Resources for Advent
by Julie Zimmerman

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Dear Catholic Webmasters:

Q U I C K S C A N

Parish Site of the Month
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First of all, as Web professionals you need some time to prepare for important seasons such as Advent and Lent. Both active Catholics and those who have been away from the Church are looking for ways to practice their faith at these crucial times, and a well-planned Advent feature is a great way to help. By thinking in advance about what you'll be offering your visitors, you'll be doing them and yourself a favor.

Our emphasis here is also on Advent rather than Christmas. In the rush to prepare and buy for Christmas, the beauty and wonder of the Catholic season of Advent is often overlooked. But as Catholic Christians, we shouldn't give Advent short shrift. Its sense of waiting and expectation for Jesus' birth can teach us a lot about waiting for Jesus' return to our world. And Advent observances and prayers give us a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of commercialized Christmas.

So now that I've justified this look at Advent, here are some ideas to make Advent more meaningful for your visitors:

1. Keep the focus on your site on Advent. The Christmas season runs through the Feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6, so you'll have plenty of time to feature Christmas. By limiting your scope to Advent in November and most of December, you'll be reflecting the Catholic liturgical calendar rather than the secular calendar.

2. Provide plenty of instruction on traditional Advent observances. Catholics, especially those with children, are always looking for ways to practice the faith at home. AmericanCatholic.org's Advent-to-Epiphany feature has a section on Advent customs, which includes directions for making an Advent wreath and a Jesse tree and an explanation of posadas. Fun features like online Advent calendars can provide visitors with a reason to come back every day.

3. Offer respite to busy people overwhelmed with shopping and parties. Advent prayers and reflections, along with the daily readings, can provide visitors with a peaceful place amid all the bustle. AmericanCatholic.org's Minute Meditations are tied to the season throughout Advent.

4. Pay attention to those who are hurting during the holiday season. The recently widowed or those who are out of work need special attention when the rest of the world seems so merry. Consider posting resources for them, whether it's an article on the meaning of suffering or a chance to contact a parish minister about their grief.

5. Give your visitors something to do, not just read. Our sister site CatholicGreetings.org has a wide range of Advent cards, along with popular saints such as St. Nicholas. It's a fun, free way for people to share good wishes with others.

We hope these ideas help you prepare your site for Advent this year. And Happy All Saints Day to you!

Julie Zimmerman
Managing editor, AmericanCatholic.org and sister sites

Parish Site of the Month

All Souls Parish, Archdiocese of Denver
This parish has a commitment to stewardship, as evidenced by its motto, "A Stewardship Community...We Celebrate and Share Our GIfts." And its Web site echoes that commitment with a vast array of service opportunities presented to its visitors. Members can choose from 42 ministries and see short descriptions of each. To further integrate stewardship and the Web site, the parish might consider enabling visitors to inquire about service opportunities via email (contact now is by phone).

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CELEBRATE THE PRIESTHOOD
Priesthood Sunday is October 26
With the dwindling number of priests in the U.S., the work of the clergy has become more demanding. At the same time, the sex-abuse scandal has made many priests feel that they are being tainted for the crimes of a few. To reaffirm the Catholic community's love and respect for priests, and to counter recent negative images, the National Federation of Priests' Councils has organized Priesthood Sunday for Oct. 26. Parishes are encouraged to plan liturgies, social celebrations, preaching, school activities and other events to honor priests. PriestSunday.org has lots of ideas on observing the day, as well as more extensive explanations of the concept.

WORKING FOR JUSTICE
Franciscans International
Events over the past two years have demonstrated the need for involvement in world affairs. Franciscans International, a non-governmental organization which serves in a consultant role at the UN, represents Franciscan brothers and sisters around the world. Their Web site is full of news on world events, from a Franciscan perspective of care for the poor and creation and an emphasis on peacemaking. A good way to stay informed.

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