Introducing Our New Database System

03-25-2022Weekly Flocknote MessageFr. James Aboyi, VC

You may recall one of the initiatives I mentioned last Fall was the migration of our software and database into a new system called, “Realm.” Realm is designed specifically for churches and will enable us to consolidate several of our platforms such as Donor Perfect, Faith Direct, and eventually, Ministry Scheduler Pro. Our goal is to strengthen our connection and engagement with one another while saving the parish money and time.

On Monday, April 4, 2022, at 11:00am you will receive an email from our parish with the subject line: St. Benedict Catholic Church: Yay, Realm! Connect with your parish family! This will be sent to the email address we currently have on file for you; please check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox. If you need to update your email or do not receive the Realm message, please contact us at realm@stbenedict.org so we can update your contact information.

Every parishioner will need to activate their own account within Realm. The email will include a special link that will allow you to do this. Here you will create a password, review and update your profile, tell us your interests and talents, and set up online giving.

For those who already give to St. Benedict through Faith Direct, we appreciate your continued financial support. Once you set-up your online giving in Realm, it is important that you log into your Faith Direct account and stop any future contributions from that platform. St. Benedict will be phasing out Faith Direct within the next two months as Realm allows us to save significantly on bank and transactional fees.

I am very excited about Realm’s ability to help us stay better connected, build relationships, and grow our ministries. While software cannot replace personal interaction among people and ministers, I am glad we will have a unified system to help empower all members of our community for the work of ministry.

Stay tuned for next steps including: joining ministries and groups, registering for events and programs, updates on parish activities, and more! Please contact us in the parish office at realm@stbenedict.org if you have any questions or need help signing up.

Joint-Staff Lenten Retreat

I ask for your prayers for our St. John Bosco School and St. Benedict Parish Staff who will hold their Lenten retreat on Friday next week, April 1st. This is an in-house, joint-staff retreat being held at our SJB campus. The retreat will be directed by Sister Mary Katerina Masek, R.S.M. Sister Caterina belongs to the Religious Order of Religious Sisters of Mercy. She is currently serving as a professor at the Benedictine University in Mesa, AZ.

I am glad our staff will have the opportunity to spend some time together with the Lord on retreat as we prepare for the Holy Week.

CDA Update

I am so glad to inform you that the recent update for our parish participation in the Charity and Development Appeal (CDA) shows that 168 families have participated in the CDA from our parish community, with a total pledge of $76,102. This represents 90% of our total goal of $85,000! I thank those who have already participated. I encourage those who have not yet participated to consider sending their pledge or payment this week. The CDA envelopes are available at the parish office and during weekend Masses in the MPR. Please give us a call in the parish office (480.961.1610) if you have any questions or if you need help setting up your Text-to-Give or Online payment.