ParishSOFT ConnectNow Family Suite Review

The Offering Module is one of the interesting and useful modules in ParishSoft ConnectNow Family Suite. Within this module there is a feature that allows user to post contributions in a fast and efficient way. By using the Quick Entry Posting Process, users would be able to organize, manage, and track contributions sent by parish members. This functionality is configurable so users are provided with a lot of options such as selecting the payment type which is either cash or check, the fund from which the majority of the contributions for a batch would come, and how the contributions would be entered such as by name or by envelope number.

To start using the Quick Entry Posting Process, users need to create a batch which would help them identify the source of the contributions and why they are given. When a batch is already set up, they would select the fund that would be used which could be from building fund campaign, special; collection, or offertory. When all needed information are provided, they could then launch the Quick Entry Contribution Posting Page. On this page, they would enter the contributions. As stated earlier, they have the option to enter the contribution by name or by  envelope number. When they entered an envelope number and the system wasn’t able to pull up any matching information for such number, then it would be shown as non-existing.

When all of the contributions are posted, the users can close the batch and commit it for posting. However, if the balance amount of the total contributions is not equal to zero, then they could check the contributions  before committing the batch. Contributions would reflect on the giving history, reports, and statement areas of the software. This feature enables users to organize contributions, keeping an accurate record of them.

Another feature of ParishSOFT ConnectNow Family Suite is its Family Directory Module. Besides creating a complete list of families and family members in a parish or diocese, this feature is very  useful in managing sacramental documents and records. One characteristic of this feature is that is provides a variety of filtering options. Users can filter the family lists through family workgroup, staff, visitor, or school only options, and the member list by age range, career type or marital status. In addition, the click to pick functionality allows users to send emails to multiple members or group of families at once with the aid of the built-in web-based email of the software.

When it comes to managing of sacramental records such as Baptismal, Marriage, Confirmation, and Anointing of the Sick; users would be able to view if members have such documents. For instance, if a member appears in the confirmation system but haven’t completed yet his or her confirmation, users then would be able to prepare the member for a confirmation class. Once the confirmation is completed, issuing a confirmation certification is automated. The software provides a library of sacramental record templates but users could also set up their own. Preparing sacramental records is much easier using ParishSOFT ConnectNow Family Suite because it is also using an organizational search engine that allows users to locate the parish of sacrament. For instance, when producing a baptismal certificate, users would be able to find the specific parish where the baptism was held just by typing in the postal code or state.

Furthermore, ParishSOFT ConnectNow Family Suite offers its Religious Education Program that features an online registration system, enabling users to accept enrollments to their religious programs in a paperless way. Included in this feature is the efficient management of billing for tuition fees. Enhanced by built-in communication tools, this feature helps users to communicate with parents, leaders, students, and parish staff; communicating and working with them for Catholic education and sacramental preparation programs. This feature also has the capability to track class rosters, leader lists,  labels, and drill down into more detailed information such as parent information and attendance statistics. Streamlining the administrative aspect of managing faith formation programs and schools, this feature aids users by giving them much opportunity to spend more time on their programs and ministry.