our lady of consolation 2013 parishioner survey results 2013 parishioner...5 comparison of 2006,...

March, 2014

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Presented in this document are the results of our 2013 Parishioner Survey. The survey was completed by 595 individuals. First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for all of the thoughtful answers, critiquing and suggestions that were submitted.

I also wish to thank all those who helped in the creation of this document. We had numerous volunteers inputting the raw survey data. Our analytical team was then able to evaluate the data and present it to you in this form. It was an enormous expenditure of time and analysis that took many, many weeks to complete.

The major decision we faced at the end of the process was whether to present to you the complete 20 page version of the report or merely a condensed version. In the end, I felt that since you took the time to share your thoughts and opinions with us, it was only fair that everyone be given the opportunity to view all of the results. We will use the information we have gathered to focus our attention on where we go from here and what goals we want to set for ourselves as we enter the second half century of our existence. We will use the survey data in a variety of ways to help chart our course and direction as we move forward.

Once again, thank you to those who participated in the survey and many thanks to all those responsible for the production of this report.

Sincerely,

Rev. Michael D. Lombardo Pastor

Our Lady of Consolation 2013

Parishioner Survey Results

2

Introduction

A survey of the members of OLC parish was conducted in June, 2013. This was the third survey conducted in the past several years. Prior surveys were conducted in 2009 and 2006. Respondents were asked about themselves and their attitudes on the following parish issues:

• Communication

• Stewardship

• Finances

• Parish Facilities

• Parish Services

• Prayer Life

• Adult Education

• Pastoral Ministry

The fundamental objectives of this survey were:

• To determine the current attitude of parishioners toward initiatives already underway.

• To assess current practices.

• To identify opportunities for development.

It is important to note that comparing data year by year in this environment has some uncertainty associated with it. This is not a controlled study in which the same parishioners participate from survey to survey. While it is clear that many of the same parishioners have participated each time, some number are new to each survey. Differences and anomalies may arise because we are surveying different subjects. Conclusions must be viewed in that light.

3

2013 Demographics

Responses were received from 595 individuals out of a total parish enrollment of approximately 1,900 individuals age 18 and over, a 31% rate of return, which is quite representative. Demographically, those respondents consisted of 58% females and 42% males. Of that number, 71% were married and 29% were single. Additional demographics are shown below.

Married Woman219

36.8%

Married Man202

33.9%

Widow61

10.3%Single Woman

477.9%

Single Man, 21, 3.5%

Divorced Woman, 18, 3.0%

Divorced Man, 14, 2.4%

Widower, 13, 2.2%

Other66

11.1%

WhoAre

You?

18-2532

5.4%

26-3931

5.2%

40-59217

36.5%

60 and over314

52.8%No Answer

10.2%

How Old Are You?

Yes154

25.9%

No438

73.6%

No Answer3

0.5%

Do You HaveSchool Age Children?

Yes485

81.5% No106

17.8%

No Answer4

0.7%

Are You Registered?

0 - 2 years23

3.9%

3 - 5 years42

7.1%

6-10 years74

12.4%

11 - 20 years113

19.0%

20+ years246

41.3%Not

Registered97

16.3%

How Long Have You Been Registered?

4

Comparison of 2006, 2009 and 2013 Survey Results

Demographics

There is little observed difference in the distribution of marital status. The 60 and over age group is increasing and concurrently the 26-39 and 40-59 age groups are decreasing. This in turn probably accounts for the decrease in the number of respondents with school age children.

75.2%

10.2% 9.8%4.8%

0.0%

67.9%

18.3%

7.7% 5.5%0.5%

70.8%

11.4% 12.4%

5.4%0.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Married Single Widowed Divorced No Answer

What is your Marital Status?

2006 (694 Respondents)



0.0%3.9%

11.4%

39.3%

44.8%

0.6%4.6%

7.0%10.1%

42.8%

33.8%

1.6%0.0%

5.4% 5.2%

36.5%

52.8%

0.2%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Under 18 18 - 25 26 - 39 40 - 59 60+ No Answer

How Old Are You?




