In what is believed to be a first for the Catholic Church in New Zealand, Bishop Patrick Dunn of Auckland has recorded an online video message for Christians as they begin the 40-day season of Lent.

Ash Wednesday, which falls this year on February 17, starts the season of preparation leading up to Easter, the pinnacle of the Church's year. During that period, Christians are called to fast, pray and performs acts of generosity.

In his six-minute message, Bishop Dunn speaks of the symbolism of ashes and fire, two important images that represent the season of Lent and the celebration of Easter. He also discusses how Ash Wednesday services are among the most if not the most attended Church services of the year. The day's message seemingly "touches the human heart deeply", he explains.

Using online technology to spread the Gospel message is the theme of Pope Benedict XVI's message for World Communications Day 2010. It's a message Bishop Dunn, who also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter and has appeared on podcasts, takes seriously.

"The new technologies can be a wonderful tool, allowing me to reach beyond those people I speak to in the pews on Sunday," he said. "Whether it's Facebook, Twitter or now YouTube, when used in the correct way, the Church can spread a timeless message using the medium of this time."

Bishop Dunn's YouTube message was prepared in conjunction with Icon Media, a new company that seeks to help the Catholic Church spread its message using the Internet. Its online properties include The 15th Station podcast network (www.station15.co.nz) and the Being Frank blog (www.beingfrank.co.nz).

"This is the next stage of Icon Media's strategy branching out into online video. It is the first of several videos that will be released in the weeks leading up to Easter," said James Bergin, one of the directors of Icon Media.