Like it or not, social media is the new public square! People are going there for community, learning, and conversation. They are going online to discover what they believe in, and if you’re not part of the conversation, you’re not part of their lives. 

Young adults are looking for guidance and leadership in their crazy lives. And who is right there waiting for them with nice words, acceptance, and answers? Not the Catholic Church.

Social media as a tool for the Church

The Church has always adapted to new forms of communication to spread the Gospel. St. Paul wrote letters, medieval monks hand-copied the Scriptures, and radio and television were later used to reach people. Social media is just the latest tool in that line. 

For Catholics who believe in the mission and teachings of the Church, this isn’t a realm to ignore—it’s an opportunity that must be embraced. If the Church doesn’t actively and effectively engage in digital spaces, especially social media, we risk losing an entire generation of young Catholics.

With the right strategies, these platforms allow Catholics to reach millions, share their personal witness, and invite others into a relationship with Christ. 

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are more than just entertainment; they shape the way young adults think, form opinions, and engage with the world. If the Church isn’t visible in these spaces, it essentially forfeits the chance to influence their lives, leaving them vulnerable to ideologies that may draw them away from God and true happiness. 

Ignoring this reality is like abandoning the mission field in a time of spiritual need.

Prioritize your digital presence!

Young Catholics are bombarded with content—some of it misleading or harmful—and if we aren’t offering them truth, beauty, and goodness in a compelling way, the world will gladly fill the gap with messages that run counter to the Gospel and are ultimately harmful. The stakes are high, and complacency isn’t an option. 

So, prioritize your digital presence! Make room in the budget for a young social media manager and trust them to do their thing. The Catholic Church needs a presence that is engaging, entertaining, beautiful, informative, responsive, honest, transparent, and most importantly, full of love and patience. 

While we must share our teachings, we must do so in a way that doesn’t exclude or judge. Address the groups who may feel outcast or different. Mention the non-traditional family dynamics. Discuss the pain points of someone who may feel conflicted about the Faith. We can’t just post fluffy content that is the digital version of saying, “Jesus Loves You.” We aren’t just preaching to the choir here.

It’s all about meeting people where they are, addressing their real struggles, and sharing the hope found in Christ. The more relatable and authentic the message, the more likely it will resonate with the hearts of those who need to hear it.

What happens if we don’t?

The fastest-growing religious group among young people is the “nones”—those who claim no religious affiliation. We can’t be surprised by this trend if the Church fails to meet them where they are. A lack of presence on social media means surrendering to the very forces that are drawing people away from faith, community, and truth. 

The Church’s voice, rooted in 2,000 years of wisdom and love, can’t be silent in a world that so desperately needs it. 

The Church and online Catholics have the responsibility to communicate timeless truths in ways that are accessible and relevant to the next generation. We need a rise in Catholic influencers. Priests, nuns, youth group leaders, everyday Catholics, parents, authors, everyone! You need to share your experiences, both the big God moments and the small. 

If we want to keep the next generation connected to their faith, we must meet them where they are—on social media, in the digital world, offering the message of hope, love, community, and salvation.