Church Bulletin Guidelines

The points listed here are very important when preparing your bulletin!  Please read them over carefully!  You may even want to print this area out and post it by your computer:

• The filename of your bulletin should always begin with the code provided to you by John Patrick Publishing.  This code is used to identify your church (examples: 305july23.wpd, 001july30.p65, 030aug20.doc, etc.).
   

• Always put your code number at the bottom of each page of your bulletin.  This will keep your pages in order when you send them to us.
   

• Please number all of your bulletin pages, counting the cover as page 1.
   

• If you have an insert, the deadline is NOON on Friday  (10 days before the Sunday bulletin you would like it inserted into).  The insert should have the code number, route number, and name of your church at the bottom right hand corner.
   

• Please proofread your bulletin prior to transmitting it.  There is a very short time frame between the time you send it and the time that it is printed.  We do not proofread your bulletins.
   

• Cover changes must be faxed or mailed to the attention of your bulletin editor by Friday, 12 noon (10 days before the Sunday bulletin) in order to be included in the next Sunday's bulletin.  Otherwise, the change(s) will take effect for the following week.
   

• ALL BULLETINS are due by NOON on Wednesday.  Remember, earlier is always better!
   

• The margins on your bulletin (left, right, top, and bottom), should always be set at .6 inches.  The margins can be larger than .6, but not smaller.  These margins are mandatory measurements for the printing press.

    All of these rules are very important when it comes to receiving, printing, sending, or delivering your bulletins.  So, please try to follow this list as closely as possible.  Most of you already follow these rules, and it is greatly appreciated.

Church Bulletin Graphics

• Using our "FILE UPLOAD" service to send your bulletin: The easiest method is by sending us your bulletin by using this website.  You can send us your bulletin from anywhere that has an internet connection.  All you have to do is log on to our FILE UPLOAD section with your username and password, and submit your bulletin to us by pointing and clicking!  It's that simple!  If you are interested in this free service, you can register for it by clicking here.
  
   

• Emailing your bulletin:  Below are the individuals responsible for your bulletin at John Patrick Publishing.  Just click on their name below, attach your bulletin to your email, and you're set!

• Church codes:  When sending over a file always use your church code.  Your code is the only way we know that file is from you.  If everyone sent over their bulletin named "bulletin" or the date, they would all overwrite each other and files would be lost.  Also, don’t send a flower list named "flower" or an insert named "insert" without prefacing it with your code.
   

• Turnaround time for your bulletin is very fast due to the new and updated technology that we use.  If you need to send a revised bulletin, please contact your bulletin editor first!
   

• Varying the look of your bulletin:  Try to update the look of your bulletin occasionally by changing the fonts.  Only use fonts which are shown on our font list.
   

• Line spacing techniques:  If you ever run out of room and need to squeeze in a few more lines on a page, change your line spacing.  Highlight you paragraph, go to Format, then Line, then Spacing and change from 1 to .9 (or less).  In Microsoft Word the procedure is the same except from Format go to Paragraph (checking multiple) then decrease the line spacing.  Take a look at the boxes below for examples on this tip:

This procedure is the same to "fill out" a page with not quite enough text.  Simply increase the line spacing!

• Create bulletin covers announcing special occasions for your parish:  Since your talents are proven every week designing the inside of your bulletin, expand your talents to the cover as well!  A cover congratulating the First Communion class becomes a treasured keepsake.  Having a Mission at your parish?  Get the message across loud and clear by advertising it on the front of your bulletin.  Since our bulletin covers are not printed in advance, you can transmit a personalized cover at any time right along with your bulletin.  Email it to us, attach it to your bulletin file, or name it your church code+cover (ex: 001COVER.wpd) and transmit it over your modem.  In doing this, you will utilize an often overlooked method of reaching your congregation.

Frequently asked Questions

    Why must I keep the margins for all bulletins and inserts at a minimum of .6 inch?

    On the presses, wheel-like rollers feed huge rolls of paper through the press. The spaces the margins create are the path of the rollers. If anything falls within the white space of the margins, the rollers pick up ink and spread it across the page as the paper moves creating a smear.  To help us provide you with the cleanest possible bulletins, keep your margins no less than .6 inch or the cutters will drop off part of your bulletin.

    Why are my inserts due before my bulletin?

    Inserts are printed in a completely different way than the bulletins. They are printed before your bulletins are.  Inserts are for the most part single sheets and do not need to be folded.  They then need to be cut apart after they are printed into sheets of 81/2" x 11". The bulletins are printed and folded in one step. They come off the press in finished form.  Adjustments need to be made to the press after all the inserts are printed to set up for folded bulletins. These time consuming adjustments prevent the pressman from changing back and forth between the two processes and special provisions have to be made to print an insert if it comes to us after the others have been already printed.

    Why do I need to put my church code on my bulletin and all inserts that I send?

    The church codes on the bottom of your documents identify them as yours and help the pressmen coordinate the printing plates. There are a minimum of 2 printing plated for each bulletin. Without your code to match up the plates after they have been photographed, mix ups could occur. For inserts, since they are printed before the bulletins, (see question above) they need to be labeled before they are inserted into the bulletins so the correct church get the insert they requested.

    Do I need to call to confirm receipt of my transmitted bulletin each week?

    Usually, no, you do not. Especially if the file upload service is used - you will receive a message that it was sent to us successfully.  We do ask that you call if you send your bulletin at a time other than your normal time frame, or when you are going on vacation, or will not be available again if there is a problem and we would not be able to reach you. If there is a problem with your bulletin, or we do not receive it, be assured we will call you.

    Why do I occasionally get a busy signal or "no answer" when I am trying to transmit over Hyperterminal?