Regional h Li Church Life Profile Pro ofile ofi e National Church Life Survey 2006 Archdiocese of Sydney NCLS Code: TAS00000 Denomination: The Catholic Church in Australia This profile is best read in conjunction with the NCLS book "Enriching Church Life A Practical Guide for Local Churches"
Making the Most of Your Regional Profile THIS REGIONAL CHURCH LIFE PROFILE identifies the signs of life and strength in the parishes of the Archdiocese of Sydney. It is based on responses from attenders in parishes that took part in the 2006 National Church Life Survey. Do these Results Represent your Region? Who completed the survey? Are attenders well represented? This may affect the results shown in this Profile: Diocese in 2006: 5078 forms, 17 parishes. Diocese in 2001: 7146 forms, 18 parishes. Denom in 2006: 65395 forms, 229 parishes. The results in this profile are based on responses from a random sample of parishes except in dioceses where almost all parishes took part (where all available forms were used). All content Copyright 2010 NCLS Research. This Profile was generated on: 14/09/2010. LOCAL CHURCH LIFE PROFILES Every local church that takes part in the National Church Life Survey or a Local Church Life Survey receives a Church Life Pack. As well as the 28 page Church Life Profiles, the Pack include Profile Worksheets, a book called Enriching Church Life and a companion DVD which contains videos, PowerPoints, and planning material. KEEPING UP TO DATE It is possible that data for extra participating churches will be added over time. An up-to-date Profile can be viewed on the NCLS website www.ncls.org.au - using the Profile Number on the back page of this Profile. 2 Archdiocese of Sydney, 2006 (TAS00000, 5078 forms, 17 parishes)
Contents of Your Profile THIS REGIONAL CHURCH LIFE PROFILE has been especially compiled for your region from the voices of the people in your region, expressed through the 2006 National Church Life Survey. It provides a snapshot of who your people are; what they value, what they experience, and what some of their hopes and concerns are. We hope that it is a useful tool to help you assess, appreciate and build on the signs of life and strengths in your parishes. SUMMARY : Essential reading for all churches Your Strengths 4-5 Change Over Time 6-7 Attendance 8-9 Values and Hopes 10 6 DETAILED : Important for digging deeper 9 Core Qualities Faith 12 Worship 13 Belonging 14 Vision 15 Leadership 16 Innovation 17 Service 18 Faith Sharing 19 Inclusion 20 Attendance Young Adult Retention 21 Newcomers 22 Attendance Change 23 The People of Your Church Demographics and Involvement 24-25 PLANNING OPTIONS: Moving from reflection to action Choose a Planning Option 26 A Short Planning Session 27 Archdiocese of Sydney, 2006 (TAS00000, 5078 forms, 17 parishes) 3
Your Strengths SUMMARY Jesus declared, I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. Church vitality is essentially about the quality of church life. Where are your parishes most alive? How are people most obviously engaging with Jesus? NCLS Research has identified 9 Core Qualities and 3 Attendance Measures. Fifteen years of research in Australian and international churches has shown these to be central to the life of churches. No single aspect dictates the effectiveness of a parish s ministry. They all interrelate yet they can all be separately understood and addressed. The Internal Core Qualitiesfocus on the inner life of the community of faith. They are often seen as foundational to parish life, providing both shape and energy to the other Core Qualities: an alive and growing Faith vital and nurturing Worship strong and growing Belonging Internal Core Qualities faith Nine Core Qualities of Church Life worship belonging The Inspirational Core Qualities relate to leadership and direction. These qualities are the major catalysts for parishes to move forward. These are a hallmark of growing churches: a clear and owned Vision inspiring and empowering Leadership imaginative and flexible Innovation Inspirational Core Qualities Outward Core Qualities vision leadership innovation service faith-sharing inclusion The Outward Core Qualities are about how parishes focus beyond themselves by reaching out to others in ways that proclaim and live out the Gospel: practical and diverse Service willing and effective Faith-sharing intentional and welcoming Inclusion Attendance Measures young adult retention Three Church Attendance Measures newcomers attendance change NCLS Research The Attendance Measures focus on three aspects that take our understanding of attendance beyond just growth and decline: young adult retention newcomers attendance change Find out more: See Enriching Church Life: Explanation of Core Qualities: pp10-29 Research findings: pp40-51 4 Archdiocese of Sydney, 2006 (TAS00000, 5078 forms, 17 parishes)
Archdiocese of Sydney The Catholic Church in Australia Here is a selection of Key Indicators for the churches in your region, based on your churches responses to the National Church Life Survey 2006. More detail can be found in the Detailed Review section of this Profile (pp11-25). Your results are found in the first shaded column. As a reference, the table also includes the results for the same Key Indicators from other major participating denominations. Diocese in 2006 20% 46% 22% 26% 39% 75% 19% 40% 16% 57% 20% 59% 12% 50% 28% 6% 10% 10% 25% 3% 4% 7% Archdiocese of Sydney, 2006 (TAS00000, 5078 forms, 17 parishes)
