Goodbye, Microsoft Publisher !
After 35 years, Microsoft (MS) Publisher will be retiring. This means that you will be unable to create, edit, or open existing MS Publisher documents come October 2026. You need to save everything as a pdf to be able to view the document.
We at the ACC know this may be a difficult transition and we’re here to help. After reviewing results from our MS Publisher Survey, there was a clear desire for a general information session on products to replace MS Publisher.
General Information Session for Microsoft Publisher's Replacement
On Tuesday, November 11th, we held a general information on possible replacements for MS Publisher. The goal of this information session was to provide an overview of Adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher, Canva, and Microsoft Create. We discussed the pros and cons of each and key points to take into consideration for parishes and schools.
Missed the General Information Session? Contact Mission Support to view the recording.
Product Specific Training
Thank you to all who filled out the interest form. Based on survey results we offered product specific training in February 2026.
During the 3-hour practical virtual training one learned how to create, design, and export a bulletin from scratch. While the training focused specifically on a bulletin, the elements learned carry over to the many other applications and uses for parishes and schools.
Location: Virtual
When:
- Adobe InDesign
- Thursday, February 12th, 1:00-4:00 pm
- Affinity
- Monday, February 2nd, 9:00 am-12 Noon
- Tuesday, February 24th, 1:00-4:00 pm
- Canva
- Tuesday, February 3rd, 1:00-4:00 pm
- Monday, February 23rd, 9:00 am-12 Noon
- Adobe InDesign
From Learning Designer Pro -
This summer, come and join creatives and educators worldwide with our annual professional learning series designed to ignite creativity, sharpen skills, and explore the power of Affinity: Canva’s Pro-level design app. Learn graphic design skills, image editing techniques and high level publishing workflows. Click here for a flyer to share with others.
Who is it for? Anyone starting out with Affinity’s FREE professional design tools, e.g. educators, CTE teachers, designers, marketing teams, and administrators.
What is it? A 3-part online workshop series introducing the essentials of Affinity’s studio tools. Access 3 x 3 hour workshops (with morning sessions for UK and US time zones) combining clear skill-building with inspiring real-world outcomes which you can use to build your design credentials.
What’s unique about it? Each session not only covers how to use Affinity tools but also why they matter, which workflows make the most sense, and how they fit with principles of design, digital storytelling and accessibility.
- Easy to follow tutorials
- Use pre-created resources and assets to build incredible projects
- Step-by-step instructions
- Lesson plan guidance and ideas for educators
- Full colour printable resources
We’ll also look at how Canva’s AI tools assist and augment your designs, and where Canva fits into the Affinity workflow.
What does it cost?
- $150 per workshop OR $350 for access to all workshops and recordings
- Early Bird Discount available until 15th June – 20% OFF using code SUMMER20
The Workshop Schedule
- Summer of Affinity: Vector Studio Focus
- Achieve vector magic with Affinity. Explore graphic design tool essentials, iterative logo and badge design, and even product packaging for summer snacks!
- Wednesday 22nd July
- Either: 9:00 am – 12 noon (UK Time – BST) [Minnesota: 3:00 am – 6:00 am CDT]
- Or: 9:00 am – 12 noon (US Time – PDT) [Minnesota: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm CDT]
- Summer of Affinity: Pixel Studio Focus
- Dive into digital photo editing and visual storytelling. Create incredible cinematic composite images with masking and AI assistance, including double exposure techniques, montage and focus stacking. You’ll be creating book plates for summer reads and holiday adverts in no time!
- Wednesday 29th July
- Either: 9:00 am – 12 noon (UK Time – BST) [Minnesota: 3:00 am – 6:00 am CDT]
- Or: 9:00 am – 12 noon (US Time – PDT) [Minnesota: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm CDT]
- Summer of Affinity: Learn Layout Studio
- From bulletins and newsletters to resumes, timelines and theatre programs, learn how to publish short and long documents with precision, polish and purpose.
- Wednesday 5th August
- Either: 9:00 am – 12 noon (UK Time – BST) [Minnesota: 3:00 am – 6:00 am CDT]
- Or: 9:00 am – 12 noon (US Time – PDT) [Minnesota: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm CDT]
Note: The Summer of Affinity Training is open to the public and not specific to the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis. Please contact Learning Designer Pro, who hosted previous training sessions, at info@learningdesignerpro.com with any questions.
