Fr. Nick Meisl is releasing a series of online videos called Ask Fr. Nick, in which he answers questions about Mass, relationships and the saints.

“I hope it’s helpful and gets people thinking,” said Meisl, an engineering graduate ordained for the Archdiocese of Vancouver in 2013.

Meisl is quick to say that it wasn’t his idea, nor does he think of it as exclusively his project. Some Catholic creatives suggested the young priest get in front of the camera, and he agreed to do it.

“It’s a small way, but I think it’s a good way, to get the Gospel out there a bit more and help people a little bit,” he said. “If they have concerns, I might be able to give a bit of advice.”

In the video series, the Vancouver priest gives answers to questions sent to http://www.rcav.org/digital or via the hashtag #askfrnick.

“I think social media is a tricky thing sometimes, but everybody is there and I think it’s a great place to get our message out,” said Meisl.

The videos, filmed in Surrey’s Fleetwood Park, are short and engaging. Videographer Matthew Furtado said they were in part inspired by Fr. Mike Schmitz of Ascension Presents, whose YouTube videos attract thousands of viewers.

“It’s really cool to see faith in practice online, which is a free-for-all, neutral environment,” said Furtado, a member of St. Matthew’s Parish in Surrey, B.C.

There are not many opportunities for young people to ask their priests for advice at Sunday Mass, Furtado said. Ask Fr. Nick offers a way to get answers and start discussions in a place young people frequent: their social media channels.

Meisl and Furtado shot their videos — eight in all — in one day this summer. They are being posted on the Catholic Vancouver YouTube channel.

(The B.C. Catholic)