Why Prepare for Summer with ParishSOFT?
As the summer season approaches, parishes across the country are preparing for a shift in rhythm. From faith-based summer programs and events to seasonal Mass schedules and outreach efforts, it's a time of energy and engagement but also one that benefits greatly from proactive planning. With ParishSOFT, administrators have powerful tools at their fingertips to streamline communication, simplify organization, and ensure no detail is left behind.
Here are five impactful ways to use your ParishSOFT programs to set your parish up for a successful, spirit-filled summer.
1. Empower Consistent Giving with Recurring Donations
Summer often brings fluctuations in attendance, but the financial needs of a parish remain steady. By promoting recurring giving through ParishSOFT Giving, you can help ensure consistent support even while parishioners are traveling. Encouraging recurring gifts not only sustains ministries but helps parish leaders plan with confidence. Click here to learn more.
Key Benefits:
- Enables steady support, even while parishioners are traveling
- Helps parish leaders plan confidently for the season
đź“Ś Click here to learn more about recurring giving
2. Streamline Volunteer Sign-Ups for Summer Events
Parish festivals, VBS programs, and outreach events all need a helping hand. With Ministry Opportunities in the My Own Church module, you can invite parishioners to volunteer directly through My Own Church. And for admins, adding new volunteers is just a few clicks away.
Take it further by using the Workgroups feature to group your volunteers. For example, create a “Summer Festival Team” or “VBS Leaders” workgroup. This lets you quickly send out targeted communications and coordinate your teams more effectively.
Key Benefits:
- Clear sign-ups and grouped communication avoids last-minute stress
- Volunteers feel valued and well-informed
đź“Ś Learn how to use Ministry Opportunities đź“Ś Learn how to set up Workgroups
3. Freshen Up Parish Records with a Mid-Year Census
Summer is an ideal time to update your family and member records. Before the fall rush hits, consider conducting a mid-year census using tools in the Family Directory. You can generate a list of inactive families or send a communication prompting households to update their information via My Own Church.
If families have trouble logging in to update their records, you can quickly reset their password for My Own Church access.
Key Benefits:
- Accurate records means efficient communication and meaningful engagement
- Less surprises when it's time for sacramental prep, religious ed, or offertory mailings in the fall
đź“Ś How to run a census using Family Directory đź“Ś Resetting My Own Church login
4. Prep for Religious Ed and Tuition Season Early
Getting a head start on Religious Ed registrations helps avoid last-minute stress. Whether you're hosting summer faith formation or planning for fall, ParishSOFT allows you to open registration, track students, and even manage volunteer catechists now.
Plus, by setting up tuition invoices ahead of time, you’re giving families clear expectations while giving yourself space to focus on the ministry side of your mission.
Key Benefits:
- Clear expectations for families
- Better preparation for staff and volunteers
đź“Ś Set up Religious Ed registration đź“Ś Manage tuition and invoicing
5. Schedule Ministers with Confidence
Summer brings changes in availability for many volunteers. Use the Ministry Scheduler to adjust roles, add or remove ministers from the schedule, and update service times or frequency. By planning now, you can ensure that every liturgical celebration is reverent and well-supported, even during vacation season.
Pro-tip: For holiday weekends or high-traffic Masses, consider sending a warm message to holiday visitors. A simple “welcome back” or “join us again soon” can turn a summer visitor into a year-round member. Click here to learn more.
Key Benefits:
- Ensures every Mass is fully supported during vacation season
- Plant seeds for future engagement with visitors
đź“Ś Add or remove ministers đź“Ś Set times served for ministers needed
A Season of Service, Made Simple
Summer is a time for sunshine, celebration, and spiritual growth and with the right tools, it can also be a season of seamless administration. By using your ParishSOFT modules intentionally, you’re not only lightening your workload you're deepening your parish’s connection to its mission and members.
Ready to take the next step? Log in today, review your summer calendar, and start exploring these features. With a little preparation, this summer can be your most joyful and well-organized yet.
Free Resources
We have provided a free checklist that will give you a guideline to help plan for your summer programs such as VBS. You'll also find a set of free graphics to help promote your events. These resources are intended to simplify your planning process and allow more time to focus on the people.
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