Change Over Time SUMMARY When parishes participate in the National Church Life Survey more than once then the NCLS Research team is able to offer a picture of how this region has changed over time. You are able to see how your parishes have changed on page 7. Carefully discern what the changes might mean. Knowing the history of parishes is important here. However, don t jump too quickly to conclusions. Think first, what can I learn? rather than what can I explain away?. Your Key Indicators: See previous page for denominational comparisons 1. Alive and Growing Faith 2. Vital and Nurturing Worship 3. Strong and Growing Belonging 4. Clear and Owned Vision 5. Inspiring and Empowering Leadership 6. Imaginative and Flexible Innovation 7. Practical and Diverse Service 8. Willing and Effective Faith-sharing 9. Intentional and Welcoming Inclusion Diocese Diocese in 2006 in 2001 20% 18% 22% 18% 39% 39% 19% 18% 16% 15% 20% 14% 2.5 2.4 28% 28% 10% N/A * See the footer below on each page to find out which data is presented in this Profile. Where Did the Key Indicators Come From? There is a page for each Core Quality in the Detailed Review section of this Profile. Key Indicators on this page are based on the responses to the first question on each of these detailed pages. The only exception to this is the Service Key Indicator. This represents the average number of helping actions attenders have performed. (Only 7 of the 8 shown on page 18 are used. The substance abuse option is not included for research purposes.) Do these Results Represent your Church? Who completed the survey? Are attenders well represented? This may affect the results shown in this Profile. Diocese in 2006: 5078 forms, 17 parishes. Diocese in 2001: 7146 forms, 18 parishes. Denom in 2006: 65395 forms, 229 parishes. Regional results are based on surveys received from parishes at the date of printing. No Results for Change Over Time? 1. NOW - For each Core Quality ask yourself if you think 2. this is an area that has improved, declined or stayed the same over the past five years? Why? LATER - Any parishes can conduct a Local Church Life Survey at any time that suits you. The results can then be compared against the NCLS 2006 results. Contact NCLS Research for details. 6
Change Over Time SUMMARY Archdiocese of Sydney The Catholic Church in Australia Change in Core Quality Scores between 2001 and 2006 NCLS Surveys Much decline Some decline Little decline Changes to our core qualities since last survey Little growth Some growth Much growth Faith Worship Belonging Vision Leadership Innovation Service Faith-Sharing Inclusion Engaging the Results 1. Are there any surprises here or is it as you would expect? 2. Why do you think these particular changes have occurred since the last survey? 3. In which areas would you hope to see growth the next few years? 7
Attendance Inflow and Outflow SUMMARY Why do parishes grow? This question has a very simple answer. Parishes grow when inflow exceeds outflow. The NCLS Inflow Outflow chart is a graphic presentation of attendance change in terms of three sources of inflow and three sources of outflow. This chart helps parishes to understand their main sources of inflow and well as the main destinations of outflow. Such a picture helps a parish understand its change in attendance more clearly. switchers / transfers in young adult retention CONGREGATION switchers / transfers out deaths The Survey gives a clear indication of the sources of inflow. The parish leaders have estimated the change in attendance over the last five years, and through their knowledge of their parishioners they can make fair estimates of the outflow. newcomers drift outs This chart can be seen as a planning tool helping parishes understand where their people have come from, and assessing where those who have left may have gone to. What are the Inflow/Outflow components? INFLOW measures the following percentages of the congregation: OUTFLOW estimates the following percentages of the congregation: switchers / transfers in Switchers/Transfers in: people arriving from local churches of other denominations (switchers) or from another catholic parish (transfers) in the last five years. switchers / transfers out Switchers/Transfers out: People who have left in the last five years to go to another parish or denomination. young adult retention Young adult retention: Young people aged 15+ who were attending this parish five years ago. deaths Deaths: People who have attending in the last five years because of death or infirmity. newcomers Newcomers: People who were not attending any church five years ago. drift outs Drift outs: People who have left last five years and attend no church. attendance change ATTENDANCE CHANGE is the net result of the three inflows and the three outflows on the parish. 8 Archdiocese of Sydney, 2006 (TAS00000, 5078 forms, 17 parishes)
