New features for Forms and Connect, ChMS improvements, and finding Mass times near you

November 26, 2024 by

Sarah Murphy

What we're excited about: Updates to your Forms and Connect

Getting in touch is getting easier, faster, and more personal! Recent updates for building forms and messages now allow you more control over what information is requested, how members can join, and what it looks like when they hear from you. Thanks to our latest developments in custom form field limits, subscribing to group messages, and designing your communications, your work is more streamlined and your messages more personalized.

New Features

1

You can apply limits to fields in Forms and Payments Forms on your eCatholic website

Your website forms just got a serious upgrade—now working harder and smarter to boost your efficiency. Form field limits aren’t new to your toolkit, but we’ve expanded their capabilities. Now, you can count on sharper automation that gives you more time to focus on your mission, not your technology.

You asked, and we listened. Many of our users have requested this feature, which has a wide variety of possible uses: let users sign up for Adoration time slots, limit the quantities of t-shirts, or cap attendance at events. Now, you can specify a maximum number of submissions for specific online form fields: radio buttons, select dropdowns, integers, and replicators. Have fun creating a custom submission limit-reached message, too!

Help Article: How to Set Form Field Limits

2

Your site visitors can use an online form to subscribe to group messages

Connect is fully integrated with your eCatholic website, offering a seamless way for your members to opt in and receive tailored communications from your organization and its groups. Now, with just a click of a checkbox, your members can easily enroll to receive messages from specific groups. This upgrade to your website forms reinforces our commitment to streamlining sign-ups and empowering you to connect with your target audience effortlessly!

Discover the only integrated suite of digital tools designed to empower Catholic parishes, schools, dioceses, and ministries to inspire engagement and build meaningful connections. Contact us today to learn more about our reliable, effective, and easy-to-use group management and communication tools.

3

You can create an organization logo header template

Your logo template is automatically applied to messages such as invite emails, welcome messages, and admin invites. Additionally, you can opt to include the branded logo header on any group message you create. This feature gives your messages an “official” touch, reinforcing trust in their authenticity while strengthening your organization’s brand identity.

Help Article: How to Add a Logo to Messages

Product Improvements

We love it when all our technology works together. Below, you will see what is now available!
 

1

MassTime module now flows directly into FindAMass.org

We’re excited to introduce a reliable, enhanced resource designed to guide the faithful back to Mass and help everyone discover the sacraments. This accurate and visually appealing database allows users to find nearby Mass, Confession, and Adoration times, complete with parish details and directions. 

You can ensure your parish information remains up-to-date via your eCatholic website. Simply verify your settings in the MassTime feature, and any updates made to your site will be reflected on FindAMass.org within 24 hours.

Encourage your parishioners to explore this newly launched website—unveiled in partnership with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles at the National Eucharistic Congress last July—especially when traveling. It’s a meaningful step toward connecting communities with the sacraments, wherever they are.

2

Expanded details for Sacraments in the ChMS

We’ve added new fields to Sacrament Records to better align with the details you track in your physical sacrament registers. Each sacrament record now includes expanded fields.

Another bonus to this update is that as a parishioner receives more sacraments, the information in the parents’ first and last name fields of the previous sacrament will automatically populate in the next one. This means that less of your time is spent entering data and more time focusing on your mission.

Inside eCatholic

Regional Team Meet-Ups

As a fully remote company, we cherish the opportunities to come together for fellowship, fun, and service! This past September, we hosted Regional Team Weeks, allowing our employees to reconnect, recharge, and strengthen their team spirit. 

Our global team—dedicated to serving the global Church—gathered in smaller groups in Boston, MA; South Bend, IN; Fredericksburg, TX; Bismarck, ND; and Fresno, CA. Amid shared laughs and adventures, friendly competition sparked over who could claim the "best rock" discovery during their travels. It was a joyful reminder of the connections that drive our mission forward!

Official Launch of The Engaged Parish Podcast

• Chris Lewis, founder of Baritus Catholic
• Randy Hain, a seasoned business leader and devout Catholic
• Jessica Navin, Mark Bartek, and Stephany Anderson, FOCUS leaders 
• Mark and Katie Hartfiel from Paradisus Dei
• Jackie Mulligan, Reform Wellness, CEO and founder