Why+Do+Ministers+Blog?

Assignment #1
Expected time to __#|complete__ written assignments: 20 - 30 minutes Please note that there are two parts to this assignment.

After you have attended the __#|webinar__ and read the blog pages about //Blogging: Sharing My Personal Faith Story//, your individual __#|homework__ assignment this week is to identify __#|one__ or two blogs that are interesting to you and to share why these ministers blog. Part 1 : What is their passion?

Using the Catholic Blog Directory ([]), scan through the various titles. Pick three titles that interest you. Read about the author and pick __#|one__ or two blog posts to read. What are you noticing about the blogs you have scanned? In a paragraph or two, identify what you notice about the author and the mission of the blog. What is their passion?
 * Please remember to include the Name of the blog (and URL) with your comments. If possible, try to pick blogs that others are not commenting on. The main focus of this assignment is to identify WHY these authors are writing their blogs. What is their passion?
 * Name:
 * Blog title + URL
 * Why is this author writing their blog? What is their passion?

Example:
 * Name: Caroline Cerveny
 * Catholic __#|Web Solutions__ - []
 * Sr. Susan Wolf is a blogger who wants to help religious communities think strategically about integrating the Internet and Social Media into their mission; to develop a plan and then implement it. Using these new media we can enhance our member services, our __#|membership__ recruitment and our outreach.

Post your comments in the space below, then __#|continue__ on to Part 2, below.

Name: Pat Ruthemeyer


 * [] - New Evangelizers
 * A blog site by a team of bloggers. A new blog is entered every day by a different member of the blog team. Themes usually deal with the daily or Sunday Mass readings. Would be a good site to recommend on a parish website.


 * []
 * This blog is well-written by a professional team that gives workshops in the Boston area. Again, based on the liturgical year. Below is a summary from their blogsite:
 * Living the Liturgical Year blog has grown out of workshops Barbara and Anne have given in the Archdiocese of Boston, and in surrounding parishes. These workshops help CCD teachers, homeschoolers and parents connect deeply to the pattern of the church calendar. Grounding our faith lives into the rhythm the Church provides gives us the sure foundation to teaching children about the faith.


 * []
 * Blog written by Sr. Kathleen Glavich, SND popular author who also publishes articles appear in catechist journals. These are short blogs on a variety of topics.

Connie Egan
 * Name: Rocco Palmo
 * "Whispers in the Loggia" - whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com
 * Rocco is known as the "church whisperer." He chronicles the happenings in the global church.


 * Monks of Clairvaux
 * Abbey of New Clairveaux []
 * Write their blogs to express monastic Cistercian life-I enjoyed reading about the Sacred stones that are being used to build a Chapter house, Reflection on the book of Revelation-Alison Smith2.


 * Kelly Thatcher
 * Lady in the Pew []
 * Writes from the prospective of being a Catholic woman in the church today, and is quite content with that-no aspiration for ordination, etc. Interesting reflection on sin and wearing a crucifix-Alison Smith


 * Name: Rene Lape
 * Catholic Quaker http://www.catholicquaker.blogspot.com
 * She writes about how the Quaker charism has influenced her ability to reflect on Scripture and other religious text. Each day she reflects on the readings of the day from the Lectionary and sometimes includes the Liturgy of the Hours selection from the Church Fathers. Interesting ability to merge the two faiths to inform one another to unpack the readings.

Michelle Lemiesz


 * Joan Fye
 * Sponsa Christi http://www.sponsa-christi.blogspot.com
 * The author of this blog writes about the vocation of Consecrated Virgins Living in the World. She also gives many resources, such as: the Church documents, books, what this vocation is all about. She lives what she writes about.
 * Catholic Tech Talk -- http://catholictechtalk.com
 * The author of this blog gives suggestions on how to use various technology to spread the Gospel in this digital age, as well provides articles on social networking. I saw this website on Twitter the other day. Between this blog, DDBC, and Tim Welch's articles in RTJ's magazine, there are a lot of resources to enhance Faith Formation. Thanks!


 * Name: Ed Reising - As a deacon I chose to look at what other deacons were doing with media.
 * abitadeacon - http://www.abitadeacon.blogspot.com
 * Deacon Mike Talbot's reflections, updates and homilies inspired by following the words from ordination: Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you preach.
 * Deacon Mike offers daily thoughts on the readings, saints and leading news stories of the day. His insights as a deacon, father and grandfather help to give his blogs a earthy feel.
 * Itinerant Preacher - http://www.itinerantpreacher.org
 * Deacon Mike Walsh out of Canada started this blog as a way to reach his RCIA candidates. He shares insights into daily living out the gospels. He has multiple pages and offers information and other reflective sites for preachers as well.

> Their passion is to provide quick, memorable, and balanced responses to common faith questions. Great Scripture quotes and links for more information. I like the spunk and the well researched arguments. > This is a blog from a Benedictine Monastery about 8 miles from my house. i thought it was closed or morphed into a school. Curiosity to find out more ... Their passion is to provide glimpses into the lives of the sisters and their meditative practices. Each sister offers a weekly reflection, and a simple lesson. Profound. > A blog written by an everyday Catholic (young adult), and how the Faith has influenced his life. Very ordinary life, very extraordinary faith.
 * Julie Scott**
 * 1) **3 Minute Apologetics by the Amateur Apologist (**** http://threeminuteapologetics.blogspot.com). **
 * 1) **Reflections From the School of the Lord's Service (**** http://stwalburg.blogspot.com) **
 * 1) **A Lay Catholic (a laycatholic.com) **

Patti Gehred 1) The Life of a New Sister (sisternicole.blogspot.com) I chose this blog because I work for the Marianists and she is our newest sister (taking her perpetual vows on August 3). She is an excellent writer and I highly recommend everyone reading her page. 2) Happy Nun (happynun.wordpress.com) This blog is mostly happy positive images and a reminder to look for God's goodness everywhere in our lives. I found it very joyful and uplifting. 3) Green 4 God (www.greenforgod.blogspot.com) I was interested in this blog because this topic is of interest to me. However, once I began exploring her site I can see she is mostly promoting her books and her talk (for which she gets paid) so there really wasn't much information that was shared (which makes sense, since she wants to get paid for her knowledge). So I would not recommend this site unless you wanted to follow the author's latest publications and speaking engagements.

Anne Marie Prangley: 1) Patiently Waiting . . . Kinda (iampatientlywaitingkinda.blogspot.com) This author is writing about the challenges and sorrows of (her) infertility. The purpose of the blog is to give hope and spiritual support to the reader. The author was blessed with a child through adoption last summer and is hoping to enlarge her family.

2) Momto8blog (raisingahappyfamily-momof8.blogspot.com) The author, Annmarie Pipa, shares her adventures of raising a large family in the Catholic tradition. Her blog is laced with humor, parenting tips, photos and education. Her latest blog tells of their family travels. She is obviously passionate about raising her kids to be good Catholics.

3) What's Your Response (catholicvolunteernetwork.blogspot.com) This blog is presented by the Catholic Volunteer Network. It's purpose is to encourage others to get involved in acts of service. Their site presents pictures and testimonies from volunteers who served in all different kinds and places of experience.

Name: Brianna Heldt Blog: Just Showing Up [|http://www.briannaheldt.com/#sthash.TBABGDxU.dpbs] Brianna and her husband were evangelical Protestants who converted to Catholicism after reading some of Blessed JPII’s encyclicals. She is a home schooling mother of 8, half were born to her and half blessed to her through adoption. Two of her adopted children have Downs syndrome. Brianna feels blogging has helped build community and allowed her to share her story globally. Her blogs address motherhood, marriage, feminism and conversion. (Patti Kamper)