Attendance Inflow and Outflow SUMMARY Archdiocese of Sydney The Catholic Church in Australia Inflow and Outflow: The Components of Attendance switchers / transfers in 25% switchers / transfers out Your estimate: young adult retention 3% CONGREGATION deaths Your estimate: newcomers 4% drift outs Your estimate: Engaging the Inflow Outflow Chart 1. Looking at the Inflow data, what has been the greatest source of inflow for the parishes in this region? Why do you think this is so? 2. What church activities and attitudes tend to draw people to the church? What activities and attitudes tend to retain young people as they approach adulthood? 3. Looking at the components of Outflow what do you think is of greatest significance here? 4. Why do you think people have left? Is there any practical action parishes can take that might stem the outflow? Find out more: See Enriching Church Life : * Dynamics of Attendance Change: pp30-37 * Research findings: pp52-55 Archdiocese of Sydney, 2006 (TAS00000, 5078 forms, 17 parishes) 9
What You Value and Hope For SUMMARY The aspects of church that people say they value speak of how the parish sees itself, and the aspects they hope for speak of what the parish wishes to become. Survey results relating to what attenders value and hope for Aspects of church most valued Wider community care or social justice emphasis 17 12 16 Reaching those who do not attend church 7 7 6 Traditional style of worship or music 26 27 27 Contemporary style of worship or music 14 15 13 Celebrating the Eucharist/receiving Holy Communion 52 60 57 Social activities or meeting new people 9 8 10 Sermons, or homilies 29 26 25 Small prayer, discussion or Bible study groups 5 5 6 Ministry to children or youth 12 8 8 Praying for one another 25 25 26 Practical care for one another in times of need 11 14 16 Openness to social diversity 12 10 9 The parish school 16 18 15 Aspects of church that should get more attention Small groups focused on Christian growth 11 N/A 12 Worship services that are nurturing to people's faith 20 N/A 21 Building a strong sense of community within the parish 33 N/A 35 Creating a clear vision for the parish's future 21 N/A 20 Encouraging the people here to discover/use their gifts here 24 N/A 23 Encouraging new approaches to ministry and mission 10 N/A 11 Supporting social action and aid to people in need 22 N/A 20 Encouraging the people here to share their faith or invite others 13 N/A 11 Ensuring new people are included well in church life 18 N/A 20 Ministry to children and youth 22 N/A 23 Increasing the number of people at Mass 23 N/A 23 Starting a new program reaching people who don't go to church 20 N/A 19 Note: Attenders could select up to three options, so percentages may not add to 100% Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % Engaging the Results 1. What aspect of the parishes in this region do people most value? 2. What areas of the parishes' lives are people saying they want to see more attention given to? Why do you think they chose these areas? 3. Which of the parishes' existing programs and activities build on what people say they value and what they say they hope for? 10 Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes)
This Detailed Review section will assist those who wish to dig deeper into their results. There is a separate page for each Core Quality and Attendance Measure plus some additional background on the people of your parishes. You are encouraged to have already completed the summary review section (pages 4-10) and selected the Core Qualities or Attendance Measures that you intend to focus on. You may have used Profile Worksheet 1 to assist with this. It is also recommended that you do this as part of a Review Team rather than alone, and gain familiarity with the book 'Enriching Church Life'. The detailed review in this section, along with Profile Worksheet 2 will assist you to systematically explore these issues. Think about the best way for you to carry out this phase of digging deeper. It may be good to include your full leadership team or diocesan council. You may also want to ask different groups in your church to look at the selected Core Qualities relevant to them. If N/A, no data was available for any parishes (e.g. the question was not asked in the previous NCLS Survey). If blank, no data was available for your parishes (e.g. not enough forms with that question were filled out from your parishes). Search the results for signs of strength in the diocese/parishes and ponder how to build on that strength. Archdiocese of Sydney, 2006 (TAS00000, 5078 forms, 17 parishes)
faith 1. Faith Alive and growing DETAILED The role of developing a person s faith is fundamental to church life. Are parishes in this diocese helping attenders grow in their personal walk with God? This core quality in our region There are many elements that contribute to a lively, growing faith. The emphasis here is on the experience and expression of faith, rather than religious beliefs. How important is God to attenders? What are their private devotional practices? Do they believe their faith has grown over the past year? Little growth since 2001 Survey results relating to Core Quality 1: Alive and Growing Faith Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % Growth in faith Attenders' growth in faith in the past year: Much growth through these parishes 20 18 18 Much growth through other churches or groups 6 6 6 Much growth through private activity 15 19 15 Some growth 41 40 42 No growth 18 17 19 Moment of faith commitment Always had faith or came to faith through gradual process One or more specific moments of commitment Private devotional activity 73 21 77 17 73 21 Time spent in private prayer, Bible reading, meditation: Every day/most days 46 45 48 At least weekly 69 67 70 Importance of God in your life The most important reality 46 48 45 More important than most things 33 34 34 Engaging the Results 1. Taking an overview: What encourages you? What concerns you? What surprises you? Has anything changed? Why do you think the results are like this? 2. What has been happening that has helped people to deepen their faith? What more could be done to help people in this? 3. How many attenders spend time in private devotional activity? What steps could be taken to encourage and support people in this? Find out more: * Refer to p12 and p42 of Enriching Church Life * Use your NCLS Profile Number to see your full profile online - www.ncls.org.au 12 Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes)
