There are many benefits to keeping your data clean, up-to-date and in one central database.  Though many recommend a major parish census be conducted every 7 - 10 years or so, regular maintenance and input is key.  This maintenance data can come from many sources including sacramental records, offertory giving, ministry rosters, religious formation and school registration, returned mail and envelopes, bounced emails, community welcome wagons, parish social ministry records and more!  Collect and record as much data as you can, as soon as you can. 

You may not use each nugget every day, but you never know when you will need them!

Occupation & Skills: Recording occupations and individual skills can be valuable when looking to tap experts to form special committees and matching gifts and talents to ministries!

Particular Family Needs: Requesting and recording info for each family member, including special needs, can aid ministries and enhance service.  Knowing if a family member is homebound, in assisted living, speaks another language or has celiac disease will help you to better serve your community!

Milestones and Special Dates: Keeping track of special dates gives you the opportunity to send acknowledgements or invites to events such as a new parishioner welcome, one year after Baptism party or even discover your parish history!

Phone, Cell, & Email: Enhance your communications by adding very cost-effective tools like robo-calls, push notifications and other messages.  This data is invaluable for communicating Holy Day Mass schedules, special events and even capital campaign outreach!

Analysis of Data:  In addition to using your census data for individual inquiries, you may wish to look at your data as a whole.  An analysis can pinpoint changes in demographics and uncover pastoral needs such as which groups or geographical areas are not attending.  These groups can be targeted for evangelism efforts!

There is no doubt that being a good steward of your census and database can help you maintain healthy relationships with your parishioners thereby being a good steward of your entire parish community!