Recently we spoke to a priest from another Diocese. His statement was not really surprising but nonetheless interesting. “Most of our new people find us via our parish webpage or the oca.org web listing.”

We all know the importance of first impressions and for many visitors
there first impression is formed before they walk through the door --
by visiting your parish website.

Fr John Parsells, Orthodox Web Solutions

The Diocese and many parishes use web tools from Orthodox Web Solutions. With few exceptions these sites look great. We can attest the website bulding tools work very well -- even for novices!

We received lots of interest in our article on parish websites. (Here it is if you missed it.) Now an offer of potential interest.

A standard parish website costs $125 (choose from 12 basic design templates) plus $25 per month hosting costs. Custom sites are $725. If ten Midwest Diocese parishes begin a website with OWS the $125 start up fee is waived. Contact Joe Kormos if interested.

Parish Health Faciliator Joseph Kormos offers suggestions on improving the content of parish bulletins and newsetters based on a review of a cross sections of parish communications efforts. Dec 2007

A professional attractive bulletin delivers – both to the parishioner and to the first time visitor -- a sense that all in this parish is in good order. December 2007

Matushka Magdalena Berry, Theotokos "Unexpected Joy" Mission Ash Grove, MO

Before ever snapping the shutter, I think every person with a camera needs to ask themselves one question: “What is my goal with these photographs?” In my photography business, I am hired to tell a story. Generally, I am hired to tell the story of a wedding, but I also tell stories of ordinations, baptisms, liturgies, hierarchical visits, and any other event where the memories will be captured on disc. The end goal of great photographs is to tell the story of the event that is being captured. Read full article

A summary of the recent Communications practices survey can be found here.

Thomas Sweetser PEPARISH Project Roman Catholic Diocese of Milwaukee, (reprinted with permission)

Meetings are the stuff of parish life. Some are to be relished and others to be avoided. Here is a menu for changing the latter into the former.