Blog Layout

Take Up Your Cross

Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman • September 12, 2024

When I’m interviewing people for my job as a staff writer at an archdiocesan newspaper, I like to ask them this question: at the end of your life, when you meet God, what do you want to hear Him say?

I’ve gotten a lot of interesting answers.

“I called and you listened.”

“What tee time would you like tomorrow?”

“What were you thinking?”

“Your service made things better.”

It’s a question I’ve thought a lot about, personally. What I want to hear God say when I finally see His face is this: “You can put it down now.”

When Jesus asks his disciples “Who do you say that I am?” he is not just asking them to verbalize an answer. He is asking them to do something: pick up the cross. Find the problems in this world, in this life, and throw your arms around them. Drag them to God, even if it kills you. It’s not enough to stand by the sidelines, watching Christ ascend to Calvary, nodding your head in approval. Yes, I agree. Yes, I believe. Yes, Jesus, good job! You have to follow in every bloody footprint he leaves in the dust. Set your face like flint. And when you meet him at the top, you better not be empty-handed. He has a cross, he will expect you to have one, too.

I hope that I can do it. I hope that I am strong enough. I am not one of those great, hardy souls. I stumble terribly under the weight of my very small cross. I grumble as I shift it from shoulder to shoulder. But every time I have been almost at the point of giving up, almost ready to lay it down, there is something — Someone — who supports my drooping arm. The Lord God is my help.

If, at the end of everything, I hear the words, “You can put it down now,” then I will know I have made it. I will know I have not failed: I took up the cross.

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

©LPi

< Older Post

Newer Post >

build your vibrant parish

Subscribe To Our Emails

LPi Blog

Surprise! Printed Church Bulletins Are More Popular Than Ever

February 12, 2025

In a world full of digital content, it’s easy to assume that printed church bulletins are becoming a thing of the past. Wrong! Recent studies show that well-designed, content-rich Catholic parish bulletins are still going home with families after every Mass. Is your parish running out of your printed bulletins every week? If not, we can help you level up. By following our tips to enhance your bulletin's design and content, you can increase its appeal and effectiveness within your congregation. Why Are Printed Church Bulletins Gaining Popularity? Professional Design: A strong, easy-to-navigate parish bulletin design is one of your very best tools to getting your parishioners to pick up the bulletin every week. Churches with professional, attractive designs are finding bulletins fly out the doors! Tangible Connection: A physical bulletin provides a sense of tradition and belonging that digital formats often can't replicate. Engaging Content: Elements like pastoral letters, beautiful Catholic covers , and parishioner spotlights can make the bulletin more engaging. Exclusive Content: Make your bulletin one of a kind with content your parishioners won’t find anywhere else! With WeCreate, our exclusive library of Catholic content, you’ll have access to Catholic comics that engage and inspire, Gospel story illustrations that bring scripture to life, saint illustrations that highlight the heroes of our faith, and so much more ! How to Enhance Your Parish’s Bulletin 1. Lean In and Invest in Professional Design: If your bulletin is cluttered with small copy and hard to read, many folks may simply overlook it. An intentional and professionally designed layout enhances readability and reflects your church's commitment to excellence. Don’t forget, parishes that print their bulletins through LPi get a free professionally designed, custom bulletin template to easily cross this task off their list! 2. Incorporate that Engaging and Exclusive Content: Consider the content you include and remember to: Highlight Key Information: Important announcements, event details, and staff/ministry contact information should be prominently displayed and easy to find. Maintain Consistency: Use consistent branding elements, such as colors and fonts, to create a cohesive look that aligns with your church's identity. We can help if you don’t know where to start with a professional brand for your parish. Solicit Feedback: Encourage congregation members to provide input on the bulletin's content and design to ensure it meets their needs and preferences. In fact, consider putting a survey in the bulletin for them to return the following week! 3. Print Your Bulletin in Vibrant Color: Give your parish a bulletin that stands out with high-quality paper and gorgeous, eye-catching color — without breaking the bank. With LPi’s free, ad-supported bulletins, your parishioners will feel proud to pick up a beautifully crafted bulletin as soon as they see it at Mass. By focusing on these areas, your church bulletin will become a cherished resource that congregants look forward to each week, fostering a stronger sense of community and engagement. To learn more about LPi’s ad-supported free printed and digital bulletin service for Catholic parishes, and see some examples of the beautiful bulletin designs we create for thousands of parishes across the country, head on over to our website . We would love to help you spread the love of Christ!