St Paul Parish Survey : Summary of Findings

1. St Paul Parish Survey: Summary of Findings • Averaging the ratings to the 34 questions that were asked gives an overall average “Excellent” rating of 33%, an overall average “Good” rating of 43%, and an overall average “Fair”/”Needs Improvement” rating of 24%* • Parishioners are most satisfied with the Celebration of Weekend MassesSpecial Masses/Ceremonies, Holy Seasons and Sacraments (overall), as well as our Clergy being effective communicators & ministers of the Gospel. Parishioners also feel the parish is doing an above-average job in making them aware of their responsibility to support the Parish financially. • These areas were rated by more than 80% of respondents and scored above average “Excellent” ratings, and below average “Fair”/”Needs Improvement” ratings *Note that this summary is based on a the web responses to the parish survey. While this is only a sub-set of the complete survey responses, our review concluded that there was very little statistical variance between the written & web responses. * When calculating percentages, those indicating “No opinion/NA” were excluded from the base so that ratings are based only on those who felt able to give an opinion.

2. Summary • The greatest opportunities for improvement include in the areas of Meeting the Needs of Youth/Young adults , Parish Volunteer Opportunities, Education on the Church’s Commitment to Social Justice, Music/Choir, and Quality of Sermons. • These areas were rated by at least 75% of respondents, and the parish scored belowaverage “Excellent” ratings, and aboveaverage “Fair”/”Needs Improvement” ratings. • There are several additional areas where there are opportunities for improvement, including more information with regard to parish offerings. These areas are: Religious Education (CCD, Elementary, High School), Parental Programs, the parish’s approach to Outreach ( Seniors and New/Lapsed Members), the Diminishing Number of Priests and Parish Finances. • Less than two-thirds of respondents gave an opinion on these areas, and among those rating, the parish scored at or below average “Excellent” ratings, and above average “Fair”/”Needs Improvement” ratings.

3. Summary • Parishioners were also given the opportunity to offer suggested improvements throughout the survey. • The largest number of suggestions were in the areas of Music and Sermons, which were spoken about in several parts of the survey. These are two areas were, for some, improvements will make the mass more relevant and inspiring, and better fulfill their spiritual needs. • A number also commented on the needs of families, including an improved CCD program, more/varied programs for youth/young adults, and the parish being more accommodating to the schedules of working parents and families with multiple children. • There were also a number of suggestions regarding increasing Volunteer Opportunities and being given more information on Parish/Church Outreach and commitment to Social Justice as well as Parish Committees/Finances.

4. Conclusion: What Makes a Happy Parishioner? • Based on the findings from this survey, a parishioner is happy if all or most of their needs are filled in these areas: We’ve identified these as some of the primary areas to focus on for this process. (added) You can also find more detailed findings by section in the pages that follow.

5. Celebration of Masses: Overall Ratings The parish is highly rated on overall Mass Celebration (weekend/daily, special masses/seasons) with more than 80% of those responding to each giving a rating of “excellent” or “good”, including about 40% or more giving a rating of “excellent”. • Note that just 53% gave an opinion on the celebration of daily mass. Improvements can be made in terms of Music and Quality of Homilies as just 26%-28% rated the parish “excellent” in these areas. • 32% said the Music/Choir is “fair” or “needs improvement” Areas of Improvement(number of responses) Overall Rating(among those answering each) % answering

6. Celebration of Sacraments: Overall Ratings The Celebration of Sacraments are rated well overall by those familiar with each. • Note that just 35% gave an opinion RCIA and training of Sacramental ministers, and just 45% gave an opinion on Weddings. Overall Rating(among those answering each) % answering

7. Parish Programs / Education: Overall Ratings Relative to the Celebration of Mass and the Sacraments, ratings are lower for Parish Programs/Education. The greatest opportunities for improvement are: • Parental programs: only 48% answered, indicating a lack of awareness of these programs. Among those who answered, 58% say the parish is “fair” or “needs improvement”. • Parish outreach to new/lapsed members: 58% of those answering say the parish is “fair” or “needs improvement” • Addressing the needs of youth and young adults: 50% of those answering say the parish is “fair” or “needs improvement” Overall Rating(among those answering each) % answering

8. Stewardship / Outreach : Overall Ratings Parishioners generally know of their financial responsibilities to the parish and feel they are meeting these responsibilities, and are also aware of the parish’s role in serving those in need. However, more can be done to get parishioners involved in the parish (volunteering their time/talents) and educated in the Church’s commitment to social justice. Overall Rating(among those answering each) % answering

9. Effective Administration: Overall Ratings Our Clergy is viewed as being effective communicators and ministers of the gospel. • Although as previously seen, there could be some improvement on homilies. There could be more information provided about parish finances/financial obligations. Less than half of respondents gave an opinion of the parish’s financial obligations and budget/reserve funds. Just one-third are aware that the parish has a finance council. There could also be more information provided regarding parish actions to address the diminishing number of priests. Overall Rating(among those answering each) % answering