Church Software by Parish Data System: Description

Convention Home: Breakout Sessions

Listed below are the sessions being offered at the convention. Click + to display the description of the session.

Day/Time	Schedule/Breakout Session Options
Wed 8:00 AM	Registration
Wed 9:00 AM	General Session
Wed 10:00 AM	Morning Break
Wed 10:30 AM	Breakout Session 1
	PDS Connect Allowing Parishioners and Staff Web Access to Church Office Learn how PDS Connect extends your Church Office program to the web. See how to publish your database online. What information is available? How do parishioners access their data? Reviewing the data before committing it to your database Content will include functionality from the Church Office program.
	Implementing a Volunteer Ministry Begin a step-by-step plan to prepare your church to adopt and implement a volunteer- equipping ministry. This class will cover: Communicating the concepts of Volunteer Ministry and getting others to buy in Developing a plan for implementing a complete Volunteer Ministry Changing the culture of your organization to allow your Volunteer Ministry to flourish
	Exporting, Merging, & Mapping Your PDS Data Discover ways to take your PDS data into Microsoft® Word, Excel®, and other tools that give you nearly unlimited resources for formatting, graphing, and sharing key information. This class will cover: Using Export reports in PDS See how to visually display your information on geographic maps based on address information Grasp the basics of using the Mail Merge tool, including: Saving and loading documents for later use Creating single letter mail merges Merging to envelopes, directories, and other types of documents Content will include functionality from the Church Office, Formation Office, and School Office programs.
	PDS Reports For Beginners Gain an understanding of the different report types, the options for configuring the reports, and the methods for saving your preferences for later use. This class will cover: Learn how to run lists, letters, labels, rolodex cards, and data exports Create your own simple reports See how to print any type of report for just a selected group of families, or members
	Tips & Tricks: Microsoft® Office Discover ways to speed up and enhance your work in Word, PowerPoint®, and Excel, including: Using time-saving features of Microsoft Office that you didn't even know were there Adding shapes, borders, and text art to Microsoft Office documents Adding graphics, sounds, and movies to Microsoft Office documents Customizing menus and toolbars with features you want
	Formation Office – Solutions for Religious Education See how the PDS Formation Office program can be used either by itself or with Church Office to help manage your religious education programs. Keeping track of students Keeping track of sessions Keeping track of catechist Keeping track of catechist certifications Printing sacramental certificates Exploring financial tracking for registrations and billings
Wed 12:00 PM	Lunch (Included)
Wed 1:00 PM	Breakout Session 2
	Using PDS Away From the Office Learn how the new OnDemand service offering allows you to tap the full functionality of the PDS applications over the web. This class will cover: See how your staff and volunteers can access PDS programs over the Internet Take advantage of older/less expensive computers Understanding the minor differences compared with a local installation
	Recruiting Good Volunteers and Keeping Them Gather insights and proven tips for recruiting, placing, and training volunteers for ministry, and then keeping them there! This class will cover: Keeping your current workers excited and fulfilled Recruiting new workers Screening and equipping workers
	Tips & Tricks: Additional Selections It’s all about getting results. This class will help you in: Understanding when to use Additional Selections How to use additional selections Saving selections for later use Grouping/reordering selections Content will include functionality from all programs.
	Ledger 101 Learn the basics of setting up your PDS Ledger. Discover practical tips for setting up, and using your Chart of Accounts. This class will cover: Organizing the chart of accounts (COA) Adding and editing vendors Adding and editing invoices Posting invoices Using recurring invoices Working with discounts Printing and posting checks Voiding checks Working with budgets Content will include functionality from the Ledger program.
	Knowledge Base: Now You Know! Learn how to find the answers you need 24 hours per day using the PDS Knowledge Base. This class will cover: Logging on to the Knowledge Base Using the natural language search capabilities to find answers to your software technical questions Addressing questions that are not in the Knowledge Base
	PDS Products This is a general overview of the PDS products. See how other products from PDS can enhance your ministry in various ways. Facility Scheduler Ministry Scheduler Ledger Ledger/Payroll Church Office Formation Office School Office
Wed 2:30 PM	Afternoon Break
Wed 3:00 PM	Breakout Session 3
	Working with Pledges and Pledge Campaigns Grasp the basics of Contributions, including fund setup options, adding funds and pledge drives, posting of regular and special gifts, quick entry tools, and more. This class will cover: Configuration of the Fund Setup screen Setting up fund periods Establishing and monitoring goals Setup and usage of fund activities Entering and posting contributions Adding, editing, and copying pledges Quick Posting of pledges to groups of contributors How to handle pre-pays and pledges that are past due Handling multi-year pledges Reporting on pledges and campaigns/parishioner statements Checks and balances Content will include functionality from the Church Office, Formation Office, and School Office programs.
	Strategies for Connecting People to Ministry Opportunities Explore concepts, strategies, and tools for getting people “plugged in” to ministry. This class will cover: Understanding SHAPE and other models for ministry placement Identifying the entry points Establishing placement, screening, and training processes Publishing ministry opportunities to the web using PDS Connect Using the PDS Connect search tools for finding and volunteering for appropriate ministry opportunities
	Ledger 102 – Month/Quarter/Year End Tasks and Reports Explore the specific tasks and reports involved with closing the month, quarter, or year. This class will cover: Printing month-end reports Reconciling the bank accounts Entering adjustments Closing periods Content will include functionality from the Ledger program.
	Tuition & Fees – An Easier Way Discover the basics of billing for your religious education program, school, and/or day care. Learn tips to become a more efficient financial processor. This class will cover: Establishing funds, periods, and activities Posting one-time charges Posting recurring charges Posting and editing payments Scholarship management Electronic payments (EFT) Importing financials from a tuition management company (Smart, Facts, Etc.) Printing receipts Printing customer statements Content will include functionality from the Formation Office, and School Office programs.
	Founder’s Forum Join PDS Founder Father Mike Boyle for a group discussion on the origins of PDS and its evolution over the past 30 years.
	Tips & Tricks: Microsoft® Outlook® Outlook is more than just an e-mail program. It provides an integrated solution for managing and organizing schedules, tasks, notes, contacts, and other information. Discover some tips that will help you use this fabulous tool, including: Setting up subfolders to help you keep your e-mail, calendars, and contacts organized Setting up rules to automatically move, forward, or delete certain e-mails Import and export calendar or contact information Setting up recurring events or tasks Note: Participation in Tips & Tricks: Microsoft Office is strongly recommended prior to taking this course.

