The best place to start each week is the Diocese of Toledo Calendar. This should be your primary resource for bulletin content.

The calendar includes:

• Upcoming diocesan events

• Select parish events with broad appeal

• Feast days and liturgical observances

• Annual collections and diocesan campaigns

Many entries also include ready-to-use toolkits, graphics, and suggested text, making it easy to incorporate them directly into your bulletin.

January

• Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
  Holy Day of Obligation unless it falls on a Monday or Saturday.

• World Day of Peace
  Since 1967, the Holy Father marks the World Day of Peace with a special message inviting all people to reflect on the important work of building peace.

• Poverty Awareness Month
  Dedicated to raising awareness about the over 36 million Americans living in poverty. This month highlights the need for solutions to combat issues like food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, and limited education, encouraging community action, donations, and education to support families in need.

• Annual Diocesan Mass for Promoting Harmony with the Presentation of the Drum Major Awards
  Coinciding with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this Mass promotes the ideals that Dr. King preached. This event changes locations each year. See the Diocese of Toledo calendar for details.

• 9 Days for Life Novena
  The annual novena for the protection of human life.

• Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
  The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), no. 373, designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance.

• Word of God Sunday
  Instituted by Pope Francis in 2019 to be celebrated annually on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (typically late January). It is dedicated to the celebration, study, and dissemination of Sacred Scripture, encouraging Catholics to deepen their familiarity with the Bible.

• Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
  For over 100 years, Christians around the world have taken part in an octave of prayer for visible Christian unity. 

• Catholic Schools Week
  The annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States.

• Collection for the Church in Latin America

February

• Black History Month

• World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
  In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd.

• World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking
  The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General has designated February 8 as an annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. February 8 is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in Sudan and Italy.

• National Marriage Week/World Marriage Day
  The observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 8) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family.

• World Day of the Sick
  Observed annually on February 11 to offer prayers, support, and solidarity for those suffering from illnesses and their caregivers. Established by Pope John Paul II in 1992, it coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

• Annual Catholic Appeal Commitment Sunday
  This is a Diocesan collection. Promotional materials will be sent to the parish by the diocese at the appropriate time. Funds generated will provide the services and programs needed for the materials, education, and spiritual needs of God’s people in the Diocese of Toledo. The ACA supports the work of Parishes and Catholic ministries that promote the gospel message and provides resources to assist the poor and vulnerable, the marginalized and disenfranchised, the uneducated and undereducated, and those who find themselves in desperate situations.

• Lent
  Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting.

• 40 Days for Life
  40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. It takes place in spring and fall.

March

• Safe Haven Sunday
  A Catholic initiative held annually during Lent to address the harmful effects of pornography on individuals, marriages, and families.

• Catholic Sisters Week
  A national celebration that shines a light on the spirit, service, and strength of Catholic Sisters across the country.

• Church in Central and Eastern Europe
  The Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe (CCECE) is an annual USCCB appeal, often held on Ash Wednesday, supporting Catholic communities in 28 countries formerly under communist rule. Funds rebuild churches, train seminarians, provide social services, and support pastoral ministries, particularly aiding Ukraine and rebuilding infrastructure in nations like Georgia.

• Black and Indian Missions
  The embodiment of the Church’s concern for evangelizing the Black and Indian peoples of the United States. The funds are distributed as grants to dioceses throughout the United States, supporting and strengthening evangelization programs which otherwise would cease.

• Catholic Relief Services
  The Catholic Relief Services Collection values families. It works to provide for their basic humanitarian needs, protect vulnerable children, reunite families, and encourage legislation that reflects the importance of family in society. The reach of this Collection spans the globe, helping families on every continent from an array of ethnicities and backgrounds, addressing a myriad of needs. 

April

• Pontifical Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land
  Mandated by the Holy Father, this collection supports the Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land in maintaining Christian shrines, schools, and social ministries in the Middle East.

• The Light Is On
  An initiative where Catholic dioceses open churches for quiet prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. See the Diocesan calendar for details.

• Holy Week

  • Chrism Mass
    The Chrism Mass is held during Holy Week in every Catholic diocese. In the Diocese of Toledo, it is traditionally celebrated on the Tuesday of Holy Week. During this Mass, the priests, deacons and representatives of the entire diocesan community gather around the bishop, who blesses the Holy Oils for use in the coming year.

