INTO THE FUTURE

 

Into the Future is the diocesan process to plan for the future of our diocesan church.  The intention of this diocesan planning process is to:

 

The following is the Pastoral Council’s response to the data obtained through the in-pew survey which was conducted in May 2003 and sent to Bishop Gregory. 

 

 

Father Flach

 

 

INTO THE FUTURE

PARISH SURVEY RESULTS FORM

 

 

The purpose of this form is to record the major findings of the parish survey.  It is expected that each parish analyzes the survey data in greater detail than this form indicates.

 

Each parish keeps one copy of this form and sends another copy to the Chancery Office by September 30, 2003.

 

 

 

Parish          Ss. Peter & Paul                              City       Waterloo                             

 

 

A)     In analyzing your parish report, comparing it with the diocesan composite report, and studying the “Essential Characteristics of a Catholic Parish”, what are the three major strengths of your parish, as indicated by the survey?

 

1)      Our RCIA program is a strength of our parish.  The RCIA process has been used in the parish for the past six years.  During the past years a number of people have celebrated the Sacraments of Initiation.  The rites are celebrated at the Sunday liturgy and there are a number of parishioners involved with the process.  Sister Mary Essner, SSND, who is the Director of Christian Formation, coordinates the RCIA process.  The success of the process and the fact that the process is a strength for our parish is due to the dedicated and focused ministry of Sister Mary and the RCIA team.  The quality and strength of the RCIA or any other ministry can be realized through a concentrated effort to do a few things well rather than trying to do many things with less specific human resources.

2)      The traditional-styled worship space is a strength for many of our parishioners.  The interior design and decorations are pleasing for many parishioners and are a fitting setting in which to celebration the sacraments as significant events in the parishioners’ lives.  The space is conducive for participation in the Eucharist.

3)      Another strength in our parish is that new parishioners and visitors feel welcome.  Ss. Peter and Paul Parish is a welcoming community.  There is an organized process of welcoming new parishioners.  There are attempts to help people feel welcome at the weekend Masses.  Since this is a growing community, it is a concern of the parish leadership and the parishioners to make folks feel welcome.

 

B)      In analyzing your parish report, comparing it with the diocesan composite report, and studying the “Essential Characteristics of a Catholic Parish”, what are the three major areas of concern for your parish, as indicated by the survey?

 

1)      Even though the parish has been participating in the Diocesan Youth Initiative and there an establish Youth Ministry Commission, there is a lack of coordination of the various youth ministries and the lack of the financial resources to employ some one dedicated to this ministry.  There is also an inability to adequately convey the vision of youth ministry to the whole parish.  The parishioners are concerned about the youth, but for numerous reasons are not able to implement an effective youth ministry in the parish.

2)      The parish and school facilities are inadequate for this growing community.  There are presently three mobile classroom buildings being used.  There is no parish center and a small cafeteria that does not well accommodate the school lunch program nor parish dinners, meetings nor other parish activities and events.  There is inadequate playground space and parking.  There is also a lack of office space both for the school and the parish.  The church lacks a gathering space, adequate “cry-room” space and sufficient and handicapped accessible restrooms. 

3)      Another area of concern is the quality of our liturgical celebrations.  Even though there are very dedicated volunteer musicians, cantors, there is no choir director/organist/liturgist to coordinate the various liturgical ministries.  There is also a lack of planning and preparation amongst the celebrant, deacon, musicians, cantors and other liturgical ministers.  There is also a need to involve youth and children in the weekend liturgies.  There is also a concern about the quality of the homilies and the ability of the homily to touch the everyday lives of the worshippers. 

4)      Communications are also a source of concern.  There are numerous means of communicating, but the concern is, are they effective.

 

C)     It’s possible that the survey did not record some relevant factors about your parish.  If so, what other strengths of your parish do you wish to identify?

 

1)       The community is very family-oriented.  There are a large number of younger families making Waterloo their home, who dedicated a lot of their resources, time and energy to their families.

2)       Many residents of Waterloo and Monroe County are people of some financial means.

3)       Historically there has been a tremendous support for Ss. Peter and Paul School.

 

D)     It’s possible that the survey did not record some relevant factors about your parish.  If so, what other areas of concern do you wish to identify?

 

1)       The size of the parish.  The community is growing and with the limited human and financial resources it is difficult to meet the many needs of the parishioners.  At a larger parish, it is a challenge to create a sense of community and ownership of the parish mission and vision. 

2)      The recent scandals of priest sexual abuse of minors and subsequent “cover-ups” in the US Church have negatively impacted the Church in the United States. 

3)      The inability of the parish leadership to share a vision and create a sense of community and ownership.

4)      There are many major projects that the parish has encountered and will face – expansion of staff, stewardship and fund raising, the need to relocate the school and a capital campaign for a new school.

5)      There are many distractions (two-income households, sports and extra-curricular activities…) that compete with the parish and our mission.

 

E)     List any surprising factors that emerged from the demographic information the survey.

 

1)      There seems to a lack of enthusiasm in the parish for many issues as compared the enthusiasm in the diocese.

2)      In comparison with the other parishes of the diocese there is a lower sense of attachment in our parish.

3)      In comparison with the other parishes of the diocese the parishioners of Ss. Peter & Paul have a lower percentage of active involvement in the parish.

 

The need we face in the parish to create a sense of ownership and a shared vision.  The big question is how?

 

The analysis of the survey results was done by:  (please list groups, e.g. Pastoral Council, etc. and/or other individuals who also participated in this analysis)

     

      The Pastoral Council, the Pastor….

 

 

 

 

This INTO THE FUTURE Parish Survey Results Form is submitted by:

 

 

 

 

_________________________________________

 

 

Date: ___________