A Pentecost People
by Julie Zimmerman

(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:

Q U I C K S C A N

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When we talk about evangelization, many of us think of reaching out to people who aren't Catholic or Christian. While that's no doubt important, we must also remember to include baptized Catholics who may have lost a living sense of faith or are simply going through the motions. Here are some ideas for remembering the already-baptized among us:

• Reach out to parents: Parents will often do things for their children that they won't do for themselves. With this in mind, make sacramental preparation for parents more than a time for sign-ups and announcements. Consider planning two or three meetings that give an opportunity to do some basic evangelizing. No preaching, no nagging, just simple catechesis to remind them of the good God who loves them and the community that gathers to celebrate this fact as the Body of Christ.
• Talk about your faith with others: Especially within families, it's essential that we feel comfortable sharing our faith. Young people need to hear and see people in their lives talking about and living the gospel message. For more on this, read Judith Dunlap's article called "Pentecost People."
• Welcome the lukewarm Catholic: Often it's the children and grandchildren of older, active Catholics who need a warm welcome. Be sure to engage them by being hospitable on those occasions (holidays, anniversaries, funerals, etc.) when they come for worship.
• Give alienated Catholics somewhere to go: Even those who are alienated from the Church often feel a tug during Lent and Easter. If your parish has a "Welcome Home" or similar program, this is a crucial time to publicize it on your Web site, in your bulletin and perhaps in a mailing. You may also want to refer inactive Catholics to the Web site OnceCatholic. Its trained companions answer questions about annulments, homosexuality, birth control and other hot topics. If you have a "Welcome Home" program or similar program, we will list it there. Tell us about it.

We hope these resources help you to evangelize not only the stranger, but also those members of our Church family who most need our attention. If there's anything else you'd like to see, just let us know.

Julie Zimmerman
Managing editor, AmericanCatholic.org and sister sites

P.S. Our new online catalog is up and running. We think you'll find it easier and more enjoyable to use, whether you're searching for a particular product or just browsing. (Parishes and other institutions have a special page to log in.) Please have a look and let us know what you think!

Parish Site of the Month

All Saints Parish, Archdiocese of Dallas
Lots of good features at this Dallas parish's Web site, but one thing that stands out is their online survey of parishioners. What a great way to use the Web! If you can convince parishioners to come to the site, gathering data for goals is easier and faster online, and it allows everyone to feel they had a chance to contribute to the discussion. The news section and forums are good too, although some pages on the site need updating.

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SEARCHING FOR LABORERS ON THE WEB
Chicago Priest
Most dioceses and religious orders have ways for men who are considering the priesthood to find out about them online. The Archdiocese of Chicago has a particularly impressive site designed to increase vocations. ChicagoPriest.org includes questions and answers about the priesthood, a thorough explanation of the process (including "A Day in the Life of a Seminarian") and contact information for men at various stages in their lives.

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