XT3 Live!

Today's big news was the official launch of XT3. I have attached sections of the press release below. It is a project near and dear to my heart, which is ironic because (despite my love of technology) I usually stay far away from social network sites. (Like I need one more thing to keep me at the computer. . .)

My role with XT3 is in the next stage to be launched which will include online resources, much of which is in its final approval stages at this very moment. These resources will combine with the networking capability already function to make XT3 a truly global classroom. For more information, read below:

In a first for any World Youth Day, an online social networking site - www.Xt3.com - was launched today by His Eminence Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney and Bishop Anthony Fisher, Coordinator of WYD08.

Hosted by Telstra, Xt3.com is the exclusive online social network for World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) and will connect pilgrims with the Catholic Church and "virtual pilgrims" around the globe.

"The name 'Xt3' was inspired by Pope John Paul II and stands for Christ in the Third Millenium. Pope John Paul II spoke of young people's special task to bring the message of Christ to the world in the third Millennium.

"It is hoped that Xt3 users will continue to connect after World Youth Day in July, to build upon friendships made and continue dialogue about what it means to be a young person of faith," he said.

Xt3.com is the brainchild of two English brothers, John and Robert Toone and Chris Purslow who will continue to promote the site with the Archdiocese of Sydney after World Youth Day.

"This site has been launched in time for the Sydney event, but it is a legacy piece for the Catholic Church in Australia and the world," said Robert Toone, Co-founder Xt3.com.

"It is an online platform to enable pilgrims to connect with millions, share the experience and build a better world," he said.

Unique to the Xt3 social networking site will be faith connection features such as 'Ask a Priest' and 'Prayer Intentions' as well as the ability to create discussion groups and debates on contemporary issues.

Xt3 will also provide pilgrims with the ability to join official WYD08 groups, charity action groups and create their own interactive profiles.

Further features include private messaging; event calendars; the ability to embed other websites such as parish websites onto Xt3; and a video and multiple photo uploading facility.

Another important dimension to Xt3 is its capacity to coordinate and organize young people to do something to build a better world.

"It's not enough just to talk," said John Toone.

Xt3 wants its members to use the site to create initiatives in areas such as social justice, charitable activities, and spreading the Christian message in a secularized world. It will also be a way to link together Church agencies and existing groups to share resources and help each other.

More than 2,000 users joined the 'alpha' test site since February 2008 to provide testing, feedback, and to enhance the site in time for its worldwide launch.

"This will be the most interactive World Youth Day event to date with Xt3.com, Papal SMS's and Digital Prayer Walls keeping pilgrims involved before, during and after the event, said Michael Rocca, Group Managing Director, Telstra Networks and Services.

WYD08 now invites everyone - including all WYD08 registered pilgrims - to join Xt3 at www.Xt3.com .

The site will prove invaluable for sharing information - whether it be pilgrims planning their trip to WYD08, or administrators of religious educations programs hoping to create interactive forums for students and young adults.

A group of trained administrators will oversee Xt3 on a 24-hour basis to ensure that images, videos, comments and discussions are appropriate.