Views from the Pews: Parishioner Evaluations of Parish ... · Three-fourths of those in the pews (74 percent) say they have been active Catholics since birth. Eleven percent were

A joint project of five Catholic national

ministry organizations funded by Lilly

Endowment Inc. Research conducted by

the Center for Applied Research in the

Apostolate

Views from the

Pews: Parishioner

Evaluations of

Parish Life in the

United States

Mark M. Gray, Ph.D. Mary L. Gautier, Ph.D.

Melissa A. Cidade, M.A. March 2013

This project is the work of five Catholic national ministerial organizations collaborating on sustaining the

pastoral excellence of the emerging models of pastoral leadership in the Catholic Church. These

organizations believe that, at this time, the life of the Catholic Church depends on ongoing and sustained

collaboration at all levels. Their vision is for a more fully collaborative, competent, and mission-focused

pastoral leadership, strengthened in their service to parish communities at all levels. These organizations

have researched marks of excellence for vibrant parishes and are committed to providing research and

dialogue with pastoral leadership in pursuing this excellence. In order to create a climate in which much

needed research, theological reflection, and practical transforming action can take place, this Project has

set three goals: 1) To provide solid research on the emerging models of parish pastoral leadership; 2) To

stimulate a national conversation about the use of pastoral imagination to create vibrant parishes; and 3)

To explore ways in which national associations can collaborate to serve the Church.

Funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The Emerging Models Project is made possible by the generosity of Lilly Endowment

Inc., which established its “Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Grant Program” in 2002.

This program was designed to provide funding to organizations that would establish

projects to enhance pastoral leadership in parishes and congregations across the

country. As a result of being selected to participate, the Emerging Models Project has

been able to provide national support by sharing ideas for enhancing parish life with

our constituencies and with parishes and dioceses across the country.

Research conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA)

CARA is a national, non-profit, Georgetown University affiliated research center that

conducts social scientific studies about the Catholic Church. Founded in 1964, CARA

has three major dimensions to its mission: to increase the Church's self-understanding,

to serve the applied research needs of Church decision-makers, to advance scholarly

research on religion, particularly Catholicism. CARA’s longstanding policy is to let

research findings stand on their own and never take an advocacy position or go into

areas outside its social science competence. ©2013 National Association for Lay Ministry (NALM), Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership Project. No portion may be duplicated or copied without expressed written consent. For information contact: National Association for Lay Ministry, 415 Michigan Avenue, NE, Suite 40, Washington, DC 20017, 202-636-3899.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary .......................................................................................................................1

Major Findings ...............................................................................................................................1

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................4

Major Sub-group Definitions ...........................................................................................................6

Background: Diminishing Numbers of Resident Priest Pastors ......................................................7

Part I: Profile of Parishioners Surveyed In-pew .........................................................................9

Part II: Evaluations of Parish Life .............................................................................................16

Aspects of Parish Life ....................................................................................................................16

Evaluations of Parish Leadership and Ministries ..........................................................................19

Evaluations of Parish Staffing and Finances .................................................................................24

Encouragement of Ministry ...........................................................................................................27

Evaluations of Parish Changes.......................................................................................................30

Evaluations of Future Parish Priorities ..........................................................................................34

What Attracts Parishioners to the Parish .......................................................................................38

Appendix I: Sub-group Data Tables for Parishioners’ Evaluations .......................................45

Appendix II: Questionnaires .....................................................................................................115

1

Views from the Pews: Parishioner Evaluations

of Parish Life in the United States

Executive Summary

In 2009, the Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership project, a Lilly Endowment Inc.

funded collaboration of five Catholic national ministerial organizations, commissioned the

Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University to conduct a

series of surveys in parishes nationwide. The first of these was a single informant survey sent to

parishes to develop a portrait of parish life in the United States today. The second survey

included responses from a national sample of parish leaders (i.e., parish staff, finance and

pastoral council members, other parish leaders; paid and volunteer; those in pastoral ministry and

those with other duties). These surveys have been the focus of two previous reports. The third

survey, the focus of this report, was conducted in 2011 and 2012 and includes responses from

14,437 parishioners surveyed in-pew.

Major Findings

Overall, 58 percent of parishioners surveyed in pew rate their overall satisfaction with

their parish as “excellent” (94 percent rate this as “good” or “excellent”).

Parishioners are most likely to evaluate the following as “excellent” in their parish:

celebration of the Sacraments (70 percent), hospitality and sense of welcome to all (62

percent), and promoting important Church teachings and causes (61 percent).