31.4%

68.6%

0.0%

37.6%

62.4%

0.0%

25.9%

73.6%

0.5%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Yes No No Answer

Do You Have School Age Children?

2006 (722 Respondents)2009 (739 Respondents)2013 (595 Respondents)

5


Demographics (continued) The number of respondents that are registered has been relatively consistent over the period, ranging from a high of 85.5% to a low of 81.5%. Although consistent, it does show a significant number of respondents that are not registered.

82.0%

18.0%

0.0%

85.5%

14.5%

0.0%

81.5%

17.8%

0.7%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Yes No No Answer

Are you Registered?




8.9%10.2% 10.1%

14.4%

40.8%

15.6%

8.3%

14.2%

18.3%19.2%

29.1%

11.0%

3.9%

7.1%

12.4%

19.0%

41.3%

16.3%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

0 - 2 years 3 - 5 years 6 - 10 years 11 - 20 years 20+ years No Answer

How Long Have You Been Registered?




6

2013 Communication

When asked how they remain informed about parish life 87% of respondents reported they read the parish bulletin on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

While the bulletin is the main source of information, parishioners also rely on a variety of other sources.

When asked what they would like to know more about, parishioners mentioned parish activities, finances and ministries or volunteer opportunities.

Although some respondents expressed satisfaction with the current communication efforts, such as the “robo calls”, an equivalent number thought the website should be enhanced with more up-to-date schedules and alerts for parish events. An even larger number of respondents suggested that communications would be improved by wider use of social media such as: E-Mail Blasts, Facebook, Twitter and texting. Finally, parishioners asked that the parish center telephone system directory be updated and requested that upcoming Holy Days be included as part of the weekday Mass schedule.

Parish Information Sources # of

Respondents Using Source

Bulletin 496 Pulpit Announcements 381 Parish Magazine 45 Parish Website 49 Discussions with Other Parishioners 134 Facebook, Twitter, E-mail 29 Notes from CCD 44 No Answer 17

No Answer102%

Always (every week)

39566%

Sometimes (about twice

a month)12221%

Seldom (several

times a year)508%Never

183%

How Often Do You Read the Bulletin?

7

2013 Stewardship

Stewardship, sharing Time, Talent, and Treasure, is viewed as important to the mission of the Church by 88% of the responding parishioners. Additionally, parishioners have observed that the parish has grown in our commitment to stewardship within the last five years.

No Answer60

10%

Stewardship is very important and necessary to carry on the

Church's mission and in

my life and personal growth

38464%

I recognize its importance, but struggle with it

14124%

I believe it is not applicable in my

life102%

How Do You Feel about the Concept of Stewardship (Time, Talent, Treasure)?

No Answer89

15%

Significant Change

27947%

Some Change19232%

Little Change356%

How would you rate our parish growth in Stewardship as compared to

five years ago?

8

2013 Stewardship (continued)

Of the 333 respondents who completed stewardship forms, 248 or 74%, felt the parish was effective in responding to their input; 85 or 26% did not, i.e., they were never contacted. Additionally, of the 595 survey respondents, 136 or 23%, did not complete a form at all. Further, 126 or 21% did not answer the question; it is possible that some number of these respondents also did not complete the form.

Forty-two percent of respondents are actively involved in Parish Life and a majority of those are involved in more than one organization and/or ministry. Those who are not actively involved in stewardship offered several reasons for their disengagement. Predominantly, they cite a lack of time or health and aging issues. Others claimed they either did not receive a stewardship form, or if they did, they did not turn it in, or if they turned it in, they were never contacted.

No Answer12621%

Very effective (I was

contacted soon after the stewardship

renewal)16127%

Somewhat effective (I

was eventually contacted)

8715%

Not effective (I have not been

contacted)85

14%

I did not complete the

annual stewardship

forms 13623%

After you completed and handed in your stewardship forms during the annual

renewal (Time, Talent and Treasure) how effective do you feel the parish was at

contacting you?

