Quick Overview
- 1#1: ParishSOFT - Comprehensive parish management system for Catholic dioceses and parishes handling family records, sacraments, accounting, contributions, and reporting.
- 2#2: Parish Trac - Full-featured Catholic parish software for managing attendance, giving, events, bulletins, and sacramental records with integrated diocesan connectivity.
- 3#3: Altuos - Cloud-based platform tailored for Catholic parishes offering envelope management, Mass attendance tracking, online giving, and family database features.
- 4#4: Parish Ledger - Robust financial and administrative software for Catholic parishes focused on accounting, payroll, contributions, and compliance reporting.
- 5#5: Church Windows - Modular church management solution used by Catholic parishes for membership tracking, accounting, attendance, and event scheduling.
- 6#6: Planning Center - Integrated suite for church operations including people management, worship planning, online giving, and check-ins suitable for Catholic use.
- 7#7: Breeze ChMS - User-friendly cloud-based church management for tracking members, events, volunteers, and donations with mobile accessibility.
- 8#8: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one software for church admin tasks like member database, online giving, event planning, and nursery check-in.
- 9#9: Subsplash - Digital platform for church engagement with custom apps, online giving, groups, events, and media hosting.
- 10#10: Elexio - Cloud church management system for community engagement, financials, events, and communication tools.
We prioritized tools with robust, tailored features for Catholic workflows, consistent user experience, and strong value, ensuring rank reflects both functionality and practicality for diverse parish needs
Comparison Table
This comparison table helps navigate Catholic Church Management Software, showcasing tools like ParishSOFT, Parish Trac, Altuos, Parish Ledger, Church Windows, and more. Readers will find key features, adaptability to diverse church needs, and practical insights to select the right solution for their community's unique requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ParishSOFT Comprehensive parish management system for Catholic dioceses and parishes handling family records, sacraments, accounting, contributions, and reporting. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Parish Trac Full-featured Catholic parish software for managing attendance, giving, events, bulletins, and sacramental records with integrated diocesan connectivity. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Altuos Cloud-based platform tailored for Catholic parishes offering envelope management, Mass attendance tracking, online giving, and family database features. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 4 | Parish Ledger Robust financial and administrative software for Catholic parishes focused on accounting, payroll, contributions, and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Church Windows Modular church management solution used by Catholic parishes for membership tracking, accounting, attendance, and event scheduling. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | Planning Center Integrated suite for church operations including people management, worship planning, online giving, and check-ins suitable for Catholic use. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Breeze ChMS User-friendly cloud-based church management for tracking members, events, volunteers, and donations with mobile accessibility. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | ChurchTrac Affordable all-in-one software for church admin tasks like member database, online giving, event planning, and nursery check-in. | specialized | 7.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | Subsplash Digital platform for church engagement with custom apps, online giving, groups, events, and media hosting. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 10 | Elexio Cloud church management system for community engagement, financials, events, and communication tools. | enterprise | 7.3/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
Comprehensive parish management system for Catholic dioceses and parishes handling family records, sacraments, accounting, contributions, and reporting.
Full-featured Catholic parish software for managing attendance, giving, events, bulletins, and sacramental records with integrated diocesan connectivity.
Cloud-based platform tailored for Catholic parishes offering envelope management, Mass attendance tracking, online giving, and family database features.
Robust financial and administrative software for Catholic parishes focused on accounting, payroll, contributions, and compliance reporting.
Modular church management solution used by Catholic parishes for membership tracking, accounting, attendance, and event scheduling.
Integrated suite for church operations including people management, worship planning, online giving, and check-ins suitable for Catholic use.
User-friendly cloud-based church management for tracking members, events, volunteers, and donations with mobile accessibility.
Affordable all-in-one software for church admin tasks like member database, online giving, event planning, and nursery check-in.
Digital platform for church engagement with custom apps, online giving, groups, events, and media hosting.
Cloud church management system for community engagement, financials, events, and communication tools.