Kristen Ricker


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Name: Paul Cat
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Alive and Young []
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The author is writing their blog to share about their single life and how religion has influenced them throughout it. He discusses what it is like to be a 32 year old virgin in the world today i.e. temptations, social views, goals, hopes of marriage. It’s very unique and full of humor and lots of personality. His passion is sharing what his life is like and how society reacts to it or influences it.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Name: Dave VanVickle
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Sinner’s Guide []
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The blog is a resource for people of faith who want to change their sinful ways. It is full of resources for books, prayers and ideas on how to change attitudes. His passion lies around a Universal Call to Holiness and spirituality.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Name: Archdiocese of Cincinnati
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Being Catholic []
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">There are several writers that contribute to these blog posts (over twenty). I enjoy reading their posts each week because they offer unique views on day-to-day experiences and how they relate to the Gospel message. They are able to seamlessly tie in political/religious issues to songs, books, news, and the Bible. The passion of the writers is to share how everyday experiences can be used to teach us all and have a deeper meaning and could be deemed signs from above.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">(Response by Sue (from below) - Thanks, Kristen, for your support of "Being Catholic!")

Sue Sack 1. [] “Beautiful Day” Beth is the author’s name Beth’s primary passion in writing her blog is to link her experience of life as a mother of four to her Catholic faith. I found this interesting, as the first blog I ever followed was one started by a fellow student of mine some seven years ago (Theologianmom.blogspot.com – hmm…wonder why her blog isn’t in this list?!) who now also writes about life as a Catholic theologian and mother of four. As a fellow mother of four (even if mine are now all past the toddler stage, thank goodness!) I can relate, and remember, where God was in those times. What is great about these blogs is that I also remember how isolated I often felt with so many little ones to care for…and how I longed for a community in the Church that just wasn’t present for me at that time. Hopefully these blogs are fulfilling that need for some other young mothers. 2. [] Theology with Ghym James Germain is the author I chose this blog because the fact it was written by a Catholic from Ohio caught my attention…and then it turned out to be by a young theology student from Steubenville, Ohio, with a passion for radical Catholicism (as exemplified by Mother Theresa apparently) and the lay monastic movement, so that really grabbed me. I was in classes with a few of those! One of his blog posts was “Santa or Jesus: Must we Choose?” This definitely made me chuckle…reminded me of a couple of my teenage sons desperately attempting to validate their desire to retain certain myths of childhood. J 3. [] From “The Tablet” <span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I became acquainted with ‘The Tablet” journal through one of my UD profs, and have always been impressed with its less biased coverage of all things religious, so it was cool to take a look at their blog. Yep, it’s pretty similar to the print edition! Although the journal/blog comes out of the UK, they also cover global religious news. So, the blog post on top for 7/20 was “Much for non-Muslims to gain from Ramadan.” Since I have a son doing graduate work in Arabic/Middle Eastern studies anything related to that part of the world catches my attention. Overall, I found this a well-balanced, well-researched far more journalistic blog than the previous two. I will return.

Cara Stolarczyk - I thought I would search for Catholic blogs that I was not previously aware of from people who reside in Pennsylvania like me that have something to offer to others in their faith journey. :) Jennifer Lawrence is a Catholic, homeschooling mother of 9 children who blogs to share faith-based arts, crafts, games and activities with other parents and teachers to help spread a love for God in their home or school.
 * Catholic Inspired - []**

Daria Sockey is passionate about encouraging ordinary Catholics to have a love of the Liturgy of the Hours. She shares insights around what these are, how to pray it and offers workshops, talks and links to instruction about it.
 * Coffee & Canticles - []**

Fr. Stephen Morris resides at Christ of the Hills Retreat House in Pennsylvania. His passion is bringing people to Christ, by sharing his own experiences, the experiences of others and providing reflections for consideration and questions for contemplation. The reflections and questions cause one to stop in their tracks and reflect on what they believe & why.
 * Pacua Verba (Means "A Few Words" in Latin) - []**

Mary Ellen Singer Ron Rolheiser is listed as a blog and I am inspired by a lot of his materials. So I went to his "Blog" but I do not see any place to post a comment to his material. Fr. Rolheiser's passion does seem to be to share the Good News in the day to day lives of people. His most recent column, "Weeping v. Whining" is a good example of his effort to be real and also spiritually uplifting. I also read some of [] because I was intrigued by the title. It wasn't what I expected/hoped. Melanie is a homeschooling mom whose passion is for her family. Lots of nice photos and reflections on her daily life.

