QR Codes: Little Squares with Big Impact

Oct. 27, 2025 by

Katie Clark

With a quick scan, QR codes can make giving easier, faster, and more meaningful–no cash required!

In any Catholic organization, stewardship isn’t just about collecting donations; it’s about creating moments of connection and inviting people to participate in the mission. But too often, those moments pass us by because taking the “next step” is inconvenient.

Enter the humble QR code. Here’s the thing: these tiny black-and-white squares have become one of the most effective tools to help you bridge the gap between inspiration and action. When thoughtfully integrated into a stewardship plan, QR codes can turn any encounter into an opportunity for generosity.

Why QR Codes Belong in Your Stewardship Plan

If people encounter one too many roadblocks, they hesitate, and their gift may never be completed. That can feel like a hard pill to swallow. If we know that people hesitate when giving feels like a hassle, let’s use that information to enhance our processes and procedures!

QR codes help us bridge the gap between paper resources and digital giving. Printed materials are still popular across Catholic organizations, but members spend more time online than ever before. QR codes help us connect these two worlds. While QR codes don’t replace traditional communication methods, they can certainly enhance them.

By scanning a QR code, potential donors can access a donation form almost immediately with a smartphone, right when their hearts are moved. In short, QR codes help eliminate all the extra steps between impulse and action.

Location, Location, Location

The biggest advantage of QR codes is how easily they can be implemented into your existing strategy. There’s no need to build an app or coordinate a marketing launch. Just create the code, print it, and place it exactly where you want people to scan it.

The power of QR codes can come to life when you place them intentionally, too. In everyday parish life, you can place QR codes in high-traffic areas like the church vestibule or the parish hall. A few less-thought-of places to include codes are:

• In the Church Pew: The pew is the perfect spot to catch irregular visitors who only stop by on holy days like Christmas or Easter. This small change ensures everyone can participate in the spirit of the season without remembering to bring cash to church.
• On Posters or Digital Screens: Think of any advertising effort in your breezeway or vestibule as a moment for the humble QR code to shine. Campaigns like Giving Tuesday or annual appeals will become more accessible easier to participate in. Now, every touch point can become a doorway to generosity.
• On a Printed Table Tent: Do you have a gala or ministry fair coming up? Consider printing custom table tents to encourage sign-ups, donations, or free-will offerings without the need to follow up on a pledge.
• On Giving Envelopes: When donors convert from a weekly cash or check gift to a digital donation in your offertory, their donation oftentimes increases. Plus, when they set up a recurring gift, you’ll never miss a donation if they’re out of town…and out of the pew.

QR Codes don't need to be perfectly curated to have impact! This simple addition to the parish pew allows visitors to sign up to join the parish, download the Sunday Mass music and readings, and even give online during the collection! 

Experience Matters Too

Adding QR codes is easy—but sometimes, people may still need an additional nudge to take that final step.

Don’t be afraid to mention these new additions in regular communications. Don't assume readers know what to do if you’ve added QR codes to paper documents. Instruct them to scan the code to take a specific action within your copy. Or, mention this new way of giving directly from the pulpit. During the offertory, ensure the congregation knows they can opt for a digital gift by scanning the QR code in the pews. The more you point them out, the faster they will be adopted and make visitors confident in using this new tool.

And, don’t forget to think through you’re parishioners' experience before placing the codes. Add codes in spots where people have a few moments to scan without feeling rushed. If you implement the QR code but people don’t have time to scan it, what difference has it actually made?

Small Codes, Big Results

QR codes aren’t always flashy, but they are effective. They’re simple to create and implement, and they help your ministry by encouraging people to become active participants in giving through interactive materials. 

In the end, QR codes make giving in the moment easier. And who doesn’t want more of that?