ParishSOFT
enterpriseComprehensive parish management system for Catholic dioceses and parishes handling family records, sacraments, accounting, contributions, and reporting.
Fully integrated sacramental database with automated Canon Law-compliant record-keeping and diocesan data syncing
ParishSOFT is a robust, web-based church management software tailored specifically for Catholic parishes, offering comprehensive tools for managing family registrations, sacramental records (baptisms, confirmations, marriages, etc.), Mass attendance, and financial contributions. It includes parishioner portals for online giving, event registration, and volunteer scheduling, while providing diocesan-compliant reporting and integration capabilities. With a focus on data security and Canon Law adherence, it's a go-to solution for streamlining parish operations.
Pros
- Deeply customized for Catholic needs with sacramental tracking and diocesan integrations
- Strong security features and compliance with church data standards
- Excellent reporting tools for envelopes, attendance, and financials
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS apps
- Steep learning curve for new users despite training resources
- Pricing can be high for smaller parishes
Best For
Catholic parishes of any size seeking a feature-rich, compliant solution for sacramental, financial, and administrative management.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around $500/month for small parishes, scaling up based on size and modules; custom quotes required.
Parish Trac
specializedFull-featured Catholic parish software for managing attendance, giving, events, bulletins, and sacramental records with integrated diocesan connectivity.
Integrated sacramental record system with automated diocese-compliant reporting and family relationship mapping
Parish Trac by RCS Inc. is a specialized church management software designed exclusively for Catholic parishes, providing tools for parishioner database management, sacramental record-keeping (baptisms, confirmations, marriages), and financial tracking including collections and envelopes. It supports mass scheduling, attendance tracking, bulletin creation, and compliance reporting for diocesan requirements. The platform emphasizes data security and integration with common Catholic workflows to streamline parish administration.
Pros
- Deeply tailored Catholic-specific features like sacramental registries and census management
- Robust financial tools with envelope tracking and diocesan reporting
- Reliable customer support from a company focused on Catholic parishes
Cons
- Dated user interface that may require training
- Limited native mobile accessibility
- Pricing can be steep for very small parishes
Best For
Medium to large Catholic parishes needing comprehensive sacramental and financial management with strong reporting.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on parish size and modules; typically $100-$500/month for core features plus setup fees.
Altuos
specializedCloud-based platform tailored for Catholic parishes offering envelope management, Mass attendance tracking, online giving, and family database features.
Self-service kiosks allowing parishioners to update profiles, register for events, and give on-site without staff intervention
Altuos is a cloud-based church management software designed for streamlined operations, including member databases, online giving, event management, and communication tools. While versatile for general church use, it supports Catholic parishes with basic parishioner tracking, donation processing, and group management for ministries like catechism classes. However, it lacks deep specialization in sacramental record-keeping or diocesan integrations compared to Catholic-focused alternatives.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for parishioners and staff
- Strong online giving and recurring donation tools
- Customizable forms and self-service kiosks for check-ins
Cons
- Limited built-in sacramental tracking (baptisms, confirmations, etc.)
- No native integrations with Catholic diocesan systems or envelope accounting
- Reporting lacks depth for canonical compliance needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized Catholic parishes seeking affordable, modern tools for general administration and engagement without complex sacramental requirements.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for up to 100 households; scales at ~$1 per active household/month with no long-term contracts.
Parish Ledger
enterpriseRobust financial and administrative software for Catholic parishes focused on accounting, payroll, contributions, and compliance reporting.
Automated diocesan financial consolidation and USCCB-compliant reporting
Parish Ledger is a cloud-based accounting and management software tailored for Catholic parishes and dioceses, focusing on financial operations such as general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and contribution tracking. It includes parishioner database management, online giving integration, and automated diocesan reporting compliant with USCCB standards. While strong in finances, it offers basic tools for census and reporting but lacks advanced scheduling or ministry management features found in broader church software.