worship 2. Worship Vital and nurturing DETAILED The term worship here mainly refers to weekend celebration of the Eucharist but it also refers to Liturgies of the Word with Holy Communion in those communities where Mass could not be celebrated. It also includes a week day Mass where this is the major liturgical celebration for that community. What is the impact of this parishes worship on the lives of individual participants? How does it touch them? How helpful and nurturing is it? This core quality in our region Little growth since 2001 Survey results relating to Core Quality 2: Vital and Nurturing Worship The preaching at church is Always very helpful Usually very helpful Preferred styles of music at church At Mass church attenders prefer: Traditional music styles Contemporary music styles NOTE: up to two music options could be selected, so percentages may not add to 100% Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % In church attenders always experience Inspiration 22 18 20 Joy 25 23 24 Boredom 2 2 2 Awe or mystery 7 6 8 A sense of God's presence 43 48 43 Growth in understanding of God 29 26 26 Challenge to action 13 12 11 Being strengthened spiritually 28 N/A 27 A sense of fulfilling their obligation 32 37 34 26 N/A 24 39 N/A 40 76 74 78 34 35 32 Engaging the Results 1. Take an overview of how attenders experience the liturgy in this region. Are some areas more significant than others? Why do you think this is so? Has anything changed? 2. What variation is there in different people s experience of the liturgy? Is that surprising? Why do people experience it differently? 3. In a year s time what experience of the liturgy would you hope most attenders report? What steps could be taken to work towards this? Find out more: * Refer to p14 and p44 of Enriching Church Life * Use your NCLS Profile Number to see your full profile online - www.ncls.org.au Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes) 13
belonging 3. Belonging Strong and growing DETAILED Parishes strive to be a Christian community rather than just a collection of individuals. A sense of belonging among attenders is a measure of satisfaction and confidence in their church. While this Core Quality can be quite intangible to measure, the concrete activities below can point to whether people have a sense of belonging to a community of faith. NCLS research shows that healthy churches find ways to help people feel they belong. This core quality in our region Little decline since 2001 Sense of belonging to the parish Strong and growing Stable Weakening Not a strong sense of belonging Survey results relating to Core Quality 3: Strong and Growing Belonging Frequency of Mass attendance in this parish Less than monthly/hardly ever/first time here Once a month Two or three times a month Usually every week More than once a week Attendance at group activities Attenders regularly go to: NOTE: attenders may belong to both kinds of groups, so percentages may not add to 100% Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % 39 39 38 26 27 28 7 9 8 22 21 21 Sense of belonging to the Catholic church Attenders strongly agree they have a strong sense of belonging to the Catholic church 46 N/A 45 9 8 8 4 3 3 12 11 10 63 66 65 11 11 14 Small study or prayer groups here 11 9 12 Clubs or social groups here 14 13 19 Engaging the Results 1. How strong is the sense of belonging to parishes in this region? What do you think contributes to this? Has this been changing? 2. Think of those people who say they have weakening or no sense of belonging, how do/might parishes respond to them? 3. How might community builders be supported and encouraged? Find out more: * Refer to p16 and p42 of Enriching Church Life * Use your NCLS Profile Number to see your full profile online - www.ncls.org.au 14 Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes)
vision 4. Vision Clear and owned DETAILED If there is one Core Quality that stands out as making a powerful difference to church vitality, it is the presence of a clear and compelling vision. While there is no magic bullet for church growth, the ability of churches to develop clear vision or directions to which attenders are strongly committed, is as close as it gets. This core quality in our region Little growth since 2001 Survey results relating to Core Quality 4: Clear and Owned Vision Commitment to vision, goals and directions of the parish About the parish's vision, goals or directions, attenders are: Aware and strongly committed Aware and partly committed Aware and not committed Unaware of any clear vision, goals or directions Confidence vision can be achieved Attenders are fully confident the vision can be achieved Attenders are partly confident the vision can be achieved Leaders focused on future directions Attenders strongly agree leaders are focussed on future directions Attenders agree leaders are focussed on future directions Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % 19 18 17 21 15 23 19 13 21 40 55 39 44 N/A 40 22 N/A 26 21 N/A 18 47 N/A 49 Engaging the Results 1. How many attenders say they are committed to the vision of the parishes in this region? Has it changed? 