By Mary Frances McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 10/21/04)

This week the Arlington Diocese unveils its new and improved Web site. After considering user feedback on the original site and months of committee meetings on the redesign, www.arlingtondiocese.org, an evangelization tool for Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde, will have a new face.

The first official diocesan Web site was unveiled in March 2002. It was a collaborative effort, created by chancery employees from several departments. After receiving user feedback, it was decided the Web site would be redesigned to improve functionality and create more continuity between department pages.

"The bishop pledged when he came to the diocese to serve four units — unity, service, evangelization and reconciliation," said Soren Johnson, diocesan director of communications. "His role as a teacher, as an evangelist, as a symbol of unity in the diocese will be well-served by a Web site that unites our vision and our service to the diocese."

Evangelization and unity were two key themes applied to the Web site. While the old site linked to separate sites for offices with different designs the new site was designed with more continuity — icons are always in the same place to make navigating between pages easier.

The Web site not only unites the chancery offices, it will unite parishes within the diocese with each other and the bishop. The majority of parishes have their own Web sites, and through the redesign, Johnson said he hopes the diocese will "enter into a closer communion with our parishes so that we can be one body serving each other."

A committee of diocesan employees from six of the larger offices met over the summer to work on the redesign. The site was designed by Balance Group, which also designed the Web sites for Mass Times and Elijah Project.

It was important that the Web site maintain a religious tone and not appear "too corporate," said Kimberly Murphy, diocesan information technology project manager.

Father Brian Bashista and Cecilia Schmitt from the vocations office helped in "finding the right image, the right tone to convey who we are as a diocese," said Murphy.

The blue background symbolizes Mary, the patroness of the United States. Circles and light are repeated features throughout the pages of the site — symbolizing Christ’s completeness and Christ as the light from which everything emanates.

The new Web site will feature a news feed, video streaming, an interactive map of parishes and a calendar for events and functions. It will link to parishes, migration services, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Vatican.

Members of the redesign committee included: Johnson and Murphy; Father Bashista, who also has a background in architecture and design; Schmitt, with a degree in fine arts; Michelle Hoopes, graphic artist and production coordinator for the HERALD; Jill Storey from the Office of Family Life; Kevin Bohli, director of the Youth Office; and Maureen McMahon and Ellen Hayes from the Office of Catholic Schools.

For the official Web site for the Arlington Diocese go to www.arlingtondiocese.org.