“Show them, don’t (just) tell them” is a sound web principle, and St. Columb’s site does just that.  Their About Us page tells us they are “living an ethic of hospitality,” while their site shows us. 

This website is notable for its clean, simple presentation of information relevant to visitors and members alike.  The homepage includes service times, upcoming events, clergy and staff lists, a link to their school for children with learning disabilities, and a mission statement.  Straightforward navigation appears at the top and bottom of each page, with five areas that expand into sub-navigation categories on inner pages.

They never use the word “Celtic”, but their imagery reflects this flavor, from the Iona cross and church architecture, to the warm verdant blocks and stripes which frame each page.  A banner depicts St. Columb, the 6th century Irish monk who founded Iona and evangelized in Scotland.         

Hidden treasures of this site include an online prayer list (now focused on the protection of over thirty members in the military), as well as a link to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, a pilgrimage site called England’s Nazareth since the 11th century. 

Concise and well written, St. Columb’s website feels relevant and invitational, while seamlessly tying together the past and present…

December 2005