I remember my first impression of Austin Catholic New Media. Or rather, my first misconception. It was along the lines of, “Um, what’s the big deal?” New media was commonplace to me. Aren’t Catholics already utilizing it to fulfill JPII’s call to a New Evangelization? But, that was over four months ago. Today, I couldn’t be more excited.
We are a force to be reckoned with, us Catholics in Central Texas. I wouldn’t have known it when I first moved here a year and a half ago. I was newly confirmed and eager to be in the bustling metropolis that is Austin. I wanted the adventure and fun that Austin’s reputation promised. I didn’t quite expect the complete faith overhaul that has renewed me. Now a year and half later, when I get together with friends for some barbeque and beer, it’s not just to waste time. I’ve been blessed to have a wonderfully Catholic network of friends. When we get together, there is an energy and it is quite palpable, almost like a joyful holiness. We all have the same integral beliefs and desires and that gives us a deeper bond that, quite frankly, I’ve never found elsewhere.
I met these friends through the young adult ministry that was advertised in the bulletin (old media, Iknow). But since I’ve been with them, and even volunteered my services as coordinator and treasurer, I’ve seen how we utilize new media to evangelize. What’s even better is we’re not the only ones. It seemed that if I knew where to look, I could find any information about the church I wanted. But, what if one didn’t know where to look?
Austin Catholic New Media’s role in the Central Texas, Catholic presence is the kicker. Every aspectof the diocese, be it youth, young adult, pro-life, vocations, etc. can come together here under the commonality of new media and New Evangelization. Although individually our audiences may be distinct, combined our impact is greater than the sum of our parts. Now that all of us diocese-wide can come together and share our resources, there’s no limit to who we can connect with.
You see, even in my own small network of friends, our careers vary from graphic design and video,to health care and education, politics and physical labor. But, put these people together and there’snothing we can’t accomplish. Expand that idea to all of Central Texas, and our approach to New Evangelization is multifaceted and inevitably, uniquely Austonian.
When I look at AustinCNM.com, I don’t just see a website. I see a launching platform for the Catholic presence in Austin to be recognized for how influential it truly is.
