4,212 responses 1 2 Basic Demographics AGE GROUP (n=4,050) 21% 6 21% 21% 1 14% 7% 1% 11-13 14-17 18-20 21-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+ ETHNICITY (n=3,510) and GENDER (n=3,286) 6 of respondents are over 50 years of age Q3 Q10, Q9 10 89% 8 9 6 4% 2. 2.2% 0. 1.9% 1.1% 2% 4% Asian or 1% 1% Pacific White Black Hispanic Islander Asian or Native Prefer not White Black Hispanic Pacific Native American Prefer not to answer Islander American to answer CATHOLIC STATUS (n=3,324) 6 Female Male 6 Male Female Q8 87% of respondents converted to Catholicism Raised Catholic Converted to Catholicism (RCIA) No longer Catholic Never Catholic LANGUAGES SPOKEN AT HOME (n=3,510) Q11 BACKGROUND ON THE SURVEY AND ITS USE English Spanish Language Options % of Respondents 98. The parish planning survey was administered by parishes and schools between October and December 2015 in support of the Be Missionary Disciples planning process. The survey was designed to complement Archbishop William E. Lori s pastoral letter, A Light Brightly Visible: Lighting the Path to Missionary Discipleship, as a way to help understand how people would answer key questions laid out in the letter. The survey was not designed to achieve a statistically random or complete sample of respondents, so it will yield only partial and somewhat biased results. In this light, the results are meant to be used in conjunction with parish statistics and demographics to provide a more complete picture of challenges and opportunities to missionary discipleship and evangelization-based planning. A copy of the survey can be found online at www.bemissionarydisciples.org/planning/pastoral-planning-tools/. For more information on the survey or the Be Missionary Disciples planning process, contact the Daphne Daly, Director of the Office of Pastoral Planning at 410-547-5545 or Daphne.Daly@archbalt.org. 3.8% 1.2% 2.2%
Family Demographics MARITAL STATUS (n=3,328) 2 Q12 7 91% are married or have been married 8% 1% Married Widowed Divorced Single Unmarried, living together CHILDREN UNDER 18 IN HOUSEHOLD? (n=3,305) Q13 7 No children under 18 in household 2 Have children under 18 in household HOW DO YOUR CHILDREN RECEIVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION? (n=1,227) Parish-based (through 8th grade) 44% In home 39% Within Parish Catholic school 34% Catholic Youth Ministry (Middle or High) Outside of Parish religious ed. (through 8th grade) 4% formal programs 7% None of the above 4% Q# 9 8 7 6 5 3 82% 7 74% 71% 3 5 GREATEST CHALLENGES PASSING FAITH TO CHILDREN (n=967) Swimming against the tide in a society that does not value faith I do not feel prepared or knowledgeable enough about the faith Children are not interested enough No good opportunities to bring up faith matters I am not interested enough 54% 5 51% None of the above 38% 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1% 9% 1 FAITH ACTIVITIES WITH CHILDREN (n=4,535) 57% 3 5 6 7 1 - Attend Mass regularly 2 - Point out the many ways in which we are blessed 3 - Prepare them for sacraments 4 - Pray together as a family (bedtime, mealtime, etc.) 5 - Teach prayers, hymns 6 - Use Christ as the reference point for decision-making 7 - Enroll them in religious education classes 8 - Encourage participation in youth groups 9 - Enroll them in Catholic schools 10 - Read the Bible and spiritual reading together 11 -
Are we equipped to fulfill the great commission to make disciples of all nations? WILLINGNESS TO SHARE FAITH (n=3,279) 3 Q14 2 4 2 71% would proactively share their faith in some way Welcome the opportunity Be happy to share, but not debate Be willing to share, but only if asked Do not share, do not know enough about faith Do not share, faith is private Avoid the conversation None of the above HOW WOULD SOMEONE KNOW YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN? (n=9,775) Q15 Be kind, charitable, respectful, and forgiving to all Mention attending church in conversation Serve those in need Talk about God in my life Discuss words of Pope France or from Church Share faith through social media None of the above 2% 29% 4 4 7 8 3 5 6 7 8 9 WITH WHOM DO YOU TALK ABOUT FAITH? (n=8,509) Q16 Adult family members 77% Friends My