Thu 8:30 AM	Breakout Session 4
	Ledger 103 – Essential Financial Reporting Learn how to customize: Statement of Position (Balance Sheet) Statement of Activity (Income Statement) Ledger Reports Understanding COA Groups Content will include functionality from the Ledger program.
	Database Maintenance (Keeping a clean, orderly database) Tidiness may have nothing to do with godliness, but it does make a database more efficient and easier to use. Discover tools and strategies that will empower you to keep your database clean and efficient. This class will cover: Recognizing areas that are prone to data clutter Communicating style guidelines (st. versus street) Establishing wise policies for data archiving and clearing Content may include functionality from all PDS programs.
	Mass E-mail Solutions Large group e-mail delivery and processing is a complex endeavor. With spam-blocking software and legislated guidelines in place, sending e-mails to groups of people is getting even trickier. Discover strategies and tools that will enable you to communicate effectively and legally by e-mail. This class will include: Sending bulk e-mails without tripping spam filters Designing e-mails that people want to read Employing opt-out messages and procedures E-mailing group members Content will include functionality from the Church Office, Formation Office, and School Office programs.
	Creating an Effective Church Policies and Procedures Manual In the current day culture in which the church is operating, a Policies and Procedures Manual is a must for every church. The primary purposes for having such a manual are to: Aid in the effective and efficient functioning of staff, ministry groups and church members, Assist church leadership in sound decision-making, Reduce the possibility of risks and exposures to the ministry, Optimize the fulfillment of the church’s ministry purposes and goals Have in written form necessary ministry guidelines in one place for easy and quick reference. Participants in this session will learn how to properly establish such a manual or to review the manual that already exists in their church.
	Evangelization – Follow Up Communication strategies in keeping individuals involved in your church after participating in sacraments and reaching out to new parishioners and the younger generation. Development of specialized letters and mailings as a follow up to those who have gone through baptism, First Eucharist, Confirmation, and Marriage. Responding to new parishioners Connecting with junior high and high school graduates
	Saving Money For Your Church Tips and tricks on how to use your PDS products to save money and raise funds for your church or school. Bulk Mailing Email Communications Envelopes Pledge Drives Electronic Giving
Thu 10:00 AM	Morning Break
Thu 10:30 AM	Breakout Session 5
	Printing Perfect Letters and Forms Get your letters to effectively communicate your message. Understand the challenges faced when merging complex data into the body of a letter. This class will address: Word Processor Interface for Reports Understanding letter and form reports and how to create them Using tab stops for perfect alignment Use paragraph offsets to indent fields properly Merging simple fields in letters Using list sections to merge several fields (for example merging multiple members in a family letter or multiple ministry items in a member letter)
	Simplifying Diocesan Communication See how your church can improve communication with the diocese by implementing more efficient processes. Challenges related to manual reporting to the diocese Comparing church data with diocesan data using the Compare Mailing List feature Communicating address changes and deletions Synchronizing family information with the diocese over the Internet Uploading information for The Official Catholic Directory™ (with which PDS has no affiliation) to the diocese. Uploading balance sheet/income statement to the diocese over the Internet Content will include functionality from the Church Office, Ledger, DioOffice Server and DioView Server programs.
	Payroll 101 Learn the basics of payroll, including: Processing payroll Adjusting check layouts Managing vacation and sick time Monthly and quarterly payroll liabilities Printing W-2’s Correcting W-2 totals Configuring direct deposit Creating employee records Content will include functionality from the Ledger and Payroll programs.
	Making Sense out of Non-Profit Bookkeeping Grasp the basic principles of not-for-profit accounting and the concepts on which the financial modules are based. This class will cover: Understanding credits and debits as used in accounting Reviewing the basic concepts of double-entry and fund accounting Exploring the role of the chart of accounts in your records Understanding basic PDS financial terminology Content will include functionality from the General Ledger program.
	Data Mining Concepts and Tools Learn how to analyze the attendance, demographic, and other data you are collecting and understand what that data means. This class will cover: Understanding how data relates to analysis and needs-assessment Discovering ways to look at data Exploring tools and resources available for data mining
	Managing your Web Site with Extend Discover how to set up and administrate your Extend Web site. This class will cover: Getting acquainted with Extend Employing channels Using the basic HTML Editor Utilizing Media Manager Creating and laying out articles
Thu 12:00 PM	Luncheon Banquet (Included)
Thu 2:00 PM	Afternoon Break
Thu 2:30 PM	Breakout Session 6
	Save on Mailing Costs with Bulk Mailings Learn how to manage your bulk mailings easily and effectively and save money doing it. This class will cover: Setting up your labels for bulk mailing CASS Certifying your mailings Processing a bulk mailing Estimating your savings based on mailing volume Content will include functionality from the Church Office, Formation Office, and School Office programs.
	Budgeting With a “Ministry Action” Approach In this session participants will learn an eight-step approach for effective budgeting within their church, which is based on the church’s vision, goals and ministry plans. We will discuss key areas for a success budgeting process and cover such points as: Who should be involved in furnishing budget information? Obtaining of important historical financial information Estimating church growth (membership, Bible study, worship attendance) Analyzing contributors and church giving potential Projecting and justifying budget receipts and other funding sources Presenting ministry plans for the new budget year We also share two important tools for ensuring that the budgeting process is followed and review various budget procedures and successfully used budgeting forms.
	Best Practices for Backups Your staff manages irreplaceable data on a daily basis and depends upon the accessibility of the information represented within your files. This class will help you establish a system to protect this data from PC viruses, hardware failure, power outages, or even the unexpected physical disaster by: Establishing an automatic backup routine Testing your backup routine Understanding what protection you need Seeing how you may not be as protected as you think you are Content will include functionality from the Automatic Backup feature and the LiveStor service. These concepts apply to all sorts of business and personal data, not just PDS. Ask yourself, “Am I as protected as I need to be?”
	Extend: Beyond the Basics Maximize your use of the Extend platform. This class will cover: Working with the HTML editor Utilizing photo gallery and calendars Using anchors Working with images Creating a form Using RSS feeds
	School Office and Chalksite See how the PDS School Office program and the companion Chalksite website can be used either by itself or with School Office to help manage your school. Keeping track of students Keeping track of classes Keeping track of teachers Keeping track of grades Printing sacramental certificates Exploring financial tracking for registrations and tuition billings Communicating outside of the classroom with the Chalksite website
	Implementing Stewardship in Your Parish Learn how to implement stewardship of time, talent and treasure in your church using built in tools from PDS Church Office. Gathering and reviewing preparatory information Conducting a communication program Implementing a follow-up call plan, and Reviewing results through comparative reports.

