Why Demographic Survey?

 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 completed by doing a written survey collected at Mass.

Viability Metrics - The five metrics of viability are:

1. Evangelization metrics: Total confirmations, first communions, and faith formation participants.

2. Utilization metrics: Church utilization and capacity.

3. Staff Metrics: Staff count.  

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?