children Co-workers, neighbors Strangers No one 71% 6 12% 79% 69% 38% Co- Workers Family Friends Children Strangers 6 No 8 One 10 GREATEST OBSTACLES TO SHARING FAITH? (n=5,521) 61% Q17 Don't want to push beliefs 39% Not knowledgeable enough 22% Not encouraged by society Afraid to offend, made fun of 12% s not interested 32% No good opportunities 2 Not interested 3 5 3 5 WHAT IS EVANGELIZATION? (n=6,857) Politically Correct Opportunistic Knowledge Q18 Bearing witness through way I live my life 64% Talking about God and Jesus 59% Sharing faith story 52% Trying to convert others Something preachers do on TV, street corners 14% 3 5 6 7
Do we personally have the qualities of mind, heart, and spirit to take up this task? RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS (n=3,163) and SPIRITUAL GROWTH (n=3,191) 4 Q21, Q22 Jesus at the center 2 Relationship, growing Practice, no relationship Relationship, but do not practice Spiritual, but do not practice Do not practice or feel spiritual 1 1% 5 3 78% are growing in their spiritual life 2% Growing steadily Growing slowly Neither Declining 3 5 6 Relationship AND Practicing Relationship OR Practicing Neither 4 FAITH ACTIVITIES (n=8,986) 10 Q23 8 6 9 44% 32% 42% 22% 3 4% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 - Prayer outside of Mass 2 - Reading/reflecting on scripture, writings, teachings 3 - Outreach to sick, needy,and grieving 4 - Devotions (rosary, novenas, wearing scapulars, etc.) 5 - Small groups, guided prayer, or spiritual direction 6 - Eucharistic adoration 7 - Charismatic prayer, lay ecclesiastical movements 8-9 - None FREQUENCY OF CATHOLIC ACTIVITIES (of those who participate) Q23 1 32% 8 Prayer (n=2,821) Devotions (n=1,327) Eucharistic Adoration (n=1,028) 7% 47% 4 Daily Weekly Few times a Month Few times a Year REASONS FOR NOT ATTENDING MASS AT MAIN PARISH (n=7,764) Q27 42% 3 3 2 31% 31% 1 21% 19% 12% 1 4% 2% 2% 2% 1% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 1 - Sports or other activities 2 - Don t feel I need to come to church every week 3 - Working or in school 4 - Also attend church elsewhere 5 - Church is becoming less relevant in my life 6 - Health problems or disability 7 - Spiritual needs are not being met here 8 - Divorce or marriage outside Church 9 - Poor preaching 10 - Parish is not welcoming 11 - Priest is not welcoming 12 - Lack of transportation 13 Lack of children s ministry 14 - Parish does not reflect my language/ethnic/cultural identity 15 - No special needs ministry 16 - Church not accessible 17 -
5 Parish-Life Demographics SELF-IDENTIFICATION (n=4,390) Q5 Parishioner 2% 87% 9% 9% 2% 3 Ministry Volunteer 2% 0. Regular attendee Regular Parish LeadershipParish (non-parishioner) Leadership Visitor Deacon Parishioner 88% Visitor Parish Ministry Staff Member Volunteer REGISTERED? (n=3,324) and FOR HOW LONG? (n=3,262) Parish Staff Member 2 Deacon Q4 91% 9% are not registered or don t know Registered 7% Not Registered Don t Know 27% 4 0-3 Years 4-9 Years 10-19 Years 20+ Years TRAVEL TIME TO PARISH (n=3,323) and ATTENDANCE (n=3,322) Q6, Q7 4 89% 84% travel less than 20 minutes 44% <10 minutes 10-20 minutes >20 minutes 20-30 minutes = 7. 30-45 minutes = 1. 45+ minutes = 0. 78% attend Mass at least once a week Daily Once a week or more 2-3 times a month Once a month Several times a year Seldom or Never Are our parishes ready to respond to the challenges of the mission in our times? (Part I) ARE VOCATIONS PROMOTED? (n=3,149) Q34 7% 69% 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 No Don t Know Yes MULTI-CULTURAL PARISH? (n=3,028) and if so, INTEGRATED? (n=965) Q36 5 Uncertain No 39% at least Somewhat 21% Yes 17% Somewhat 28% 28% 44% 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 The parish provides strong pastoral care and formation for multiple cultures, and multiple cultures are integrated into and reflect in the liturgical and ministerial life of the parish. The parish provides strong pastoral care and formation for multiple cultures, but they are liturgically and ministerially separate. The parish provides some pastoral care and formation for multiple cultures, but only one culture is reflected in the liturgical and ministerial life of the parish.
