Print Issue: November 28, 2002

Vigil Hired As Web Coordinator For Archdiocese

ATLANTA - Ben Vigil has been hired as a full-time Web coordinator for the archdiocese. A native Atlantan, Vigil, 32, began serving as the archdiocesan Web coordinator on Oct. 1. Assisting each department of the archdiocesan offices, Vigil's first duty was to create a new Web site for the archdiocese, which was launched on Nov. 27 at www.archatl.com.

Vigil, whose experience with computers began with consulting and computer programming, began working in Internet development in late 1997.

"You're always having to learn things because the Internet industry is moving so quickly," he said. "It's always a learning experience."

In 1998, Vigil volunteered to create the archdiocesan young adult ministry Web site, www.yam.org, and in March 2002 was responsible for the first redesign of the archdiocesan Web page. Vigil took over the responsibilities of maintaining the archdiocesan Web site from Deacon Mike Balfour, The Georgia Bulletin's creative director and production manager.

The youngest of nine children, Vigil and his wife of three and a half years, Maria, and their 14-month-old son, Abraham, attend St. Benedict Church in Duluth. The couple is also expecting a second child in July.

Vigil sees his work as not only a job, but also a ministry.

"I see so many opportunities that exist in the Internet as tools for evangelization," he said. "Our goal is to use all those opportunities available to us for that end."

The new Web site, Vigil believes, should showcase the strong spirit of Catholics in the archdiocese.

"The archdiocesan Web site should really be the one stop shop for all things Catholic in Atlanta," he said. "It should be able to answer the questions that people have when they access the site in the easiest way possible for the visitors, and it should have the overriding goal of the church as a whole, which is evangelization and education."

Vigil is grateful for the opportunity to serve.

"I really, truly feel unbelievably blessed to use my God-given talents to work for service of the church," he said.

Vigil may be reached at (404) 877-5500 or (678) 641-4355 or by e-mail at bvigil@archatl.com. His office is in the Georgia Bulletin's building at 740 W. Peachtree Street, NW, Atlanta.