Pros
- Robust financial tools with Catholic-specific compliance and diocesan integration
- Secure online giving and contribution envelope tracking
- Comprehensive reporting for audits and stewardship
Cons
- Limited non-financial features like event scheduling or volunteer management
- Steep learning curve for advanced accounting functions
- Pricing can be high for smaller parishes
Best For
Mid-to-large Catholic parishes or dioceses prioritizing accurate financial management and regulatory compliance over general church operations.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around $600/month for basic plans, with custom quotes for larger implementations; includes setup fees.
Church Windows
enterpriseModular church management solution used by Catholic parishes for membership tracking, accounting, attendance, and event scheduling.
Deeply integrated fund accounting compliant with church nonprofit standards
Church Windows by ACS Technologies is a desktop-based church management software designed primarily for Windows environments, offering comprehensive tools for member database management, contribution tracking, attendance records, and basic sacramental history for Catholic parishes. It includes integrated accounting modules tailored for nonprofit church finances, event scheduling, and customizable reporting to meet diocesan compliance needs. While reliable for core administrative tasks, it lacks modern cloud or mobile integrations compared to newer competitors.
Pros
- Robust integrated accounting for church funds
- Strong member and household tracking with sacramental notes
- Reliable reporting for diocesan submissions
Cons
- Dated Windows-only interface with steep learning curve
- No native mobile app or cloud access
- Limited automation for modern parish communications
Best For
Small to mid-sized Catholic parishes prioritizing desktop-based accounting and traditional record-keeping over mobile or cloud features.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $1,200-$4,500 based on modules, plus $500-$1,500 annual support fees.
Planning Center
specializedIntegrated suite for church operations including people management, worship planning, online giving, and check-ins suitable for Catholic use.
Advanced worship planning with rehearsal mixes, chord charts, and real-time service updates across teams
Planning Center is a modular, cloud-based church management platform primarily designed for worship planning, people database management, volunteer scheduling, check-ins, groups, online giving, and events. Its suite of interconnected apps allows churches to streamline operations from service planning to attendance tracking. While highly effective for Protestant churches, it serves Catholic parishes adequately for general administration but falls short on specialized sacramental and liturgical tools.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with excellent mobile apps and seamless app integration
- Modular pricing starts free with People database, flat fees per app regardless of size
- Powerful worship planning tools adaptable for Mass scheduling and volunteer coordination
Cons
- No built-in tracking for Catholic sacraments like baptisms, confessions, or marriages
- Lacks native bulletin builders or liturgical calendar integration
- Worship planning emphasizes contemporary songs over traditional Catholic hymnals and rites
Best For
Small to mid-sized Catholic parishes prioritizing worship planning, volunteer management, and general people tracking over specialized sacramental software.
Pricing
Free People app; additional modules $14-$99/month per app (flat rate); Giving at 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction.
Breeze ChMS
specializedUser-friendly cloud-based church management for tracking members, events, volunteers, and donations with mobile accessibility.
Flat-rate pricing with unlimited users and storage, eliminating per-user fees common in competitors
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management software that provides tools for member database management, event scheduling, online giving, child check-in, and group tracking. It emphasizes simplicity and accessibility for churches of various denominations, allowing easy communication via email and SMS. However, it lacks specialized features for Catholic-specific needs like sacramental tracking (e.g., baptisms, confessions, marriages) or liturgical calendars, making it more suited to general Protestant or non-denominational use.
Pros
- Intuitive, beginner-friendly interface with minimal learning curve
- Unlimited users, contacts, and storage at a flat rate
- Seamless integration for online giving and quick check-ins
Cons
- No built-in sacrament or liturgical tracking for Catholic parishes
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Web-based only, lacking a dedicated mobile app
Best For
Small to medium Catholic parishes seeking an affordable, easy-to-use general ChMS without complex sacramental requirements.
Pricing
Flat rate starts at $72/month for one church (unlimited users); $50/month per additional church; free trial available.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable all-in-one software for church admin tasks like member database, online giving, event planning, and nursery check-in.