6 Are our parishes ready to respond to the challenges of the mission in our times? (Part II) PARISH INSPIRING (n=3,147) & WOULD RECOMMEND? (n=3,179) Q29, Q30 41% Absolutely! 78% Yes 6 9 27% are firmly inspired To some degree would recommend by their parish No their parish 2% Not at all 1% Very Likely Likely Undecided Unlikely Very Unlikely PARISH INSIGHTS (4 or 5 on 5-point scale) Q31, Q32, Q33 My spiritual needs are being met here (n=3,163) I feel like I am a valued member of this parish (n=3,160) Encouraged in spiritual growth by someone in the parish (n=3,129) 6 71% 8 7 6 5 3 6 PARISH ASPECTS: IMPORTANCE x SATISFACTION (4 or 5 on 5-point scale) IMPORTANCE 32% 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 WHERE COULD THE PARISH GIVE THE MOST SUPPORT? (n=7,402) Q35 22% 17% 14% 7% 7% 4% 2% 2% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 - Spiritual guidance and care 2 - Grief and loss 3 - Aging and care for the elderly 4 - Sickness and long-term health issues 5 - Parenting and care for the family 6 - Marital issues 7 - Depression or mental illness 8 - Education needs 9 - Separation/Divorce 11 - Addiction (substance abuse, gambling, pornography) 12 - Unemployment 13 - Lack of housing/food 14 - Access to healthcare 15 - Care for immigrant families 16 - Legal assistance 17 - Domestic violence 18 - Immigration assistance 19 - Prisoner re-entry 10 - LGBT support for individuals and families 20 - Q28 10 9 8 7 6 5 3 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 SATISFACTION Christ-centered parish Engaging homilies Feeling of warmth and welcome Holy, reverent worship experience Service-oriented parish Joy and excitement in parishioners Dynamic, lively worship experience Inspiring adult faith formation Engaging children's ministry Outstanding music Welcomes immigrant families Fun social gatherings Beautiful architecture and grounds Imp. Sat. Diff. 6 59% 7.7% 62% 47% 15.1% 58% 51% 6.9% 4 38% 8. 42% 44% -2. 62% 5 11.9% 51% 13.2% 41% 34% 6. 4 3 9.9% 34% 29% 4.9% 5 49% 3.9% 21% 4-25.2% 31% 3-5.4%
What decisions need to be made so we can marshal the resources the Lord has given us? TIME AND TALENT CONTRIBUTIONS (n=2,925) 7 Q37 3 are seeking to contribute but are not currently 2% 4 9% PERCEPTIONS OF GOD S GIFTS I regularly contribute I would like to but don t know how I would like to but I am too busy I don t contribute I don t feel like my contributions are welcome or appreciated Q38, Q39 I have thought about the gifts God has given me and how they might be used (n=2,981) 22% 4 3 I consider the time and talent I contribute to be a form of ministry (n=2,821) 22% 4 34% 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 Strongly Disagree Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree REASONS FOR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS (n=4,934) Q40 1 6 2 3 4 5 4% 2% 4 48% 1 - My contributions support the ongoing presence and work of this particular parish 2 - My contributions support the core mission of the Church to spread the Gospel, form disciples, and serve others 3 - It is my obligation as a Catholic to support the Church 4 - I cannot make financial contributions at this time, but would like to 5 - I do not make financial contributions 3 5 6 7 RATING OF PARISH S FINANCIAL HEALTH (n=3,020) Q41 4% 2% 17% 57% 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 Do not know Poor Fair Good Excellent RATING OF SIZE AND CONDITION OF PARISH FACILITIES Q42 2% 31% 6 92% 14% 9% 41% 7 8% 4% 42% 88% 51% 2 47% 3 72% Worship Space Fellowship Space Outdoor Areas Parking (n=4,212) (n=4,212) (n=4,212) (n=4,212) Size Condition Just Right Too Big Too Small Do not know Excellent Adequate Needs Attention Do not know
