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Effective Date: September 10, 2026

Website: https://holyfamily.ca

Organization: Holy Family Parish (Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton)

Holy Family Parish (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to respecting and protecting the privacy of our parishioners, visitors, and ministry members. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information obtained through our website (holyfamily.ca) and associated parish communications.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information when you interact with us on our website or through our parish office. This may include:

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address provided via contact forms, event registrations, or parishioner registration forms.
  • Event & Program Registration: Information submitted when registering for parish events, youth programs, sacraments, or retreat bookings.
  • Communications: Inquiries, requests, or messages sent to our clergy, administrative team, or ministry leads.
  • Technical & Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information, and site interaction data automatically gathered via cookies or web analytics when you navigate holyfamily.ca.

2. How We Use Your Information

Holy Family Parish uses collected personal information solely for pastoral, operational, and administrative purposes, including:

  • Facilitating parish communications, bulletins, and event updates.
  • Processing registrations for events, Mass/sacramental services, or volunteer roles.
  • Responding to direct inquiries, prayer requests, or pastoral care needs.
  • Managing electronic giving, donation receipts, and parish financial records (where applicable).
  • Maintaining and improving website functionality, accessibility, and security.

3. Text Messaging & Mobile Privacy (SMS/MMS)

If you opt-in to receive mobile phone notifications or SMS updates from Holy Family Parish:

  • No Mobile Information Sharing: Mobile phone numbers and SMS consent/opt-in information will not be shared, sold, rented, or leased to any third parties or affiliates for marketing or commercial purposes under any circumstances.
  • Opt-Out: You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message received from us, or by contacting our parish office directly.

4. Disclosure of Personal Information

We respect your privacy and do not sell, trade, or rent personal data to third parties. We may disclose personal information only in the following limited circumstances:

  • Diocesan Administration: When required for official sacramental recording or administrative reporting within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton.
  • Service Providers: Trusted third-party software vendors (e.g., website hosts, email distribution tools, or secure event booking platforms) who process data strictly on our behalf and are bound by confidentiality standards.
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law, regulation, or legal process to protect the safety, rights, or property of the parish, parishioners, or the public.

5. Cookies and Web Analytics

Our website, holyfamily.ca, may use cookies or similar tracking technologies to improve your user experience and analyze website traffic. You can adjust your web browser settings to decline or clear cookies at any time, though some website features (such as event booking forms) may function with reduced performance.

6. Data Security

We employ appropriate physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to protect your personal information against loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, or modification. However, please note that no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure.

7. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites (such as the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton or affiliated organizations). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any site you visit.

8. Access, Updates, and Contact Information

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you or to request corrections/deletions. If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or wish to update your preferences, please contact us:

Holy Family Parish

352 10th Ave

Hanover, ON N4N 2N6

Canada

This policy may be updated periodically. Any changes will be posted directly to this page with an updated effective date.