2016 Parish Survey Results

Transcription

1 1 St. Joseph Catholic Church Richardson, Texas 2016 Parish Survey Results Narrative Summary Report Overview Executive Summary Narrative Summary Report Appendix A: Parish Demographic Survey Results Appendix B: Strengths derived from survey Appendix C: Challenge Areas / Actions to Consider & Planned Actions Please see Parish Survey Data Results Report for detailed numerical results. Please see Parish Survey Comments Report for parishioners views on a range of survey topics. NOTE: Parish Survey Reports are posted on the parish website About Us section.

2 St. Joseph Catholic Church Richardson, Texas 2016 Parish Survey Results 2 NARRATIVE SUMMARY REPORT OVERVIEW The following Narrative Summary Report is the result of our recent Parish Survey.* The report is based on survey responses in the following 13 Focus Area Categories selected by the Pastoral Council: 1. Eucharist / Mass 2. Adult Faith Formation (catechesis) 3. Faith Formation for Children & Youth 4. Evangelization 5. Stewardship 6. Facilities / Parking 7. Administration 8. Communication 9. Fellowship/Community/Social Outreach 10. Parish School 11. Hospitality (corporal works of mercy) 12. Disabilities 13. Nursery APPENDIX A: Demographic information: Responses to survey demographic questions including: parishioner gender, ethnicity, age, current marital status, years as a member of St. Joseph parish, etc. APPENDIX B: Strength Areas: Responds to higher survey scores in Focus Area Categories. APPENDIX C: Challenge Areas / Actions to Consider & Planned Actions: Responds to lower survey scores in Focus Area Categories. Please see the Parish Survey Data Results Report for detailed numerical results. Please see the Parish Survey Comments Reports for parishioners views on a range of survey topics. o All Parish Survey Reports are posted on the parish website. * Survey Methodology The survey was conducted under the direction of the Pastoral Council. Other members of the parish leadership team (paid staff and volunteer), including those in pastoral ministry and those with other duties, also contributed to the development of the survey. The anonymous survey featured 54 questions. Survey questions were primarily sourced from a recent national survey of U.S. parishes conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University. The survey was distributed to parishioners in the church pews at all Masses the weekend of May 21-22, Time (about 10 minutes) was given to complete the survey in church. A total of 1,561 surveys were completed (25 surveys were incorrectly completed and unusable), with 1,536 total surveys included in the survey results evaluation conducted by the Pastoral Council. As planned, the Parish Survey results will be reflected in the Parish Strategic Plan that is being developed by the Pastoral Council.

3 St. Joseph Catholic Church Richardson, Texas 2016 Parish Survey Results EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The survey was initiated on the occasion of the parish s 40 th anniversary, under the direction of the Pastoral Council. Other members of the parish leadership team (paid staff / volunteer), including those in pastoral ministry and those with other duties, also contributed to the development of the survey. Survey results will also be reflected in the Parish Strategic Plan being developed by the Pastoral Council. The survey was distributed to parishioners in the church pews at all Masses the weekend of May 21-22, A total of 1,561 surveys were completed (25 surveys were incorrectly completed and unusable), with 1,536 total surveys included in the survey results evaluation conducted by the Pastoral Council. Demographics Age: More than six in ten survey respondents (64 percent) were in the age range, while nearly three in ten (27 percent) were in the age range. Gender: Results showed nearly six out of ten survey respondents (approximately 60 percent) were female, and about 40 percent male. Ethnicity: Nearly half (approximately 49 percent) of survey respondents identified as White, followed by Asian (approximately 19 percent), Hispanic/Latino (approximately 16 percent), African (approximately 8 percent), African-American (approximately 6 percent) and American Indian (approximately one half of one percent). Marital Status: About seven out of ten (approximately 70 percent) parishioners identified as Married or remarried, followed by Single, never married (approximately 14 percent), Divorced (approximately 7 percent), Separated (about 1 percent) and Widowed (approximately 8 percent). Number of Years as a Member of the Parish: Nearly half (approximately 46 percent) have been members years, with nearly 30 percent as members 6-15 years; about 25 percent 0 to 5 years. Registered Parishioners: Nearly eight of ten survey respondents (approximately 81 percent) are registered parishioners, while nearly two in ten (about 19 percent) are not registered. Focus Area Categories STRENGTHS: Overall, more than seven in ten (over 70 to 80 percent) of parishioners surveyed express Strongly Agree or Somewhat Agree responses to most survey question/statements in over half (9 of 13) Focus Area Categories. A strong majority of survey respondents expressed satisfaction with how the parish offers the Eucharist/Mass, Hospitality and Facilities/Parking. CHALLENGES: Survey analysis and results show the need to develop plans and actions to address survey results in certain areas found in these Focus Area Categories: Adult Faith Formation (catechesis), Evangelization, Stewardship, Fellowship/Community/Social Outreach, Parish School, Hospitality (corporal works of mercy), Facilities and Administration. See Appendix A for Demographic details, Appendix B for Strength Areas, and Appendix C for Challenge and related Suggested Actions to Consider/Planned Actions. 3

