Frequently Asked Questions
A parish website should be approached as a pastoral, apostolic and community building project, not as a technology project. The goal should be connecting and building your Catholic Faith Community through improved evangelization, Catechesis, pastoral care, and communication. Technology is simply the tool to help you achieve this.
What is Transfigured's Mission?
To provide the technology, services, resources and ongoing support to help Catholic dioceses, churches, schools, and other faith communities and organizations improve communication, reduce costs and connect with their members.
We already have a parish website! Why do we need you?
Most websites are difficult, if not impossible, for non-technical people to manage and maintain. Our websites are easy-to-use. We can create an entirely new website or easily convert your existing website to a Transfigured website so that you get all the features and functionality that we can offer.
What is included with a Transfigured Website?
Everything! All our website packages include software license, design, setup & installation, staff e-mail accounts, training, ongoing telephone support, access to online training tutorials, access to our members only Transfigured Network of Catholic content, images and resources, and website enhancement tips. We design, create, and launch your website and provide ongoing support.
How long will it take to create a website?
Usually we can have your custom website up in just a couple of weeks. Faster if you already have your content or we are converting your existing website content to our website platform. Much will depend on your ability to provide the content needed.
Is having a website a good strategy for a parish community?
Communication is the foundation of vibrant parishes. Parish involvement and growth, evangelization programs and stewardship campaigns succeed only when members are engaged and effective communication programs are in place. A website is the most cost-effective, fastest and effective way to distribute information to parishioners with the greatest frequency and the least amount of effort. The internet is only going to increase in popularity and use. Younger, more technical-savvy parishioners will expect you to have a dynamic and up-to-date site if you want them to be engaged.
Why should parishes use a website to build their faith communities?
It's where your parishioners are. 80% of all US adults today use the Internet on a regular basis. 70% of households today have access to the Internet. 80% of people who work have broadband access at work. 95% of youth access the Internet everyday.
What if we already have a volunteer web designer for our parish?
Our technology will make their job easier. But when things change and people move, our technology and support will allow you to keep your website current without any hassle. And because our websites are so easy-to-use even beginners can learn how to use our web tools quickly.
What happens when our web designer moves from the parish?
Training is readily available to get the next person up to speed quickly. They'll have access to our online tutorials. In a short period of time we'll have them managing your website. Our online tutorials will also be available at their convenience for ongoing support and reference.
Can we post our own articles online?
Yes. Anyone who knows how to send an email can post articles. If you can shop on line, you can manage your own website. Our technology empowers parish staff and ministry leaders - and makes it easy for them to post a variety of content, announcements, photos and evangelization articles quickly. When you click Save & Publish, your content is automatically loaded to your site
Will we really get more people to read our new website?
Yes, but it will take some time and a proactive effort on your part to get them to use it. They will need to see the value of the content you provide. Parishioners that use the internet everyday for work and other purposes will appreciate your effort, and will begin to frequent your website because of the content and convenience it offers.
What type of content should we put on our website?
You can publish more than just parish news and announcements. Links to gospel readings and homilies (videos & audio if you like), event calendars and schedules, ministry and volunteer opportunites, links to bible readings, reflections, Saints of the Day, new member introductions, lifestyle stories, Catholic News and more. Our syndication feature and growing Catholic Link Library will allow content from a variety of Catholic sources including the diocese and recognized catholic news sources to be placed on your website. Much of this content will be available to you through our Transfigured Network.
Is a website a better way to communicate with parishioners than a parish bulletin?
Absolutely. First, the bulletin gets a casual glimpse from only parish members who attend mass on Sundays. Your Transfigured.com website can include your bulletin and so much more about what is happening in your church or school. And it is conveniently available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in the world. Next, your website offers two-way communication between the parish and its members. Parish members can leave comments and questions to be answered.
What type of training do you offer?
Transfigured.com will provide all the training you need to use your website to its full potential. We will work at your own pace. The more aggressive you are, the quicker you can take advantage of everything our technology offers.
How many people use the internet?
70% of households today have access to internet; 80% of people who work have broadband access at work; 95% of youth access the internet everyday.
What are the features and benefits parishes enjoy with Transfigured.com?
We feel our technology is the easiest to use for non-technical staff. That, combined with its features, functionality and scalability, and there really is nothing else that compares.
What can we expect in the future from Transfigured.com?
We are committed on ongoing improvement in all area of our buisness including technology, service and support. We will continue to grow our business and respond to the requests or our customers.
What is content syndication?
Where does your diocese fit into this picture? If your diocese uses our technology, it will be able to post articles and announcements onto your website and all the other diocesan parish websites that use Transfigured's technology. These articles are posted by people at the Diocese with the same ease as those posted by the parishes.
Sponsor Supported Sites
Our Sponsor Supported Sites can help defray the cost of our services to the parish. These can provide a much needed reoccurring stream of revenue to parishes through one of our profit-sharing programs. Sponsors will benefit by being able to communicate their mesage cost-effectively to local audience that most likely know them and shares a common bond of faith.
How much time commitment will this require from our parish staff?
Initially, more time. 4-5 hour a week. Over time, we estimate 1-2 hours a week, depending on the amount of content that needs changing and how extensive site maintenance is.
How do we get started?
Easy. Click here and we will send you a link to our "Getting Started" form. Be sure to provide complete information about your parish and detailed comments about your needs. Feel free to call us at 1-320-266-1393.