Hey everyone! I finally imported everyone's information. I made the groups I made "invisible" to everyone but myself except for the Parish Council group which I added you all to. I plan on sending out a few different messages to show the different kinds of features that this has to offer. Namely the sign-up feature and polls. In general I think this platform is a lot easier to manage messages than traditional email. If we all add our cell phone numbers, we can see how that works as well, but the features are about the same. I will be sending you all another message or two before our next meeting. I sent this message with "public comments" selected, meaning that you can respond and those who also respond will be able to see and respond to them. I will send a message where we can collaborate and use that feature more. Again, I believe that it will be a much more fruitful form of communication for everyday parish needs across ministries and functions than trying to keep email and cell phone numbers organized. But we shall see!
At this point, you may participate in viewing the messages and responding to the next few that are coming. If you want to go the extra mile you can add your cell phone number and download the Flocknote app. Again, you don't need the app for this to work, but if you want to be able to see and access the messages and groups that you will have access to (as they are added) it is the best way to access them (otherwise you will have to sift through and organize your emails to find different conversations which is a bit counter intuitive).
I know we probably have a wide range of ability in the technology field, so don't feel bad if you are a bit lost. If we end up going with Flocknote we can set up times for training of particular leaders so they can have control of the groups that they would like to communicate with, but that's down the road a bit. For those who understand me this far, if you would like me to set up any specific groups or ministries to add people to within Flocknote, respond to this message and I can get you set up. Practically speaking, a group would be for a set of people who would need to communicate or be communicated to apart from everyone else. We don't have to do this yet, but If anyone is feeling ambitious we can set it up pretty easily.
Just one feature for now: Here is a button to a video by Bishop Strickland on a fast approaching feast day: The Presentation of the Lord (and the "official" end of the Christmas season on February 2nd!) Buttons can be linked to any website.
God Bless, and I will see you all soon!
