St. Mary’s Parish 2007 Parish Survey Summary

Introduction

The 2007 survey of the St. Mary’s Parish was completed in November 2007.  A total of 383 English language and 325 Spanish language surveys were completed by parishioners.  For simplicity, those parishioners completing the survey in Spanish will be referred to as “Hispanic” parishioners and those parishioners completing the survey in English will be referred to as “Anglo” parishioners (although this group includes many parishioners who are not Anglo).  The survey results reflect a vibrant Parish with a blend of tradition and new thinking.  Further, the survey shows a culturally and ethnically diverse Parish community very much committed to their Catholic identity.  The Parish gives high marks to the Parish ministerial staff and liturgical offerings and highly values the current Parish programs such as the social action ministries of the Parish and religious education.

The summary that follows generally reflects the survey results, and provides a flavor of what is felt to be right about the Parish as well as the challenges facing the Parish as we go forward.  The summary data is divided into three areas, (1) Parish demographics, (2) Current ministries and programs, and (3) New programs or enhancement to existing programs. 

Parish Demographics

St. Mary’s has a well-established community with 74% of the Anglo parishioners and more than one-third of the Hispanic parishioners having been with the Parish 5 or more years.  Further, the Parishioners are strongly committed to their Catholic faith:  83% of the Anglo Parishioners and 63% of the Hispanic Parishioners attend Mass at least weekly.  Both Anglo and Hispanic parishioners consider St. Mary’s School to be an important aspect of the Parish.  While 74% of the children of Anglo Parishioners with children at home attend St. Mary’s school, only 5% of the Hispanic children attend.  Both groups consider Bishop Kelly High School important. 

As the following table illustrates, the demographics indicate that going forward the Parish will have an increasing, likely majority, Hispanic population.  While not covered in the Survey, it appears that there will likely be a smaller but growing African component to our community.  This suggests that going forward the parish will need to place more emphasis on cultural awareness and diversity.  

The data shows that the Parish will be increasingly challenged to meet its financial needs as we go forward.  The data in the table above suggests that the future composition of the community will likely change; and as the following table indicates, the contribution base will also change.

Current Ministries and Programs

The data indicates that the community places high importance on the programs and ministries of the Parish.  Parishioners had been asked to evaluate specific programs and ministries on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being highly important and 1 being least important.  The following table summarizes those responses grouped into the general categories indicated.

In spite of the high level of importance placed on the programs and ministries, the survey data shows that the participation and support of those programs is low.  The following table, while not all-inclusive, lists examples of the indicated importance and the percentage of participation in and support for specific programs: 

This data suggests that there are opportunities for further participation and support, and that a focused program to make Parishioners (particularly newer Parishioners) aware of these opportunities would improve the level of participation.

New Programs to be Introduced or Strengthened

The Parishioners were presented several specific new or existing programs and polled for their degree of interest and support.  The following table presents the degree of interest in these programs by those who responded to the question, together with the degree of support by those expressing interest.

In addition, Parishioners were asked for specific ideas as to new programs or enhancements to existing programs, as well their willingness to support the suggested program.  There were numerous worthwhile responses.  A complete reporting of all the responses is beyond the scope of this summary but is provided in the detailed survey report.  The responses covered topics including:

·         Small faith communities

·         A more robust welcoming program for new Parishioners

·         Adult education classes

·         More robust youth programs

·         Social action programs

The results of this portion of the survey are encouraging in light of the relatively higher correlation between interest and support.  This further suggests that a focused program of enlisting both volunteer and financial support may be beneficial.

Going Forward

The Parish Survey was a very detailed undertaking including hundreds of responses to dozens of questions.  The survey should not only be a reflection of the Parish at a point in time, but should prompt collective thinking as to what the path forward should be.  The Survey highlights the following considerations in this regard:

1.        St. Mary’s is a dynamic, Spirit-filled Parish with a proud past and tradition, and the human resources are certainly there to continue into the future.  Importantly, that will require understanding and acceptance of the changing dynamics of the Parish.

2.        The Parish Community needs to be made aware of the financial challenges facing the Parish, particularly in light of the changing makeup of the Community.  Resources are currently being stretched to meet the various operating, ministerial and program needs, and, further requirements are likely.   

3.       There needs to be more involvement of the Parishioners in Parish programs and ministries.  Parish leadership needs to put together a robust campaign to enlist both volunteer and financial support for the programs the Community is expressing interest in.

The detailed survey results are available by calling the Parish office.