Archdiocese of Newark launches new website to enhance online engagement, spiritual connections
The Archdiocese of Newark announced today the launch of its new website, www.rcan.org, which serves as a digital hub for parishioners, archdiocesan ministries, and individuals seeking faith guidance and community engagement within the local Catholic Church.
“With the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing need for digital connectivity, the Archdiocese embraced the opportunity to update our online platform to reflect our vibrant and diverse community and to foster a deeper connection with Catholics in the four counties we serve and beyond,” said Maria Margiotta, Director of the Office of Communications, which spearheaded the six-month project.
The user-friendly, revamped site offers a wealth of information, resources, and interactive tools with the aim of fostering improved communications and community engagement, supporting spiritual growth, and enhancing accessibility to archdiocesan ministries. Visitors can explore the following key features:
- Parish Locator: A convenient tool to help individuals locate their nearest parishes and explore the vibrant faith communities within the Archdiocese.
- Announcements: Stay updated with the latest news and official statements, messages from Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, and other important notifications from the Archdiocese.
- Calendar and Events: Keep informed about upcoming special liturgies, educational programs, community initiatives, and other archdiocesan events. This section will keep visitors updated and engaged, allowing them to actively participate in the life of the Archdiocese.
- Spiritual Resources: Access a range of scriptural reflections, devotional materials, podcasts, and other resources to deepen your faith journey.
- Online Donations and Support: Recognizing the importance of financial contributions in sustaining the Archdiocese’s mission, ministries and outreach programs, the website provides a secure and convenient platform for online donations and support.
- Outreach and Social Justice: Discover archdiocesan efforts in serving the community and get involved in charitable initiatives, advocacy programs, and volunteer opportunities.
- Contact and Support: Easily connect with dedicated staff, clergy, and support teams for guidance, assistance, and inquiries.
In alignment with the Archdiocese’s commitment to engage and accommodate a diverse audience of the faithful, the new site allows visitors to view content in at least eight languages to provide a more welcoming experience for many parishioners and immigrants who have settled in the region. The site is also mobile-device compatible.
Cardinal Tobin expressed his enthusiasm about this digital transformation, stating, “The new website is a testament to our commitment to improved communications and a welcoming and accessible platform for all individuals seeking a deeper connection with our Catholic faith. We hope this online resource will inspire and guide our communities, fostering a sense of belonging and growth in their relationship with God and the Church.”
Margiotta added that the redesign goal was to transform the website into a more user-friendly resource that enables visitors to easily find information about archdiocesan offices, ministries, and news. Additionally, “The project was a major initiative to improve communications and ensure all pastoral offices’ web pages are consistent and better demonstrate the ways their ministries serve to spread the Gospel,” she added.
The archdiocesan website redesign is the latest major initiative of the Office of Communications. In 2021, the Office launched a news website, JerseyCatholic.org, that replaced several print publications and provides readers with the most up-to-date news and video stories about the Archdiocese of Newark, its parishes, schools and ministries, and the Catholic Church worldwide.