When it comes to the pace of modern technology, the Catholic Church knows how vital it is to keep up with the times. Recognition of the power and complexity of the digital landscape – and Catholicism’s relationship to it – brought more than 400 parish and school leaders from the Los Angeles Archdiocese for the Catholic Communication Collaboration (C3) Technology Conference held at LMU and co-sponsored by the School of Education.
The conference sought to address Pope Francis’ call for an increased “culture of encounter” between Catholicism and the digital world. With 40 workshops and an array of high-profile speakers, the event offered members of the Los Angeles Catholic community the opportunity to explore a wide variety of topics centered on technology, education and the Church.
The conference keynote was delivered by Msgr. Paul Tighe, secretary to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications of the Vatican, who is the Church’s resident expert on social media. Msgr. Tighe’s speech focused on Catholicism’s rapidly expanding digital presence (perhaps the most well-known example is Pope Francis’ activity on Twitter) and the need for the Church to become a beacon of positivity amidst a social media landscape that can often turn hostile. “We have to reject the culture of rejection and manipulation that’s so prevalent in society,” said Msgr. Tighe, “and offer images of hope and support by imitating the Good Samaritan in the digital world.”
Remarking on the role of the university in this changing landscape, Shane P. Martin, dean and professor of the SOE, said, “Embracing new technologies and digital communication tools is critical to the future of the church and offers a tremendous opportunity for our Catholic schools to continue to provide young women and men with a path to success. The LMU School of Education is pleased to partner with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on this important initiative to improve our capacity for technological innovation and transformation.”
The conference also served as the culminating event for the three-year C3 Pilot Project, launched by the Los Angeles Archdiocese in 2010 at 25 parishes and schools to explore and implement innovative uses of technology. Msgr. Tighe joined Archbishop José Gomez in LMU’s Sacred Heart Chapel to commemorate the pilot project’s completion. With its success, the Archdiocese plans to expand the initiative to 600 locations.
Media stories on the conference appeared on Fox 11 and KPCC, and in the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Register and The Tidings (on the conference and Msgr. Tighe’s keynote).
