Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Southside Parish Renewal (“SPR,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, protects, and shares personal information obtained through our website, chicagojourney.org, and through participation in our ministry programs. Southside Parish Renewal supports youth ministry initiatives commonly referred to as Journey and serves youth, families, volunteers, donors, and parishes across the Archdiocese of Chicago. We respect the dignity and privacy of individuals who interact with our ministry and seek to handle personal information responsibly and transparently. Our practices are designed to align with applicable laws and standards, including the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, and federal consumer protection principles enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.

Eligibility and Participation

Participation in SPR programs may require completion of registration forms and agreement to ministry policies. Youth participation generally requires the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Volunteers and staff may be required to complete safe-environment training and background screening consistent with Archdiocesan policies. These processes may be administered through systems such as Virtus or other diocesan programs designed to promote the safety of minors.

Information We Collect

SPR collects personal information when individuals voluntarily provide it through event registrations, youth program enrollments, volunteer applications, employee or contractor applications, donation forms, newsletter sign-ups, account registrations, communications, and other interactions with the website. Information collected may include a person’s name, mailing address, email address, telephone number, parish affiliation, date of birth, and account login credentials. When youth register for programs, which typically serve students from eighth grade through high school, we may collect information about the participant as well as the names and contact details of parents or legal guardians. We may also collect emergency contact information and other details necessary for safe program participation.

Health and Safety Information

In order to promote the safety and wellbeing of participants, SPR may collect limited health-related information when individuals register for retreats, service opportunities, events, or other ministry activities. Such information may include allergies, medications, medical conditions relevant to participation, physician contact information, and emergency medical authorization. This information is used only for participant safety, program supervision, and emergency response when necessary.

Volunteer, Employee, and Contractor Information

Individuals applying to volunteer, work, or contract with SPR may be asked to provide additional personal information necessary to comply with safe-environment requirements and Archdiocesan policies. This may include date of birth, Social Security number when required for background checks, driver’s license information, authorization to review motor vehicle records, and proof of automobile insurance where transportation responsibilities may occur. Background screening and safe-environment compliance may be administered through diocesan systems such as Virtus or other approved vendors used by the Archdiocese. Such information is used solely to ensure safe ministry environments and compliance with Church policies and legal requirements.

Donation and Financial Information

When individuals make donations through the website, payment information is processed through secure third-party payment processors such as Stripe. SPR does not store full credit card numbers on its own systems. Donation records and related financial information may be managed through accounting platforms such as QuickBooks for legitimate nonprofit financial administration and compliance.

Information Collected Automatically

Certain technical information may be collected automatically through the operation of the website. This may include IP address, browser type, device information, and general usage patterns such as pages visited and time spent on the site. These data help improve the website and understand visitor engagement. Such information may be collected through cookies and analytics tools including Google Analytics. Cookies are small text files stored on a device to help recognize returning visitors and analyze website usage. Users may disable cookies through browser settings, although doing so may affect website functionality.

How Information Is Used

SPR uses collected information to administer ministry programs, register participants for events, communicate with youth, parents, volunteers, and donors, ensure safety and emergency preparedness, process charitable donations, distribute newsletters or ministry updates, improve ministry programs and services, and comply with legal or Archdiocesan requirements. SPR does not sell personal information.

Information Sharing

Information may be shared when necessary to fulfill legitimate ministry purposes. This may include sharing information with participating parishes, Catholic schools, ministries, or administrative offices within the Archdiocese of Chicago when program coordination or pastoral collaboration requires it. Information may also be shared with trusted service providers that assist with ministry operations. These providers may include website hosting services such as Kinsta, communication platforms such as ActiveCampaign and Constant Contact, collaboration systems such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, and payment or accounting systems used for ministry administration. Such providers may process information only as necessary to provide their services.

Photography and Media Use

SPR ministry events may include photography or video recording. Images or recordings of events may be used in newsletters, ministry publications, promotional materials, social media, fundraising communications, or the ministry website. Parents or guardians of youth participants may be asked to provide consent through media release forms as part of program registration.

Youth Privacy and Parental Consent

SPR programs primarily serve minors in grades eight through high school. Consistent with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and responsible ministry practice, personal information about minors is collected only with the knowledge and consent of a parent or legal guardian when required. Parents or guardians are responsible for providing accurate information during youth registration and may contact SPR to review, update, or request removal of certain information about their child where permitted by law.

Data Security

SPR maintains reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. These safeguards are consistent with expectations under the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act and similar data protection standards. However, no electronic system can guarantee absolute security.

Data Breach Notification

If a security breach occurs that compromises certain personal information as defined under applicable law, SPR will take appropriate steps consistent with the requirements of the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act. This may include investigating the incident, taking corrective actions to protect information, and providing notice to affected individuals and authorities when required by law.

Data Retention

SPR retains personal information only as long as reasonably necessary for ministry, legal, and administrative purposes. Program registration records are generally retained for approximately seven years. Financial and donation records are typically retained for at least seven years. Volunteer screening documentation may be retained in accordance with Archdiocesan safe-environment policies and applicable legal requirements.

Your Privacy Rights

Individuals may request corrections to personal information, unsubscribe from communications, or inquire about how their information is used by contacting SPR. Requests may be directed to info@chicagojourney.org or by mail to Southside Parish Renewal, 9235 S Hamilton Ave, Chicago, Illinois.

Policy Updates

SPR may revise this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in ministry operations, legal requirements, or technology practices. Updated versions will be posted on the website with a revised effective date. Continued use of the website or participation in ministry programs following such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.