Part 2: How-To Engage Your Parishioners, Parents, Students, and Donors in Uncertain Times
Parishes, schools, and nonprofit ministries: You are amazing . You are connecting with your constituents in inspiring, creative ways that we could have never imagined!

In the midst of uncertainty and anxiety, the Catholic Community Foundation wants to support you. We've assembled another round of tips and examples on how you all are keeping the lines of communication and engaging with your constituents.
Parishes
As the past couple of weeks have shown, we are all learning how to minister —and be ministered to —in difficult times. Here are three more ways to engage your church community from home:

  1. Build your audience. Many of you have moved to live-streaming Mass or posting other faith formation opportunities. This is a great opportunity to build your audience so that you can continue using valuable digital communications methods in the future. Mary, Queen of Peace thanked parishioners and encouraged their continued support by requesting that people subscribe to their YouTube channel so that the parish could further its creative outreach and ministry. If you need a live-streaming option, Vimeo is also offering free streaming to nonprofits until June 1, and you can get 90 days free at ChurchStreaming.TV.
  2. Send a comforting message. People are yearning for anything that provides a sense of normalcy. Post a video message that speaks to this need, like Fr. Jonathan Hemelt's explanation of Our Lady of the Rosary moving to outdoor confession. Though offered in a different way, people can take comfort in knowing they might still receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. From the bed of a truck, Fr. Stephen Dardis of Holy Family in Luling processed through a neighborhood with the Eucharist. Wow, what a way to encourage your parishioners.
  3. Offer alternative opportunities. Though the church's Easter plans were upended, Fr. David Ducote of St. Joan of Arc celebrated a Teaching Mass. During the Mass, he explained things like why the priest wears "funny" clothes, what the different parts of the Mass mean, why the church is designed as it is, and more. What a great way to engage parishioners and children as they prepare for Easter.

Lagniappe: The USCCB has a list of free resources available to parishes, including those from Catholic publishers. Click here to check it out.

Questions? Contact Director of Stewardship and Parish Services Susie Veters at [email protected] for parish outreach information. Contact ParishSOFT and Data Coordinator Ryan Adams at [email protected] for help with the set up and support of ParishSOFT Giving in your parish.
Schools
As distance learning continues, here are three more ways to engage both your school and donor communities:

  1. Support your community. Many parents face difficult times, and chances are that they—or someone they know—will be impacted financially. The St. Francis Xavier (SFX) Home and School Association started a Google form where parent business owners provided information about their businesses, which was compiled and disseminated within the SFX community. And, while the school year looks different for everyone, it's been disrupted in a major way for one group in particular: senior classes. Check out this great Academy of Our Lady video, which celebrates these students and their hard work.
  2. Create community. Despite being apart physically, we're still in this together. Brother Martin High School held a remote t-shirt day, where parents, students, alumni, and others posted pictures sporting school gear. What a fun way to feel connected! St. Louis King of France posted pictures recapping a full-day of "class," including language arts, religion, art, and recess. They even used #schoolisinsession, demonstrating that class moves forward, even if that's from the kitchen table.
  3. Have some fun. In De La Salle High School President Paul Kelly's daily announcements, he mixes business with fun. In this episode, he awards student of the month and makes time to thank everyone who has emailed about his new haircut! St. Clement of Rome's Ms. K leads students in daily prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance... in her taco pajamas. It was Taco Tuesday, after all! These videos are a wonderful mix of routine, which comforts students, and fun, which brings a smile to the faces of those watching.

Lagniappe: The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) has added a section called NCEA Virtual to its website. Check it out for resources and student activities. Our Sunday Visitor's Teaching Catholic Kids website also has some great downloads.

Questions? Contact Director of Advancement J.T. Hannan at [email protected].
Nonprofit Ministries
As nonprofits survey the current fundraising landscape, here are three more ways to engage your constituent communities:

  1. Try something new. Dumb Ox Ministries is hosting a Virtual Talent Show FUNdraiser. What a creative way for their community to come together and share their joy and gifts while having fun! Click here for all the details.
  2. Keep your donors in the loop. Donations don't just come in the form of money. Many of your donors are willing to give their time. Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans has a web page dedicated to Coronavirus updates, including volunteer opportunities with partner organizations—we're all in this together! Hotel Hope also sends regular e-blasts, keeping up with federal, state, and local regulations. Click here for a recent example.
  3. Let your donors know you care. Boys Town Louisiana offers Daily Doses of Digital Support with tips on everything from staying calm under stress and how-to practice problem solving skills in the face of uncertainty. Check out their Facebook page for more.

Lagniappe: Click here for several GlobalGiving templates on communicating with your donors.

Questions? Director of Gift Planning Lisa Chmiola is here to help answer strategy or other questions. Reach her at [email protected].
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