4 St. Joseph Catholic Church Richardson, Texas 4 Parish Survey Report NOTE: For most survey questions, parishioners were asked to select among these AGREEMENT response choices to survey questions/statements: Strongly Disagree; Somewhat Disagree; Uncertain; Somewhat Agree; Strongly Agree; or (N/A) Does not Apply to Me. This Parish Survey Report section of the Narrative Summary Report focuses on Strongly Agree and Somewhat Agree response choices to survey questions/statements. Please see the Parish Survey Data Results Report for detailed numerical results for all AGREEMENT response choices to survey questions. Please see the Parish Survey Comments Reports for parishioners views on a range of survey topics. Category 1: Eucharist / Mass 1. I am satisfied with weekly Mass. 2. Homilies are directly related to the Scriptures and to the real life experiences of people. 3. Our Lectors are effective and good speakers. 4. The music in our parish brings me closer to God during Mass. 5. I feel welcomed and a part of each Mass I attend. 6. Preference for Weekly (weekday) Mass time attendance. 7. Preference for Sunday Mass time attendance. Question/statement 1: I am satisfied with weekly Mass. Approximately 87 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 2: Homilies are directly related to the Scriptures and to the real life experiences of people. Approximately 87 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 3: Our Lectors are effective and good speakers. Approximately 91 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 4: The music in our parish brings me closer to God during Mass. Approximately 87 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 5: I feel welcomed and a part of each Mass I attend. Approximately 89 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement.

5 Question 6: Preference for Weekly (weekday) Mass time attendance. Approximately 47 percent of parishioners surveyed prefer 6:00 p.m. Weekly (weekday) Mass time attendance; approximately 41 percent prefer 8:00 a.m. Weekly (weekday) Mass time attendance. Question 7: Preference for Sunday Mass time attendance. Over half (approximately 52 percent) of parishioners prefer either the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass time or 5:00 p.m. Saturday evening (Sunday vigil) Mass. 5 Category 2: Adult Faith Formation (catechesis) 1. Sufficient efforts are made to sustain my faith as a practicing Catholic member of our parish. 2. Enough retreats and evenings of prayer are held to allow me to enrich my faith and the parish faith life. 3. Sufficient efforts are made to offer materials, talks, presentations and events to refresh my understanding of Catholic beliefs and teachings. 4. I feel I have the ability to defend my faith. Question/statement 1: Sufficient efforts are made to sustain my faith as a practicing Catholic member of our parish. Approximately 77 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 2: Enough retreats and evenings of prayer are held to allow me to enrich my faith and the parish faith life. Approximately 67 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 3: Sufficient efforts are made to offer materials, talks, presentations and events to refresh my understanding of Catholic beliefs and teachings. Approximately 70 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 4: I feel I have the ability to defend my faith. Approximately 81 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Category 3: Faith Formation for Children & Youth 1. I talk about and teach the Catholic Faith to my children / youth in my family. 2. The Church has equipped me to talk about and teach the Catholic Faith to my children / youth in my family. 3. Sufficient faith formation and religious education programs are available for children and young adults in the parish. 4. The parish provides opportunities for youth to be formed in their understanding of Catholic teachings, including Church social teaching on peace, justice and human development.

