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December 9, 2017St. Basil’s Parish Ottawa
Communications Committee
Some Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of the Communications Committee?
Given the advances in recent times of technologies that enable more interactive, two-way, and timelier ways of sharing information it was felt this was a good time to review and look at ways of improving parish information. The suggestion to improve communications was given by many during the Imagine St. Basil’s process last year. The Committee which held its first meeting in November 2017 is beginning that work.
Who is part of the Committee?
Judy Young is the Chair and current members are Elizabeth Elliot, Aaron Ludmer, Kathleen Kelly, Kevin Burns, Amy Lentini and Ed Loziuk.
What plans does the Committee have to improve communications?
As a result of discussions at the first meeting it was felt that it would be best to start with a specific group within the parish rather than trying to implement a parish-wide approach at the start. Since there has been a growth in families with children attending the parish as well as a link by some to St. Daniel’s School and they are likely already using current technology it was felt that Children’s Liturgy would be a good starting point for a pilot project testing a program used by some parishes called Flock Note (www.flocknote.com). Pastoral Council at its November meeting approved moving forward with this.
How will Flock Note work and is there a cost?
There will be no cost at this stage since it is for a small group. A database will be set up within the Children’s Liturgy team using the desired communication of either email or text between the leaders and the members. Flock Note program will be used to build this to the desired level. It is hoped to get this implemented during the Advent season. The main thrust of this project is to reach as many interested parties as possible of events, training sessions and other information in a timely manner.
How will a decision be made on whether to expand Flock Note?
The Committee will evaluate this project in the new year and decide whether to expand it to other specific groups within the parish. The evaluation will include feedback from the Children’s Liturgy team and members.