More than seven in ten parishioners say that their parish should give “very much” priority

to the following: celebration of the Sacraments (80 percent), Masses and liturgies (76

percent), hospitality and a sense of welcome to all (71 percent), and promoting important

Church teachings and causes (71 percent)

Parishioners are more positive about their parishes than those who are in ministry or

volunteering for the parish (i.e., as measured by CARA’s surveys of parish leaders in

phase two of the Emerging Models project).

Generally, parishioners in larger parishes are more positive about many aspects of parish

life than those in smaller parishes. This may be related to these larger parishes having

more resources, programs, and ministry that serve the needs many in the parish.

More than six in ten parishioners say the following “very much” attract them to their

parish: its open, welcoming spirit (67 percent), the quality of the liturgy (63 percent), the

quality of the preaching (63 percent), and the sense of belonging they feel there (62

percent).

2

Parishioners in consolidated parishes are less likely than those in other parishes to

evaluate their parish as excellent for Masses and liturgies, the celebration of the

sacraments, efforts to educate parishioners in the faith, and spreading the Gospel and

evangelizing. Yet, parishioners in consolidated parishes are among the most likely to say

their parish is “excellent” in its hospitality and sense of welcome to all.

Parishioners in parishes entrusted to a PLC are slightly less likely to consider the ministry

or leadership of their PLC as “excellent” compared to parishioners in other parishes

evaluating their pastor on these same attributes. PLC parish parishioners are also slightly

less likely than those in other parishes to consider aspects of sacramental preparation as

“excellent” in their parish. This may be related to fewer priests being available in these

parishes outside of Mass. However, parishioners in PLC parishes are just as likely as

those in other parishes to say they are “very much” attracted to their parish by the quality

of the liturgy and the quality of the preaching.

A majority of parishioners (55 percent) “strongly agree” that they would feel comfortable

talking to their pastor or PLC (92 percent “strongly agree” or “agree”). Yet, only 18

percent “strongly agree” that they feel they have a role in the decision making of the

parish. Parishioners in PLC parishes are among the most likely to “strongly agree” that

they have a role in this decision making (24 percent).

Half of parishioners (49 percent) “strongly agree” that they feel invited and encouraged

to participate in parish ministry. One in four (25 percent) say “strongly agree” that they

are interested in being more involved in the ministry of the parish. Parishioners in PLC

parishes are among the most likely to “strongly agree” that they are interested in this (29

percent).

Nearly half of parishioners (48 percent) “strongly agree” that their parish has undergone

significant changes in the last five years. Yet, only 18 percent “strongly agree” that things

were better in their parish five years ago. Parishioners in consolidated parishes are among

the most likely to agree “very much” that things were better in their parish five years ago

(24 percent).

Majorities of parishioners “strongly agree” that they are comfortable with the increasing

racial and ethnic diversity of their parish (53 percent) and that having people of different

cultural backgrounds enriches their parish (59 percent).

Fifteen percent of parishioners say the primary language they use at home is something

other than English.

The median age of the teens and adults surveyed in the pews is 52. The most numerous

generational group, representing 39 percent of the teens and adults in the pews, are those

who were born 1961 to 1981, the Post-Vatican II Generation or in secular terms

Generation X.

3

Three-fourths of those in the pews (74 percent) say they have been active Catholics since

birth. Eleven percent were raised Catholic and left the faith for a time and have now

returned to the Church (e.g., “reverts”). Eleven percent were not raised Catholic and

joined the Catholic Church as an adult. Two percent describe themselves as “inactive

Catholics,” and another 2 percent are non-Catholic.

Eight in ten parishioners (79 percent) are registered with their parish. This is less

common in PLC parishes (61 percent), among those of the Millennial Generation (54

percent; i.e., those born after 1981), among Asian or Pacific Islander parishioners (62

percent), and among Hispanic/Latino parishioners (62 percent).

More than a third of parishioners (35 percent) say they drive by a parish closer to their

home to attend Mass in the parish where they were surveyed. This is most common

among African American parishioners (53 percent) as well as among Asian or Pacific

Islander (48 percent) and Hispanic/Latino (47 percent) parishioners.

4

Introduction

In 2009, the Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership project, a Lilly Endowment Inc.

funded collaboration of five Catholic national ministerial organizations, commissioned the

Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University to conduct a

series of three surveys in parishes nationwide. The first of these was a single informant survey

sent to parishes to develop a portrait of parish life in the United States today. This was followed

by surveys of parish leaders in a sub-sample of these parishes as well as in-pew surveys with

their parishioners.

The parish survey is based on a partially stratified random sample of 5,549 U.S. parishes.

