DETROIT — Now, users of the Archdiocese of Detroit’s new website can find the most-visited links directly from the homepage, download staff and ministry resources, register and pay for events, and request sacramental records or school transcripts.

And it’s even easier to get to, with a new URL — www.aod.org — replacing the former www.aodonline.org, although the former address will still route users to the right place.
The streamlined website has been in the works for some time.

“Following months and months of consultations, inside and outside the archdiocesan structure, our Web team has built an Internet presence that engages and energizes our users,” said Patricia Maldonado, director of digital media for the archdiocese.

The team looked at what other dioceses were doing and considered how to make the Archdiocese of Detroit’s website easier for users to navigate, obtain information and perform tasks such as registering for events, and is still working on ways to make the new site even more useful for Catholics and others in the archdiocese.

“We will continue to monitor the site to best understand how the site is being used,” Maldonado said. “This information will allow us to provide the user with relevant information and ultimately a great experience. We look forward to receiving their feedback.”

Website users can also subscribe via RSS (Really Simple Syndication) to the Archdiocesan News feed in order to receive new releases, priest assignments and clergy death notices.
Users also can share content on the website via email and on social networking pages such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn by clicking a “ShareThis” link at the top of the page.

Aesthetically, the website includes many more links directly on the homepage, including a revolving window showcasing relevant news and events when users first log on.