Dear Parishioner,
New Data Protection laws come into effect throughout the European Union on 25th May 2018. The General Data Protection Rules (GDPR) require us to ensure that we hold accurate and structured data within our parish database; and that you are aware of what data we hold about you.
The last parish census to ensure accurate information was completed a number of years ago; that taken into consideration with the complexity of our parish set up I have taken legal counsel. Therefore, to ensure that we comply with GDPR it has become necessary to hold another census. You can download the parish census form below; I would appreciate it if you would complete and return the form by Sunday 1stJuly 2018.
In addition to the census form you will find the ‘Keeping in touch with us’ form. This must be completed by each member of a household who wishes to have updates from the parish. We will be allowed to contact you in certain circumstances in accordance with law under legitimate interest, however express consent is needed in other instances as listed on the form. When completing this form please keep in mind the parish of All Saints is not a legal entity in its own right; it is the Archdiocese of Cardiff that is the registered charity hence the terminology ‘the Diocese’ on this form; it does not mean that you will be bombarded with messages about everything happening within the Diocese.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
Whilst we have a legitimate interest in contacting you about every day parish items that effect you, and passing your contact details among representatives of the parish such as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should the need arise. Without your consent we cannot use data about you to to provide pastoral support to you through organisations such as the SVP, Legion of Mary etc. who operate within our parish. Please read the ‘Keeping in touch with us’ form carefully and consider what it could mean for you in the future. You are free to choose which boxes to tick, just let us know.
KEEPING UP TO DATE
If you supply your email address on the Census form we will eventually contact you via a system called ChurchSuite to give you access to your data so you can keep it up-to-date, and even revoke or add certain consents. It will also enable you to access rotas and other items specific to any ministries you carry out in the parish as we expand usage of the system.
Please be aware at any point you can also change or make a request for data to be removed by contacting the Parish Administrator in writing or via email. However, also please recognise that under law (both Church and GDPR) there are some items we cannot remove such as Sacramental Register entries, Gift Aid data etc.
COMPLETE WITH CARE AND ASK QUESTIONS IF NEEDED
Please read all of the forms carefully and if you have any queries please feel free to contact either the parish office or myself.
Wishing you every blessing,
Fr. Michael