The stratification of the first 3,500 parishes sampled was based on weighting by the

arch/diocesan averages of the percentage of the Catholic population and the percentage of the

number of Catholic parishes in the United States in each arch/diocese as reported in The Official

Catholic Directory (OCD). This stratification ensured that parishes representing the full Catholic

population were included rather than a sample dominated by areas where there are many small

parishes with comparatively small Catholic populations. CARA also sampled an additional 2,049

parishes using simple random sampling. These parishes were selected to ensure that the survey

included at least 800 responses. Following a series of reminders and a field period spanning from

March 2010 to December 2010, a total of 846 parishes responded to the survey for a response

rate of 15.3 percent. The margin of sampling error for the survey is ±3.3 percentage points.

The second survey for the project included responses from 532 parish leaders (e.g., parish

staff, finance and pastoral council members, other parish leaders) in 246 of the parishes from the

first survey (margin of sampling error of ±4.2 percentage points). This survey was in the field

from May 2011 to April 2012. Parish leaders include all staff—ministry and non-ministry, paid

or volunteer—in the parish as well as all parish finance council members, pastoral council

members, and up to ten other individuals identified by the pastor or parish life coordinator (a

deacon or lay person entrusted with the pastoral care of a parish under Canon 517.2) “who

exhibit leadership in the parish community.”

These parish leaders were drawn from a subset of parishes completing the phase one

survey as well as in-pew surveys of parishioners for the overall project. Additionally, a random

sample of 930 parish leaders, identified by their pastors and parish life coordinators from the first

phase, were also invited to respond. Another 100 pastors and parish life coordinators from the

first survey were asked to distribute surveys to all of their parish finance council members. It is

not possible to calculate a response rate for this sample as we cannot be certain how many

finance council members were given the survey. As an estimate, it is likely that no more than

2,500 parish leaders in total were invited to take the survey.

The third survey for the project, summarized in this report, was conducted in parts of

2011 and 2012 and includes 14,437 parishioners surveyed in-pew in a subset of 23 parishes

randomly selected from the first phase. All parishes were guaranteed anonymity within the

5

project as part of their agreement to participate.1 Stratified random selection was used to select a

sample of 70 parishes to ensure geographic variability and the inclusion of oversamples for

Emerging Models type parishes (i.e., multicultural, PLC, MPM, and consolidated). Additionally,

five parishes were selected by the partners to represent specific parish types. Thus, in total, 75

parishes were chosen for potential participation in the third phase and 65 were invited by the

time data collection ended. Five refused to participate and ten uninvited parishes were held in

reserve at the time data collection ceased. Thirty-five percent of the 65 invited parishes (i.e., 23

parishes) participated in the project. Another 35 percent verbally agreed to participate in the third

phase of the project but did not follow through with all of the steps required by the time data

collection for the study was ended. The most common reasons cited for an inability to participate

before the deadline were related to scheduling issues.2 Many parishes refused to consider or

schedule surveys during Lent or Advent and CARA also faced some resistance for scheduling

during summer months. The remaining 14 invited parishes (22 percent of the sample) either did

not come to an agreement to participate (without declining) or did not respond with a decision by

the cut-off after repeated invitations to participate.

The framework for the research was loosely based on the Notre Dame Study of Catholic

Life conducted in the 1980s. This research had included surveys in 36 parishes. The Notre Dame

study evolved over seven years, whereas the parish research for Emerging Models was

completed in two years. The partners instructed CARA to cut-off data collection from in-pew

surveys in the fall of 2012.

It is not possible to calculate a margin of error for the in-pew surveys as these are not

randomly selected Catholic Mass attenders nationally and are instead all Mass attending,

participating adults and teens in the pews at an Emerging Models study parish on a given

Sunday. However, as a rule of thumb consistent with statistical inference using survey data, we

use a difference of greater than ±6 percentage points between sub-groups to establish an

indication of a real difference in the population.

Geographically, seven of the parishes were located in the Northeast, three in the Midwest,

seven in the South, and six in the West. This distribution is similar to the percentages of the U.S.

Catholic population residing in each region within 3 percentage points or less with the exception

of the Midwest, which has 13 percent of the parishes in phase three but 21 percent of the adult

Catholic population according to the most recent CARA Catholic Poll (Sept. 2012).

The average number of in-pew respondents in parishes was 628. The largest parish

included 2,508 respondents and the smallest 68. For purposes of analysis by parish size we

analyze the following sub-groups: (a) those in parishes with 250 or fewer responses, (b) 251 to

400 responses, (c) 401 to 999 responses, and (d) 1,000 or more responses.