Kim Adamson Hearts on Fire - @http://heartsonfire33.wordpress.com/ This person, after looking farther into the blog is written by Fr. Paul Wharton. He puts in this blog anything that sparks his spirituality and "truth is where you find it and all things good come from God". He has a passion, it seems to me for the poetic and prayer and finding God in real life. He does include some of his homily's as well, so I think this is an outlet for him to get more information to his congregation and others that he can't fit into that little 10 minute slot on Sundays. Bravo.

Pam Neumann Name: John Allen NCR Online [] John Allen, a leading reporter on Catholic politics, movements and developments, shares his love for the Church in its institutional manifestation. John’s ‘wonkishness’ about Catholicism on a global level reveals his love for the universal Church while reminding his readers about Big Picture Catholicism.

Name: Ron Rolheiser [] Fr. Ron Rolheiser, whom I have read for many years, is a true spiritual teacher, bringing the precepts of the Gospel into everyday life. No topic is off limits, and he touches our daily lives with insight and the Gospel.

Name: Fr. Stephen Wang [] Fr. Stephen writes from within the context of contemporary London. He has recently taken over as Dean of Studies at a seminary in London. His perspective on culture, the arts and the sciences offers an interesting take on contemporary movements and attitudes. His links also take one to some very interesting places one might not otherwise discover, for example, this article on dating: []

1. Catechist's Journey [] Joe Paprocki, D.Min. Joe has been a parish catechist for years and also serves as a catechetical consultant & author with Loyola Press. He is committed to offering a forum on this blog sharing his journey and experience as a catechist with catechists from all over and invites us to share our experiences & ideas in catechetical ministry.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Dave Gruber **

2. Erin's Blog [] A clearinghouse of catechetical information for the Diocese of St. Augustine Erin McGeever - Director of Christian Formation, Youth and Young Adult Ministry Diocese of St. Augustine I first met Erin in person a couple of years ago in Atlanta at NCCL after being in contact with one another for some months about a possible position in that Diocese. She has an extremely limited budget and only 1 or 1-1/2 diocesan staff members, therefore she utilizes the blog just as described in the tagline above.

3. On Being //with Krista Tippett// [] Krista Tippett I was first introduced to this blog and radio program (and podcasts, etc) from a former parish RCIA catechist and administrator in the graduate school of education at The Ohio State University. It presents issues on faith, morals, science - see the description below. Programs that have impacted me over the years include Jarislav Pelikan on the "Need for Creeds", Joe Carter speaking (and singing) of the importance of the Negro Spirituals, and Brother Guy from the Vatican Observatory speaking about the possibility of life on other planets and the role of the Church and Vatican in astronomy and cosmology. //"On Being is a spacious conversation — and an evolving media space — about the big questions at the center of human life, from the boldest new science of the human brain to the most ancient traditions of the human spirit. The program began as an occasional series on Minnesota Public Radio in 1999, then became a monthly national program in September 2001, and launched as a weekly program titled Speaking of Faith in the summer of 2003."//

Blogger: Colleen Gibson URL: www.beingmyvocation.blogspot.com She has such a love for the Lord! Her description of her blog: <span style="background-color: #dddd99; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,serif;">A twenty-something woman trying to discover who I am and who I'm meant to be through a life well lived. I am a novice with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia, learning to live the life I love and growing in my love of God and neighbor each and every day.
 * Loretta Nazario**


 * Name: Marty McClain
 * Expressions of Love ~ []
 * This blog was written by a good friend of mine and one of our classmates, Bob Wurzelbacher. Bob's passion for his family is as great as his passion for God. These passions come through so clearly through this blog. Bob is a regular blogger for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and I love reading his insights.


