Social Media Toolkit
Equipping parish staff and volunteers to effectively evangelize, communicate, and build community in the digital age.
Social media is a powerful tool for modern evangelization. It allows us to meet our parishioners where they already spend their time. This page is designed to help you create authentic, engaging content without feeling overwhelmed.
Core Best Practices
1. Consistency Over Quantity
You do not need to post every day. Aim for 2 to 3 high-quality posts per week. Set a schedule that you can reliably maintain without burning out.
2. Be Authentic
People connect with people, not graphics. Avoid relying solely on stock photos. Share pictures of your pastor, your volunteers, your choir, and real parish life.
3. Engage Your Audience
Social media is a two-way street. When parishioners comment on a post or ask a question about Mass times, be sure to reply promptly and warmly.
Amplify the Diocese
One of the easiest ways to keep your parish page active is by sharing content directly from the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings Facebook page. We regularly post messages from Bishop Fleming, Annual Catholic Appeal updates, youth camp deadlines, and diocesan news.
- Follow the Diocese: Make sure your parish page is following the official Diocese of Great Falls-Billings Facebook page.
- Click Share: When you see a post relevant to your parishioners, click the "Share" button beneath the post.
- Share to a Page: Ensure you are sharing it as your Parish Page (not your personal profile).
- Add Local Context: Write a brief 1-2 sentence caption tying the post back to your parish. (e.g., "Bishop Jeff has a great message for us this week! Don't forget, our parish ACA envelopes are in the pews this weekend.")
What Should We Post?
The Essentials
Make sure your community always knows when and where to find the Sacraments.
- Weekly Mass & Confession times (especially if they change for holidays).
- Holy Day of Obligation reminders.
- Office hours and contact information.
- Links to the weekly bulletin.
- Inclement weather cancellations or updates.
Engaging Community Content
Give your followers a reason to engage with your page throughout the week.
- Behind the Scenes: Photos of the altar guild setting up, grounds crew working, or the choir practicing.
- Sacramental Milestones:(With permission) Photos of recent Baptisms, First Communions, or RCIA candidates.
- Spiritual Food: A brief quote from the upcoming Sunday Gospel or the Saint of the Day.
- Event Recaps: Thanking volunteers after a successful parish picnic or Knights of Columbus breakfast.
Deep Dive: Video Training
Ready to take your parish's digital evangelization to the next level? Watch this in-depth webinar on utilizing the content you already have to build community online.
Free Tools & Platforms
Canva for Nonprofits
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool perfect for creating beautiful social media graphics, flyers, and announcements. Registered non-profits (including parishes) can apply to get the premium version completely free.
Apply for Canva for Nonprofits ➔Meta Business Suite
You don't need a third-party service to schedule your posts. Meta Business Suite is Facebook and Instagram's free built-in tool that allows you to draft and schedule a whole week or month of posts at one time.
Access Meta Business Suite ➔