Where possible, this report makes comparisons to CARA Parish Surveys. These represent

in-pew surveys conducted by CARA in 788 parishes in recent years including surveys completed

1 As an additional incentive, parishes were provided with a summary report of findings for their parish only. Given anonymity as well these reports were only provided to the parish pastor or PLC. 2 Other issues included questions about the Emerging Models project itself, the requirement for in-pew surveys during Mass, and the possibility of modifying the instrument to meet the parish’s planning needs.

6

by 371,863 parishioners at Masses in their parishes. This is the largest and most comprehensive

compilation of surveys conducted in U.S. parishes. Comparisons to these data allow for further

verification that the Emerging Models data are representative.

Major Sub-group Definitions

In addition to the results for all participating parishes, this report prominently presents

results for four other sub-groups of U.S. parishes. These sub-groups include parishes where the

pastoral care of the parish has been entrusted to a parish life coordinator (PLC) who is a deacon

or lay person under Canon 517.2, parishes that have recently undergone consolidation, those

using multiple parish ministry, and multicultural parishes. These are all compared to parishes

overall and to “traditional” parishes—those not utilizing shared ministries, consolidation, or

PLCs.3

PLC Parishes

Parishes were asked to indicate how their parish is administered and one of the options

was that the pastoral care of the parish is entrusted to a parish life coordinator (parish life

director, pastoral coordinator, etc.) appointed by the bishop or his delegate according to Canon

517.2. These are referred to as PLC parishes in this report.

Consolidated Parishes

Parishes recently experiencing consolidation indicated that one or more of the following

had happened since January 1, 2005: 1) the parish was created (erected) as the result of a merger

with at least one other parish; or 2) parish membership or territory was affected by the closing or

suppression of a parish.

Multi-parish Ministry

Parishes experiencing multi-parish ministry (MPPM) indicated that the parish is

clustered, linked, yoked, twinned, paired, or are sister parishes with at least one other parish.

Multicultural Parishes

Multicultural parishes are defined as meeting at least one of three criteria: 1) where the

percentage of in-pew parishioners self-identifying as non-Hispanic white is less than 40 percent;

1) those regularly celebrating Mass in a language other than English or Latin, and/or 3) those

with an in-pew diversity index of 33 percent or higher.4 Approximately 38 percent of parishes

nationally are multicultural by this definition.

3 Note that in some cases a parish is using more than one emerging model (e.g., a PLC parish that was recently consolidated). 4 The diversity index measures the probability that two randomly selected parishioners would be of a different race or ethnicity. In previous reports this had been based on the estimates of pastors and PLCs. Sixty-eight percent of respondents are in a multicultural parish.

7

Background: Diminishing Numbers of Resident Priest Pastors

Since the 1980s the Catholic Church has had too few priests available to have a resident

pastor serving in all U.S. parishes. This has led to an increasing numbers of parishes without a

resident priest pastor. From 1955 to 1972 only 3 percent of U.S. parishes had no resident pastor.

As of 2011, one in five U.S. parishes did (20 percent).

When a parish does not have a resident pastor a non-resident priest serves as the pastor.

He may be serving in multiple parishes and may also share staff among these parishes. In some

cases, bishops may appoint a deacon or lay person to be entrusted with the pastoral care of the

parish. The parish may also simply be vacant for a time. Some of these parishes are closed and

merged with other nearby parishes.

In 2008, CARA asked a national random sample of self-identified Catholics in a CARA

Catholic Poll (CCP) what they would prefer in their parish if a resident priest was not available

to serve as pastor.5 As shown in the table on the next page, nearly two-thirds of Catholics would

support sharing a priest with one or more other parishes if their parish did not have a resident

priest. Majorities preferred bringing in an international priest (56 percent), increasing the use of

deacons (56 percent), or asking a retired priest to serve in their parish (55 percent). Fewer than

5 CARA’s Sacraments Today: Belief and Practice among U.S. Catholics (2008). Full report is available at: http://cara.georgetown.edu/sacraments.html

8

half supported increasing the use of lay ecclesial ministers (47 percent) or merging their parish

with another nearby parish (44 percent).

Listed below are some of the things the Catholic Church is doing to help meet Catholics’ need in a time of fewer priests. Would you support or oppose each of the following if the parish you attend did not have a resident priest?