 * What's in a Name ~ []
 * The author of the blog is a Catholic police officer who shares his life and his struggles while understanding the need all people have for respect and dignity.

Barb SK

Saint Theodore/Mother Theodore Guerin (http://saint-theodora.com) by Mary K. Doyle. This blog seems to desire to spread the wisdom of St. Theodore to the world as St. Theodore spread it to her sisters. It is interesting to read quotes form St. Theodore and see their application in today's life.

Under the Broom Tree (http://onekingsnineteen.blogspot.com) by J.T. The desire of this irregularly updated blog is to share homily-type reflections and an occasional piece of information to update what is happening in his diocese. His style of blogging shares his deep desire to bring a type of Merton spirituality to the world. Easy to read and satisfying.


 * Name: Sarah Pascual
 * Sacred and Liturgical Art -@http://inspiredartisans.blogspot.com/
 * This blog is written by an art studio that creates art for sacred spaces. They are passionate about creating pieces that are used in liturgical settings, help draw people closer to God through prayer, and appeal to multiple generations. They not only show images of their pieces, but they describe how and why the pieces are created.

Blog: [] The author's description of herself on this blog is simple: a Catholic mom. The posts are mostly about little things in daily life. Nothing exciting. But, it shows that we pass on our faith through the little things. Blog: [] Ronald Roheiser has many gifts and much wisdom to share. That is the simple reason WHY he blogs.
 * Teresa Phillips**


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Name: Barb Blanco
 * Blog name: Strange Notions-[]
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Brandon's blog is a place where both Catholics and atheists can have healthy dialogues concering the "big" questions. It's based on reason, faith and dialogue. All points of view are respected. The purpose of the blog is not to defeat anyone, rather dialogue leading to truth.

Part 2 : Do you agree or disagree? Scott Rosenberg's video, //10 Myths About Blogs,// gave a sometimes humorous but pointed critique of the typical arguments against the legitimacy of blogging. I have to admit that some of these Myths have been some of my own! Viewing this video gave me an opportunity to look at some of these arguments and to think about blogs and bloggers differently. As Rosenberg seemed to imply, blogs and bloggers each need to be evaluated on their own merits, just as individual authors or newspaper writers. It was interesting as well to hear him speak of 'lifecycles' of blogs. Whereas blogs seemed before to sometimes to be merely 'flash-in-the-pan' and 'transitory' in nature, perhaps they are more correctly tools which can serve issues of 'immediacy' and of a 'here-and-now' nature which are time-limited. The specific blogs must then be judged against the whole of others on the same topic to discern the authority and legitimacy and veracity of the opinions and thoughts which are discussed. Pat Ruthemeyer
 * After listening to Scott Rosenberg's video, //10 Myths About Blogs//, do you agree or disagree with what Scott states in the video? Why? Please post your name with your answer**


 * I think that Scott Rosenberg poses some valid questions and gives some compelling answers regarding the issue of blogging and the various myths or misperceptions that have arisen from the practice. For the most part, I do agree with what Scott presents, but there still remains within me and resultant of some blogs that I have read as if the person indeed is focusing on themselves and their own issues. I see this prominent in alot of the blogs that are written as Catholic apologist blogs. There are times that it reads as if the person has an ax to grind or is almost militaristic in the way that he or she expounds on their facts. This may be resultant of their passion, but it appears to the reader (at least this one) that it is narrow in focus and based on something that he or she believes. I can't help but wonder if the purpose of blogs on some level is to persuade and influence.**
 * Michelle Lemiesz**

Ed Reising - While listening to Scott Rosenberg I kept thinking about the advise I was given many years ago, if you talk to or even read more than one persons opinion on an issue, be ready to get more than one response. I think that even after 4 years Mr. Rosenberg's comments hold true. The blog, or any written,or oral, opinion is just that an opinion. To be informed one must look at a multitude of information and sources then discern what the consensus is.