6 6 Question/statement 1: I talk about and teach the Catholic Faith to my children / youth in my family. Approximately 63 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 2: The Church has equipped me to talk about and teach the Catholic Faith to my children / youth in my family. Approximately 62 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 3: Sufficient faith formation and religious education programs are available for children and young adults in the parish. Approximately 62 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 4: The parish provides opportunities for youth to be formed in their understanding of Catholic teachings, including Church social teaching on peace, justice and human development. Approximately 59 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Category 4: Evangelization 1. The parish provides enough ongoing opportunities for me to develop more fully my prayer life and understanding of my faith. 2. I feel knowledgeable and strong enough in my Catholic Faith to invite others to consider joining our Church. 3. Sufficient efforts are made to reach out to non-practicing Catholics and those with little or no religious experience (examples: Catholics Come Home for Christmas and Easter). Question/statement 1: The parish provides enough ongoing opportunities for me to develop more fully my prayer life and understanding of my faith. Approximately 78 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 2: I feel knowledgeable and strong enough in my Catholic Faith to invite others to consider joining our Church. Approximately 78 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 3: Sufficient efforts are made to reach out to non-practicing Catholics and those with little or no religious experience (examples: Catholics Come Home for Christmas and Easter). Approximately 59 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement.

7 7 Category 5: Stewardship 1. Regular efforts are made to encourage my talents and invite their use in parish service. 2. The parish educates me to know my responsibility to be a good steward of my gifts and special talents. 3. The parish provides good stewardship of the financial and other resources given by parishioners. Question/statement 1: Regular efforts are made to encourage my talents and invite their use in parish service. Approximately 72 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 2: The parish educates me to know my responsibility to be a good steward of my gifts and special talents. Approximately 80 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 3: The parish provides good stewardship of the financial and other resources given by parishioners. Approximately 70 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Category 6: Facilities / Parking 1. The Church is properly maintained and cleaned. 2. The physical appearance of the church (building) is appealing. 3. The size of the church is adequate for the number of people who attend Mass. 4. The sound system in the church is adequate. 5. The atmosphere within the church is conducive to prayer and active participation in the liturgy. 6. The physical structure and layout of the parish facilities are conducive to holding programs and events. 7. There is adequate parking on the church grounds. Question/statement 1: The Church is properly maintained and cleaned. Approximately 93 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 2: The physical appearance of the church (building) is appealing. Approximately 96 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 3: The size of the church is adequate for the number of people who attend Mass. Approximately 87 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement.

8 8 Question/statement 4: The sound system in the church is adequate. Approximately 83 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 5: The atmosphere within the church is conducive to prayer and active participation in the liturgy. Approximately 91 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 6: The physical structure and layout of the parish facilities are conducive to holding programs and events. Approximately 93 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 7: There is adequate parking on the church grounds. Approximately 87 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Category 7: Administration 1. The priests and deacons of our parish make themselves available as much as possible to parishioners. 2. The parish offers times that are satisfactory for Confession. 3. Parish staff is available to meet my needs. 4. The parish encourages and uses the feedback it receives. 5. Parish facilities are available and easy to reserve/schedule. Question/statement 1: The priests and deacons of our parish make themselves available as much as possible to parishioners. Approximately 74 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 2: The parish offers times that are satisfactory for Confession. Approximately 74 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 3: Parish staff is available to meet my needs. Approximately 74 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 4: The parish encourages and uses the feedback it receives. Approximately 56 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 5: Parish facilities are available and easy to reserve/schedule. Approximately 52 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement.

