Parish Census

Dear Parishioners,

Last week Fr. Rick announced that our computer network was compromised. We also sent an email blast out. We want to make sure that everyone is informed.

While there is normally safety in numbers, we have unfortunately joined the wrong group. We recently joined the number of companies and organizations that have been the victim of ransomware. They were able to also block our backup servers. We are hard at work recreating files and trying to rebuild our database. We have notified the authorities and also the Diocese to make them aware. No financial or personal information is at risk because ransomware only blocks us from getting our files. In addition, any financial information is internet based and were not affected. Our IT people are working on ways to keep our information secure by adding a few different types of back-ups, one of which will be physically disconnected each night. We are using this as an opportunity to not only improve our security, but also to reorganize our network into a smaller and more efficient package, as well as, update our information.

We are working on creating a census form for everyone to fill out so we can work on setting up a new database. While recreating our database will be a lot of work, one positive thing to come out of this is that the new database will have up to date and correct information. Also, the new database will not contain all of those who are no longer parishioners. We need EVERY FAMILY to fill out a census form in order for us to rebuild our database. We are starting from scratch. As we rebuild the roster of St. Alphonsus parishioners, another important note is that any “child” living at home who is 18 years or older should fill out their own census card so that they can be counted as an “adult.”

Once again, we would like to stress that they did not gain access to any information, it is just that we were locked out, and experts have advised us that we would not be able to trust the information even if we could get back into it for free. Please keep us in your prayers as we place this at the top of our to do list.

Thank you!

Fr. Rick and all of the St. Alphonsus Staff