Patti Gehred - I agree with most of what Scott Rosenberg's points. We need to use critiquing skills when searching for blogs to read on a regular basis. It is true that most of it is personal opinion and there is no editor or fact-checker. As readers we need to do our own fact checking. If it doesn't ring true, trust our instincts and do not follow that particular blog. His point that many times blogging takes a current event deeper is true. Rather than getting a 1-2 minute sound bite on TV or a short article in the newspaper, people from all different sides of one issue have an opportunity to voice their opinion. Having someone 'edit' other's opinions hasn't always been good for us. The internet is calling for us take personal responsibility for what we choose to follow and how we choose to respond.

Anne Marie Prangley - I enjoyed Scott Rosenberg's video. He has a very real and laid-back perspective on today's blogging trend. He is comfortable with having both journalism and blogging because they address audiences in a different way. They really can co-exist. His attitude to the naysayers:"Bloggers are narcissists, Blogs are dead, trivial, stink . . " is "So what?". Those who follow blogs will disregard the offensive, outdated, or trite blogs and follow the ones that strike a cord in their lives- and provide an opportunity to have a voice in the discussion. Essentially, he is saying "relax and enjoy what blogs have to offer today".

Sue Sack - I also enjoyed Scott Rosenberg's video; definitely made me chuckle! I know SO MANY Catholics who blog, and their purposes cover the spectrum. You have the traditional apologists and the progressives and (as one of my friends would say) the total "whack-jobs" who just want to pound their opinions into your mind. So, yes, I see truth in Scott's response, but also in the arguments he is countering. The reality - as with so much - lies somewhere in-between. The point that really hit home with me though was #6 that "bloggers are narcissistic." As a blogger myself (for "Being Catholic" for the Cincinnati archdiocese, it WAS on the list!) I've struggled with that question often. Is it narcissistic to think anyone wants to read what I have to say? Why am I doing this, anyway? I suspect that as long as I question my motivation though, and remind myself what it's really about and for, I'm okay.

Mary Pat Austing - Bloggers reflect the bell curve of our population. All different types of folks with all types of backgrounds, axes to grind, joys to share and info to impart are present online in blogs. I miss the variety of journalists that contributed to the daily newspapers. This class is helping me to accept bloggers as the more recent additions to the journalism field. I miss the trust I had in the reporters hired by a newspapers that had to stand by their resources. With many bloggers, there is no guarantee of honesty and fact checking. It is up to the individual reader to do more fact checking and use a more discerning method of accepting what information is useful and what is not. Scott Rosenberg's comments boil down to blogs can be useful and entertaining, but we need to use our good judgement at all times.

Cara Stolarczyk - I really liked the Top Ten quick paced format Scott used in his video 10 Myths About Blogging. For the most part, I agreed with Scott's points and arguments although in each case nothing is absolute. In particular, the "myth" re: bloggers can't be trusted is one that requires further exploration. People do need to be aware that just because someone says something, even if it is labeled "Catholic", does not mean that it is true. We need to check on the authority of the source and confirm what is said is indeed in alignment with Church teaching. This is particularly important today because while we have more access than ever to Church teaching, there is ignorance of or confusion surrounding it, often because of what is said or not said in the media. Both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have called out the "moral relativism" that is pervasive today that distorts truth and in and of itself is not truth. I do think some bloggers use the medium to perpetuate their beliefs and attempt to persuade others to see take their position, even if it is not right or true.

Kim Adamson- I enjoyed listening to Scott's take on the myths. I have to admit that I am not one to read a newspaper much or inclined to look for blogs to read. I also have to admit that I was of the belief of many of these "myths". I always thought of blogs as someone's diary and had NO desire to read another's "trivial" writings. He has enlightened me with a new way to think of blogs as news. You can find what you want on subjects that you are interested in and just like with any media - you can't always believe just because someone says so. Research for truth and facts is always needed with today's media whether it is television, newspapers, blogs, facebook etc. and we have to look at the credentials of the blogger as well as those who respond.

Mary Ellen Singer I agree with Scott's points, not because I read a lot of blogs but because those statement "Myths" are too all-encompassing, like "always" and "never." The gift of discernment is needed for assessing all forms of communication, including blogs.

