MMOC is in a process that will lead to a new parish photo directory. If you have a question that is not answered here, please
contact us.
Updated 3 December 2009
What is a parish photo directory? Why are we doing this?
A parish photo directory is a booklet containing three sections: Some general photos about life in the parish; photos of each parish household (well, as many as we can get); and a list of contact information for our members.
My wife and I each come from a large extended family. On each side, someone takes the responsibility to produce, update, and distribute some sort of list of contact information. This list is valuable and appreciated because it is indispensable to keeping in touch with our array of relatives. Similarly, we think of our parish as a large, extended family in Christ. Having a family directory and a family album are important ways of feeling and staying connected. That's why it is important to us to participate in the parish directory, and we hope you will also take part.
Who is involved?
We are working with Lifetouch. This company was chosen in part because they handle school photos for Aquinas Catholic Schools, and several of our families have had good experiences with the company.
At MMOC, Sara Heffernan and Joseph van Oss are coordinating the project.
What is the schedule?
Lifetouch photo teams will be at MMOC on Oct. 6–10, Oct. 13–15, and Nov. 3-4. On weekdays, appointments are 2:30 to 9:00 pm; on Saturdays, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. At this point the schedule is pretty full, although prefered times are still available.
What are the terms for parish members?
Families who sit for a Lifetouch portrait will receive a free 8"x10" print and a free copy of the parish directory. You will have the opportunity to purchase more prints, but you can opt out and you will not be pressured.
If you have a recent photo of your household or family that you like, you can submit it (as a glossy print or a high-resolution digital image) and it will be included in the directory. We will ask you to contribute $20 to cover the cost of your copy of the directory.
What about privacy?
When you come to MMOC to sit for your portrait, we will ask you to fill out a release form. About each piece of personal contact information—such as street address, email address, and phone—you will be able to choose whether or not that item will appear in the directory.
When you make an appointment, you will be asked for a phone number and email address. The email address is optional. If you give your email address, Lifetouch will use it only to send you a confirmation and a reminder email. You may wish to review the Lifetouch Privacy Statement.
Will my photo or information be on the internet?
No.
How do I make an appointment?
If you need to make, change, or cancel an appointment, please call Joseph van Oss (number since changed) or our parish secretary (788-5483 x2) in the parish office.
Where will photos be taken?
Lifetouch teams will take professional portraits at MMOC in our gym. Park in the
Horton Street lot
and enter through the yellow door.
An MMOC volunteer
photographer is also available to take pictures at home for those who are unable to travel to MMOC. Call Therese van Oss at 788-5483, ext. 4.
What should I expect at the session?
Please arrive at least 5 minutes before your appointed time.
When you arrive, volunteers will greet you and ask you to complete a release form. Portraits will be taken in the gym.
Afterward you will have an opportunity to see your photos, choose one for the directory, and order any prints you wish. You will not be
pressured to make any purchase and you may order prints later if you wish.
If you end up ordering any prints beyond your free 8x10, the whole process may take up to an hour. If you simply accept your free 8x10
and make no purchase, you'll probably be on your way in about 20 minutes.
Will there be a choice of backgrounds?
No. The background is a mix of blues and earth tones, so it works with a wide variety of clothing colors.
Is there a sitting fee?
No, there is no sitting fee. You may sit for a portrait, choose your free 8x10, and receive a free copy of the directory, without any fee or pressure to buy anything.
Can you re-use my photo from the previous directory?
No. The previous MMOC directory was published in 2019 under copyright by LifeTouch. We are working with a different company this time.
What about people who are homebound or in a nursing home?
A volunteer photographer is available to take pictures at home for members who are unable to travel to MMOC. Therese van Oss is coordinating this. Therese and Sr. Kathy will also make sure that these folks receive a free copy of the directory. If you need transportation to your photo appointment, please call the parish office.
Can I submit a photo taken elsewhere?
If you have a recent photo of your household or family that you like, you can submit it and it will be included in the directory in alphabetical order. Here are some guidelines for submitting a photo:
The deadline for submitting photos is Wednesday, November 4.
We ask that you to contribute $20 to cover the cost of submitting your photo (Harmann charges us $20) and to pay for your copy of the directory. Please pay this amount in the parish office.
Digital images should be taken with a camera of at least 3.3 megapixels, set at its highest possible resolution. Attach your TIFF or JPG image to an email to webmaster@mmoclacrosse.org. Please include in your email the names of all family members spelled exactly as you wish them to appear in the directory. Also include whatever phone, street address, and email address information you wish to have published in the directory.
Prints should be at least 4"x6" on glossy paper. Lifetouch does not recommend submitting matte-finish prints, color copies, or inkjet prints (even on photo paper). Drop off or mail your photo to the MMOC parish office. Your print will be scanned by MMOC and returned to you, and your image submitted to Lifetouch digitally. Along with your photo, please include the names of all family members spelled exactly as you wish them to appear in the directory. Also include whatever phone, street address, and email address information you wish to have published in the directory.
Professional photographers usually claim a copyright on their work. If you intend to submit a professional portrait, ask your photographer to provide a letter or email granting permission to use the copyrighted photo in our church directory. Without this permission, we cannot include your photo.
