December 23, 2009. It’s not just any social networking website, it’s one of the top 20 most popular Catholic websites in the world.

XT3, which stands for Christ in the third millenium, launched for World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, as a way to connect Catholics before and during the event. Now the website has more than 50 thousand registered users.

The Archdiocese of Sydney runs the site and says what seperates XT3 from Facebook or Twitter is that this social networking site is more content driven.

The archdiocese says this site offers users news, resources, information on charity projects and advice. One of it’s most popular tools is the “Ask a Priest” column.

Katrina Lee
Archdiocese of Sydney
“People can ask questions over the net they wouldn’t feel comfortabel asking a priest directly or they’re not sure the kind of answer they are looking for so they can ask him whatever they like and he will answer the question.”

But Katrina Lee, who oversees the site says the Church’s presence in the world of social communications isn’t anything new.

Katrina Lee
Archdiocese of Sydney
“One of the greatest communicators was from the Vatican John Paul II he recognized the importance of communication right from the start of his pontificate and wrote and speak about it so often.”

This year the site is going back to its roots and serving as the spot for the latest updates on the upcoming World Youth Day in Madrid.

Katrina Lee
Archdiocese of Sydney
“So it’s not just about the latest tool, the latest tool has to be used for something bigger and that’s really imporatnat that’s really what we are trying to do.”

So far this latest tool is getting the attention of teens and adults all around the world, while keeping them connected to the web and thier faith.

MC
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