Top 10 Digital Items for Parish Consideration

Top 10 Digital Items for Parish Consideration 

  1. Parish Website

Goal: Make the website the primary  source of parish information.

Top Menu:

    • Newsletter (suggest you keep current and last three). Pdf format as most browsers can read.
    • Livestream. If available add link. Also check the archdiocese guidelines.
    • Donate  inc online donation facility (with QR codes).
    • Groups within the parish. List basic information inc contact details
    • Contact details with parish office opening hours.
    • Safeguarding – add required information.
  • Include: Photos (church interior/exterior, Priest, Mass)
  1. Newsletter & Communications
    • Ideally make it available Friday.
    • Use email distribution tool.
    • Include QR codes for important links.
  1. Internet & Technology Infrastructure
    • Wired connections preferred ie back to router / switch.
    • Use point-to-point link if broadband router is in a separate building.
    • Reliable Wifi internet throughout the church inc visitor network.
    • Install network switches and additional data points where required along with mains points.
    • Review your costs at end of contract. There will be better deals.
  1. Online Giving
    • Simple, secure online donation system eg Dona donations
    • QR codes displayed in church and in newsletter.
  1. Livestream
    • Provide a livestream sevice for those unable to attend in person housebound parishioners. Check Archdiocese guidelines.
  1. Social Media & Parish Engagement

Goal: Bring your parish life online.

    • Post regularly (ideally daily).
    • Share short videos (10–20 seconds).
    • Content from priest, school, choir, and parish groups.
    • Consider use of Facebook / Instagram and setup parish WhatsApp community.
    • Also Twitter to consider.
  1. Parish Office

Trquired Equipment:

    • Modern computer with dual monitors.
    • Reliable printer inc scan and printer.
    • Wired internet connection not intermittent Wi-fi.
    • Bookmarked commonly used websites on browser.
    • Consider door entry system for security (e.g. Amazon  Ring).

Office Environment:

    • Spacious, clean and bright
  1. Telephone & Communication
    • Consider dedicated parish mobile phone rather than PPs mobile. Can be associated with various online accounts.
    • Aim to answer calls where possible.
    • Out-of-hours message to:
      • Direct callers to website.
      • Mention website contact form.
      • Invite voicemail.
    • Check answer machine regularly – twice daily.
  1. Security & Facilities
    • Review the need for CCTV, alarm, and fire systems.
  1. Governance & Compliance
    • Ensure GDPR compliance.
    • Safeguarding procedures in place.
    • Photo permissions obtained.
    • Clear responsibility for each area (website, IT, social media, etc.).

Next Steps for Consideration

    1. Agree priority areas.
    2. Identify volunteers or leads for each section and delegate.
    3. Set realistic phased timeline.
    4. Review budget implications.