NEW YORK — News from Holy Name Province can now be found through Twitter, the popular online microblog site that people use to keep others up to date on their news.
The Provincial Office began releasing “tweets,” as the Twitter news briefs are called, in July. A link enabling people to sign up as followers of Holy Name Province (HolyNameProv) can be found on the home page of HNP.org, as well as on the “Communications” and “Join Us” pages.
Twitter, a Web service that allows users to write short updates about their daily goings-on, is often used by public figures and organizations to develop a following of interested persons.
Holy Name Province had more than 30 followers as this e-letter was being distributed. Recent postings included news about Franciscans appearing on The Washington Post’s front page and the upcoming solemn profession of vows of Lawrence Anderson, OFM, Juan De la Cruz Turcios, OFM, and Fred Dilger, OFM. The Province plans to use Twitter for distributing short announcements such as these.
“Our followers seem to be varied,” said Jocelyn Thomas, HNP’s director of communications. “Some are alumni ofSiena College and St. Bonaventure University, some are staff members of HNP’s ministries, and others have a looser affiliation with the Province or are simply curious about what Franciscans do.”
Other social media is also being used by Province ministries. Two Ministry of the Word friars as well as the Franciscan Vocation Ministry have blogs. Many friars and ministries use Facebook to interact with friends and supporters.
Thomas said she welcomes questions and comments from newsletter readers about Twitter and other topics related to communications or the Web site. Email her at jthomas@hnp.org.