  • Triduum
    The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum—from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ's Paschal Mystery.

    The single celebration of the Triduum marks the end of the Lenten season, and leads to the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil.

• Easter

• Child Abuse Prevention Month
  April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It serves as an annual reminder of the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. The Catholic Church remains dedicated to being at the forefront of raising awareness about the scourge of child abuse, implementing the best policies and procedures to protect children from potential abusers, and working with professionals to bring healing to those who have been abused.

• Divine Mercy Sunday
  Divine Mercy Sunday, celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, is a special day devoted to reflecting on and receiving the mercy of God. The devotion was promoted through the revelations of St. Faustina Kowalska and later established for the universal Church by Pope John Paul II in 2000. On this day, the Church highlights Christ’s message of forgiveness, reconciliation and trust in God’s mercy. Catholics are especially encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Communion, trusting in Jesus’ words: “Jesus, I trust in You.”

• Catholic Home Missions Appeal
  Strengthening the Church at Home by supporting essential pastoral programs in financially challenged dioceses and eparchies in the United States.

• World Day of Prayer for Vocations
  The purpose of World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publicly fulfill the Lord's instruction to, "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest."

May

• National Day of Prayer
  The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. Established by Congress and signed into law by Harry S. Truman in 1952, the day encourages public prayer, reflection and gatherings across the country. It offers an opportunity for individuals and communities to come together in prayer for the needs of the nation and its leaders.

• Transitional Diaconate Ordination
  Ordinations are one of the most exciting events of the year in the Diocese of Toledo! There is a bulletin insert every parish should include on this weekend. See the Diocese of Toledo calendar for details.

• Mother’s Day
  Mother’s Day, celebrated each year on the second Sunday of May, is a time to give thanks for the gift of mothers and the beautiful vocation of motherhood. As we honor our mothers, we also turn in gratitude to our Blessed Mother, Mary, who lovingly intercedes for us, particularly during this month dedicated to her.

• Pentecost/Adult Confirmation
  The feast of Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, who were gathered in prayer with the Mother of the Lord, as described in Acts of the Apostles (chapter 2). Celebrated on the 50th and final day of the Easter season, Pentecost marks the birth of the Church and the moment the Apostles were sent forth to proclaim the Gospel. In the Diocese of Toledo, this feast is also the occasion when Adult Confirmation is celebrated, as adults receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

• World Day of Prayer for the Church in China
  The World Day of Prayer for the Church in China is observed annually on May 24, the Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, who is venerated at the Sheshan Marian Shrine in Shanghai. Established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, this day promotes solidarity with Chinese Catholics, encouraging them to maintain faith and unity

• World Communications Day/Catholic Communication Campaign
  World Communications Day highlights the importance of sharing the Gospel through modern media and supports the Church’s mission through the Catholic Communication Campaign. This national collection helps fund Catholic media efforts across the United States and in developing countries, including television, radio, print, and digital outreach. Half of the funds collected remain in the local diocese to support important communications initiatives. In the Diocese of Toledo, these funds help support efforts such as Graceful Living magazine and other projects that share the stories of faith across northwest Ohio.

June

• Diocesan Annual Celebration of Catholics with Disabilities with the Presentation of the Drum Major Awards
  This event changes locations each year. See the Diocese of Toledo calendar for details.

• World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests
  The World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests takes place every year on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

• World Refugee Day
  World Refugee Day, celebrated annually on June 20th, draws global attention to the plight of millions of refugees— individuals forcibly displaced from their homes due to various forms of conflict, violence, or persecution.

• Priesthood Ordination
  Ordinations are one of the most exciting events of the year in the Diocese of Toledo! There is a bulletin insert every parish should include on this weekend. See the Diocese of Toledo calendar for details.

• Religious Freedom Week
  Religious freedom allows the Church, and all religious communities, to live out their faith in public and to serve the good of all.  Beginning June 22, the feast of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, the USCCB invites Catholics to pray, reflect, and act to promote religious freedom.

