Can the web really improve liturgy planning?
Web 2.0 collaboration makes your planning more productive
Photo from Photos.com“Just give me a theme, and let me preach about it,” said Father Mark after I had asked him to sit with our student leaders prior to a liturgical event. The month before, Father Mark had met with our student leaders to discuss the readings. Our conversation felt awkward as none of us had prepared for liturgy in this way before. The result was a theme that appeared “forced” and a homily that didn’t work. Father Mark felt awful, and the group was disappointed. We realized we needed a new process if we were to become a group that prepared for liturgy collectively. And that new process was online collaboration.
Collaborating just got easier
Web 2.0 workers are familiar with the term “mind mapping.” Mind mapping is a digital version of white boarding or newsprinting by which one brainstorms in order to get every possible idea in one place. When a group engages in mind mapping, it is often to come up with ideas for an upcoming event or to think through a difficult problem.
With online collaboration, groups can work together as they prepare for upcoming events or even liturgical seasons. I’ve even used online mind mapping with students as they prepared a “visual book report” of selected readings. In short, mind mapping has never been easier, and you don’t have to worry about losing newsprint, bleeding markers, or wall-space to display your thoughts.
Three tools worth trying
While companies often use expensive software to do mind mapping, the average person will find these both overpowering and cumbersome. If you’re like me, you’ll want the easiest solution to your planning needs. Here’s an easy tip: If you can figure it out in less than two minutes, it’s a keeper! Three free programs that are worth checking out are:
• Bubbl, bubbl.us
• Mindmeister, mindmeister.com
• Mindomo, mindomo.com
Each of these allows for quick and easy mind mapping and group collaboration. Be sure to try each one before recommending one to your group.
The liturgy connection
1. Choose a manageable project, such as, “How to improve children’s Liturgy of the Word” or “Monthly social after the 10:30 AM Mass.” A month or so later, move on to something more complex, like “Sunday evening Mass” or “Bishop’s annual visit.”
2. Commit as a group to prepare together. The pastor and parish staff are trained professionals and are seeking the wisdom of the group. If they decide to go in a different direction, they agree to explain why and help the group work accordingly.
3. Create a parish account on any of the three sites mentioned above. Projects can be labeled as “collaborative,” letting different members post thoughts and provide feedback.
After a designated amount of time, gather your team to discuss trends in the online comments and outline a plan for implementing your project. Print out the map that has been generated so everyone is on the same page. Get feedback from your group as to how the process was helpful or not. TP
Advantages to online mind mapping
1. Some group members may be visual thinkers. T heir input will be more thoughtful and precise by using a visually oriented tool. See Dan Roam’s The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures (Portfolio).
2. Discussions about process require time for people to think, discuss, and often disagree. A one-shot planning meeting often yields poor results.
3. Online discussions are useful follow-ups to an initial meeting with the group. Online tools can complement that which needs to take place in a face-to-face setting.
4. Posting something online allows time to think about someone else’s point of view. At a later time, members will be less likely to overreact or take things personally.
5. Aesthetics matter. By using a tool that is elegant and simple, you’ll access more brain power than if you simply went around the room and asked for feedback. See Dan Pink’s A Whole New Mind: Why Right Brainers Will Rule the Future (Riverhead Trade).
*This article appeared in the November/December 2008 issue of Today's Parish.
Mike St. Pierre is the dean of students at Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, New Jersey. His blog, The Daily Saint, is popular with parish ministers around the country.
