Bulletins Up in the Air
The parish council was having a heated discussion about the church bulletin. Should we print or not? Should we even continue it? What are the options? How will we reach people if we don’t have a bulletin? What about our advertisers? Our bulletin editor does such a great job, how could we let her go? If we abandon the bulletin, who or what will take its place? Will we lose touch with our parishioners? How will people know what’s happening?
There are no quick and easy answers. We have expected the bulletin to do a lot, and it has! The bulletin has been part of the American Catholic experience for centuries. Parishes and dioceses archive bulletins. A quick review of bulletins past reveals their value. It has been much more than just a few sheets of paper. That said, with ever-advancing technology and higher costs, the church bulletin is in jeopardy.
The bulletin is of great value to the parish community and its neighbors. Before giving up on it, think about what the parish would be missing. The bulletin offers news and information about activities, events, and ministries. It’s a source of inspiration and encouragement, a resource for worship, prayer, and reflection.
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