While I agree with Scott's points about blogs, I too find his statements too absolute and obviously from the perspective of an experienced blogger and internet "journalist". Lists of myths and facts are skewed from the perspective of the author/speaker. I do take issue with the idea that journalism is being replaced/supplemented by blogs and their authors. Journalism today is not journalism, it is reporting and is most often subject to personal or institutional bias. Blogs, especially "news" blogs, regularly espouse "news" stories but make no pretense as being fair, unbiased, etc. The scariest part of this development to me is recent studies that show the tendency for those under 35 to get the majority of their "news" from Twitter and blogs. They tend to only read from a single viewpoint that most correlates with their own viewpoints. They avoid reading diverse viewpoints that might challenge their own beliefs. I see blogs as a tool, like the ones that I listed above in part one, that communicate to a specific audience with a specific purpose; i.e. catechetical ministry, diocesan catechetical ministry news forum, and a forum that presents topics that speak to the core of who and what we are as a species and how faith, morals, science, theology, and ideals<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> form and inform us.
 * Dave Gruber**

Pam Neumann (aka Last Rose of Summer) I think Scott’s defense of blogging, which is what it boils down to, is a fair response to the fears so many of us have. I can even hear myself mouthing some of these myths. The myths mostly comfort us in the face of this new, seemingly uncontrollable form of communications. It’s different, wild, it answers only to others, not to any authority. It is both trivial and profound. It is emblematic of the 21st century: it is ‘both/and/then some’. And it is very new. Yes, I do agree with him, especially his request that we be supportive of people taking chances and ‘putting themselves’ out there, no matter how unpolished. It's a new world!

Loretta Nazario I think Scott was exactly on the money. Blogging is not dead, it is not replacing journalism, and you certainly are not forced to read them. I have a little different perspective about blogging because my 20-year old has been blogging for 5 years, I have a brother and good friend who blog, etc. Each blog is so different that I enjoy reading all of them. A good blog is interesting, funny and not too narcissistic. That being said, I am always a little sceptical when I come across a new blog - can I trust the person writing? What is their motivation for sharing - a soapbox, an axe to grind, or a true story to share? I am excited to get the blogging going for the RCIA this coming year!

Marty McClain I read a few blogs, but not too many. Scott's list seems reasonable and realistic. The information I gain or stories I read are almost always benificial to me in some way. There is no doubt in my mind that blogging is a useful tool is done well.

Barb SK Having watched and listened to Scott's comments about blogging I found myself chuckling a few times. Isn't it true that many times those who are most opposed to change (those most threatened by the change) are those who do not understand that change involved. A new method of communication does not spell doom to a previous way of communicating. Imagine what our forebearers thought about Henry Ford and the assembly line! It is true that one must be cautious about blogs followed and blogs written but it certainly not true that one must read every blog posted. As people become more educated in what blogging and other technology bring to the world they will become more selective in choices. Blogging, like all opinions, are simply a person's thoughts- accept or reject as opinion.

Sarah Pascual For the most part, I agree with the comments Scott makes in his video about these ten myths of blogging. Essentially the ten myths presented are reasons not to blog or not to bother reading blogs, and he does a wonderful job refuting them. The only point I don't agree with him on fully is number eight "There is a Blogosphere." He says there are many, but from my viewpoint, the many genres of blogs and blogging communities are all part of the world wide web, which I personally see the collection of these many different communities/genres on the web as the world's "blogosphere."

I've not expereinced many blogs, myself. I do not 'follow' any. I'm not sure Scott's list is even relavant to me as I'm not in the blogosphere. Most of those that I have read seem mundane and trivial... to me. But, if they have an audience, who am I to say whether they are worthy or not. Everyone one is free to choose to engage or not.
 * Teresa Phillips**

Essentially I agree with most of Scott's myths. I don't follow many blogs and the ones I do follow tend to agree and solidify my views and/or beliefs. They're a great way to share different views and opinions, you can choose to agree, disagree, follow or not follow.
 * Barb Blanco**

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