space, within split seconds has made living whizz pass time itself. This has given rise to the genesis of a new world order, which is known as cyber space, and many have effortlessly opted to reside there. Consequently, the Church faces a challenge today of either accepting or turning down the new space and its parameters within which the Face of Christ needs to be discovered. We now need to look after the sheep, not only of the pastures on this planet earth, but also to tend the sheep that dart across this new ecclesial domain. In fact, many young people are more available there than in their once familiar terrains. Recent Popes have given us the lead; clearly, the response is not to turn down, but to embrace the new reality, and to display the Face of Christ in it, to those who shuttle hither and thither; the invitation is to go in search of the multitudes that surf, post, like, upload, tweet, share, group etc. No doubt a variant of the missionary strategy hitherto used is needed, and the missiological parameters have to be identified, defined and explained. The abode of God transcends time and space. When people discover many faces in cyber space, load it with popular and at times with unethical posts, the Church cannot look on, be inert and succumb. What we have before us is golden opportunity, to be there, and to bear witness to the love of God. Moreover, online transmission of catechetical instructions, has helped the local Churches to overcome the difficulty of getting the people to meet in person, at a given time and place. People now have many fish to fry, and excuses for not attending a catechism session are galore. But, they find time to swipe generously and ceaselessly; while travelling by bus or train, while walking and talking, while eating and drinking, while cooking and cleaning. For that matter, while doing anything swiping, logging in and surfing has now become possible. While not condoning with the adverse effects and the behaviour patterns, sincere seekers of Christ will find this a valuable forum to obtain what is necessary to grow in grace. Formation of online faith communities will become a possibility and geographical boundaries will thin out and disappear to form cyber parishes and communities which could respond to the new demands of evangelization. Jesus used the very brief verb, “Go” in his missionary mandate. He wanted his apostles to cross all boundaries in this endeavor. Now the challenge is to cross and conquer the boundaries of cyber space. May our little effort bear fruit as the Lord gives success to the work of our hands. Fr Cecil Joy Perera