Catholic Tech Talk

One of the challenges hitting some web administrators is the need to provide a bilingual version of their website.  The Hispanic population is one of the fastest growing segments of the Catholic faithful and in many markets in the US its becoming a prerequisite that the church offer masses in both English and Spanish.  If [...]

The Parish Website is becoming more and more common.  Most parishioners think the parish needs one, and most Pastors want one.  I’m a firm believer that every parish should have a website.  It’s my firm belief that the parish website’s purpose is to serve as a community hub and 24/7 extension of your parish office. [...]

Among the top questions I’m asked when speaking with parishes about private social networks is “Why not just use Facebook”. Public networks like Facebook are extremely popular to say the least. Setting up a company or personal page is easy and free. The ability to reach people and share information is direct and simple. Parishes [...]

A recent 3rd party survey of 500 Catholic Websites indicated that the top 3 topics most commonly found on the average Catholic Website fell into these categories: 1.  Under Construction – We seem to like talking about what we’re going to build, but struggle to get it done. 2. Coming Soon – We like teaser [...]

So you want to create a Facebook page for your parish.  You may even be wondering why you are really creating one.  How do you do it?  Who will maintain it?  What do you post to it?  All are valid questions that will be touched on. First, a Facebook page provides a parish with several [...]

There are a lot of ways that technologies can benefit a local parish.  Basically, you can break it down into two categories: Administrative Evangelizing Both are approached in different ways, but can crossover too.  For example, the website for a parish would be for both.  In my opinion, the best “recipe” for effective uses of [...]

If you have felt lately like the world is turning into the “Jetsons” and moving at blazing speeds, you’re not alone.  Many feel that way.  And it can be kind of scary because we are doing things today in huge contrasts to what we are used to.  We take a picture somewhere and share it [...]

There’s obviously a lot of discussion and news about internet technologies.  Many within the Catholic community are embracing social media and and social networking to share information, but many are missing the ability to reduce the costs of operating their parish.  Let’s face it, a Church is not cheap to run.  The revenue that comes [...]

A few years ago my parish started offering an electronic funds transfer option for Sunday giving: you sign up for the service and a set amount is automatically withdrawn from your checking account every week. No more envelopes! It’s a good system, and I’ve used it to make some one-time gifts, but I’ve resisted going [...]

There are many barriers parishes face in terms of communications. Many rely heavily on the bulletin. Costs can be a challenge to take advantage of the technology that is available to better improve communications.