‘Come’ to Our Webinar!
by John Feister

(If you don’t have time to read this now, please take note of the buttons on the right. They are free for the taking, for you to use on your Web site. Click on a button to pick up the html code.)

Q U I C K S C A N

Parish Site of the Month
Worth a Click

Something happened over the past year: More and more people seemed to realize in some new way that the Internet isn’t going away. Was it the surge of publicity and enormous financial success about Apple’s Ipod? Was it a new generation of cell phones that are more wired to the Internet than ever? Is it the pending boom of Hollywood-related video things that will be coming in the next year through many devices? It’s hard to pin down, but the Web seems less and less like a “new kid on the block.” And, of course, it’s here to stay—or change. It’s a bit maddening, isn’t it?

Those of us ministering in parish communications are compelled, now more than ever, to get our parishes up and running on the Web. This same energy is causing some Catholic communicators’ associations to redouble their efforts. The Catholic Association for Communication Arts Professionals (the U.S. branch of a Vatican-sanctioned international association for radio, TV, film and Internet, at www.catholicacademy.org) is intent on helping its members learn how best to use the new technology. At a recent meeting of the boards of the Academy and the Catholic Press Association (Catholic newspapers, newsletters and magazines, at www.catholicpress.org) there was an interest in finding ways to share information about our efforts on the Internet. I offered to get the ball rolling as part of my role coordinating Internet efforts among Academy members.

On Friday, at August 5, 1:30 p.m. eastern daylight time, the Internet group of the Academy will sponsor a “webinar” to help identify what some of the pressing, practical needs in Web ministry of those who participate.

I’d like to extend an invitation to any Web Catholic subscriber to join this online discussion. We’ll have representatives of several organizations participating—a first for many of us. We’ll be sharing ideas, identifying areas of concern, developing solidarity with each other.

A webinar is a Web-based seminar. The ones I’ve participated in have had the possibility of a leader sharing a Powerpoint presentation, or being present via webcam, or simply have been live, online chats. To join simply requires decent access to the Web.

We’re still lining up the particulars on this one, but set the time aside for next Friday if you can. I’ll send out an email next week with details. If you can’t join us, we’ll have a transcript available online after August 5.

Meanwhile, enjoy the remainder of July. Feel free to check out any of the links in this newsletter, and add them to your site if you please.

Parish Site of the Month

St. Dominic Catholic Church (Archdiocese of San Francisco)
The St. Dominic's home page, while providing static, familiar information like Mass schedule, parish phone numbers and office hours, also includes material constantly updated—upcoming events and featured links—to keep the page useful and fresh for both new visitors and those who visit regularly. Follow links for upcoming events to get more information, and check out the site's attractive calendar feature to find future parish events. This simple site is clean and inviting, thanks in part to the fluid table layout appropriate for small and large resolution viewing.

Worth a Click

Faith Streams
With its collection of faith-based multimedia—streaming video, music programs, talk shows and more—Faith Streams provides informational and inspiring resources that promote faith in everyday life. Visit the site’s “Program Schedule” to check out the variety of streaming programs you can view for free online. View a low-resolution version of program currently playing, or register to view high-resolution video, receive free e-newsletters, customize your start page and get 30 days of free video-on-demand service. Also, preview clips and trailers of television programs featured on the Hallmark Channel: A Man Who Became Pope: The Heroic True Story of John Paul II, Joan of Arc: Child of War, Soldier of God and Reluctant Saint: Francis of Assisi.

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