2. Are the confidence levels enough to effectively work towards achieving their visions? 3. What do the results say about how forward looking the parishes in this region are? 4. Does this region have a single overarching vision? If so, how well do the local parishes' visions align with it? Find out more: * Refer to p18 and p46 of Enriching Church Life * Use your NCLS Profile Number to see your full profile online - www.ncls.org.au Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes) 15
leadership 5. Leadership Inspiring and empowering DETAILED Christian leadership strives to inspire and empower, requiring a balance of moving forward with vision as well as encouraging other peoples gifts. Inspiring leaders can move people towards action. Empowering leaders will help people find their place as part of the body of Christ. These leaders offer a sense of direction, inspiring and encouraging people to join together to make a difference. This core quality in our region Little growth since 2001 Survey results relating to Core Quality 5: Inspiring and Empowering Leadership How leaders are perceived Leaders encourage attenders to use their gifts and skills To a great extent To some extent Our parish leaders take our ideas into account To a great extent To some extent Attenders agree that leaders here Inspire us to action Keep us strongly focussed on connecting with the wider community Are good at bringing people together to make things happen Set an inspiring example of how to live the Christian life Leaders communicate clearly and openly Help our congregation identify and build on its strengths Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % 16 15 15 27 26 27 41 35 38 23 26 25 57 N/A 51 68 N/A 65 72 N/A 67 81 N/A 76 76 N/A 73 74 N/A 70 Parish systems Attenders agree that the parish has good and clear systems 73 N/A 71 Engaging the Results 1. How do the parishes in this region record their experience of leaders here? Why do you think this might be so? Does anything surprise you? 2. According to the survey, what are the areas of leadership strength in this region? What could be done to develop and enhance those strengths? 3. What extra steps can be taken to encourage and develop people for leadership roles? Find out more: * Refer to p20 and p46 of Enriching Church Life * Use your NCLS Profile Number to see your full profile online - www.ncls.org.au 16 Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes)
innovation 6. Innovation Imaginative and flexible DETAILED Innovation is that quality in a church which leads it to be open to new ways and new ideas, especially when moving into new situations or when seeking new outcomes in old situations. Innovation is not about seeking change for change s sake, but discerning new ways to effectively live and proclaim the gospel in a changing world. Ultimately, innovation reflects the quality of being open to the movement of the Holy Spirit afresh in our times. This core quality in our region Some growth since 2001 Survey results relating to Core Quality 6: Imaginative and Flexible Innovation Willingness of parish to try new things The parish is always ready to try something new Strongly agree Agree Neutral or unsure Disagree Strongly disagree Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % 20 13 17 45 47 46 30 32 31 4 7 5 1 1 1 Leaders encourage innovation The leaders here encourage innovation and creative thinking Strongly agree 17 N/A 13 Agree 42 N/A 43 Neutral or unsure 35 N/A 37 Disagree 5 N/A 6 Strongly disagree 1 N/A 1 Engaging the Results 1. How open do parishes in this region seem to be to trying new things and new ways? Has this changed? 2. How open to new ways do people think the leadership is? Do you think they got it right? What is the significance of that? 3. How might the leadership further develop and work with the parishes' openness to new ways? Find out more: * Refer to p22 and p47 of Enriching Church Life * Use your NCLS Profile Number to see your full profile online - www.ncls.org.au Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes) NCLS Research * PO Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW 1235 17
Following Jesus involves our heart, heads and hands. For many, acts of goodness, kindness and mercy are part of authentic living out of faith. This Profile shows some ways that parishes serve the wider community. It shows whether attenders are involved in community service, social justice or welfare activities both within and beyond their parish. It also reveals some of the informal ways that people help others. This core quality in our region Little growth since 2001 Survey results relating to Core Quality 7: Practical and Diverse Service Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % 24 23 21 27 24 27 36 32 35 47 48 48 34 31 34 12 11 13 75 70 73 11 9 12 50 44 48 Involvement in parish-based service activities Attenders involved regularly in community service, social justice or welfare activities connected to this parish 12 10 15 14 13 19 5 5 5 School or youth groups 12 N/A 14 8 N/A 8 8 N/A 8 1. What do these results suggest to you about attender s involvement in service? Is this encouraging or disappointing? Why do you think the results are like this? 2. What percentage of the attenders are involved in parish-based service activities? Who comes to mind? How could these activities be further encouraged and developed? 3. What do the results on informal helping suggest to you? Are there opportunities for others to do this sort of service through parish structures? How might this be encouraged? Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes)
