Julie+Scott

Over the summer, I participated in the DDBC sponsored by, among others the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, learning many 21st Century skills in pastoral communication and faith-based educational technology. To obtain 2.5 CEU credits for completion of the DDBC requirements for the Pastoral Technology Certificate as awarded by the University of Dayton, Institute of Pastoral Initiatives, one must create and implement a Capstone Project. My Pastor Father Christopher Armstrong is mentoring this endeavor.

** Project Contact - Julie Scott, 513-324-9731, ** juliescottcincinnati@gmail.com, @juliescottcincy
 * Project Title **Sunday Mass Journal – Engaging the Flock on a Spiritual Journey

Before Mass on Sunday, ushers filled the ends of the pews with hundreds of little white notebooks entitled “//The Mass Journal//”. As people began to file in for Mass, a few were curious about the little book, picked up a copy from the end of the pew and flipped through the pages. But the majority ignored them. A few allowed their children to play with them before Mass. During the homily, the Pastor invited everyone, young and old, to take a copy of Matthew Kelly’s // The Mass Journal // from the pile at the end of the pew. Father explained that these notebooks were a follow-up to the book every one in the parish received at Christmas entitled // Rediscover Catholicism // by Matthew Kelly. (Over 1,500 copies were distributed as a resource for New Evangelization.) Father held up a copy of // Rediscover Catholicism // as a reminder. There was little reaction from the congregation. Father then invited the congregation to join him on a spiritual journey for the next 52 weeks. // The Mass Journal // was to be used as a tool for keeping track of spiritual progress.
 * Project Description **

For further explanation, Father read an excerpt from // Rediscover Catholicism (pg 203-206) // on how to use the // Mass Journal to record our prayers as we undertake our Spiritual Journey: //

// Having prepared ourselves for Mass, the next step is to approach the Mass with an open heart and open mind – expecting God to communicate with us. While many people complain about being bored at Mass, I have to believe that most Catholics would like to have a richer experience of it each Sunday. I would like to propose a simple approach that could change the whole way we experience the Mass. // //When you walk into Mass next Sunday, simply ask God in the quiet of your heart,// **God, show me one way in this Mass that I can become a-better-version-of-myself this week!** //Then listen. Listen to what God is saying to you in the music, through the readings, in the homily. When that one thing strikes you, write it in your Mass Journal. Now spend the rest of the Mass praying about how you can become a-better-version-of-yourself in that way during the coming week. If you do that every Sunday for a year your Mass Journal will become an incredibly powerful spiritual tool. You will be able to take it to your daily prayer and pass from page to page. Each page will inspire a deeply personal dialogue between you and God.// **__ Project Summary __** In early September, to support New Evangelization efforts, my Pastor invited Parishioners to read Matthew Kelly’s book //Rediscover Catholicism// and use //The Mass Journal// to chart progress on their spiritual journey. I was inspired to apply my Digital Discipleship skills to support this initiative and encourage Parish wide engagement. Specifically, my project will engage the Parish flock to include:
 * ** a learning resource (Wiki) **
 * ** a place for insights and sharing their spiritual journey (Blog) **
 * ** a social network to build community (Facebook page). **
 * __ Project Goals __**


 * 1. Form a Parish support team to encourage and sustain Parish participation. **

Monitor wiki, blog and Facebook page weekly. Provide constructive feedback, suggestions and promote awareness. Attend quarterly evaluation meetings with Pastor.
 * Parishioners - Mary Meyer, Karen Hartoin, Kevin Annekin, Kathy O’Connor, Judy Bonhaus, Mary Corey


 * 2. **** Integrate the project with Parish School programs, safety guidelines and existing technology. **
 * Parish School & Staff – Jack Corey, Beth Bolin, Renee Martin, Michael Delaney, Carol Hartfiel
 * Catechists – Angie Heisel, Trey Aultman, Debbie Rolfes (Prep)


 * 3. **** Create digital media support to reinforce and promote Pastor’s invitation regarding //The Mass Journal// **
 * ** WIKI - ** Create learning resource to explore using the //Mass Journal// on a spiritual journey
 * ** BLOG ** - Create place for sharing insights and personal faith journeys to inspire and encourage.
 * ** FACEBOOK PAGE ** - Create place for promoting and connecting members of the Parish community.


 * 4. **** Measures of Success **
 * Digital media support resources are created and available for parishioners by Oct. 4
 * Parishioners are invited to explore resources at weekend Masses Oct 12/13
 * 25% of parish families (about 300) like the Facebook page
 * 25% of parish families access wiki, read and/or comment on weekly blog
 * Present at Liturgical Ministers Retreat (Feb. 1) results of the Project and application
 * Present to Archdiocese leadership with New Evangelization team on engaging the flock through digital media. (November 14)


 * __ Audience __**
 * Parishioners who want to learn how to use //The Mass Journal// on their spiritual journey.
 * Schoolchildren who are using //The Mass Journal// on their spiritual journey.
 * Catechumens and Candidates for Full Communion who are using // The Mass Journal // on their spiritual journey.
 * Pastors and Worldwide Church Leadership – model to follow to engage the flock using digital media.
 * Community of Dynamic Catholics (Matthew Kelly, author of //Discovering Catholicism// and //The Mass Journal)//


 * __ Projected Timeline __**
 * September 1 - //The Mass Journal// distributed at all Sunday Masses.
 * September 16 - Gain approval of Pastor for plan.
 * October 1 - Form team to provide input and ongoing evaluation.
 * October 4 - Launch Wiki, Blog, Facebook Page
 * October 12/13 - Promote Awareness, Create Buzz within Parish.
 * October 4-31 - Invite Parish Participation, Evaluate and Adjust platforms
 * November 14 - Presentation to Archdiocese leadership with New Evangelization team
 * November 14 - Project Deadline for DDBC Certification
 * Feb 1, 2014 - Present at Liturgical Ministers Retreat
 * Sept 1, 2014 - Present at Leadership Night - (September 1, 2014) 52 week Spiritual Journey


 * __ Technology to Be Utilized __**
 * ** Parish Website - ** [|**saintantoninus.org**]
 * ** Wiki- ** **stantoninusparishmassjournal.wikispaces.com**
 * ** Facebook- ** [|**facebook.com/saintantoninusparishmassjournal**]
 * ** Blog - ** [|**http://stantoninusparish.wordpress.com**]
 * ** Twitter - #MassJournal **
 * ** Email as needed **


 * Projected Budget ** none


 * Approval ** Pastor approved on September 19, 2013.

Link to my Essay

Link to my Article