Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Updated: July 16, 2025

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church – www.ourladyoffatima.org


Introduction

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church ("we", "our", or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you provide to us through our website, www.ourladyoffatima.org (the "Site"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit our Site.


1. Information We Collect

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you fill out forms on our Site. This information may include:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Other information relevant to parish activities, registrations, or communications

We may also collect non-personal information automatically as you navigate the Site. This may include usage details, IP addresses, browser type, and information collected through cookies or analytics tools.


2. How We Use Your Information

The information we collect is used solely for the following purposes:

  • To respond to inquiries or prayer requests
  • To register you for parish programs or events
  • To communicate updates, newsletters, or pastoral announcements (if you opt in)
  • To maintain parish records and internal databases
  • To improve our website and ensure it is functioning correctly

We will not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.


3. Data Storage and Security

We take reasonable precautions to protect your information. Data submitted through the Site is stored securely and is accessible only to authorized church personnel or volunteers who require it for ministry or administrative purposes. Despite our efforts, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.


4. Security and Performance Optimization
We use Cloudflare, a third-party service, to help protect and optimize the performance of our website. Cloudflare may collect technical information such as IP addresses, system configuration information, and other traffic data to provide its services. This data is used solely for security purposes (e.g., to mitigate DDoS attacks) and to improve load times and reliability.


6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Site may use cookies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small files placed on your computer to help us understand how the Site is used and to improve its functionality. You may choose to disable cookies through your browser settings; however, this may affect how you are able to interact with our Site.

We may also use basic website analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to collect information such as your IP address, browser type, device, referring pages, and time spent on the Site. This information is used to evaluate and improve the performance of our Site. We do not use this information to personally identify users.


7. Third-Party Services

Cloudflare - Our website is routed through Cloudflare, a service that provides enhanced security and performance. Cloudflare may process certain visitor information in accordance with its own Privacy Policy. We do not control the data collected or processed by Cloudflare.


8. Links to Other Sites

Our Site may contain links to external websites that are not operated by us, including those of the Diocese of Knoxville or Catholic ministries. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies when you visit them.


9. Children’s Privacy

Our Site is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent. If you believe we may have collected information from a child under 13 without proper consent, please contact us so we can delete the information.


10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.


11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Terms of Service

Updated: July 16, 2025


Welcome to the website of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church ("we," "us," or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website, services, communications, and any related content provided by or through www.ourladyoffatima.org ("Website").


By accessing or using our Website or related services, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please discontinue use.


1. Mission and Use of the Website

  • Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church provides this Website in service of our parish’s mission to proclaim the Gospel, offer sacraments, and foster community. The Website and our online services are provided primarily for informational, pastoral, and community engagement purposes.


2. User Responsibilities

  • You agree to use this Website and all related services only for lawful purposes. You agree not to:
  • Post or transmit content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, or otherwise objectionable;
  • Interfere with or disrupt the Website or servers;
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Website or systems.


3. Communications & SMS Messaging

  • We may send you service-related text messages (e.g., "Youth ministry is canceled due to snow" or "Reminder of parish picnic"). These are sent via RingCentral. By providing your mobile number, you consent to receive such messages. Message and data rates may apply. Messaging frequency may vary.
  • To opt out, reply STOP to any message.
  • For assistance, reply HELP to any message or visit our website at https://www.ourladyoffatima.org.


4. Third-Party Services

  • We use trusted third-party providers to support our digital services:
  • Realm / Vanco – Online giving and donor records
  • Ministry Platform (ACST) – Parishioner database and registration
  • ACST Refresh Websites – Website hosting and basic analytics
  • Vimeo – Livestreaming and video content
  • Twilio SendGrid (coming soon) – Email and SMS delivery
  • RingCentral – SMS messaging for parish communications
  • Social Media – Our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts follow platform terms of service
  • Each third-party service may have its own privacy and terms policies. We strive to use providers aligned with our values.


5. Payment and PCI Compliance

  • All online financial transactions (e.g., donations or payments via Realm/Vanco) are processed securely. We, along with our third-party payment processors, comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS). These standards help ensure secure handling of credit card information by our Website and service providers.
  • When handling sensitive credit card data, we adhere strictly to PCI DSS requirements regarding access and use of cardholder data. Our payment processors, such as Realm/Vanco, have met PCI compliance criteria and require that customers using their eGiving services also comply, including completing an annual PCI security questionnaire.


6. Data and Privacy

  • Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information, including form submissions and parishioner updates. It also describes your choices about communications.
  • We do not sell or share your personal data except as required to operate our ministry services.


7. Intellectual Property

  • All content on this Website, including text, images, graphics, and video, is the property of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church or licensed to us. Content may not be reused without permission unless clearly marked otherwise.


8. SMS Texting Terms

  • This is a brief description of the types of messages you can expect to receive if you opt to use our texting services. You will receive text messages (SMS) to your mobile number. These messages may vary depending on the interaction.
  • Opt-out: You may cancel the SMS service at any time by texting "STOP" to the short code (e.g., 73256) or a ten-digit long code (e.g., 1-234-567-8901), whichever is applicable. Upon receipt, we will send you a confirmation text stating you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. To join again, please sign up as you did initially.
  • Help: For assistance with the SMS messaging program, reply "HELP" or call (865) 982-3672.
  • Interruption: Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
  • Cost: Message and data rates may apply for messages sent to and from you. You will only receive text messages if you initiate communication. For questions about your text or data plan, please contact your wireless provider.
  • If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our PrivacyPolicy.


9. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

  • Our Website is offered "as is." We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free service. While we aim to keep information current, we are not liable for any inaccuracies or technical issues.


10. Governing Law

  • These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.


11. Changes to These Terms

  • We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.


12. Contact Us

  • For questions or concerns about these Terms or our Website, please contact:
  • Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church
    856 Louisville Road
    Alcoa, TN 37701
    Phone: (865) 982-3672
    Email:         communications@ourladyoffatima.org