Do not actively participate in

any parish organization or

ministry but attend Mass

regularly29550%

Involved in several parish organizations

and/or ministries

13523%

Active in one organization or

ministry11519% No Answer

315%

Do not attend Mass regularly or participate

in any organization

193%

How Involved are You in Parish Life?

9

2013 Finances

One important aspect of Stewardship is shared Treasure. The vast majority of parishioners view the financial condition of the parish as ranging from sufficient (Bills paid and debt reduced) to being able to pay bills, reduce debt, and set aside funds; even though the weekly bulletin has reflected declines in the weekly collection over the past several years. It is the perception of 77% of survey respondents that the parish is solvent.

Fund Raising

Relatedly, it is also the case that parishioners are comfortable with the extent of fund-raising endeavors carried out on behalf of the Parish.

No Answer81

14%

We are able to pay our

operating bills, reduce our

outstanding debt, and put

money aside to maintain the

church building and grounds

19833%

We have sufficient funds to pay operating

bills and the minimum required

payments on our outstanding

debt.26344%

We barely have enough to pay our operating

bills417%

We are having difficulty paying our operating

bills122%

What is your perception of our current parish financial situation?

No Answer78

13%

About Right44875%

Could do more

5610%

Too many132%

How do you feel about the number of fundraising activities in the parish for

the Youth Program?

No Answer71

12%

About Right41470%

Could do more10317%

Too many7

1%


Parish Events?

No Answer73

12%

About Right41770%

Could do more

9716%

Too many8

2%


Special Events?

10


Stewardship and Finances

The number of respondents who consider the Stewardship concept very important increased over the period of 2006 through 2013. During the same time period, those who feel it important but struggle with it decreased. However, they continue to be a sizable proportion of the parish (23%). Those who consider stewardship not applicable to them was down from 2006 through 2013. Finally, there was a slight uptick in those not answering at all.

Respondents who thought the parish was very effective in contacting them increased from 2006 to 2009 however it then trended downward in 2013. Those who thought the parish was somewhat effective followed the same pattern of rising from 2006 to 2009 and then falling in 2013. Relatedly, those who found stewardship follow-up ineffective almost doubled. The number of respondents who did not complete the form has not changed significantly over the period; those not answering the question has decreased.

48.1%

39.5%

5.4% 7.1%

57.8%

32.9%

1.6%

7.7%

64.5%

23.7%

1.7%

10.1%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Stewardship is very important and necessary to

carry on the Church's mission and in my life and

personal growth

I recognize its importance, but struggle with it

I believe it is not applicable in my life

No Answer

How Do You Feel about the Concept of Stewardship(Time, Talent, Treasure)?


24.9%

16.8%

7.6%

20.5%

30.2%32.5%

18.9%

8.4%

19.2%21.0%

27.1%

14.6% 14.3%

22.9%21.2%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Very effective (I was contacted soon after

the stewardship renewal)

Somewhat effective (I was eventually

contacted)

Not effective (I have not been contacted)

I did not complete the annual stewardship

forms

No Answer

After you completed and handed in your stewardship forms during the annual renewal (Time, Talent and Treasure) how effective do you feel the

parish was at contacting you?

2006 (722 Respondents)2009 (739Respondents)2013 (595 Respondents)

11


Stewardship and Finances (continued)

The percentage of respondents involved in one or more organizations or ministries increased from 2006 to 2009, and decreased insignificantly in 2013. Those not involved in any organizations or ministries but who attended Mass regularly represented the largest percentage of respondents in each year.

A large majority of respondents in each year felt that the parish had sufficient funds to pay operating bills and the minimum required for debt payments. This percentage was extremely consistent across all three years. More respondents believe we are financially sound than do not. The percentage of respondents not answering the questions has decreased each year.

16.4% 15.8%

57.0%

4.0%6.8%

22.1% 23.3%

48.6%

2.7% 3.4%

22.7%19.3%

49.6%

3.2%5.2%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Involved in several parish organizations

and/or ministries

Active in one organization or

ministry

Do not actively participate in any

parish organization or ministry but attend

Mass regularly

Do not attend Mass regularly or participate

in any organization

No Answer

How Involved are You in Parish Life?


