Fr Josh’s Front-Page Reflection

What is Flocknote 

Last week in the newsletter, you may have read a short article on Flocknote. You would definitely be forgiven for asking, “What is Flocknote?”

Flocknote is an online database and communication platform designed by Catholics for Catholics. It allows parishes to securely store parishioners’ contact details to allow for smooth and effective communication – something which is essential to help us become an outward-facing, vibrant community that actively accompanies people to encounter Jesus.

At this time in our world, there are three types of people/groups when it comes to digital technology. First, there are young people whom we might call digital natives – they were born into a world where the internet and smart phone technology has (as far as they’re concerned) always existed. They can navigate their way around the online world in a way that leaves most of us in their wake. Second, there are people like me (Fr Josh) who, while they weren’t born into a digital world, have, nevertheless, learnt or are trying to learn how to navigate it effectively. Third, there are people who will perhaps continue to struggle with the internet and digital technology. This is the reality in our world and in our parish community, but I make zero value-judgement of any group. These three groups of people will co-exist for a number of years to come and so it’s important that we tread lightly and explain things clearly as we navigate the introduction of Flocknote and what it means for our parish.

I grimly remember the first Covid lockdown in early 2020. About a week into that time, Fathers Peter, Lam and I made pastoral phone calls, checking in with as many parishioners as possible, but we were   severely hampered by a very limited database. Covid revealed an essential missing element of a modern parish in the 21st century: the need for an accurate database of, not just parishioners, but all those who find a home in our parish in any way. In response, by the end of 2020, we had a new parish website which allowed us to safely collect and securely store data using a program called Mailchimp. In this vein, our parish has been ahead of the game, but while Mailchimp is most certainly secure, its usability to help us actively accompany people is incredibly limited. A good example of this is that we have no easy way to categorize and connect with people according to where they are at on their faith journey, let alone know what ministry a person serves in or whether they are compliant with Safeguarding requirements.

The parish of the future – and Flocknote gives us this capability – needs to be an effective and safe collector of personal contact data precisely so that we can both connect with people and seek to accompany them in their faith journey. Even if a parishioner doesn’t have an email address or has retired from active ministry, it’s essential that we have them in the database so that we can assist them right up to their last breath – and even afterward as we continue to pray for their soul’s transition from this life to the next.

Friends, technology can sometimes seem scary, but that’s why we’ll be taking a measured approach to the introduction of Flocknote. My goal is to have a record of every single worshipping parishioner in Flocknote by the end of 2024 – this will include worshipping community, relevant contact information, and, if relevant, ministry details. At a minimum, this allows us to know who is in our parish and in order to communicate more effectively.

Above this goal (what’s really behind it, and driving me to introduce Flocknote effectively), is the God-given desire to accompany you as best as I can as your pastor. I cannot, in good conscience, expect you to accompany other people in faith unless you, yourself, know that you are accompanied and loved – not for what you do, but for who you are – and so I thank you, in advance, for your openness to   being part of something new. We will be rolling out Flocknote in September in such a way that all people will be able to participate. For the time being, please scan the Flocknote QR code with your mobile phone camera and register on Flocknote.

Peace and blessings,

Fr Josh