faith-sharing 8. Faith-Sharing Willing and effective DETAILED Those who follow Christ need to find the words, confidence and commitment to share their faith with friends and tell stories of why the Christian faith is alive. Confidence in the church as a place of support, nurture and comfort is also important. Most often people are introduced to faith, make a commitment and grow in faith within a parish setting. This core quality in our region Little decline since 2001 Survey results relating to Core Quality 8: Willing and Effect Faith Sharing Inviting others to church Attenders' willingness to invite others to church: Invited someone in the last 12 months Willing, but didn't invite someone Probably or definitely wouldn't invite someone Don't know Involvement in outreach or evangelisation activities Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % 28 28 28 33 33 33 21 21 22 18 18 17 Attenders involved regularly in outreach or evangelisation 6 5 7 Readiness to share faith with others Attenders who look for opportunities to share their faith Aspects of church most valued outreach 14 12 13 Attenders who most value outreach as an aspect of their parish s life 7 7 6 Discussing matters of faith at home Attenders who frequently discuss faith at home 32 32 32 Engaging the Results 1. What do these results suggest to you about faith-sharing in parishes of this region? Is this encouraging or disappointing? Why do you think the results are like this? Has it changed? 2. Do the results show a culture of inviting others to church? Why do you think this is so? Is this something that could be further developed? 3. Do the results show that people are comfortable in discussing their faith with others? Why do you think that is so? Is that something that could be developed? Find out more: * Refer to p26 and p48 of Enriching Church Life * Use your NCLS Profile Number to see your full profile online - www.ncls.org.au Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes) 19
inclusion 9. Inclusion Intentional and welcoming DETAILED Inclusion involves intentionally seeking out new people or people who may be on the margins and including them in the life of the church. It involves being truly welcoming to all people regardless of their background. And if someone begins to drift away there will always be some who notice and reach out a hand in friendship. This core quality in our region Much growth since 2001 Survey results relating to Core Quality 9: Intentional and Welcoming Inclusion Likelihood of attenders to follow up someone drifting from church Certain Very likely or likely Hard to say Unlikely Attenders involvement in welcoming new people Are part of the formal welcoming system Not part of the formal welcoming system No formal system, but attenders who seek to make new arrivals welcome No system/no involvement Attenders agree they have found it easy to make friends here All attenders Those who have arrived in the last five years Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % 10 8 35 35 40 40 16 17 10 N/A 10 48 N/A 53 4 N/A 5 37 N/A 32 60 N/A 64 47 N/A 50 Importance of this parish community in your life Extremely important 12 11 13 Very important 27 25 28 Quite important 35 37 35 A little important 22 22 20 Not at all important 5 6 5 Engaging the Results 1. What do the survey results in this area suggest about the parish communities in this region? 2. What do the results show about following up those drifting away? Why do you think this is so? Why do you think people might have drifted away from here? 3. Overall, how friendly do these results show parishes in this region to be? How friendly is it for new arrivals? What factors do you think are influencing this? Find out more: * Refer to p26 and p48 of Enriching Church Life * Use your NCLS Profile Number to see your full profile online - www.ncls.org.au 20 Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes)
There are important challenges for churches to meaningfully engage young people with the gospel, to be relevant to them as a Christian community and to be truly open to the fresh energy and insights they bring. Here are several measures relating to young people in parishes of this region. Young people (15-19) who have been attending 5 years or more tracks young people who have grown up in the churches in this region. Young people who have been attending less than 5 years are those who are new to parishes in this region. There are also details of attendance patterns and satisfaction with activities offered. Survey results relating to Young Adult Retention Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % 3 2 3 2 2 1 Still attend this church 81 80 80 Attend another Catholic parish 11 8 9 Attend another denomination 1 1 1 Do not attend any church 9 11 11 Still attend this church 43 45 42 Attend another Catholic parish 14 10 10 Attend another denomination 2 1 2 Do not attend any church 41 39 45 48 44 43 33 26 29 29 26 26 42 54 42 35 35 36 1. How many of the parishes attenders are young people? How many of them are satisfied with the activities the parishes offer? 2. How do young people make a difference to the life of these parishes? 3. What opportunities and challenges does all this present to the mission and ministry of parishes? Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes)