27.7%

44.6%

6.1%

0.7%

20.9%21.8%

44.1%

13.0%

3.4%

17.7%

33.3%

44.2%

6.9%

2.0%

13.6%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

We are able to pay our operating bills, reduce our outstanding debt,

and put money aside to maintain the church

building and grounds

We have sufficient funds to pay operating bills

and the minimum required payments on our outstanding debt.

We barely have enough to pay our operating bills

We are having difficulty paying our operating

bills

No Answer

What is your perception of our current parish financial situation?


12

2013 Parish Facilities

Services require appropriate facilities for effective operations. Parishioners were asked to rate the existing parish facilities on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being poor and 4 being excellent.

Although the ratings were high as the respondents evaluated our facilities, their comments reflected widespread agreement that our buildings, while well maintained, are badly in need of repair and renovation.

4 3 2 1 No Answer

# of Respondents 170 341 56 0 28Percentage 29% 57% 9% 0% 5%

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

# of

Res

pond

ents

Church Building

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

# of

Res

pond

ents

School Building

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

# of

Res

pond

ents

Parish Center Building

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

# of

Res

pond

ents

Parish Grounds

13

2013 Parish Services

The Parish provides services tailored to the needs of a variety of constituencies. The ability to serve the needs of these groups was rated by parishioners on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being poor and 4 being excellent.

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

100

200

300

400

500

# of

Res

pond

ents

Youth

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

# of

Res

pond

ents

Single Adults

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

# of

Res

pond

ents

Families

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

# of

Res

pond

ents

Couples

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

# of

Res

pond

ents

Senior Citizens

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

# of

Res

pond

ents

Parishioners of Other Faiths

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

# of

Res

pond

ents

Persons with Disabilities

14

2013 Prayer Life

When asked what activities were or would be helpful to them in their prayer life, respondents indicated a number of activities as indicated below.

Statistics were also gathered from respondents with regard to Mass attendance and Mass preferences as indicated in the following graph and tables.

No Answer58

10%

Yes17429%

No35159%

Sometimes122%

Do you attend weekday Mass?

Mass Attended Regularly # of

Respondents Attending

Saturday 5:00 pm 186

Sunday 8:00 am 116

Sunday 10:00 am 159

Sunday 12:00 noon 148

No Answer 24

Christmas Mass Preferred # of

Respondents Attending

Christmas Eve 4:00 pm 156 Christmas Eve 6:00 pm 103 Christmas Eve 11:00 pm 91 Christmas Day 8:00 am 95 Christmas Day 10:00 am 108 Christmas Day 12:00 noon 85 No Answer 68

Activities Helpful to Prayer Life

# of Respondents

Interested Retreats for Adults 154 Retreats for Youth 53 Parish Mission 85 Adoration 95 Adult Education 170 Other 27 No Answer 205

15

2013 Prayer Life

Celebration of the Mass

The ratings were based on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being poor and 4 being excellent.

A number of factors contribute to the spiritual environment provided by the Church before, during and after the liturgical celebrations. Based upon the ratings shown on the charts, it can be concluded that the members of OLC parish consider the spiritual atmosphere of the parish to be very supportive of their participation in the worship of the Lord.

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

100

200

300

400

500

# of

Res

pond

ents

Atmosphere for Prayer (Before & During Mass)

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

100

200

300

400

500

# of

Res

pond

ents

Ushers/Greeters

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

100

200

300

400

500

# of

Res

pond

ents

Appearance of Church

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

100

200

300

400

500

# of

Res

pond

ents

Sound System

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

100

200

300

400

500

# of

Res

pond

ents

Lectors

16

2013 Prayer Life

Celebration of the Mass (continued)

The ratings were based on the same scale of 1 to 4.

