Web Catholic-Catholic Webmasters Blog

Good News Web Designers Association

Are you building or maintaining your church’s Web site and don’t know where to start? Check out the Good News Web Designers Association where beginning site builders can find helpful FAQs on maintaining a parish Web site and tutorials on include files, javascript buttons, screen resolutions, Web dos and don’ts and more. After joining the association, experienced Web designers can advertise their services to others by getting listed on the site’s “Members Directory.” Use the site’s search engine to help you find specific topics, and be sure to read how you can protect your e-mail and computer against spam and viruses.

Catholic Blogs for Your Summer Reading Pleasure

Below is a list of popular Catholic blogs. They just might inspire you to get blogging! Also, be sure to check out CatholicBlogs.com, a Google-like search engine for Catholic blogs. You can read more about this site in a previous post.

amywelborn.wordpress.com
lifeasacatholic.blogspot.com
sisternicole.blogspot.com
friarminor.blogspot.com
bestcatholicbooks.blogspot.com
pauseforprayer.blogspot.com
blog.patmulcahy.com
www.cardinalseansblog.org
www.markshea.blogspot.com

A Nun’s Life: A Blog About Being a Catholic Nun in Today’s World

Sister  Julie Vieira is funny, honest, informative and thought-provoking in her blog,  which could easily be renamed, “100 Things You’ve Always Wanted to Ask a Nun  But Were Afraid to Ask.” Many readers might be surprised to learn that a “nun’s  life” is more than praying, being modest and disciplining grade-school children  (see her posts that  address nun stereotypes). And even more readers will be surprised to read  her blog posts about sexuality and “nuns who rock.” In  many ways, Sister Julie is much like us: She can’t operate without her morning  coffee, she has a pet cat, she likes to surf the Web (she recently gave in to Twitter) and she’s got a full-time job. She’s also got  a lot of online friends. (Click here for Sister Julie’s links to more  blogs operated by fantastic nuns, one of which is Sister Helena Burns, who poses with  Darth Vader in her profile photo.)

The Pope Benedict XVI Fan Club: Benedict in America Blog

In just days the pope will be making his trip to the U.S, an event the Pope Benedict Fan Club has been anticipating for months. (The papal visit blog has archives reaching back to August of last year!) You can find details about the pope’s visit (including unofficial events like the party to celebrate the Benedict’s 81st birthday), commentary from Catholic, interfaith and political leaders, and links to blogs, podcasts, news articles—just about everything related to the papal trip. While you’re at the site, be sure to check out FAQs, a pope forum and the fan club’s Benedict Blog, which has archives starting from the Holy Father’s first days as leader of the Church.

Living Our Faith

Living Our Faith, developed by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, “invites people to meet Christ,” “teaches people to know Christ” and “inspires people to live Christ.” Highlights not to be missed include Catholic trivia questions, “Twenty Something” (a column for young adults) and a weekly reflection by the archbishop. Much of the site’s content is intended to help Catholics in Milwaukee. However, there’s plenty of inspiration for the rest of us. It’s not too late to read “40 Ways to Improve Your Lent.” And be sure to check back for ways to improve and enrich your Easter celebration.

Lourdes 2008: Official Site for the 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions

February 11, 2008, marked 150 years since Mary’s first apparition to St. Bernadette Soubirous. Log on to Lourdes2008.com and learn how you can join Catholics all over the world in celebrating Lourdes, a place of pilgrimage, healing and faith. For people planning a pilgrimage, the site offers information about available guides, priests and medical personnel, as well as a schedule of events and helpful publications. There’s also a lot for those of us celebrating Lourdes while staying at home. Check out a video welcome from Father Martin Moran, Lourdes’ English-language coordinator, and browse the multimedia space, complete with Web radio and television features and a collection of photos.

Education for Justice

“A Web site of print-ready resources promoting Catholic Social Teaching on issues of justice in society,” EducationforJustice.org is ready for Advent. Sign up for a free trial account to download Advent poetry and prayers, suggestions for celebrating the season and a list of useful resources. Before signing up, browse sample resources free for anyone, and take a tour to learn about the site's mission and special features.

World Community for Christian Meditation

A “monastery without walls” founded by Benedictine monk John Main, the World Community for Christian Meditation is a resource without limitations. New to meditation? Go to the site’s “How to Meditate” page to start. Want more? Check out the audio and video resources. A collection of podcasts contains audio clips on “Meditation and Discipleship,” “The Teaching of Jesus on Contemplation,” “Silence in Worship” and more. Also, take some time to watch excerpts from The Journey of Meditation video by Laurence Freeman, O.S.B., read (or listen to) the Christian Meditation Newsletter and browse articles on peace and justice.

Father Pat's Place

Father Pat Umberger has had his Web ministry for 11 years, and he shows no signs of slowing              down. Sign up for his site’s popular “Morning Prayer” and “This Weekend” e-mailings, and find resources   and prayers for crisis situations. Submit online prayers for friends and family with cancer, and read reviewsof books good in times of grief. There are also some light—even fun—sections on Father Pat’s site. He has a Roman numeral converter, a ton of pilgrimage photos, an online cookbook and a Father Pat caricature.

The Catholic Summer Reading Program

Enjoy spending the summer months with a good book? You're not alone! CatholicReadingProgram.com offers resources for parish book clubs, a bulletin board for online book discussions and links to summer reading blogs. If you’re part of a reading group already, tell others about it, or find a reading group to join. If you’re a blogger and want to share your summer reading experience, get your posts listed on CatholicReadingProgram.com. Also, be sure to check out the suggested Catholic books for kids and teens.