Web Catholic - Links and News for Catholic Webmasters - Resources From AmericanCatholic.org

November 24, 2003

(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.)

Dear Catholic Webmasters:

Thanks to all of you who took the time to fill out our survey last month. It helps to know whom we're writing for and what you want to see. Because of your vote, we've decided to keep Web Catholic a monthly publication. The topics will still be tied to the liturgical season.

Q U I C K S C A N

Parish Site of the Month
Worth a Click

One surprising thing we learned is the wide range of positions you hold in your parishes. We thought most of you worked in Web ministry, but that's apparently not the case. We heard from directors of religious education, liturgical ministers, those involved in children's ministry, RCIA instructors and more.

Many of you asked for more help planning classes and programs. We want to make sure you are aware of the other resources we offer. They can be used in a number of ways: to teach a class, as a posted link on your Web site, or simply as background information or food for thought.

For general information: Our free monthly e-newsletter Faith Formation Update is aimed at religious educators. Timed to the liturgical calendar, the newsletter offers seasonal and topical ideas for children and adults, family faith formation tips, video clips, and suggestions for parish-wide formation and small groups.
More general information: The newsletter Catholic Update examines Catholic teaching and topics in-depth. Upcoming issues include a look at the new Mysteries of Light and another on Ash Wednesday. You can preview issues online or search the archives and then order copies online. Also check out the newsletter Every Day Catholic and the online version of St. Anthony Messenger magazine.
Bible study: The monthly publication Scripture From Scratch is aimed at adults who want to know more about the Bible. You can search the archives and order copies online. We offer mini-courses based on specific themes (such as Advent/Christmas, Easter or a Catholic approach to Scripture) with four to eight weeks of class ideas based on the theme.
Family ministry: The e-newsletter Faith Formation Update has a monthly column on family ministry. We also publish Faith-Filled Family in St. Anthony Messenger and at AmericanCatholic.org. This monthly column provides ideas on encouraging faith within the home.
Youth ministry: The newsletter Youth Update looks at topics relevant to teens. Each issue is reviewed by a teen panel that offers suggestions and questions. Our Web-only feature Links for Learners offers study guides geared toward young Catholics, particularly those in high school. Each one is based on an article from St. Anthony Messenger.
"Coming Home" ministry: The Web site OnceCatholic is designed for inactive Catholics or those contemplating a return to the Church. It's divided into sections based on the main reasons people say they left the Church: marriage issues, Church teaching, etc. Visitors can post questions for trained "companions" to answer.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. We hope they help. If there are other resources you'd like to see, just let us know. And Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Julie Zimmerman
Managing editor, AmericanCatholic.org and sister sites

Parish Site of the Month

St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, Archdiocese of Indianapolis
This parish uses its site wisely to communicate its goals, both those it's accomplished and those still left to do. St. Gabriel's lists its goals in 11 areas (stewardship, worship, finance, etc.) through 2008, along with an accountability statement on the 2002-2003 goals. The posted income/expense statement, balance sheet, savings account statements and contribution statistics make the parish's finances understandable and transparent. It's a smart use of the Web that likely bolsters the knowledge and confidence of its parishioners.

Worth a Click

LEARN, TOUR, PRAY
St. Anthony Shrine
The National Shrine of St. Anthony in Cincinnati is now online. You'll find a place to post and pray over prayer requests, a St. Anthony biography and pictures, a 360° tour of the shrine, photos of its chapel, grounds and first-class relic, St. Anthony e-cards, and a place to learn about and donate to Franciscan ministries. St. Anthony Shrine is an AmericanCatholic.org site from the Franciscans and St. Anthony Messenger Press.

CATHOLICISM BY THE NUMBERS
Catholic Demographics
This page, part of the Web site Adherents.com, looks at the demographics of Catholicism worldwide and in the U.S. It may or may not be useful, but it certainly is interesting. Find out whether Poland or Ireland has a higher percentage of Catholics, which U.S. states have the most Catholics, and see how your state compares to others. Also includes random stats on Catholic suicide, divorce and alcohol consumption.

This Advent-Christmas feature is updated daily with meditations and celebration ideas from Advent I (Nov. 30) until the Baptism of Our Lord (January 11).

Offer your visitors a graphic link to send a Catholic St. Nicholas e-card.

Here's a collection of movie reviews from St. Anthony Messenger Press and Catholic News Service—search over 500 reviews.

Saint of the Day, Minute Meditations, Daily Catholic Question, Catholic News.
Awarded First Place by the Catholic Press Association.

Offer your visitors a graphic link to send a Catholic e-card.

Reading Room, Conversation Corners, Parish Listings—a great place for seekers to be reintroduced to their faith and find a welcoming parish.

It's the original, now expanded with patron saints, saints by name or by date, and now with streaming audio!

Please check out the entire
St. Anthony Messenger Press family of e-newsletters: