Archdiocese launches new web site

TORONTO - After months of preparation, the archdiocese of Toronto’s new, improved and user-friendly web site — www.archtoronto.org — is available for use to the public.

“It’s the one-stop shop for Catholic information,” said Neil MacCarthy, director of public relations and communications for the archdiocese.

Since its opening on Oct. 1, the web site received more than 500,000 hits in the first half of the month, a significant increase in the number of hits compared to the old site.

In addition to a new look, web site designer Emmanuel Pires said, the site is simplistic, centred and no matter what size screen the site is viewed on, everything is visible.

The site boasts new features such as a complete listing of all Mass times and locations for all parishes in the archdiocese. The site will also be updated as frequently as possible to make sure information is accurate.

Another main focus of revamping the site was making it increasingly easier to use.

“We wanted to make sure this site was user friendly, that in two or three clicks, people can get to where they need to go,” said MacCarthy.

But the most interesting feature of the web site is that its target audience is not only restricted to Catholics.

The site includes interesting and informative links such as history and frequently asked questions, to be used by people wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith, including journalists and students researching for a project on Catholicism.

In the works now is an internal web site for archdiocesan and parish employees. The estimated date of completion for this project is set for sometime in the next several months.