9 9 Category 8: Communication Question/statement: I use the following ways to receive news about our parish. PLEASE MARK ALL THAT APPLY. RESULTS: Following are the most used ways survey respondents say they choose to receive news about our parish: 1) Parish Bulletin, 2) Announcements at Mass, 3) Parish website and 4) Printed/mailed materials. See details of selected preferences below % Parish Bulletin 79.15% Announcements at Mass 49.49% Parish website 34.70% Printed/mailed materials 19.55% Bulletin boards 16.88% TV screen / digital display bulletin boards 14.43% % Facebook, Twitter 13.78% Parish smartphone app 2.09% Other (Examples include: word of mouth via fellow parishioners and communications from ministries and organizations parishioners participate in). Category 9: Fellowship/Community/Social Outreach 1. Our parish recognizes and serves the needs of those within our community. 2. Our parish assures that the sick and homebound are visited and the grieving are comforted. 3. Our parish makes sufficient efforts to meet the needs of people who may feel excluded from parish life at some point (e.g., divorced individuals, single parents, the elderly). 4. Our parish serves the poor and disadvantaged outside our community. 5. My family is aware that marriage formation begins at birth and continues throughout the family life cycle. 6. As a single person, I feel welcome within the community. Question/statement 1: Our parish recognizes and serves the needs of those within our community. Approximately 72 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 2: Our parish assures that the sick and homebound are visited and the grieving are comforted. Approximately 63 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 3: Our parish makes sufficient efforts to meet the needs of people who may feel excluded from parish life at some point (e.g., divorced individuals, single parents, the elderly). Approximately 51 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement.

10 Question/statement 4: Our parish serves the poor and disadvantaged outside our community. Approximately 60 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 5: My family is aware that marriage formation begins at birth and continues throughout the family life cycle. Approximately 77 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 6: As a single person, I feel welcome within the community. Approximately 36 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. 10 Category 10: Parish School 1. I understand the role St. Joseph School plays in enriching the faith life of the parish. 2. I understand the role the Little Disciples Pre-School plays in enriching the faith life of the parish. Question/statement 1: I understand the role St. Joseph School plays in enriching the faith life of the parish. Approximately 69 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 2: I understand the role the Little Disciples Pre-School plays in enriching the faith life of the parish. Approximately 54 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Category 11: Hospitality (corporal works of mercy) 1. Newcomers are warmly welcomed into the parish. 2. Our parish exhibits a spirit of warmth and hospitality at Mass and other functions. 3. Our parish fosters a strong sense of community. Question/statement 1: Newcomers are warmly welcomed into the parish. Approximately 71 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 2: Our parish exhibits a spirit of warmth and hospitality at Mass and other functions. Approximately 83 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Question/statement 3: Our parish fosters a strong sense of community. Approximately 80 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement.

11 11 Category 12: Disabilities Question/statement 1: The parish makes an effort to accommodate people with special needs. Approximately 68 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement. Category 13: Nursery Question/statement 1: The parish makes an effort to accommodate people with young children through nursery and other childcare support for parishioners when needed. Approximately 60 percent say they strongly agree or somewhat agree with the statement.

12 Parish Survey NARRATIVE SUMMARY REPORT APPENDIX A Parish Demographic Survey Results 12 GENDER: Male 40.25% Female 59.75% ETHNICITY: 48.48% White 18.98% Asian 16.34% Hispanic/Latino 8.33% African 5.75% African-American 0.40% American Indian AGE: 3.54% 18 to % 21 to % 31 to % 41 to % 51 to % 61 to % 71 to % 81 or older WHAT BEST DESCRIBES YOUR CURRENT MARITAL STATUS: 13.53% Single, never married 70.00% Married or remarried 7.07% Divorced 1.33% Separated 8.07% Widowed NUMBER OF YEARS AS A MEMBER OF ST. JOSEPH PARISH: 25.03% 0 to 5 years 17.89% 6 to 10 years 10.96% 11 to 15 years 13.66% 15 to 20 years 32.45% 20+ years ARE YOU A REGISTERED PARISHIONER AT ST. JOSEPH PARISH? Yes 80.98% No 19.02%

13 Parish Survey NARRATIVE SUMMARY REPORT APPENDIX B 13 STRENGTHS DERIVED FROM SURVEY Eucharist STRENGTHS: A strong majority are satisfied with the weekly Mass and find that the Church is welcoming, the lectors proclaim well the word of God, the music edifies, and the homilies are related to their lives. Facilities and Parking STRENGTHS: A strong majority view the parish facilities as well-maintained, of adequate size for meetings and worship, are appealing, are well maintained and clean, and provide a conducive place for prayer. Hospitality STRENGTHS: A significant number of survey respondents view our parish as a hospitable and community oriented environment.

14 APPENDIX C 14 CHALLENGE AREAS SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO CONSIDER / PLANNED ACTIONS Adult Faith Formation (catechesis) CHALLENGES: Develop and provide more Adult Faith Formation (catechesis) opportunities to address relatively low percentage results in this survey category. SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO CONSIDER and PLANNED ACTIONS: Expanded faith formation opportunities: More Bible studies, parish retreats, evenings of prayer, and other talks, presentations and events as well as the availability of more adult faith formation materials.^ Small Groups: All parishioners are being strongly encouraged to create, join and engage Small Groups to grow in faith and fellowship within our parish community. (^) Note: St Joseph has a new subscription with "FORMED" an educational resource of Catholic videos, bible studios, audio books, and more that can be accessed from the Internet and is made available at no-cost to parishioners. Lighthouse Catholic Media CDs, DVDs, and printed materials will also be made available for parishioners. Lighthouse Catholic Media parish kiosks are stocked with low-cost Catholic resources including professionally recorded audio presentations from the world's best Catholic speakers, life-changing Catholic books, informative booklets and pamphlets, and more Faith Formation for Children & Youth CHALLENGES: Develop and provide more opportunities for Faith Formation for Children & Youth to address relatively low percentage results in this survey category. SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO CONSIDER: Parents Catechism Class: Bringing families together in faith formation is a must. Provide and ensure that catechists are provided with formation opportunities that will allow them to teach the faith of the Church

15 Evangelization CHALLENGES: Develop and provide more opportunities to reach out to non-practicing Catholics and those with little or no religious experience (examples: Catholics Come Home for Christmas and Easter) to address relatively low percentage results in this survey category. SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO CONSIDER: Explore outreach through materials provided parishioners they can give to nonpracticing Catholics and those with little or no religious experience; materials can include invitations to Catholics Come Home for Christmas and Easter with brief overviews of those programs. 15 Stewardship CHALLENGES: Develop and provide expanded information about stewardship of parish finances and parishioner talents to address relatively low percentage results in this survey category. SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO CONSIDER: Develop and provide expanded information in parish communications about details of parish finances, including separate reporting of parish and parish school income and expenses. Ask parishioners to identify the talents and skills they have to contribute in supporting parish needs. Inventory these talents and skills for future use and reference. Facilities / Parking CHURCH SOUND SYSTEM IMMEDIATE CHALLENGE: Improving the Church Sound System. The Pastoral Team recognizes fixing the sound system in the Church sanctuary is a priority. When new pews were installed the echo inside the Church sanctuary makes it often difficult to hear the lector or priest. PLANNED ACTIONS: Modifications of the sound system are planned, along with installation of specially designed acoustic panels in the Church sanctuary (scheduled for the first three weeks in January 2017), to restructure both the quality and clarity of sound in the church so the spoken word is better understood. Administration CHALLENGES: Develop and provide expanded information about parish feedback from parishioners to address relatively low percentage results in this survey category. SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO CONSIDER: Reference parish feedback as well as actions taken on that feedback -- gained through parish surveys and other sources in ongoing parish communications. CHALLENGES: Develop and provide expanded information about how to schedule use of parish facilities to address relatively low percentage results in this survey category.

