Byzcath.org has received a number of requests for help in setting up parish home pages - from choosing a web host to designing the web site.  This page is a summary of that information which can be used as a starting point.  In general, we recommend the following:

1. Always check with your pastor before starting work on a parish website.  Having his support will help ensure that you can obtain accurate, timely information on what's happening in your parish as well as to make sure you are not already duplicating the work already in progress by someone else.
2. Identify the software you will use.  There is no need to purchase special software.  If you know html (the programming language of the internet) you can design a simple page in Notepad or any word processor.  Both Microsoft Word and WordPerfect offer html development in the more recent versions of their word processing software.  If you're good with computers you can use Netscape Communicator (which can be downloaded for free) or Microsoft Front Page (which costs $).  Both are fairly easy to learn and will do a great job in helping you create a page.  There are a host of html editors (Adobe Acrobat, Homepage, Hot Dog, etc.) that you can use - choose wisely before your purchase. We recommend that you start with the free ones.
3. Identify where you will host your web page.  Byzcath.org will be happy to host your page or help you find a free place to host your page. There are now hundreds of places that will host your web page for free (do a web search or go directly to the list at Yahoo).  Some force you to accept advertising at the tope of the page, others add a "watermark" that floats in the bottom right of your page.  We recommend choosing one that does not force advertisement except maybe advertisement for the web hosting company.  A watermark is also acceptable (hey - if it's free they need some recognition). Investigate thoroughly and choose wisely. 
4. Choose the URL (address) for your page.  Some web hosting companies allow you freedom to choose the name of your page. Other provides assign you a URL.  If you are allowed to choose the name of the directory choose an easy to remember abbreviation of your parish's name or town.  Then name your home page file "index.html".  This allows your URL to be something like: "www.byzcath.org/p/boise" (for a parish located in Boise, Idaho) or "www.freepage.com/HolyResurrection" (which emphasizes the parish name).
5. Gather information and graphics for your your home page.  You'll need an icon of the name of your parish, pictures of the parish (outside and/or inside) and some action shots of liturgy or of the gathered Church.  Don't go overboard or you'll wind up with a crowded page that will take a long time to load.  Develop the text (see the page below for ideas) and organize the page.  See the St. George the Great-Martyr Home Page for a sample of one under construction.
6. Create the page with the appropriate software and upload to the web host. Using the software above create your own page and upload it to the host you chose following their instructions. Keep your page relevant to your parish and its witness of Jesus Christ.  Do not define 'Byzantine Catholic' in terms of anything but 'Byzantine Catholic'.  Byzantine Catholics are (to quote Pope John Paul II) "Orthodox Christians in communion with Rome", not 'Catholics of the Byzantine Rite'.  Avoid lots of personal links, too many dancing images and all information not specifically approved by the pastor.  Don't attempt frames or anything too complicated since they will take more time to develop and maintain.  Keep it simple.
7. Let Byzcath.org know your page exists.  We can add it our Parishes with Home Pages list to direct traffic to your site.  Let your pastor know so he can add the URL to the bulletin or parish calendar as he deems appropriate.
8. Update your page regularly.  Nothing is more annoying than seeing a calendar for "Upcoming Events of 1997".  If you don't have the time to keep the page updated then offer it to someone else to maintain.  Inaccurate and outdated information shows your parish in a poor light and dilutes your effective Byzantine Christian witness.