AMS Website Wins Diocesan Achievement Award at Annual DISC Conference

www.milarch.org recognized as model for the use of technology to serve faithful

DALLAS, TEXAS – The official website of the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS)–www.milarch.org–was honored with a Diocesan Achievement Award at the 2013 Diocesan Information Systems Conference (DISC) Thursday night in Dallas, Texas. The AMS was chosen among 254 Catholic North American dioceses and archdioceses that maintain a website presence to receive the honor, which “recognizes a diocese that has made significant strides with and has become a model for the use of technology to serve parishes, schools and parishioners within their diocese.”

The 2013 DISC Award contest was sponsored by Fig Leaf Software, an award-winning Web and mobile design and development firm. Roni Argetsinger, DISC Board of Directors Vice-President, joined Fig Leaf Vice-President Bret Peters in presenting the crystal trophy to AMS Webmaster and Evangelization Associate Meg Betit in a ceremony at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.

Ms. Argetsinger said:

“On behalf of the DISC Board of Directors and Membership, as well as Fig Leaf Software, I congratulate the Archdiocese for the Military Services in receiving this award for your exemplary model for use of technology to serve your organizations and parishioners. Thank you for your support of DISC.”

Mr. Peters said:

“We are especially excited that the Archdiocese for the Military Services achieved such high recognition considering that Fig Leaf Software is a Veteran Owned Small Business, and we hold our military service men and women in high regard.”

Dr. Mark Moitoza, AMS Vice-Chancellor and Director of Evangelization, expressed appreciation for the award. He said:

“It is an honor to be recognized by the members of DISC who work every day to share the Gospel through personal relationships and technology. In this era of the New Evangelization we rely on these personal networks to learn and implement new methods to share the message and person of Jesus Christ. It is critically import in this global archdiocese with so many Catholic young adults to be actively present in the digital world. These new technologies challenge all of us to develop and assure dynamic content that encourages reflection, prayer, and response in both gathered and non-gathered settings. There is always more to learn by networking with the members and sponsors of DISC who serve the Church with tremendous skill and compassionate hearts. The archdiocese is grateful to Margaret Betit whose skills and passion for new media continue to improve the functionality of the AMS website and help believers around the globe stay connected in faith.”

The AMS website, which first went online in January 2011 replacing an earlier version, gives visitors new and improved fingertips access to a wide range of information about the AMS and its mission “serving those who serve,” including how to grow deeper in the Catholic Faith, how to discern a possible vocation as a Catholic U.S. military chaplain, how to obtain sacramental records, and how to make a donation.

Entries were judged by peer dioceses throughout North America based on the following criteria:

• Overall professional appearance of website
• Navigation
• No outdated information on home page
• Appear in Top 5 Google & Yahoo search results when the diocese and city entered
• Ability to search within the site & to get valid results
• Mission Statement included
• Map – Directions
• Communications (Newsletters, etc.)
• Opportunities for involvement & volunteering
• Calendar of Events
• Links to other Catholic Resources
• Parish listings
• FAQ’s re: Catholic Church
• Financial Information posted
• Information on eGiving opportunities
• Email registration for newsletters/electronic communication(s)
• Section in foreign language
• Other Social Media opportunities for information

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The AMS was created as an independent archdiocese by Pope John Paul II in 1985 as the only Catholic jurisdiction responsible for endorsing and granting faculties for priests to serve as chaplains in the U.S. military and VA Medical Centers.

AMS-endorsed priests serve at more than 220 U.S. military installations in 29 countries, making the AMS the nation’s only global archdiocese. AMS-endorsed chaplains also serve at 153 VA Medical Centers throughout the U.S.

The AMS service population also includes American Catholic civilians working for the federal government in 134 countries, but currently, due to limited resources, the AMS cannot adequately serve this population.

Worldwide, an estimated 1.8 million Catholics depend on the AMS to meet their spiritual and sacramental needs.

For more information on the Archdiocese for the Military Services, visit www.milarch.org, the only official Web site for Catholics in the military and for the Cause of Father Vincent Capodanno, M.M.

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