• Peter’s Pence Collection
  A gesture of solidarity through which every member of the faithful can participate in the activity of the Pope as Pastor of the universal Church. The faithful’s offerings to the Holy Father through the Peter’s Pence Collection are destined to Church needs, to humanitarian initiatives and social promotion projects, as well as to the support of the Holy See.

July

• Natural Family Planning Awareness Week
  Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Week is a national campaign that highlights the Church’s teaching on responsible parenthood and married love. Observed each year around the anniversary of Humanae Vitae (July 25) and the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), the week promotes education about NFP methods and their role in marriage.

August

• Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  Holy Day of Obligation unless it falls on a Monday or Saturday.
  
  Each year on the Vigil of the Assumption, the faithful gather in Carey for a large Marian celebration. The annual event draws thousands of pilgrims and includes a candlelight Rosary procession followed by Mass at Shrine Park. Bishop Daniel E. Thomas traditionally presides at the celebration. See the Diocese of Toledo calendar for details.

September

• World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
  The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation is observed annually on September 1, inviting Catholics and people of goodwill to pray for the protection of the earth and reflect on their responsibility to care for creation. Established by Pope Francis, the day encourages renewed commitment to stewardship of the environment through prayer, reflection, and practical action. It also marks the beginning of the broader Season of Creation, a time dedicated to spiritual and ecological awareness within the Church.

• World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
  In 2021, Pope Francis established the celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly on the fourth Sunday of July. The U.S. bishops have approved the transfer of the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the U.S. to the first weekend after Labor Day to coincide with National Grandparents Day in the United States as many local communities, schools, and parishes have celebrated for some time. 

• Hispanic Heritage Month
  Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15—dates that coincide with national independence days in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile. Here in the United States, more than half of Hispanics identify as Catholic so these weeks are an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich contributions of the Hispanic community, not only to our nation, but also to our Church.

• Collection for the Catholic University of America
  Founded in 1887 by the U.S. bishops, The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States, educating seminarians, religious, bishops, and laity to advance the dialogue between faith and reason. The USCCB designates the first or second Sunday in September for the collection.

• 40 Days for Life
  40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. It takes place in spring and fall.

• Catechetical Sunday
  Catechetical Sunday is an annual observance in the Catholic Church that highlights the importance of teaching and handing on the faith. Celebrated on the third Sunday in September in the United States, it recognizes and commissions those who serve as catechists in parishes and schools. The day also invites the entire Church community—especially parents, the primary teachers of the faith—to reflect on their shared responsibility to proclaim the Gospel and nurture faith in the next generation.

• Perpetuate The Gift
  The annual appeal that supports our Diocesan Priests’ Retirement Fund. It signifies the beautifully unending and total commitment of our priests to our spiritual salvation, and our contribution to their retirement.

• Priesthood Sunday
  Priesthood Sunday is a special day set aside to honor priesthood in the United States. It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church as a central one. This nationwide event is coordinated and sponsored by the US Council of Serra International.

• National Migration Week
  National Migration Week is an annual observance in the Catholic Church in the United States, typically held during the last week of September. The week invites Catholics to reflect on the experiences of migrants and refugees and to pray for those who leave their homes in search of safety, opportunity, and a better life. It also highlights the Church’s ongoing commitment to welcome, accompany, and advocate for migrants while promoting awareness of migration issues within parishes and communities.

October

• Respect Life Month/Respect Life Sunday
  In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is designated as Respect Life Sunday.

• Domestic Violence Awareness Month

• Mass for Farmers with the Presentation of the Century Farm Awards
  This event changes locations each year. See the Diocese of Toledo calendar for details.

• Diocesan Feast Day, Our Lady of the Rosary
  Always held at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral. See calendar for details.

• Annual Diocesan Red Mass
  The Red Mass is offered for judges, lawyers, law students, government officials, and others affiliated with the legal community, to invoke God's blessing and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their work as stewards of justice. Always held at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral. See calendar for details.

• Diocesan Mass on the Anniversaries of Marriage
  For couples celebrating 25, 40, 50, 60, and 60-plus years of marriage. Always held at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral. See calendar for details.

• World Mission Sunday
  Celebrated annually on the second-to-last Sunday of October, is a global Catholic Church event dedicated to supporting missionary work and the preaching of the Gospel.

