Xt3.com Launches iActiv8 - The Road to Madrid 2011

Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
21 Aug 2009

The Catholic social networking website, Xt3.com is expanding and along with an extensive library of articles, videos, podcasts and audio files relating to life and the Catholic faith, the site has a new platform  to continue the spirit of WYD08 and help pilgrims plan for the next World Youth Day in Madrid in two years' time.

Called iActiv8 – The Road to Madrid – the platform enables members of xt3.com to check out the latest news, preparations, special deals for group travel, interviews and up-to-date information on the big event and a countdown to WYD11 which as of August 19, is just 727 days away.

"By introducing iActiv8 now, members will have the opportunity to organise events and fundraising projects ahead of time and connect with other pilgrims who are planning to be part of WYD11," says Katrina Lee, Director of Catholic Communications for the Archdiocese of Sydney.

As with xt3.com, the site's newest platform is an initiative of the Archdiocese and was officially launched on Wednesday, August 19 by the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell.

"Just over 12 months ago we launched xt3.com which was a very significant development," the Cardinal said, adding that the website is now wholly owned and operated by the Archdiocese and continues to be the fastest-growing Catholic website in the world, connecting with pilgrims not only across Australia but across the globe.

He described the internet and availability of information, books and research via the web as very much part of today's world. "And we need to be there," he stressed.

Since its inception, xt3.com which stands for Christ (XT) in the Third Millennium, has broken new ground and as a dedicated multimedia channel was the first in Australia to stream a Vatican event online live, the Palm Sunday Mass and the handover of the Cross and Icon from youth of Australia to youth from Madrid. The site also has an online prayer wall for members to share prayer intentions with others in a non-threatening, safe and welcoming environment and continuing to be a popular page is the "Ask A Priest" forum where Fr John Flynn answers any and every questions put to him by members, making faith formation interactive, immediate, exciting and accurate.

"XT3.com goes from strength to strength as an online social network that connects young people with the Church as they explore the Catholic faith," Cardinal Pell said. "Now iActiv8 will help build on the WYD spirit in preparation for Madrid."

Other innovative and exciting xt3.com projects would be announced shortly, he said with the website continuing to expand and build on its vital role as a resource not only for the Archdiocese of Sydney but for youth across the world.