What parish administrators should know about online giving

If you’re a parish administrator, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Between coordinating ministries, helping with parish registration, managing finances, and fielding questions from parishioners, it’s easy to feel like there’s always one more thing to juggle.

Coordinating the onboarding of online giving software might feel like just another task on the list, but it’s actually one of the most efficient practices you can use to lighten your load and support your parish’s mission.

And when it’s set up thoughtfully, it helps people give generously. It makes stewardship easier for your team. And it creates space for ministry to grow.

Giving has changed (and that’s a good thing)

There was a time when most offerings came in the form of cash or checks tucked into an envelope during Mass. That’s still meaningful for many people. But more and more, parishioners are looking for digital ways to give.

And honestly? It’s a good thing.

Online giving allows people to be consistent, even when they’re out of town or can’t make it to church. Recurring gifts help reduce seasonal dips. And electronic contributions are easier to track and report on, which saves time for your parish staff and parish office.

Online giving is ultimately about ministry

It’s easy to think of giving as a financial transaction. But for people in the Catholic faith, giving is an act of trust. A step of obedience. A form of prayer.

When your parish offers easy, accessible online giving, you’re giving people a way to invest in what God is doing through your ministries, your outreach, and your religious education and faith formation programs.

That’s why the experience matters.

A good online giving platform should make the process feel seamless, personal, and secure. Parishioners should be able to choose their contribution amount, set up a recurring donation if they’d like, and trust that their payment and bank information are protected.

You’re not just collecting data. You’re inviting people into a deeper life of generosity.

A few things to look for in an online giving solution

If you’re just getting started or if your current system is clunky, here are some things to look for in a platform:

• Flexible payment options. Allow people to give via credit, debit, bank transfer, or mobile wallet.
• Recurring giving features. Encourage consistent support by making it easy to set up a recurring gift.
• User-friendly design. Parishioners of all ages should be able to give without confusion or frustration.
• Transparent communication. Use confirmation messages, email receipts, and thank-you notes to show appreciation and build trust.
• Integration with other tools. Whether it’s your parish registration system, email platform, or website, make sure everything works together smoothly.

And don’t forget support. If something goes wrong, you want a provider who answers the phone and understands how the church operates.

Getting people comfortable with online giving

Change can be tricky, especially in the parish community.

Some parishioners might be unsure about giving online. Others may not even know it’s an option. That’s okay. It just means your job is to gently educate and invite.

You can start by talking about online giving during announcements or in the bulletin. Share how it supports parish ministries like youth groups or outreach. Explain how recurring giving helps the parish plan for the future.

And when you introduce digital tithing, don’t make it all about money.

Make it about faith and about supporting the work of Jesus Christ through the Church. Talk about the impact that every donation, no matter the size, can make.

A quick video on social media, a story in your newsletter, or a note from your pastor can go a long way in building trust.

You’re not alone in this

Across parishes, Catholic church leaders are having the same conversation: How do we serve our communities well while keeping up with changing technology?

You’re not the only one figuring this out. And you don’t have to do it all at once.

Start with small steps. Test what works for your parish. Talk with your parish staff. Ask your finance council or stewardship team to weigh in.

And above all—remember the heart behind it.

Conclusion

Online giving won’t solve every challenge in your parish.

But it will make generosity more accessible. It’ll give your staff time back. And it’ll help your parish community support the ministry they care about, whether they’re sitting in the pew or traveling across the country.

So, take the next step.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need a willingness to grow, to adapt, and to invite people into the life-changing work of the church.

And who knows? That first recurring donation might lead to a story you never expected.

DISCLAIMER: this content has been generated, at least in part, by artificial intelligence.