The Church has gone some way to embrace new
technology to reach out to the faithful.
Earlier this month an iPhone
and iPad app was launched that allows Roman Catholics to make their
confession to a "virtual priest".
"Confession: A Roman Catholic App", which went
on sale through Apple's iTunes website for £1.19 this month, offers "a
personalised examination of conscience for each user" and asks penitents
to list sins they have committed.
Previous Catholic apps for mobile phones cover everything from the calendar of the liturgical year to guides for priests on celebrating the Mass.
In
Spain those without the time or energy to traipse to the country's most
famous pilgrimage sites, such as the cathedral of Santiago de
Compostela, can now use the internet to light a virtual candle at the
foot of their favourite shrine.
Armchair pilgrims are invited to pay a euro for the privilege and can also send text offerings by mobile phone.
Pope Benedict XVI himself has encouraged priests to get involved in at least one aspect of online ministry, whether blogs, podcasts or something else.