It’s a website admin’s worst nightmare: old broken links that frustrate your site’s visitors, but that you don’t know about. Every day, people are making judgments about your parish community based on your website, and nothing will turn them off faster than the dreaded broken link. But there is hope! There’s an easy way to […]
At CSM we are always encouraging our clients to optimize technology. Part of the optimization we recommend to our clients is having an easy-to-use, donor-centric way to allow your parishioners and supporters to give online. As parishioners are becoming more comfortable with donating online, churches are expanding when they launch calls to action. This means […]
For centuries religious institutions were some of the most trusted organizations in most cultures. But in the modern era, suspicion of all authority figures and public institutions is on the rise. The “Me Too” era has shined a light into many dark areas of our culture, exposing abuse and corruption. (See here for an example of what […]
What are 95% of the visitors to your parish website looking for? Mass times. That’s it. This was brought home to our staff this week when we spotted this Tweet by Catholic evangelist Meg Hunter-Kilmer (see below). The long and short of it? Publish your Mass times everywhere! Stop what you’re doing and open your […]
Facebook followers are often your most faithful parishioners. They not only fill the pews each week, but they are also looking to stay connected outside of Mass. Facebook contains information about these parishioners that can help you stay connected with them. By using ABOUT on Facebook, you can learn a lot about them. By clicking […]
The Sunday bulletin has been a staple of Catholic life in North America for more than 75 years. But as almost all areas of life become digital, a paper bulletin may soon become a thing of the past (and maybe you’re already moving toward digital fundraising letters). Can we imagine a future without bulletins? What […]
When our team conducted a national research project focused on giving trends in Catholic parishes, we asked parishes how many registered households had an email address on file with the parish. Churches that had emails for 70% or more of their households reported average household giving that was 21% higher than churches that had emails […]
There are only a small number of events in your life that are so meaningful and powerful that the memories stay with you forever. For me, those memories include my wedding day, the days that my three children were born, and the day I found out about the ASAP Utilities tool. It’s a magic wand for Excel. […]
A year after the clergy abuse crisis came to light again, news reports continue to come out that can disturb and frighten Catholics. If you, your pastor, or a parishioner are seeking healthy, healing ways to respond, you need to consider how you’re responding to Church scandals. Here are two excellent resources to get started: […]
If you’re having a hard time keeping track of all the daily, weekly and monthly tasks required to keep your parish running smoothly, try using one of the many great software programs designed to help people stay organized in an increasingly busy world. Using task management systems can greatly increase your staff’s productivity. In addition […]