Newcomers without a recent church background can keep churches dynamic and engaged. They represent effective connections between church and the wider community. Drawing people into a community of faith is important for reasons other than making local churches larger. It is harder for the Christian faith to be fostered outside a supportive Christian community. Survey results relating to Newcomers Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % Newcomers to church 3 1 2 2 2 1 Church attendance history 4 4 3 1 1 1 Transfers from other Catholic parishes 24 24 19 64 64 71 6 6 6 1 1 1 Length of attendance (in this parish) 8 9 7 10 9 7 15 13 12 14 15 14 18 18 19 29 30 34 1. What percentage of attenders arrived in the last five years? What is the significance of this for the parishes' mission and ministry? 2. What else can be done to attract newcomers? How could this be built on? 3. How are newcomers encouraged to make a difference to the life of the parishes in this region? Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes)
attendance change Attendance Change DETAILED Here is the pattern of attendance change for the parishes of this region. It is based on estimates supplied by the parish. Regional data was not available for this graph at time of printing. Overall change in the last five years: Engaging the Results Unknown Changes in average attendance may be the result of people entering or leaving the parishes, or attenders changing their frequency of attendance. It could be the result of internal parish dynamics, or an outcome of the wider community s relationship with parishes. Social and demographic changes over time in parishes' locale can also affect attendance. Do you see any links between the changes over time shown on page 7 of the Church Life Profile and the region s attendance trends? Look at Enriching Church Life pages 52 to 55 for some strategies that may assist in fostering growth. If attendance is growing: 1. What are the main sources of growth here? Why? 2. How are new arrivals helped to connect and participate at these parishes? 3. What impact is this growth having on long time attenders? Find out more: * Refer to p30 and p34 of Enriching Church Life * Use your NCLS Profile Number to see your full profile online - www.ncls.org.au If attendance is stable: 1. How is this a gospel community to which others will want to belong? 2. What activities are sources of energy in the life of these parishes? 3. How can you build on strengths of your parishes to bring greater life to other areas? If attendance is declining: 1. Are changes in the local communities affecting attendance? 2. How might the parishes resources and energy be used differently? 3. Should the parishes' vision and goals be reviewed? Archdiocese of Sydney, 2006 (TAS00000, 5078 forms, 17 parishes) 23
The People of Your Church DETAILED Each church is a community of people from many different backgrounds and circumstances. Looking at who goes to church also reveals the extent to which we are connecting with the many elements of Australian society. Adult Age Profile (15+ years) 22 20 18 16 14 % 12 10 8 6 4 Diocese in 2006 Diocese in 2001 Denom in 2006 Age Groups 15-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80+ Average Age % % % % % % % % Diocese in 2006 6 9 13 19 17 16 14 7 51 years 8 months Diocese in 2001 5 9 15 18 16 15 15 6 51 years 0 months Survey results relating to demographics of your people Gender Female Male Marital status Never married In first marriage Remarried In a defacto relationship Separated or divorced Widowed Highest educational qualification Primary/secondary school Trade certificate, diploma or associate diploma University degree Employment status Employed Full-time home duties/family responsibilities Unemployed Retired Country of birth (if not Australia) Born in English-speaking country Born in Non English-speaking country Note: Multiple employment options could be selected, so percentage may not add up to 100% Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % 60 61 61 40 39 39 24 21 16 57 60 63 4 4 5 1 1 1 5 5 5 9 9 10 43 50 52 22 22 21 35 28 27 53 53 46 9 12 11 3 3 3 25 28 34 7 5 8 35 33 26 24 Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes)
