CCB Corona Calling Details
last updated 5/22 at 5pm
Purpose
We are making these calls to stay connected to our people. We want to remind them that Jesus with them! We want to let them know that we are praying for them, and pray with them. We want to get feedback so that we can minister to them in a way that meets their needs.
Sample Phone Script
We will each want to make our calls in a different way, but here is a simple “script” that you should feel free to start with, and then make your own.
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- Hello, my name is <> and I am calling on behalf of the Catholic Community of Billerica / St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish. Do you have a few minutes?
- Although we cannot connect in church, we still want to connect with our Parishioners during this tough time.
- So, how are you holding up?
- Is there any way that we can help you?
- Do you know that… Masses are published on YouTube? … Confessions are available via appointment … Do you get our emails?
- Do you have a special intention that you would like us to pray for?
- Can I pray with you right now? (Don’t be afraid to pray spontaneously, but an Our Father/Hail Mary/Glory be is perfectly fine!)
Afterward, please create a short log entry for the call, and add this person to your prayer list. Make sure that you capture their need(s) in the log entry.
Orderly Fashion
We want to do this in a roughly orderly fashion, as there are more than 3000 phone numbers among 2300 families in ParishSoft. These phone numbers are only BCRE families plus those who get envelopes. We will want to divide that list up, perhaps a little at a time, and keep track of how the call went.
If you have to leave a message, and do not want to leave your home phone, ask them to call 978.663.8816 x200 and leave a message for <your name>.
Keeping track
In order to be able to get the big picture of what we are hearing, I would ask you to keep track of:
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- When was this person called?
- Did you leave a phone message left?
- Is there something that we need to do to follow up?
- Do they have a need that we might address?
Logistics
There is a GoogleSheet for each caller (i.e., you) to do this. I will give you folks to call by putting them onto your sheet, and when you call through the list, ask me and I will give you more folks.
Use the email group ccb-corona-callers@googlegroups.com to communicate with each other. This is a private group so only the callers can send email. In other words, it is safe!
What is the best time of day to call? I would say that early evening is best, but honestly, whatever works for you. I would think… not before 9am, and not after 8pm. Perhaps right after supper?
How should we handle households with multiple phone numbers? I think trying with the land line (663, 667, 362) may be best. The other numbers are likely cell phones. But, we may need to see what works best.
Tough calls
First, realize that it make take a few calls (or a few dozen) calls before we get good at the calling. Go easy on yourself. It is okay to leave a message for those who do not pick up.
We are going to have to be ready for tough calls, though. I wish that this weren’t the case, but it is. Here are some of those calls and how you might respond to them:
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- I have moved. Thank you for letting us know, and make a note in the log.
- I left the church long ago. Listen politely and ask whether you can pray for them. Then ask whether they would like to stay connected, and make a note in the log, either way.
- Wrong number – person no longer lives there. Thank you for letting us know, and make a note in the log, so we can remove the phone number in ParishSoft.
- Disconnected number. Make a note in the log.
- That person is dead. I am sorry for the mixup. Thank you for letting us know, and make a note in the log.
- You are closing my parish! Listen politely, log their concern, and ask what they might want to pray for. Some details on Consolidation:
- Consolidation does not close churches.
- Our three Parishes will be replaced by one new Parish that covers all Billerica, with a new name. (I vote for St. Padre Pio, ask me why)
- The three churches remain open, using their existing names.
- New Finance and Pastoral Councils will then be created. They will advise the Pastor on the best ways to bring Jesus to the people of Billerica, and from that will come decisions about our churches and rectories.
- Closing a church is a slow and deliberate process, and not one taken lightly.
- If they have additional questions, direct them to Deacon Phil.
- If too nasty, redirect to Father Paul, or Deacon Phil.
- I’m hungry/cold! If they are already involved with St. Vincent de Paul, they know who to call. St. Vincent de Paul is not taking new clients at this time. To donate to St. Vincent dePaul, please send your donation to either Steve Brouilette, 16 Farmers Lane, Billerica, MA 01821, or the Parish Offices at 1 Grace Ave, Billerica, Ma. Make the check payable to St. Vincent de Paul Society.
If you would like to support the Billerica Community Pantry (70 Concord Road), or need support from the Billerica Community Pantry, call 978.663.8433. Their next food distributions are May 18 and June 29, but you must call beforehand to register.
That’s it – don’t hesitate to reach out to Deacon Phil at deacon.phil@billericacatholic.org or 978.857.0369 with your questions and concerns, and if you have the energy, your thanks and support!
— Deacon Phil DiBello