Immaculate Heart of Mary School opened its own Facebook page just as Pope Benedict XVI praised the role of social networking sites in the 45th World Communications Day message.

It is part of a new media effort as the school, at 2855 Briarcliff Road, NE, Atlanta, launched an improved website.

“The Archdiocese of Atlanta has been actively pursuing Facebook as an avenue to reach out to the public. As a school, we would like to participate in social media as an effective and fast tool to communicate, especially with our alumni. This is an opportunity to brand IHM School in the community,” said Principal Tricia DeWitt in a press release.

The school worked with NicheLabs, an Atlanta interactive design, Internet marketing and application development firm. This company is now redesigning the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church’s websites.

The new site coincides with the release of new Facebook accounts for the school and IHM school alumni. The new site (www.ihmschool.org) will be a “one-stop shop” for information about the school, including links and information for students, their families, employees and community.

A parishioner at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Atlanta, took on a leadership role at the Midtown Assistance Center.

The center is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency financial assistance to the working poor of Midtown Atlanta to prevent homelessness and poverty. It is located at 30 Porter Place, in facilities provided by Atlanta First United Methodist Church.

Mary Beth Grady, community volunteer and a member of Sacred Heart, was installed as the organization president for 2011.

The nonprofit is an interfaith effort, with members from the Methodist Church, The Temple, the Presbyterian Church, and other religious traditions. Started in 1986, the center has helped more than 95,500 emergency situations with rent, utility assistance, transportation to employment interviews, and other services.

Father T.J. Meehan, the pastor and rector of the basilica, had high praise for Grady.

“I know Mary Beth quite well and admire her so very much. She has a proven love and compassion for people in need, that springs from her Christian faith and her efforts to put into action the social teachings of the Catholic Church. (Mary Beth and her husband Kevin) are both beloved by our entire parish, and on top of that, they are just a great deal of fun to be with,” he said.

For information or to volunteer, please visit the website at www.midtownassistancectr.org.

The Georgia Bulletin successfully moved to its new offices. This edition is the first from the third floor at 2401 Lake Park Drive, Smyrna.

Thanks to all the unknown movers who did all the heavy lifting, trucking desks, computers and other stuff that makes putting out the paper possible.

There are new phone numbers, but the same e-mail addresses. The new numbers are posted to the side on the facing page.

Also, you can always contact staff through the Georgia Bulletin Facebook page. There are some 923 good folks who have already “friended” the GB where they can see stories, pitch ideas and let staff know how they are doing. We are hoping to kick it up to at least 1,000 followers by the end of February. And our Twitter feed (@georgiabulletin) is also a place to keep up to date with Catholic news in North Georgia.

The Catholic newspaper staff members were not the only ones finding their way through unfamiliar corridors. Members of the Office of Formation and Discipleship, Hispanic Ministry and Black Catholic Ministry and the Stewardship and Development Office, which have called Smyrna home since spring 2010, moved within the building to their permanent locations.

Workers in hard hats are part of the environment here. The move of the rest of the archdiocesan offices has been delayed until at least March due to continued construction.

If you have news items or submissions for Notable, contact Andrew Nelson at anelson@georgiabulletin.org or (404) 920-7433.

Attention Student Athletes

National Signing Day for high school athletes was Wednesday, Feb. 2. Are you a high school senior who attends a parish in North Georgia’s Archdiocese of Atlanta? The Georgia Bulletin would like to acknowledge student athletes of the archdiocese who have signed or will sign National Letters of Intent to play a sport at a college or university. If you attend a Catholic high school, we will obtain the information from your school’s athletic office. However, if you attend a public or non-Catholic high school, please send the student’s name, high school, sport, the college or university (with its city and state) the student will attend, the student’s parish and contact information to malexander@georgiabulletin.org. The information is needed no later than Feb. 9.