There are varying ways people are involved in parish life. Mass attenders vary in their regularity of attendance. Some are more involved than others through parish group activities, while others have a role in leadership and ministry. Survey results relating to how people are involved Change of frequency of Mass attendance in this parish Diocese Diocese Denom in 2006 in 2001 in 2006 % % % 27 N/A 24 8 N/A 9 65 N/A 67 24 23 30 Involved in small prayer, discussion or Bible study groups at this 11 9 12 parish Involved in clubs, social or other groups 14 13 19 Attenders who are Catholic 97 98 97 Attenders whose spouse or partner is a Catholic 58 62 61 Attenders who live in the parish 63 73 74 Attenders who accept the teaching authority of the Catholic Church With no difficulty 57 With some difficulty 34 51 37 57 34 With great difficulty 4 7 5 Do not accept 5 5 5 1. What for you is the most striking feature of this information about the people of the parishes in this region? What does this say to you? 2. Do you think the make up of the attenders (age, ethnicity, etc.) is similar to the make up of the wider community in this region? What implications does this have? 3. How are people involved in your parishes of this region and how does that affect the life of parishes? Denom in 2006 - The Catholic Church in Australia (TA000000, 65395 forms, 229 parishes)
Planning Options PLANNING NIN OPTIONS ONS STEP 1 YOUR PROFILE Having reviewed your Church Life Profile, the next step is to move from reflection to action. PLANNING OPTIONS Moving from reflection to action Choose from these options to develop plans that will assist you to move forward with confidence. Refer to the Enriching Church Life book and DVD for resources. OPTION 2 Reflection/Action Planning Process For churches to move directly from their NCLS Profiles to steps for action. Two sessions of 2-3 hours each. For churches that have recently completed a planning proces, are already pursuing a vision or are not able to begin a long planning process right now. Refer to Enriching Church Life pages 94 to 101 OPTION 1 Short Planning Session An introduction to the Church Life Profile suitable for any church. A single two-hour session. It is designed to encourage all attenders to reflect on the strengths they bring to ministry. We invite all churches to do this session. Go to next page OPTION 3 Comprehensive Planning Process For churches keen to develop a vision for the future and to develop action steps needed to bring this vision to reality. Four to six sessions. This process can help churches to rediscover their sense of purpose, to dream dreams, to cast a vision and to passionately pursue the vision to its fulfilment. Refer to Enriching Church Life pages 102 to 129 Using NCLS with Other Planning Resources: If your region already uses another planning process, the NCLS Profile can enhance that process. It provides an evaluation tool that complements the planning processes found in other resources. Refer to Enriching Church Life pages 130 to 133 26 Archdiocese of Sydney, 2006 (TAS00000, 5078 forms, 17 parishes)
A Short Planning Session (1½ - 2 hours): This brief planning session is designed to help a local parish engage the Church Life Profile and build on their strengths. It is a single session of 1 ½ - 2 hours. This process does not require an outside facilitator. It may be suitable for use in some contexts of regional planning. For more detail refer to pages 92-93 of Enriching Church Life. 1. Pray. Choose a reading, reflection, song or prayer that is appropriate for the parish. NCLS suggest praying with John 1010,...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 2. Present the Church Life Profile and explain the nine Core Qualities. See introductory PowerPoint on Enriching Church Life DVD or download from website - www.ncls.org.au 3. Nominate one Core Quality. NCLS recommends beginning with one of the strongest Qualities (page 5 of this Profile) or one of the Qualities that has shown significant growth over time (page 7). 4. Break into pairs or small groups and share a story of when this area of parish life has been life-giving for you. What were the factors that made it so? 5. Come back to the large group and report your findings on the factors that have made this area life-giving. The facilitator writes them up, linking common factors, which may be important sources of life for the parish. 6. Work out some practical next steps to build on this strength, either by developing this particular area or by using this strength to remove barriers in an area not as strong in parish life. Don t try to do too much, just name one or two next steps to further the life of the parish and outline who is going to do what over the next couple of months. 7. Arrange another gathering to hear how the implementation has gone, and perhaps to repeat this process with another Core Quality. Archdiocese of Sydney, 2006 (TAS00000, 5078 forms, 17 parishes)
Want to Update your Church Life Profile? You Choose When. You can order a follow-up Local Church Life Survey at a time that suits you. This practical evaluation tool is useful to: conduct regular reviews check your parish health and vitality assess the impact of plans that have been put into place take stock of major changes eg change of Mass times provide up-to-date information to new parish pastoral councils or parish priests Features include very fast return of results. updated 28 page Church Life Profile online results compare with your parish s previous results customisable comparisons available as often as you want Your parish results online www.ncls.org.au This Church Life Profile can be viewed on the NCLS website. To view this profile online or obtain it as a pdf document you will need to enter the profile number. 9BQHU7 At any time NCLS Research reserves the right to remove viewing access to any Church Life Profile. Archdiocese of Sydney, 2006 (TAS00000, 5078 forms, 17 parishes)