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

100

200

300

400

500

# of

Res

pond

ents

Homilies

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

100

200

300

400

500

# of

Res

pond

ents

Offertory (Procession of Gifts)

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

100

200

300

400

500

# of

Res

pond

ents

Music

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

100

200

300

400

500

# of

Res

pond

ents

Children's Liturgy of the Word

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

100

200

300

400

500

# of

Res

pond

ents

Hospitality After Mass

17

2013 Adult Education

No Answer24441% Yes

20634%

No12321%

Somewhat224%

Do you feel knowledgeable enough to discuss your Catholic Faith with others

(to evangelize)?

Of the 220 respondents who would attend adult education sessions, the most proposed topics are:

• Bible/Guided Study/Interpretation/Relate to modern life • History of the Church • Faith in the Modern World

No Answer10718%

Yes22037%

No26845%

Would you attend adult education sessions or scripture study sessions at

our parish?

18

2013 Pastoral Ministry

Effectiveness of the Pastor/Pastoral Associate

73% of parishioners expressed the view that the Pastor and Pastoral Associate are always to very accessible with their involvement equally divided among hospital visits, comforting parishioners, welcoming new parishioners and helping struggling parishioners


4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

# of

Res

pond

ents

Visiting Parishioners in Hospitals

4 3 2 1 No Answer


050

100150200250300350

# of

Res

pond

ents

Comforting Parishioners Who Have Health Crisis or Death in the Family

4 3 2 1 No Answer


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

# of

Res

pond

ents

Welcoming New Parishioners

4 3 2 1 No Answer


050

100150200250300350

# of

Res

pond

ents

Helping Parishioners Who Struggle in their Lives

No Answer99

16.6%

Always accessible

20133.8%

Very accessible231

38.8%

Somewhat accessible

538.9%

Not Very accessible

111.8%

Not At All accessible

00.0%

In your opinion, how accessible is thepastor/pastoral associate at our parish?

19

2013 Pastoral Ministry

Effectiveness of the Parish Center Office Staff

Respondents reported that the parish office staff should be rated highly effective in terms of courtesy, helpfulness, knowledge, compassion and availability


4 3 2 1 No Answer


050

100150200250300350400

# of

Res

pond

ents

Courteous

4 3 2 1 No Answer


050

100150200250300350400

# of

Res

pond

ents

Available

4 3 2 1 No Answer


050

100150200250300350400

# of

Res

pond

ents

Knowledgeable

4 3 2 1 No Answer


050

100150200250300350400

# of

Res

pond

ents

Helpful

4 3 2 1 No Answer


050

100150200250300350400

# of

Res

pond

ents

Compassionate

4 3 2 1 No Answer


050

100150200250300350400

# of

Res

pond

ents

Other

20

Conclusion

This survey has revealed some matters that should be addressed. Some can be dealt with quickly; others will require additional focus and investigation. Fr. Michael will decide which topics are to be pursued and the people and/or organizations that will be responsible for them. The time frame for each assignment will be determined as the task is investigated and a plan for its accomplishment is delineated.

Among the points of interest to be considered are:

• Demographics • We are increasing in average age and diminishing in youthful

parishioners.

• Communication • Provide parishioners with more information about parish activities and

ministries or volunteer opportunities. • The need for ongoing and more immediate electronic communications,

including but not limited to e-mail, Web site, Facebook, Twitter and texting. • Maintenance of the Parish Center telephone system.

• Stewardship

• The large number of parish families who do not complete the stewardship form.

• The increasing number of people who complete the Stewardship form but are not contacted.

• Increase the number of parishioners who are involved in Parish life.

• Finances • Provide parishioners with more information regarding the financial matters

of the parish.

• Adult Education

• Pursue topics raised by respondents

• Comments

• Every respondent comment has been digitized and printed. Fr. Michael and Sr. Arlene are each in receipt of a full set and they will determine future action, aside from those listed above, where necessary. Further, comments which pertain to a particular ministry will be referred via the Stewardship Council to the ministry chair so appropriate steps may be considered.

As the activities associated with this survey are completed, it is an opportune time to initiate a full scale review and analysis of the entire process and results. Recommendations for subsequent surveys will be documented for future reference.

our lady of consolation 2013 parishioner survey results 2013 parishioner...5 comparison of 2006,...

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