(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.)

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

These powerful words from the peace prayer of St. Francis of Assisi have special meaning for those of us working on Catholic Web sites and seeking to keep our visitors nurtured and informed.

As we work to build our Web presences, we should be aware of the tools that others are using and providing to better connect with the needs of those regularly visiting our sites and with those who we have yet to reach.

AmericanCatholic.org is working to provide links that will help your parish Web site to fulfill its mission: to be a growing, fresh, evolving place for parish communications and peace.

Here are some areas that can help your parishioners. The St. Francis feature area includes information about the saint, a listing of pet blessings, and Francis’ commitment to issues of justice, peace and the integrity of creation. On issues touching the Church and the culture, we offer our Year of St. Paul feature, the Election 2008 area which focuses on the connection between faith and politics and the Church, Evolution and Creation feature.

May our work on the Web truly be an instrument of God’s peace.

Mark Lombard
Managing editor, AmericanCatholic.org

Basilica of St. Mary (Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis)

Many local Catholic communities use their Web site for the most basic of information: Mass times, directions, parish ministries and programs, etc. But the Web site of America’s first basilica offers visitors a sense of a Catholic community with a long history–dating back to the 17th century and as the first parish west of the Mississippi River–with clean layout, compelling content and photography to draw one in. From the homepage, click on links to upcoming events, a map, an invitation to receive and give spiritual gifts, make donations online, a three-times-a-year magazine and a monthly bulletin. Visitors can register electronically, fill out their own profile, identify their skills and gifts, and find an invitation to “new member welcome” dinners and brunches. Also, see “Scrip” discounts to local vendors that provide revenue back to the parish community as well as a blog from the basilica’s rector. If a parish Web site should give a virtual sense of what visitors will find within the church walls, Mary.org shows an active, engaged, most welcoming Catholic community.

 

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops provides a thoughtful, thorough site to prepare Catholics for this year’s elections. With specific areas targeting all Catholics, parish and school leaders, diocesan and community leaders and young Catholics, the site offers much more than simply a place to find the bishops’ document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” You’ll find: tips for parents on building citizenship in the home; podcasts on 11 Catholic social teaching principles from “Option for the Poor” to “Dignity of the Human Person” as well as a nine-day novena prayer; videos including a “faithful citizenship” quiz, thought of the day, and an area for teens; an 11-week, Bible-based citizenship reflection series; and official bishops’ documents on faith and politics.

 

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