Why Your Parish Website Matters
If you are saying, “I need a website for my parish,” you are not alone. A parish website is often the first door people open before they step inside your church. It should welcome, inform, and inspire. Done well, a Catholic parish website helps parishioners stay connected and invites new people to join.
Common Problems with Parish Websites
Many parish websites are not serving their mission. The most common issues include:
- Outdated parish website design that looks old and does not work on mobile phones
- Hard-to-update platforms that leave content stale
- Cluttered navigation that hides Mass times, contact info, and ministries
- Lack of beauty and clarity that fails to inspire visitors
- Disconnected from mission so the site feels like a bulletin board instead of a ministry
Bishop Edward Malesic raised these same concerns in his 2023 pastoral letter A Flourishing Apostolic Church:
“Are our websites attractive and easy to navigate? Can people easily find us and our Mass times? Can they easily identify what is offered for visitors and inquirers? … If not, it is time we begin” (p. 17).
Features Every Parish Website Should Have
A strong parish website should be clear, beautiful, functional, and aligned with the Catholic mission.
Must-Have Parish Website Features
- Mass times on the homepage
- Contact information easy to find
- Mobile-friendly parish website design
- Online giving with secure payment
- Parish events calendar
- Pages for sacraments and ministries
- Staff directory with photos and roles
Nice-to-Have Parish Website Features
- Livestream integration for Mass
- Online registration for parish events
- Pastor’s blog or reflections
- Podcast or homily library
- Photo galleries from parish life
- Multilingual support for diverse communities
Best Parish Website Example
St. Francis Xavier Parish
The old site was cluttered and hard to navigate. Mass times and ministries were buried. After a redesign, the new parish website became clear, consistent, and easy to use. Families can now find school info quickly, and tour sign-ups have increased.
Why Parish Website Design Matters
A well-designed Catholic parish website:
- Welcomes new families and helps them plan their first visit
- Keeps parishioners connected with events, sacraments, and ministries
- Saves staff time by making updates simple
- Supports stewardship with online giving
Bishop Malesic says it best:
“Whether young or old, digital natives or technologically challenged… each of you has the ability and responsibility to transform lives” (p. 20).
A good parish website is one way to do that.
Next Step: Get Help With Your Parish Website
If you are ready to build or redesign your parish website, schedule a free strategy call with us! We create Catholic parish websites that are clear, beautiful, and built to support your mission.