November

• Black Catholic History Month
  November has been designated as Black Catholic History Month to celebrate the long history and proud heritage of Black Catholics. Discover the stories of Black Catholic saints, heroic examples of holiness to the world around them.

• Native American Heritage Month
  A time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.

• National Vocations Awareness Week
  The annual Catholic celebration in the U.S. dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life. Held during the first full week of November, it encourages prayer, education, and support for those discerning a religious calling. Each parish should include the seminarian and religious formation flyers in their bulletin. See the calendar for details.

• All Saints Day

• All Souls Day

• Election Day

• Veteran’s Day

• World Day of the Poor
  The USCCB observes the World Day of the Poor annually on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, often highlighted by a special collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).

• Catholic Campaign for Human Development

• Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

• Thanksgiving

• Giving Tuesday
  A global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.

December

• Advent
  The Advent season is a time of preparationthat directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas.

• Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  Patronal Feast Day of the United States of America. Holy Day of Obligation.

• Annual Diocesan Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration
  This event changes locations each year. See the Diocese of Toledo calendar for details.

• Retirement Fund for Religious
  Coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO), the annual collection taken up by participating dioceses helps provide critical financial assistance to eligible religious institutes caring for their retired members.

• Christmas
  Holy Day of Obligation.

Is your bulletin looking a little light this week? Keep a few timeless pieces on hand that can be used at any time.

Examples include:

• FORMED

• Catholic Charities

• Graceful Living

• Pope’s Prayer Intentions

• Pray for Priests

• Project Rachel

• Protecting Youth

• The Bishop’s Corner

These “evergreen” pieces help fill space while still forming and engaging your parish community.

Images can bring your bulletin to life—but it’s important to make sure you have permission to use them.

The Basics

Before printing any image, ask: Do we have the right to use this?
Just because an image appears on Google or another website does not mean it is free to use.

In general, you may use images if:

• Your parish took the photo

• You purchased or downloaded it from a licensed source

• It is labeled for free use (with or without attribution)

• It is in the public domain

Public Domain (Free to Use)

Many classic works of art—especially sacred art—are in the public domain and can be used freely.

A good rule of thumb:

• Works created more than 100 years ago are often in the public domain

This includes many:

• Paintings of Jesus, Mary, and the saints

• Classical religious artwork

• Historic church images

Reliable sources for public domain images include:

• Wikimedia Commons

• Museum collections (many offer open-access images)

Even when not required, it is still a good practice to credit the artist when possible.

Catholic Image Sources

Some platforms provide images specifically for Catholic use (always check individual licensing terms):

• Cathopic (requires paid subscription)

• One Secret Mission

• Your bulletin publisher

• Diocesan shared media

What to Avoid

• Copying images directly from Google Images

• Screenshotting photos from websites or social media

• Using images without checking their license or permissions

Best Practice

When in doubt, use:

• Your own parish photos

• Diocesan-provided images

• Trusted Catholic or public domain sources

Taking a moment to verify image usage helps protect your parish and respects the work of artists and photographers.

If your parish works with a bulletin publisher, be sure to take advantage of the resources they provide. Many offer templates, seasonal content, and design support.

• Diocesan

• Liturgical Publications Inc. (LPI)

Each publisher has its own library of tools and services—we encourage you to explore what’s available to you.

Looking for ideas or a fresh approach? Browse sample bulletins from parishes across the Diocese and beyond.

These examples can help you:

• See effective layouts and structure

• Find new ways to present information

• Keep your bulletin visually engaging week to week

A few simple best practices can make a big difference:

• Prioritize readability:
  Use clean, easy-to-read fonts for body text such as Arial, Lato, or other sans-serif fonts.

• Use decorative fonts sparingly:
  More stylized fonts can be effective for headings, but avoid using them for large blocks of text.

• Keep font size accessible:
  A minimum of 10.5 pt is recommended for body text. Larger is even better when space allows.

• Be consistent:
  Use the same fonts, sizes, and spacing throughout your bulletin to create a cohesive look.

• Use white space intentionally:
  Don’t overcrowd the page—spacing helps readers find and absorb information more easily.

• Organize content clearly:
  Use headings, subheadings, and sections to guide the reader.

• Keep it concise:
  Short paragraphs and clear language are easier to read and more inviting.