Product Specific Installation Information
Adobe InDesign is a desktop application and must be installed on your machine if you do not already use Adobe products.
Minimum system requirements
- OS: Windows 10 or macOS 12+ (Ventura or newer preferred)
- RAM: 8 GB (16 GB recommended for serious work)
- Hard Disk: 3.6 GB for installation
Option A: Desktop App (Recommended)
If you already use Adobe products:
- Ensure Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop is installed.
- Sign in using your Adobe account.
- Open Creative Cloud and confirm that InDesign is installed and launches correctly.
- Update InDesign to the latest available version if prompted. The latest version is InDesign CC 2025 (version 21.0).
Option B: Temporary Access (If you do not already have InDesign)
- You may use a 7‑day Adobe free trial (adobe.com/creativecloud/free-trial-download.html).
- Download Creative Cloud and start the trial at least 1 day before the training.
- You will need an Adobe ID and payment method to activate the trial (you can cancel afterwards if needed).
Affinity is a desktop application and must be installed on your machine.
Licensing options
Canva and Affinity are owned by the same company. To download the free Affinity, you need to have a free Canva. You can use either a personal or Canva Pro account to log in to Affinity. If you do not already have a Canva Account, go the “Canva” tab for instructions on how to create a Canva Account. Note: Using a personal free account may exclude certain AI features.
Required steps
- Go to https://www.affinity.studio/ and select Get Affinity in the top right of your window.
- Sign in with your Canva Account to get the download.
- Download the App for Mac or Windows depending on your computer (*see download notes for Windows below if you are unsure which download option to accept).
- Install the App once it is downloaded.*
- Open the App and check that it has launched successfully.
Minimum system requirements
Check this site if you are unsure your machine has the correct requirements: https://www.affinity.studio/en_gb/help/introduction-system-requirements/
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) or macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
- Processor: x64-based (Intel/AMD) or ARM64 (Apple Silicon/Snapdragon X Elite) with SSE2 support
- RAM: 4GB minimum, 8GB+ recommended for better experience
- Storage: 2.5GB free space
*Affinity Download and Installation Notes for Windows:
If you are using a Windows PC, you will need to select from a choice of installation types:
- Windows (Intel/AMD): this is the recommended installer for Windows devices with Intel/AMD processors.
- Windows (ARM): this is the recommended installer for Windows devices with ARM64 processors.
- Enterprise (Intel/AMD)
- Enterprise (ARM)
Windows (Intel/AMD) and Windows (ARM) are the recommended options depending on your computer.
- The Windows (Intel/AMD) installer is for Intel/AMD-based PCs (the most common systems).
- The Windows (ARM) installer is intended for ARM-based Windows devices.
How to Know If Your Windows PC Uses Intel/AMD or ARM
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “Settings.”
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to System > About.
- Under Device Specifications, find System Type. It will tell you which of these you have:
- x64-based processor: Your computer uses a 64-bit Intel or AMD processor.
- ARM-based processor: Your computer uses an ARM processor (ARM64).
Note: Only use Enterprise (Intel/AMD) and Enterprise (ARM) installers if:
- You encounter issues with the MSIX version.
- You’re installing on an Education or Enterprise network that restricts MSIX.
- Contact your technical support person in the event of any issues on this topic.
Canva is browser-based and does not require software installation.
Steps – If You Already Have an Account
- Use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Safari.
- Go to canva.com and click “log in.” Enter your credentials.
- Before training day, check that you can:
- Create a new design.
- Edit text and images.
- Access templates.
Minimum system requirements
- OS: Windows 10 or macOS 12+ (Ventura or newer preferred)
- RAM: 8 GB (16 GB recommended for serious work)
- Hard Disk: 3.6 GB for installation
Steps to Create an Account
- Use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Safari.
- Go to canva.com, click “sign up” and follow the steps to create an account.
- To receive Canva Pro for non-profits (free), go to www.canva.com/nfp-signup and do not “x” out of the pop-up; click “Get Started.”
- Canva will ask:
- Type of nonprofit: Select “Registered nonprofit organization”
- Country: Select “United States”
- Organization name or ID: Use your church or school’s 9-digit nonprofit ID number (see your finance person if you do not know this).
- Click “Continue.”
- Enter your first name, last name, and email address. Use your church or school email address. Click “Submit.”
- Canva will review your application and respond within 7 to 10 days of submission.
- Before training day, check that you can:
- Create a new design.
- Edit text and images.
- Access templates.