8 How can we reach out more dynamically to those who have left or are searching? REASONS WHY YOU THINK PEOPLE LEAVE THE CHURCH (n=7,838) Q19 Disagree with Church teachings on specific Not getting enough out of Mass/not being Gradual loss of interest Dissatisfied with atmosphere in church Clergy sex-abuse issue Spiritual needs not being met Not feeling welcomed No longer believe 1 1 1 2 41% 5 3 5 6 HOW TO HELP RECONNECT PEOPLE WITH THE FAITH? (n=10,827) Be open to their questions about the Church and its Let them know they are missed and always welcome Listen to their pains and concerns and accompany them in Offer a personal invitation to attend Mass with you Introduce them to your parish friends and/or pastor Pray for them Share why you remain a committed Catholic Invite them to parish social events 4% 28% 38% 38% 4 44% 5 78% Q20 3 5 6 7 8 9 Are there ways we can pull together as a Catholic community to proclaim the Gospel more effectively? WAYS TO COLLABORATE WITH ANOTHER PARISH? (n=8,013) Q43 6 5 5 3 3 29% 29% 1 19% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 - Service and outreach ministries 2 - Evangelization 3 - Youth ministry 4 - Young adult ministry 5 - Adult faith formation 6 - Religious education 7 - Sacramental preparation 8 - Parish and/or pastoral staff 9 - Music ministry 10-11 - Do not know
9 Youth Survey ETHNICITY (n=898) and GENDER (n=823) QY6, QY5 10 8 6 82% 91% White Black Hispanic Asian or Native Prefer not White Black Hispanic Pacific Native American Prefer not to answer Islander American to answer 1.4% Asian or Pacific Islander 2% 1% 2% LANGUAGES SPOKEN AT HOME (n=950) 5 52% Female Male 47% 48% Male Female QY7 Language % of Respondents English 99. Spanish 3.9% Options 2. 6.4% HOW DO YOU LEARN ABOUT YOUR FAITH? (n=1,379) QY8 In a Catholic school 4 In the home In a religious education program Youth Ministry program 41% 52% Outside of Parish Within Parish None of the above <1% 7 3 5 6 WHICH FAITH ACTIVITIES DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN? (n=3,694) QY9 6 64% 62% 62% 5 5 51% 3 3 3 28% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 DIRECTLY TALKING ABOUT FAITH (n=833) 1 - Attend Catholic school/religious education classes 2 - Attend Mass regularly 3 - Talk to God 4 - Prepare for sacraments 5 - Pray with my family 6 - Participate in service projects 7 - Make decisions based on my faith and religious beliefs 8 - Read the Bible or other religious writings 9 - Attend youth groups 10 - QY10 74% 19% 9 would share their faith in some way 7% If you were in a situation where speaking about God, Jesus Christ, or your personal faith seemed appropriate, you would Not have a problem doing it Do it, but only if I was with friends from church Not do it at all
Youth Survey MASS ATTENDANCE (n=857) 10 QY4 9% are not attending Mass weekly 5 5 12% Once a week or more 2-3 times a month Once a month Several times a year Seldom or Never REASONS FOR NOT ATTENDING MASS (n=1,963) 8 7 6 5 3 71% 42% 41% 21% 17% 8% 7% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 HOW DOES YOUR PARISH INSPIRE YOU? Does this parish inspire you to follow Jesus? Would you tell your friends to come to this parish? 1 - Sports or other activities 2 - If my family doesn t come 3 - Working or in school 4 - Lack of transportation 5 - Health problems or disability 6 - Don t feel I need to come to church every week 7 - Church is not that meaningful to me 8 - Don t feel like I belong 9 - QY15, QY16, QY17 Do you feel welcome and valued in this parish? QY14 4 (n=842) 3 Absolutely! Yes Sort of No Not at all 2 7% 35 % (n=838) 30 % 17% 79 % (n=841) Yes Sort of Not sure No