Grab a virtual donut and say hello

Two different Facebook pages used my comments about Facebook being the new parish hall to prompt new "likes" and start some conversations. I'm thrilled that anything I said inspired any part of those efforts.

First there was the Denver Archdiocese, which posted this message on its Facebook page:

"We’re ready to brew another pot of *virtual* coffee and put out more virtual donuts!!

“Facebook is the new parish hall,” journalist and blogger Mary DeTurris Poust told bishops, bloggers and media gathered in Baltimore this week for the U.S. bishops’ annual meeting. 

"INVITE OTHERS to the fellowship of Denver Archdiocese’s online parish hall by sharing this Facebook page!! Let’s see how quickly we can reach 2,000 likes!"

Last I checked, they were at 1,931. They're closing in on their goal. Why not join them and see if they can hit 2,000 by the end of today, or this weekend at least. Click HERE for that page.

And, my comments actually played a part in the creation of the all-new Catholic Fellowship on Facebook.  That group, which started just two days ago, is up to 107 members. Head over there and click "join." Here's how the group describes itself:

"This group is for Catholics to come and share and discuss anything related to the Catholic Faith. You can post prayer requests and pray for others here. We can offer support and advice to each other as well. Posts that are not in line with official Catholic teaching will be deleted. Christian posts that are not Catholic are permitted as long as they do not conflict with Catholic teaching. This is not a debate group but feel free to ask for input, help, or support in debates, evangelization efforts, or defending the faith. This group was started by a lay Catholic but clergy are very welcome to post here and offer guidance at any time. If you have another Catholic Group, feel free to post things from that group here. The group is closed, meaning non members can not see the posts. I think that will make members more comfortable in asking for support from other members here when needed."

While Facebook will never -- and shouldn't ever -- replace the parish or church, it certainly has become a meeting place for Catholics. These types of pages give us a place to gather, a group to share with, a page where intentions are put out into the world and prayed for by friends and strangers alike. It's all good, as far as I'm concerned.