The head of the Catholic Bishops Conference has welcomed a message by Pope Benedict XVI for priests to use the internet to reach their flock.
In message on the Church's World Day of Communications, the Pope told priests they must learn to use new forms of communication to spread the gospel.
Bishop Denis Browne says Catholic churches in New Zealand are already using websites to reach their congregation.
Following the Pope's message, he says parishes will explore how to use networking resources such as You Tube and Facebook to spread the word of God.
Bishop Patrick Dunne of Auckland has already started a Facebook page for church notices and news.
