“Who are we?” … continued

Second Half of “Who Are We”

 The goal is to re-envision the parish family and how it will move forward.

Before the next set of Listening Sessions, which will occur after Easter, the Parish Family Advisory Council, PFAC, will be gathering and analyzing information regarding our Parish Family’s Demographics, Financial and Facilities metrics information. This information will be shared with the Parish Family before the Listening Sessions occur so participants can better answer the listening sessions questions.

To help assess the factors that will determine the effectiveness of a plan to fulfill the mission of the Church we need to complete a Parish Family Demographic Survey and look at five groups of key metrics that have been identified along with viability levels for each metric. Based on research, these groups of metrics help identify a parish family’s current state and its ability to sustain its operations into the future.

Demographics - Identify Who We Serve

An important starting point for discussions is to identify the people the parish family serves — both within the parish and within the wider community. The Demographic Survey will be accomplished by doing a written survey collected at Mass. Other demographic data may come from U. S. Census report and Archdiocesan data.

Viability Metrics - The five metrics of viability are:

1. Evangelization metrics: Total confirmations, first communions, and faith formation participants. The goal is to increase participants over time.

2. Utilization metrics: Church utilization and capacity. The general goal for a parish family is a utilization between 50% and 80%. Number of Sunday Masses per priest.

3. Staff Metrics: Staff count. A total staff count, along with the review of administrative, faith formation, and facilities roles, can help a parish family discuss whether their staff structure needs review or revision.

4. Capability to maintain buildings: Number of buildings and their current condition.  

5. Financial viability: Total Parish family income. 

Listening Session Questions - The questions that will be asked at the Listening Sessions are:

1. What challenges do you see that exist in the wider community?

2. What challenges do you see that exist in the parish?

3. What opportunities do you see (in our parish and in the wider community) to more effectively    serve and accompany others?