Your parish online – how to get started well

As the internet has become an integral part of daily life, the parish should be present there too. Parish life happens wherever parishioners gather — and the internet has become one of those places. A parish online opens a new space for evangelization today.

Already in 2012, at the XIII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in the Vatican, these important words were spoken:

“Evangelization requires going forth to where people meet, including the world of media. Especially with new media, many people gather with their questions and expectations. It is a place where consciences are often formed and where the rhythm and content of life are shaped — a new opportunity to reach the human heart.”

1. An up-to-date, welcoming parish website

This is the first and most important rule of a parish’s online presence. The website is the most obvious place for parishioners to check information and news. Quick, reliable information is one of society’s most urgent needs today.

On the website, the faithful should find everything they need (from events and parish announcements to Mass and devotion schedules) — and even request a Mass intention online.
Most people now use smartphones, so the parish site should be responsive — readable on mobile devices.

According to CBOS research, portable devices are used by all internet users under 35 and nearly all aged 35–54 (97%). Among older people, a significant share are also mobile users — as many as 92%.

2. Regularly maintained social media channels

At the start, choose one or two social platforms and remember one important rule: you cannot be everywhere. Build profiles on high-quality, up-to-date content — that sets a strong foundation and serves parishioners well.

Social media should not only pass on information. Profiles should also be places of evangelization and of building parish community.

“The media can help us in this, especially today, when networks of human communication have reached unprecedented levels of development. In particular, the internet can offer greater possibilities of encounter and solidarity among all, and this is a good thing, it is a gift of God.”

Message of Pope Francis for the 48th World Communications Day

These words of Pope Francis show that social media can build much good in a parish community. The internet, as a place of sharing good with others, becomes a new place of encounter with God.

3. Using audio and video materials

To make the most of the previous two points, add audio and video. Homilies or retreat talks that the parish publishes online can reach far more people. Leaving such content available lets people return to it at any time.

The parish then opens a door for those who, for various reasons, could not take part in a given event.
During the pandemic many parishes launched YouTube channels where people could join livestreams or listen later to homilies and reflections.

These kinds of parish efforts online help bring the Gospel to more of the faithful at relatively low cost.