Fri 8:30 AM	Breakout Session 7
	Scheduling Ministries and Facilities Like a Pro See how the PDS Ministry Scheduler and Facility Scheduler can be used to efficiently handle your liturgy and facility calendars. This class will cover: Scheduling Ministers E-mailing ministry schedules Posting the ministry schedule online Setting up of facility calendars Creating custom templates to gather information for unique event types. Adding events and reoccurring events to a calendar. Determining what calendars you need to manage and why Adding events to multiple calendars Viewing individual or consolidated calendars Posting calendars online. Content will include functionality from the Facility Scheduler and Ministry Scheduler programs.
	Ten Important Internal Financial Controls for Every Church In this session we will look at ten important internal controls which need to be in place to protect the church against financial risks and exposures to the ministry. Each participant will receive a checklist outlining these controls and risk examples will be shared regarding each control.
	Report Designer Basics and Tools Explore the tools Report Designer offers for creating custom reports. This class will cover: Understanding the toolset in Report Designer Working with formulas in Report Designer
	Strategies for Communicating Online Churches, schools, and other faith-based organizations are constantly looking for ways to share information and reach out to their community. Explore strategies and tools for “getting the word out” using the Internet. This class will cover: Determining who your audience is and how to reach them Publishing calendar information to your Web site Publishing private information to the Internet without going public Protecting people’s privacy and preventing legal problems Content will include functionality from PDS Connect and Extend.
	Network Administrators Get a glimpse of the insights offered in the ACS Network Administrator's Certification course. This class touches on: Maintaining a network Cabling Improving network performance Tightening network security for the PDS application
	Tips & Tricks: Microsoft® Excel® Discover tools and secrets of this powerful program. See how pivot tables, formulas, conditional formatting, and more can help you get the most out of your Excel files. This class will cover: Exploring often overlooked features and functions of Microsoft Excel Using formulas Changing the format of a cell based on its content Note: Participation in Tips & Tricks: Microsoft Office is strongly recommended prior to taking this course.
Fri 10:00 AM	Morning Break
Fri 10:30 AM	General Session
Fri 12:00 PM	Send-Off

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