Registering helps parishes plan programs, track members

Parish registration -- the official notification to a parish by a Catholic that he or she is a member -- used to be automatic when someone moved into the boundaries of a church.

While the practice has fallen off, it is important for several reasons, according to Rev. Salvatore Rodino, the new pastor of St. Jude's parish in Wynantskill.

"From a practical point of view, when families are registered with our office, we can contact them whenever it is necessary," he explained. "This is a very important part of the process of building a relationship with that individual family."

Data from registrations also let a parish staff know the needs of Catholics, such as a school for an area with young families or senior citizen programs for a region with many elderly people.

Who's who?

One of Father Rodino's current tasks is planning a parish-wide census.

"We aren't sure exactly how many families are active or inactive on our parish roster," he said. "It's been quite a while since a count was taken, so we'll probably be doing that sometime soon.

"Our faith is supposed to include having a warm, pastoral relationship with others in our parish community. It's important for the staff to know who makes up that community, but it is also vital for that family to know they are part of a community that cares for them and for what happens to them."

Merged parish

At St. John Vianney parish in Claverack, there are additional reasons for families to register. St. John Vianney was formed by the merger of Sacred Heart in Philmont and Holy Cross in West Taghkanic.

Deacon Warren Dorsch said that the parish has installed a computer software program, Parish Data Systems, to sort and organize data.

The program, which he termed "fantastic," allows him to create and maintain accurate records on each family. It also helps him maintain an accurate record of sacramental information, such as Baptisms, First Eucharist and Confirmation.

Signing up

As Deacon Dorsch has been establishing an accurate data base, he has realized the importance of registration.

"It is important for three reasons," he explained. "To me, the most important reason is that registration provides us with the opportunity to effectively communicate with our parishioners on a regular basis. That might be something as simple as sending a birthday or get-well card to a homebound parishioner. It can also help them keep track of their yearly donations through the parish envelope system.

"The second reason is that, by registering, the parishioner or family feels as if they belong to a community that cares about them and wants to support them in any way they need.

"Finally, demographics. As a new parish community, we are looking forward to the projected needs of our parish. We'll be building a new church, and we'll need to know how big or how little to make that building."

Address book

Deacon Dorsch said that "right now, we're trying to contact people to see if they intend to remain active as parishioners and part of St. John's. We simply need to clarify who is still with us. Registration has immensely helped that process."

He likened registration to "a family address book. Over time, people's addresses change. Some pass on; some move away. I'd like to know how to contact these families, just as I would with a member of my own family.

"We are a family, a community; we are the body of Christ. We need to remain in touch with each other."

(3/2/06) [[In-content Ad]]