BOSTON — Thanks to the generosity of supporter David Convertino, OFM, Saint Anthony Shrine here recently dedicated “Crossing the Digital Divide,” a new computer center, located on the shrine’s second floor. Friars, members of the Shrine’s Guardian Council, and staff attended the September dedication.
“This is a much needed new ministry,” said David, director of Saint Anthony Shrine. “We hope to meet the needs of those who have no access to computers. It will help people to communicate via email with family members, and take the mystery out of locating information on the Internet. No one will feel left out. Even some friars are looking forward to taking classes and have already started signing up.”
The shrine will primarily use the center to provide training and computer time to first-time computer users.
The computer center contains 12 computers and state-of-the-art audiovisual and teaching equipment, including a large LCD TV, interactive main computer, scanner, and laser printer.
Each computer in the center is green, meaning it is made with recycled material using one-third less energy than the average computer.
The first group to use the computer center will be seniors from the Seniors on Arch Street Program at the shrine, with the goal of helping them reach out to family and friends through the Internet. The second group will be families who may have computer knowledge, but no computer access. Using the facilities of the shrine’s new computer center, they, too, will be able to communicate with families and friends. In addition, the shrine will use the computer center to help those without jobs to create résumés, and search for jobs and apply online.
Shown in the photo are, from left, John Maganzini, OFM, vicar at Saint Anthony Shrine, David Convertino, and Jean Tempel, a member of the guardians’ council.
— Diane Monaghan works in development for the shrine.