AWS transition, high-res logos, and more (plus a new team photo!)

Jan 31 2019 by

Diane Kern

What we're excited about: AWS transition complete

Throughout the second half of 2018, we embarked on a complete transformation of the file system for eCatholic websites. To put it simply, we upgraded our entire infrastructure via a migration to Amazon Web Services (AWS).

After much reconfiguring and coding, our development team completed the entire transition this month. The software now powering eCatholic products is faster and more flexible.

eCatholic Product Update: 2 things to know

These features are now available in the eCatholic CMS! Keep an eye out the next time you log into your website.

1

Upload a high-resolution custom logo

As digital display technology continues to evolve, we made improvements so that custom logos are crystal clear on the most advanced Retina displays.

Now, when loading an image into the logo region of your website, pixels will be automatically adjusted so that the image appears clearly and correctly on a variety of screens. As a result, we've updated the recommended image dimensions for the custom logo region in every free theme.

If you're currently using a custom logo with a free theme on your website, you can now re-upload your logo using the new recommended dimensions to allow your logo to display at a crisp, high resolution.

2

More ways to manage recurring transactions

Moving forward, eCatholic Payments users will find new options with the recurring gifts feature. Account admins can now easily see the next expected transaction date for a recurring gift, as well as choose to stop the gift - if ever needed - in a single click.

Check out these status options under the Donor Management section of your Payments Center. Simply select a donor’s account, then click the details icon next to their recurring gift. There you will see:

1. The regular status options to activate or pause the gift.
2. The expected date of next charge (highlighted below).
3. The Cancel Recurring Transaction button (highlighted below).

Developer's Roundup

Here are a few improvements we've made to existing eCatholic features and functionality.

1

Easily assign editing roles to new publishers and authors

eCatholic-powered websites make it simple to create user accounts with specific page access as well as editing and publishing permissions. A recent enhancement now makes it easier to assign users the ability to edit news items, events, and bulletins on your site.

We revamped a previously clunky process to make it easier for you to assign these additional editing roles to new publisher and author accounts. Now, site administrators can create a new Author or Publisher and grant them event, news, and bulletin editing rights in the same dialog box used to set up the account (pictured above).

Learn more: How to create new publisher and author user accounts

2

Mobile design enhancements for the homepage

These days mobiles sites are a must. Since all eCatholic website designs are automatically configured to display on devices and screens of all sizes, we are continually checking the performance of our mobile site technology to make sure it is always working and looking its best. In a recent upgrade, we enhanced the mobile design of the feature region and homepage button region for several of our free themes. With these design updates, free themes are looking better on mobile (and are also more closely mirroring the appearance of the site on desktop screens).

Have you checked out your site on a mobile device recently? In addition to checking your smartphone or tablet, you can also use the Device Display icons located at the bottom of your eCatholic Design Studio (pictured below).

Inside eCatholic

Each year the entire eCatholic team comes together on two special occasions: We hold a Team Week every summer to collaborate, plan, reflect on their first half of the year, and explore possibilities for the future. Then in December, we gather with our spouses for a Christmas weekend celebration that is all about socializing and building camaraderie.  

Not your usual coffee break

On the first official day of eCatholic’s Christmas weekend, we had the morning off before planned activities began. After surviving a lot of travel the day prior, I was counting on a quiet morning in the hotel. Then I received a text from a co-worker inviting others to meet up for an early morning coffee. Hmmm ... how often do I really have the opportunity to take an actual coffee break with my team? So I convinced myself to hurry into the cold, windy morning air.

Inevitably, I walked to the wrong coffeehouse, but after changing directions I eventually found myself gathered with team members amidst wholesome conversations and laughter. We even continued our stories over a hot breakfast just down the road - perfect! Although I was tempted to first stay inside, and even turn back after going to wrong way, the moment was definitely worth it.

When did you last share a coffee or lunch break with colleagues?

Engaging in meaningful face-to-face time can really strengthen a team and boost camaraderie and morale. Try to step away from the daily grind to stretch your legs (or grab lunch) with others. Working with a remote team? Plan 10 to 15 minutes prior to video conference meetings for socialization on screen. And if schedules allow, plan an entire day to retreat as a group and make it a purposeful time of spiritual rejuvenation.

Here's a team photo from our 2018 Christmas celebration: