PARISH SURVEY REPORT

Transcription

1 Transfiguration of the Lord Parish 23 South Fifth Avenue Highland Park, NJ Ph Fax October 10, 2016 PARISH SURVEY REPORT Dear Parishioners: First, a word of special thanks to all of you who received and completed our Parish survey questionnaire earlier in the spring. The data and the information we have received will be extremely helpful as we examine more fully our Parish s gifts, needs, opportunities, strengths, weaknesses and challenges in planning for the future. An additional word of gratitude is extended to Scott Bertok and everyone who helped tabulating and compiling the responses that were submitted. It has been a labor intensive task, and having as much feedback as possible from the rich ethnic and language diversity within our Catholic community has been essential. In this regard, we are particularly appreciative of the assistance provided by translators from our Parish and the Diocesan Office who converted the Korean and Spanish questionnaire and responses into English. Without that help, preparing the project s final report would have been delayed. In the following pages, you will find the report of the survey results. Let us discuss and draw upon it to better understand our Parish and become stronger as a sharing community, ever mindful that it is our faith in Christ Jesus that makes each of us, equal with each other (Colossians 3:11). Based on the information and insights we have gained from the survey, we will, in the coming days, begin to discern and plan together to initiate programs and activities to help us grow as one faith community. With God s blessings Fr. Abraham Lotha Pastor Our VISION is to have an enlightening and transforming experience of God through a greater faith and knowledge of Jesus. 1

2 PARISH SURVEY SUMMARY The Transfiguration Parish Survey was conducted from April 2 to May 30, Its purpose was to obtain information and insights from our parishioners that will help in planning for the future according to our local context and needs. The Survey was conducted in two formats, on paper and online, and in three languages English, Korean and Spanish. All respondents were guaranteed anonymity. The Survey questionnaires were distributed to those attending Mass at the two Parish worship sites. Every respondent chose to be part of the Survey. Parishioners were also urged to take Survey forms to our homebound members. Surveys questionnaires were not mailed to those parishioners who may not have attended Mass between April 2 and May 30 th at either of our worship sites. The parishioners were encouraged to return their completed Surveys within a set time, and everyone who chose to respond did so voluntarily. The survey questionnaire had three parts: Section I: Profile of the parishioners; Section II: Parish Life; Section III: Future Parish Priorities. MAJOR FINDINGS Total responses to the Survey were 452, or 44% of average weekend Mass attendance (1031). Respondents: 65% female and 35% male. The mean age of the parishioners is and the median is % married, 18 % single never married, 14% widowed, 2% divorced, 1% separated. 75% of parishioners have children, 24% have no children. 83% have no children under 18 living at home, 15% have one or more children under 18 living at home. Employment status: 48% are retired, 34% work full-time, 9% employed part-time, 6% unemployed. Ethnicity: 57 % White, 19 % Korean, 10% other Asian/ Pacific Islander, 8% Hispanic, 2% Black, 0.44% Biracial, 0.22% Native American, 0.22% Caribbean. Primary language at home: 70% English, 18% Korean, 6% Spanish, 6% Other. 74% Active Catholic since birth, 11% Returned Catholic, 9% Catholic convert, 0.44% Non-Catholic. 80% are registered parish members; 20% are non-registered. 62% have been in the parish for more than 11 years; 28% one to ten years, 19% one to five years, 10% one year or less. 75% attend Mass at Guardian Angels, 25% at St. Paul s. 57 % attend Mass every week, 27% attend almost every week, 7 % more than once a week, 4% once or twice a month, 2% a few times a year, 3% never or rarely. 25% attend 4:00 PM Mass, 19% Korean Mass, 16% 11:30 AM Mass, 13% 9:00 AM Mass, 13% 10:00 AM Mass, 8% 8:00 AM Mass, and 6% attend Spanish Mass. Factors preventing parishioners from attending Mass on a regular basis: 14% health reason, 6% too busy, 2% transportation, 1% financial, 0.22% poor homilies, 0.44% other. 86% agree or strongly agree that our parish liturgies are celebrated with reverence and devotion. Homilies: 81% agree or strongly agree that homilies are well prepared and related to life. Music: 77% agree or strongly agree that the quality of music inspires and encourages participation in liturgy; 11% disagree or strongly disagree. 2

3 Ministries: 84% agree and strongly agree that the Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers are well-trained. 81% agree or strongly agree that parish helps them live their faith; 7% disagree or strongly disagree. Spiritual growth programs: 52% agree or strongly agree that programs for spiritual growth are provided at the parish; 18% disagree or strongly disagree; 29% no comment. Religious education: 49% agree or strongly agree that our religious education program provides our children with faith formation; 7% disagree or strongly disagree; 43% no comment. Parish provides opportunities for youth: 35% agree or strongly agree; 17% disagree or strongly disagree; 47% no comment. Encouraging youth involvement: 40% agree or strongly agree that the parish encourages young people to be involved in the life of the parish and community; 19% disagree or strongly disagree; 40% no comment. Relationships with fellow parishioners: 62% agree or strongly agree that the parish offers sufficient opportunities to build relationships with fellow parishioners; 15% disagree or strongly disagree; 22% no comment. 59% agree or strongly agree that the parish makes them aware of the needs of others and invites them to be involved to serve those in need; 17% disagree or strongly disagree; 23% no comment. 38% agree or strongly agree that the parish provides efforts to meet the needs of those who feel excluded from parish life; 20% disagree or strongly disagree; 40% no comment. Parish Staff: 79% agree or strongly agree that the parish staff is courteous and helpful. Leadership: 69% agree or strongly disagree that the parish leadership communicates well with parishioners. Most urgent parish issues: Finance, Low Mass attendance, [Not] attracting youth, [Lack of] unity, Mass times, [Need for] spiritual/faith formation. Factors that prevent a more unified community: [Lack of] communication/cultural walls, Rigid attitudes/vested interests and prejudice, [Lack of] shared community activity, [Lack of] youth involvement, [Lack of] cooperation /understanding, [Lack of] community involvement, Having separate Masses. Proposed Religious and Social activities to build a stronger sense of community: Youth activities, Coffee/Cake after Mass, Socials (parities and concerts, etc.), Missions, Recollection & Retreats, Soup and Pasta dinners, Children Activities, Bible Studies, Outreach mission to sick, homebound, poor, Parish picnic & BBQ, Inclusive social activity, Encourage participation in socials, Bingo, Community involvement, Seminar, Talks, Trips. Suggested programs to support people in living their faith: Bible Studies, Retreat, Missions, Guest Speakers, Socials/Seniors, etc., Youth programs, Social Justice Outreach drives. Outreach activities in keeping with the Catholic mission: Food pantry, Retreats, missions, spiritual activities for families, Volunteer, Social events, Transportation and assistance for neighbors, shut-ins and elderly. Encouraging better Mass attendance: Change Mass times, Music and Choir, Children activities, Outreach to youth, Outreach to marginalized, Homilies. Other observations: Music/Choir, Change Mass time, Family room accommodations, Homilies. 3

4 Part I: PROFILE OF THE PARISH AND PARISHIONERS Consolidated Parish: The Transfiguration of the Lord Parish was created in January 2012 as a result of combining two parishes and a quasi-parish: Guardian Angels, Edison, St. Paul the Apostle, Highland Park, and Our Lady of Korea, Woodbridge. The combined parish currently has two worship sites that serve our Catholic community. Multicultural Parish: Transfiguration of the Lord Parish meets the criteria of the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) for multicultural parishes. Transfiguration of the Lord Parish celebrates Masses in Korean and Spanish other than English. The Parish has an in-pew diversity index of 33 percent or higher. Parish Sub-group Definitions GA: parishioners who attend English Mass Guardian Angels Church, Edison HP: parishioners who attend English Mass St. Paul s Church, Highland Park KR: parishioners who attend Korean Mass at Guardian Angels, Edison SP: parishioners who attend Spanish Mass at St. Paul s, Highland Park Generation Groups: 1. Centennials: Born 1996 and later 2. Millennials: Born 1977 to Generation X: Born 1965 to Baby Boomers: Born 1946 to Traditionalists: Born 1945 and before The average Mass attendance on a weekend at both worship sites was 1031 according to a headcount in November The number of responses to the Parish Survey was 452 or 44% of total Mass attendance. Survey responses from Guardian Angels and Korean parishioners were consistent with their Mass attendance percentage. St. Paul s had a 6 percent higher response to the survey. The Spanish had an 8 percent lower response to the survey. 4

5 Question 1: What is your gender? 65 percent female and 35 percent male. Female respondents were more for all the parish sub-groups. The percentage of female and male respondents is consistent with the female to male ratio observed at weekend Mass attendance. In-pew survey by CARA among US Catholics shows that 64 percent are female and 36 percent are male. Question 2. Year you were born. Age distribution. 37 percent respondents are Traditionalists generation (born 1945 and before); 35 percent Baby Boomers (born 1946 to 1964), 9 percent Generation X (born 1965 to 1976), 14 percent Millennials (born 1977 to 1995), and 1 percent Centennials (born 1996 and later). The mean age of the parishioners is 61.91; the median is 65. Our parish mean age is 10 years higher than the U.S. Catholic Parishioners surveyed in by CARA. 5

6 Question 3: What is your marital status? Among all parish sub-groups, the percentage of married is significantly higher. 64 percent of the respondents are married; 18 percent single never married, 14 percent widowed, 2 percent divorced and 1 percent separated. The percentage of married and widowed is higher at Guardian Angels, while the percentage of single never married is higher among St. Paul s respondents. Question 4: Do you have children? Three in four or 75 percent of the respondents have childern, and 24 percent have no children. This is consistent with the survey data on marital status. 6

7 Question 5: How many children under 18 live in your household? More than 80 percent have no children under 18 living with them. This is consistent with the data on age distribution: 72 percent of the respondents are Traditionalist and Baby Boomers. Korean and Spanish parishioners are more likely to have one or more children under 18 living in a household. Question 6: What is the highest level of education you have completed? More than 30 percent of the respondents have at least a High School Diploma, while 30 percent have a Bachelor s degree or higher. 7

8 Question 7: What is your current employment status? 34 percent of respondents are employed full-time; 48 percent are retired; 15 percent are either employed parttime or unemployed. Retired people are a helpful Parish resource in many areas, if they are available, willing and shown specific needs. Question 8: Ethnicity. How would you classify yourself? Non-Hispanic white are 57 percent of the parishioners and non-white are 39 percent. Asian or Pacific Islander together with Koreans are nearly 30 percent of the parishioners. The percentage of Asians or Pacific Islander with Koreans is higher at Guardian Angels while the percentage of Spanish is higher at St. Paul s. 8

9 Question 9: What primary language do you use at home? Surveys were translated into Korean and Spanish. 92 percent of parishioners at Guardian Angels use English as primary language at home and the remaining 10 percent use Tagalog or other. St. Paul s has more diverse languages among parishioners with 88 percent using English while 10 percent use Tagalog, Tamil, Spanish, Portuguese, or Krio as the primary language. 85 percent of Spanish respondents use Spanish as primary language at home and 12 percent use English. 93 percent of Korean respondents use Korean as primary language at home and 7 percent use English. Question 10: Catholic status. How would you classify yourself? Nearly three in four persons (74 percent) describe themselves as Active Catholic since birth. Returned Catholics (11 percent) are more than Catholic Converts (9 percent). The number of Catholic Converts is highest among Koreans. This is also substantiated by RCIA parish data. The percentage of Returned Catholic is consistent among all parish sub-groups. 9

10 Question 11. How long have you been attending this parish? Fifty percent of respondents have been attending the parish for twenty years or more, 13 percent between 11 and 20 years. The 19 percent that have been attending between one and five years reflects the Korean and Spanish parishioners who have been members of this parish after the merger. Question 12: Are you a registered member of Transfiguration of the Lord Parish? Eighty percent or eight in ten Mass-attending parishioners are registered members of the parish while 20 percent are not registered but attend Mass. This is consistent with most traditional parishes in the US. The parish data has four categories: registered and active, registered but in-active, registered and using envelopes for offering, registered but do not use envelopes for offering. Non-registered members are higher among Koreans and Spanish. This is likely due to socio-cultural differences in these groups. Most Koreans are registered members but do not use envelopes for offering. Registration is highest among older parishioners (Traditionalists and Baby Boomers) for Guardian Angels, St. Paul s and Koreans. Registration by Millennials is highest among Koreans. Among Korean parishioners, registration by Baby Boomers is higher while the percentage of registration by Traditionalists and Millennials is the same. 10

11 Question 13: How often do you attend Mass? More than 60 percent of respondents attend Mass every week including 7 percent who attend more than once a week. Among Spanish, Generation X are more likely to attend Mass every week, and Baby Boomers are likely to attend almost every week. At St. Paul s, Baby Boomers are more likely to attend Mass every week and almost every week, followed by Traditionalists. Among Koreans, too, Baby Boomers are more likely to attend Mass every week, while Millennials and Traditionalists share the same percentage. At Guardian Angels, Traditionalists are more likely to attend Mass every week or almost every week followed by Baby Boomers. Question 14: If you attend Mass, which worship site do you regularly attend? Three in four persons (74 percent) attend Guardian Angels worship site for Mass; one in four persons (25 percent) attend St. Paul s worship site. This is consistent with weekend Mass attendance by the sub-groups at the worship sites. 11

12 Question 15. If you go to Mass, which Mass do you usually attend? One in four persons or 25 percent of the respondents attend the 4:00 PM (vigil) Mass. More Traditionalists are likely to attend the 4:00 PM (vigil) and 9:00 AM Mass. The percentage of Millennials attending Mass is higher at 1:30 pm (Korean Mass). More Baby Boomers attend Mass at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Question 16. Does anything prevent you from attending Mass on a regular basis? If yes, what reasons? Forty-seven percent of respondents have some reasons that prevented them from Mass on a regular basis. This number is considerably high. For Guardian Angels and St. Paul s respondents, health is the more common reason, and among Koreans it is a busy schedule. Transportation is a common problem among all sub-groups, while financial reasons keep some at Guardian Angels and Koreans from attending Mass on a regular basis. 12

13 Question 17. Do you sometimes attend Mass at another parish? If yes, why and how often? Sixty-seven percent or nearly seven out of ten say they do not attend Mass at another parish; 33 percent or onethird say they attend Mass at another parish. For those who attend Mass at another parish, some do so because of work; others find the Mass times inconvenient for working people. Some Traditionalists find that Mass time around noon at a neighboring parish is convenient, particularly on Holy Days of obligation. PART II: PARISH LIFE In this section, Mass-attending parishioners who responded to the survey evaluated some aspects of parish life. Question 18: Our parish liturgies are celebrated with reverence and devotion. Eighty-six percent of respondents agree or strongly agree that parish liturgies are celebrated with reverence and devotion. This positive evaluation is prevalent among all the parish sub-groups. It s encouraging in one way, yet something is not happening for others who disagree. 13

14 Question 19: Homilies are well-prepared and related to my daily life. Eight in ten respondents agree or strongly agree that the homilies are well-prepared and related to daily life. The percentage of those who disagree or had no comment on this apsect of parish life is higher than for parish liturgies. There are no significant differences by parish sub-groups or generation groups in these evaluations. Question 20: Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers are well-trained. Eighty-four percent agree or strongly agree that the Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers are well-trained. It would be beneficial to find out the reasons for those who either disagree or have no comment. 14

15 Question 21: Quality of music inspires and encourages participation in the liturgy. Eight-one percent of respondents agree or strongly agree that the quality of music inspires and encourages participation in the liturgy. Korean, Spanish, and St. Paul s respondents have a greater satisfaction rating of music quality. The percentage of those who disagree, strongly disagree or have no comment is highest among respondents of Guardian Angels. Question 22: Our parish helps me live my faith. Eighty-two percent agree or strongly agree that the parish helps them live their faith. It will be helpful to know more precisely how the parish helps. Eleven percent chose no comment and seven percent disagree or strongly disagree. It would be helpful to know more specific reasons for any disagreement. 15

16 Question 23. Programs for spiritual growth (missions, retreats, prayer groups, etc.) are provided at our parish. Fifty-two percent or about five in ten persons agree or strongly disagree that programs for spiritual growth are provided at the parish. A significant number, eighteen percent, disagree or strongly disagree, and twenty-nine have no comment. It is not clear if all of our parishioners know the spiritual programs that we currently have. Question 24: Our Religious Education Program provides our children with faith formation. Forty-eight percent agree or strongly agree that our religious education program provides our children with faith formation. Seven percent disagree or strongly disagree and forty-three percent chose no comment. The significant number of no comment could be because eighty-three percent of respondents have no children under 18 living with them. Currently, there are two programs Family Catechesis and School model for three different groups: English (Family Catechesis) at Guardian Angels, Spanish and Korean (School model) at St. Paul s. There is a shortage of classrooms for both programs. Some attending Family Catechesis are of the opinion that having class once a month is not sufficient for faith formation; others indicate that they are able to commit their attendance because it is conducted only once a month. 16

17 Question 25: The parish provides opportunities for youth programs. Thirty-five percent agree or strongly agree that the parish provides opportunities for youth programs; seventeen percent disagree or strongly disagree. A high number, forty-seven percent, have no comment. There is no significant differences by parish sub-groups or generation groups in these evaluations. This reflects the data on the respondents age groups: Millennials 14 percent, Generation X 9 percent, and Centennials 1 percent. The high number of no comment also reflects the 83 percent of respondents who do not have children under 18 living under their household. Question 26: The parish encourages young people to be involved in the life of the parish and community. Responses to this question are similar to the previous one. Forty percent may have no comment because they have no children living with them. 40 percent have no comment. 17

18 Question 27: The parish offers opportunities to build relationships with fellow parishioners. Sixty-two percent of respondents agree or strongly agree that the parish offers opportunities to build relationships with fellow parishioners. Fifteen percent disagree or strongly disagree, and twenty-two percent have no comment. The high positive assessment of opportunities offered by the parish reflects the efforts being made for inter-ethnic harmonious relationships. During the last year, there have been concerted efforts to improve social relationships with fellow parishioners through common socials such as Year-End Party, Spring Fling, Concerts, and other fund-raising events. The twenty-two percent who chose no comment might also indicate those parishioners who are still not reconciled with the parish merger or resist integration. Question 28: The parish makes me aware of the needs of others and invites me to become involved to serve those in need (the poor, shut-ins, elderly, singly parents, etc.). Fifty-nine percent of respondents agree or strongly agree that the parish makes them aware of the needs of others and invites them to become more involved to serve those in need. A higher percentage of Koreans disagree or strongly disagree with this aspect of the parish life. It is not clear that all parishioners are aware of the formal and informal programs that are available and new ones that might be inaugurated. 18

19 Question 29: The parish provides efforts to meet the needs of people who may feel excluded from parish life at some point (e.g. divorced, remarried, gays, etc.). Thirty-eight percent agree or strongly agree that the parish provides efforts to meet the needs of those who may feel excluded or marginalized. A high number, forty percent, have no comment and twenty percent disagree or strongly disagree. Currently the parish has no formal programs and this could be an opportunity to develop some. Question 30: Our parish staff is courteous and helpful. Overall, parishioners have a highly favorable rating of the parish staff. Seventy-nine percent agree or strongly agree and only six percent disagree or strongly disagree. While this is encouraging, it might be useful to know in what ways, more specifically, that parishioners find the staff to be helpful. 19

20 Question 31: The parish leadership communicates well with parishioners. Seventy-seven percent gave an overall satisfaction evaluation of agree or strongly agree that the parish leadership communicates well with parishioners. This is reflective of the fact that in the past one year, there has been a restructuring and formation of various Councils and Committees to encourage better participation and stewardship in the parish. Common activities and announcements that encourage more participation have increased. PART III: FUTURE PARISH PRIORITIES This section of the survey includes open-ended questions. Instead of using categories or templates from other surveys, ours sought to identify issues from our own local contexts and needs. Question 32. Most urgent issues parish issues. Out of 452 total responses, 271 chose to respond to this question. Parishioners identify the following issues as most urgent: Finance, [Low] Mass attendance, [Not] attracting youth, [Lack of] unity, Mass times, and Spiritual/faith formation. Analyzing the responses, Koreans are likely to find that Mass at 1:30 pm is scheduled too late in the day and discourages attendance. 20

21 Question 33: Factors that prevent from becoming a more unified community. Parishioners identified the following factors that prevent us from becoming a more unified community: [Lack of] communication/cultural walls, Rigid attitudes/vested interests and prejudice, [Lack of] shared community activity, [Lack of] youth involvement, [Lack of] cooperation /understanding, [Lack of] community involvement, Having separate Masses. Responses to this question reflect the multicultural and multi-ethnic composition of the merged parish. Parishioners indicate an awareness of difficulties that some ethnic groups face in being integrated into the parish and society at large. This awareness opens opportunities to have more discussion about what can be done to facilitate smoother integration. Question 34: Social and religious activities to build a stronger sense of community. Respondents propose suggestions that particularly address activities for our adult community while also highlighting the need for more activities that directly serve our children and youth. The responses show parishioner concern with this younger group who are the future of the Church. As indicated elsewhere, 15 percent of parishioners have children under 18. Question 35: Programs the parish can offer to support people in living their faith. 175 respondents chose to answer this question. The suggestions that are made, e.g. Hosting Bible Study groups, retreats, guest speakers, socials targeted to specific groups like seniors, etc., all invite further exploration. These proposals have also surfaced in response to other survey questions. 21

22 Question 36: Outreach activities within and beyond our local community in keeping with Catholic mission. It is noted that the outreach activities consistent with Catholic mission which respondents identify seem to fall into several groups: those that require a pool of regular committed volunteers; those that require ongoing funding and those that can be conducted on a somewhat ad hoc basis such as providing transportation and giving assistance to neighbors, shut-ins and the elderly in need. All of the suggestions invite further exploration. Question 37: What can the parish do to encourage better Mass attendance? There were 211 responses to this questions. The suggestions proposed to encourage better Mass attendance have also surfaced in responses to other survey questions, such as a need to revise some of the times in the Mass schedule and giving particular attention to the spiritual needs of youth. It is noted that the suggestion about improving the music/choir seems somewhat inconsistent with the responses to question 21 that indicated a high satisfaction with the liturgical music. Question 38: Other observations. Other observations that respondents made focused on music/choir, the need to change some Mass times, the need for family room accommodations at the Church sites and homilies. These issues were also indicated in responses to other survey questions. All of these areas will be further explored. 22

23 TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD PARISH SURVEY Transfiguration of the Lord Parish is conducting a survey to gain information and insights into the parish from all its parishioners. Your responses will help us plan for the parish s future according to our local context and needs. Your individual response is very important. Please mark an X in the appropriate boxes and use the spaces provided. 1. What is your gender? Male Female 2. Year you were born 3. What is your marital status? 1. Single never married 2. Married 3. Widowed 4. Divorced 5. Separated 4. Do you have children? Yes No 5. How many children under 18 years live in your household? 6. What is the highest level of education you have completed? 1. Some high school or less 2. High school diploma 3. Some college 4. Associate s degree 5. Bachelor s degree. 6 Graduate degree 7. Post-Graduate 7. What is your current employment status? 1. Employed full-time 2. Employed part-time 3. Unemployed 4. Retired 8. How would you classify yourself? 1. White 2. Black 3. Hispanic/Latino(a) 4. Native American 5. Asian/Pacific Islander 6. Biracial 7. Other 9. What primary language do you use at home? 1. English 2. Spanish 3. Korean 4. Other 10. How would you describe yourself? 1. Active Catholic since birth 2. Catholic Convert 3. Returned Catholic 4. Inactive Catholic 5. Non-Catholic 11. How long have you been attending this parish? 0-1 year 1-5 years 6-10 years years years Over 20 years Are you a registered member of Transfiguration of the Lord Parish? Yes No 13. How often do you attend Mass? 1. Never or rarely 2. A few times a year 3. Once or twice a month 4. Almost every week 5. Every week 6. More than once a week 14. If you attend Mass, which worship site do you regularly attend? Guardian Angels St. Paul s 15. If you go to Mass, which Mass do you usually attend? 1. 4:00 PM Vigil (Saturday) 2. 8:00 AM 3. 9:00 AM 4. 10:00 AM 5. 11:30 AM 6. 12:15 PM 7. 1:30 PM 16. Does anything prevent you from attending Mass on a regular basis? If yes, check all reasons that apply. 1. Health 2. Transportation 3. Financial 4. Too busy 5. Poor homilies 6. Other 17. Do you sometimes attend Mass at another parish? If yes, why and how often? Please turn over 23

24 For items 18 to 31, please select from the responses below. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Agree 4. Strongly Agree 5. No Comment Please evaluate these aspects of parish life: Our parish liturgies are celebrated with reverence and devotion. 19. The homilies are well prepared and related to my daily life. 20. The Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers are well-trained. 21. The quality of music inspires and encourages my participation in the liturgy. 22. Our parish helps me to live my faith. 23. Programs for spiritual growth (missions, retreats, prayer groups, etc.) are provided at our parish. 24. Our Religious Education Program provides our children with faith formation. 25. The parish provides opportunities for youth programs. 26. The parish encourages young people to be involved in the life of the parish and community. 27. The parish offers sufficient opportunities to build relationships with fellow parishioners. 28. The parish makes me aware of the needs of others and invites me to become involved to serve those in need (the poor, shut-ins, elderly, single parents, etc.). 29. The parish provides efforts to meet the needs of people who may feel excluded from parish life at some point (e.g. divorced, remarried, gays, etc.). 30. Our parish staff is courteous and helpful. 31. The parish leadership communicates well with parishioners. 32. What, in your opinion, are the most urgent parish issues? 33. Do you see anything in our parish that is preventing us from becoming a more unified community? 34. What religious and social activities can our diverse parish undertake to build a stronger sense of community? 35. What programs can you suggest that the parish offer to support people in living their faith? 36. What kind of outreach activities can our parish undertake within and beyond our local community that are in keeping with the Catholic mission? 37. What can the parish do to encourage better Mass attendance? 38. Are there any other observations you would like to make? Thank you for your responses. Completed survey forms can be placed in a basket at the back of the church or mailed to the parish office: 23 South Fifth Ave. Highland Park, NJ Phone: , All rights reserved. 24