Church Admin Corner: Updating Your Directory

When was the last time you updated your church directory?

It is recommended that the parish do directory maintenance every year or second year, as regular maintenance is key with any database. This is not only useful for keeping in touch with members of the parish, but it is also required when submitting the diocesan statistics.

Parishioners often forget to notify the parish of changes to their address, phone number, or email. Asking all members to submit those items annually (even if they have not changed) ensures the directory is kept current. This also allows the parish to easily identify families/individuals they have not heard from in a while, which enables clergy or parish volunteers to know how to reach out.

Editor's note: Please also take this opportunity to review your directory's security and who has access to it. Several common scams involve the scammer posing as a new parishioner to gain access to church directories, or using personal information that is available publicly. They then use this contact information to send fraudulent requests for money or gift cards.