16 16 SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO CONSIDER: Reference parish feedback as well as actions taken on that feedback to improve the ease of scheduling parish facilities. Offer regular reminders in parish communications about how to schedule use of parish facilities. Provide process suggestions and revisions so that more timely response and consistency in scheduling Communication CHALLENGE AND SUGGESTED ACTION TO CONSIDER: Based on results of this area of the survey, there is a clear need to develop a comprehensive Parish Strategic Communications Plan in the time frame to expand and optimize the parish communications available in our parish to strengthen and enrich our parish community. Fellowship/Community/Social Outreach CHALLENGES: In addition to continued support for the St. Vincent de Paul Society outreach to the needy, it is noted that the parish needs to provide more service oriented ministry opportunities where there is greater interaction with the poor and those in need. SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO CONSIDER AND PLANNED ACTIONS: Many parishioners give donations -- but the call of the Gospel and our Church is not only to give funds -- but also to accompany and serve those who are in need. Expand parish efforts to meet the needs of people who may feel excluded from parish life at some point (e.g., divorced individuals, single parents, and the elderly). Feed the Hungry / Austin Street Center: Parish volunteers are being sought to cook, serve and/or provide minimal financial support or food to feed the homeless at the Austin Street Center in downtown Dallas. This ministry will begin by providing lunch one weekday once a month. Feed the Hungry / Meals-On-Wheels: Increase parish volunteers needed for Meals-On- Wheels sponsored by the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of Texas (Dallas County). St. Joseph parishioners are asked to expand its existing volunteer support for this outreach organization serving meals to the homebound elderly and disabled in our community. Outreach to Single Parishioners: Expand efforts to identify, welcome and support Single Parishioners with special parish communications and activities directed to singles that include parish and diocesan opportunities to engage and integrate singles into parish and diocesan life. Outreach to those who may feel excluded: Explore the establishment of groups to better understand and take steps to meet the needs of people who may feel excluded from parish life at some point (e.g., divorced individuals, single parents, the elderly).

17 Parish School CHALLENGES: Expand broader parishioner awareness of how the Parish School and Little Disciples Pre-School are integrated into the life and mission of the parish to address relatively low percentage results in this survey category. SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO CONSIDER: Open Houses: Consider monthly or quarterly Open House days on Sundays that invite parishioners to learn more about the Parish School and Little Disciples Pre-School. Elevate Understanding: Improve parishioners understanding of the role of the Parish School in the life of the parish and its mission. 17 Hospitality CHALLENGES: Identify opportunities to expand interactions and relationship-building between all parishioners including efforts to welcome New Parishioners -- to strengthen and enrich the parish community. SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO CONSIDER: Parish Ambassadors: On a trial basis, ask select parishioners to serve as Parish Ambassadors who are asked to call and meet with New Parishioners as well as accompany them to the ongoing Parish Newcomers Luncheon. Disabilities CHALLENGES: Identify opportunities to expand interactions and relationship-building between all parishioners including efforts to accommodate people with special needs -- to strengthen and enrich the parish community. PLANNED ACTIONS: Ministry to People with Disabilities and Special Needs: The parish is distributing a disability-special needs ministry questionnaire in Sept to determine if there is a need for establishing a Special Needs Ministry at St. Joseph. Nursery CHALLENGES: Identify opportunities to expand efforts to accommodate people with young children through nursery and other childcare support for parishioners when needed. SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO CONSIDER: Expand and highlight in parish communications the efforts the parish makes to accommodate people with young children through nursery and other childcare support for parishioners when needed.