Every time you check your Facebook newsfeed you’re asked: “What’s your status?” The largest social media network in the world wants to know what you’re doing, what you’re thinking and how you feel. If you’re active on Facebook you probably have a pretty good following. You have a platform and an audience. Why not use it for good? Here’s how.
The Year of Mercy was ushered in Dec. 8 of 2015 and will continue through Nov. 20 of this year. The Diocese has established a microsite specifically to help Orange County Catholics make the most of this Extraordinary Jubilee Year. Visit yearofmercyoc.com to see a variety of tools and resources available. Parishioners are encouraged to click to “Receive Mercy,” to “Give Mercy” and to “Share Mercy.” While the literal meaning behind the words “Share Mercy” suggests that we go out to do good works, you might also consider the social media definition of sharing. It’s the highest form of flattery on Facebook–to “share” someone else’s post.
You can use your Facebook page to “Share Mercy.” When you see a post that exemplifies “mercy,” share it with your audience. You’ll also be responding to the call for the new evangelization.
One of the places you can find inspiring stories of mercy is on our own website, occatholic.com. As the official news source of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, OC Catholic reports on community stories as well as national and international stories, many of which are fine examples of Catholics living their faith. The newspaper is published weekly but the newspaper’s website, occatholic.com, is updated several times each day. Each story also is posted to our Facebook page (OC Catholic News) and to our Twitter page (OCCatholicNews). If you follow us, you’ll easily be able to share an inspiring story with your followers on social media. In doing so, you’ll be “Sharing Mercy,” as we are all being called to do.
While you’re at it, check out Bishop Kevin Vann on Twitter. He’s always sharing his experiences with his followers through his Twitter feed. @OCBishop.