Unlimited users on all plans at a flat monthly rate, ideal for growing parishes without per-user fees.
ChurchTrac is a cloud-based church management software designed for small to mid-sized congregations, offering core features like member databases, online giving, event scheduling, attendance tracking, and basic reporting. While it provides a flexible platform adaptable for general parish administration, it lacks specialized Catholic tools such as sacramental record-keeping, Mass intention management, or integration with diocesan systems. It's best suited for budget-conscious parishes needing straightforward tools without advanced liturgical or compliance features.
Pros
- Affordable flat-rate pricing with unlimited users
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile access
- Customizable people database for basic member tracking
Cons
- No built-in sacramental tracking or Catholic-specific modules
- Limited liturgical scheduling or bulletin tools
- Basic reporting not optimized for diocesan requirements
Best For
Small Catholic parishes seeking a low-cost, user-friendly solution for essential member and financial management without needing advanced sacramental features.
Pricing
Basic: $37/mo, Standard: $77/mo, Premium: $147/mo (annual billing, unlimited users; free trial available).
Subsplash
specializedDigital platform for church engagement with custom apps, online giving, groups, events, and media hosting.
Custom-branded native mobile apps with push notifications and personalized content feeds
Subsplash is a digital engagement platform that provides churches with custom mobile apps, websites, online giving, live streaming, and event management tools to enhance member connection and outreach. It excels in modern digital features like push notifications, sermon libraries, and check-in systems but lacks specialized Catholic parish management capabilities such as sacramental record-keeping or liturgical scheduling. While adaptable for Catholic churches focused on online presence, it is not a full-fledged ChMS tailored to diocesan reporting or Canon Law compliance.
Pros
- Highly customizable mobile apps for iOS and Android enhance digital engagement
- Seamless online giving and live streaming for modern parish communication
- Intuitive interface with strong analytics for tracking member interactions
Cons
- No built-in support for Catholic-specific needs like sacramental tracking or RCIA management
- Pricing can be steep for smaller parishes without proportional admin features
- Limited integration with diocesan systems or traditional ChMS functions
Best For
Catholic parishes prioritizing digital outreach, mobile apps, and online giving over comprehensive administrative sacrament and member database management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at around $99/month for basic plans, scaling to $500+/month for full features based on church size and usage.
Elexio
enterpriseCloud church management system for community engagement, financials, events, and communication tools.
Text2Give for seamless mobile donations without app downloads
Elexio is a cloud-based church management software designed to handle member databases, online giving, event management, attendance tracking, and communications for churches of various denominations. It offers a user-friendly interface with mobile apps for admins and members, focusing on streamlining administrative tasks and boosting engagement. While effective for general church operations, it lacks deep specialization for Catholic-specific needs like sacramental records or liturgical calendars.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with strong mobile app support
- Robust online giving and text-to-give options
- Reliable customer support and quick setup
Cons
- Limited Catholic-specific features like sacrament tracking or diocese integration
- Reporting tools are basic and not highly customizable
- Pricing scales quickly for larger parishes
Best For
Small to medium Catholic parishes needing straightforward member management and giving tools without advanced sacramental or liturgical requirements.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $129/month for up to 250 households, scaling with congregation size; includes all features with no per-user fees.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed Catholic church management tools, ParishSOFT emerges as the top choice, boasting a comprehensive suite covering records, sacraments, accounting, and reporting. Parish Trac and Altuos, ranking second and third, also shine—Parish Trac for its integrated diocesan connectivity and sacramental tracking, and Altuos for its cloud-based accessibility and user-friendly design. While each tool caters to distinct parish needs, these three lead the pack, with ParishSOFT setting the standard for versatility.
To begin streamlining your parish operations, start with ParishSOFT; exploring it first ensures you’re leveraging a tool that balances power, ease of use, and tailored features for your community.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison