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Bishop uses technology to spread message,
communicate with diocesan parishioners
By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
(Email Renee)
Whether it’s keeping closer tabs on relatives, former classmates or business colleagues, the advancement of technology has allowed people to get or stay connected.
The same can be said of the Catholic Church. E-mail, websites and Facebook have allowed for quicker communication and assisted in the spreading of the Gospel message. Even Pope Benedict XVI made world news when he recently sent out his first Tweet.
Bishop Walker Nickless of the Diocese of Sioux City said he also sees value in the use of technology.
About two years ago, at the urging of a member of the chancery staff, a fan page was launched for Bishop Nickless on Facebook. The page provides a vehicle for the bishop to share his pastoral letters, feature photos from various events he attends, announcements and more.
“It gives it more availability to people who are into technology – especially young people who seem to appreciate it so much,” he said. “The Holy Father has asked us to use all means at our disposal for communication and these new ways are an amazing gift to the church if they are used well.”
Dan Burns, webmaster for the diocesan site, said if you wish to check out the Bishop Nickless’ fan page, it is easily accessible by going to www.scdiocese.org. Then click on the Facebook icon located near the bishop’s image at the top left portion of the diocese’s homepage.
“The number of hits on the bishop’s Facebook site has been going up,” he said. “The Facebook link on the diocesan homepage is one of the most clicked links. It is getting a lot of views and it continues to trend higher.”
Unlike traditional personal Facebook pages, this fan page is accessible for all to view.
From time to time, Bishop Nickless said he reviews the comments that are posted on his fan page. Quite often, the subscribers express gratefulness for the bishop’s messages and announcements that have been posted.
About a year ago, Bishop Nickless began using an iPad.
“I find it very helpful, especially when I travel but also during meetings because it gives me access directly to my e-mails and to my files. I can look up things that I need quickly,” he said.
The bishop noted that he has several different apps that are helpful such as The Breviary. If he is waiting at an airport or is on a plan, it allows for a convenient way to pray the office. Another application provides the readings, saints of the day and Scripture reflection.
“I use it often,” he said. “It’s a great way to quickly and easily have access to information.”
Bishop Nickless said he also looks at various news sources from the Sioux City Journal to various national news outlets on the iPad. He likes the fact that the iPad is portable and is easy to learn and use, even for someone “who is not technologically savvy.”
The pope, though, is one up on him as Bishop Nickless has never tweeted, however, he reads tweets.
And while he realizes the importance of staying on top of the latest technological trends, the bishop also continues to believe in the value of traditional media such as his diocesan newspaper.
“I think we need to use both and all forms of communication because different people use different means to stay informed,” Bishop Nickless said. “The more that we can use the better it is for everyone.”