Diocese launches new blog page JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson has launched a new blog page “Let’s Talk” on its website.
According to Bishop Joseph Latino, “The internet provides us with new ways to spread the Good News to Catholics and the world at large. On this blog page, you will find information about this diocese and the universal church and its teachings.
“We welcome constructive comments and civil dialogue about the articles written by our guest bloggers,” the bishop said Oct. 12 in his first blog “Spread the Good News.” “It is my hope,” he said, “that you will find this site informative and helpful.”
Coordinated by Mary Woodward, diocesan director of communications and evangelization, “Let’s Talk” will feature guest bloggers from throughout the diocese. A schedule appears on the site; posts will be changed weekly.
Scott Thomas, a diocesan seminarian who will be ordained a deacon next month, is the second post featured on the site. Thomas wrote about “Mary, Model Christian.” Next week, Greg Patin, executive director of Catholic Charities in the Jackson diocese, will write about health care reform.
The blog is designed, Woodward said, to archive all blog entries under the author so if people would like to read past articles they can do that as well.
Woodward said, “Contributors will choose those topics in his or her area of expertise or interest. We ask that topics hold to church teaching and be informative and formative.
“Hopefully,” she said, “we will be able to present a solid Catholic perspective and develop some respectful dialogue on important issues. We also hope to provide information on various ministries of the diocese and how they are able to serve our parishes and missions.”
For the time being, the blog is being serviced by Atimo.us, a website design company in Miami which coordinates a similar blog for the Archdiocese of Miami.
Basically, Woodward explained, the communications department sends a post to Atimo.us and “they make it work on the website.” Responses to the current blog posting are then submitted by email by bloggers.
“All posts submitted by bloggers will be reviewed and approved by the communications department before going live on the website,” Woodward said.
Bloggers will be asked to accept the terms of a disclaimer posted on the site. Basically it says “the (Jackson) diocese reserves the right to deny posting any information on the diocesan blog that does not adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Insults, use of ethnic slurs or personal insults, obscenities or any conduct that would not be acceptable to the Diocese of Jackson or the Catholic Church in general will not be accepted.”
Minors should seek parental permission before submitting a post.
The disclaimer advises bloggers that “you are responsible for any postings you make, and for any consequences thereof. You agree that all postings will be in compliance with all applicable local, state, national and international laws, rules and regulations.
“The diocese takes no responsibility for third-party content. By submitting or posting content you grant the diocese a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to reproduce, publish and distribute such content.”
“Let’s Talk” is being marketed using Facebook, Twitter, and a broadcast email to those on diocesan mailing list.
Individuals can subscribe to email notifications of new postings by visiting the diocesan website and joining the mailing list.