Percentage of U.S. adult Catholics responding as such:

“Support” or “Strongly Support”

“Strongly Support”

Sharing a priest with one or more other parishes 65% 19%

Bringing in a priest from outside of the United States 56 21

Increasing the use of deacons 56 16

Asking a retired priest to come in and do more 55 15

Increasing the use of lay ecclesial ministers 47 13

Merging the parish with another nearby parish 44 9

Among weekly Mass attenders, the largest proportions of respondents supported sharing

a priest with another parish (76 percent) or bringing in a priest from outside the United States (73

percent) if their parish lacked a resident priest. Slightly fewer support asking a retired priest to do

more (71 percent) or increase the use of deacons (68 percent). Those who attend less than

weekly but at least once a month indicate similar levels of support for most of the options listed

with the exception of asking a retired priest to do more (59 percent compared to 71 percent).

The table above represents the point of view of self-identified Catholics—some of whom

rarely attend Mass or who may be largely unaware of the shortage of priests to serve in parishes.6

This report documents how Catholics surveyed in the pews—those who are most aware of these

realities—are responding to these emerging models of pastoral leadership in a time of fewer

priests.

6 CARA’s Sacraments Today study found that two-thirds of adult self-identified Catholics (66 percent) said they had noticed the decline in the number of priests in recent decades. Half of Catholics (51 percent) said the change has not personally affected them, and 15 percent said it has affected them. A third (34 percent) said they were not aware of a decline in the number of priests (pg. 118).

9

Part I: Profile of Parishioners Surveyed In-pew

It is important to note at the outset of this section that every respondent in our surveys has

in some sense chosen to be a part of the parish they are evaluating (i.e., many are not attending at

their territorial parish). With nearly 800 CARA in-pew surveys conducted in the past decade, the

results of the Emerging Models project presented below are generally consistent with what we

see in this much broader sample (370,000+ completed surveys). Overall, 57 percent of in-pew

respondents are in traditional parishes, 18 percent in MPM parishes, 23 percent in PLC parishes,

and 4 percent in consolidated parishes.7

Pastors and parish life coordinators surveyed in the first phase of the Emerging Models

project were able to estimate fairly accurately the racial and ethnic composition of their

parishioners.8 As shown in the figure below they slightly overestimated the non-Hispanic white

percentage of parishioners.

Pastors and parish life coordinators underestimated slightly the percentage of parishioners

who self-identify as Asian or Pacific Islander. This distribution of race and ethnicity is consistent

with CARA Parish Surveys. Recall that Mass attenders are not representative of the Catholic

7 Some respondents are in parishes with more than one of these characteristics. For example, one could be in a MPM parish entrusted to a PLC. CARA has intentionally over-sampled from parishes that are not considered traditional parishes in the third phase of the project to allow for comparisons between different parish structures. 8 In the figures below, a single term for each racial and ethnic group is used for presentation. Respondents were provided with more complete sets of choices on their questionnaires.

10

population at large. Many young Catholics of the Post-Vatican II and Millennial generations are

not Mass attenders even on a monthly basis. It is these two youngest generations that are also the

most racially and ethnically diverse.9

None of the pastors or parish life coordinators requested CARA to translate surveys into a

language other than English or Spanish (translations into other languages was offered). However,

CARA did ask respondents to indicate the primary language they use at home. As the figure

below shows, about 10 percent said they primarily use Spanish at home and a similar percentage

(9 percent) chose to take the survey in Spanish. Many others who primarily speak languages

other than English at home chose to take the survey in English.

Consistent with other research, Mass attenders are disproportionately female. Overall, 64

percent of parishioners surveyed are female and 36 percent are male.

The median and mean age for parishioners is 52.10 About one in ten respondents (9

percent) is an adult of the Millennial Generation (born after 1981). Nearly four in ten (39

percent) are members of the Post-Vatican II Generation (born 1961 to 1981) and more than a

third (35 percent) are of the Vatican II Generation (born 1943 to 1960). Eighteen percent are of

the Pre-Vatican II Generation (born before 1943).

9 The average age of Hispanic/Latino(a) parishioners is 44.8, 46.5 for Asian or Pacific Islander parishioners, and 49.7 for black or African American parishioners. By comparison, the average age is 55.1 for non-Hispanic white parishioners. 10 In CARA Parish Surveys the average age of parishioners in parishes is 52.6.

11

Three in four respondents (74 percent) describe themselves as an active Catholic since

birth.

12

One in ten respondents (11 percent) is a “returned Catholic” and the same proportion is

Catholic converts (11 percent). Two percent are inactive Catholics and another 2 percent are

non-Catholic.11

Overall, about eight in ten Mass-attending parishioners (79 percent) are registered with

their parish.12 This is more likely in traditional and MPM parishes (83 percent and 86 percent,

respectively) and less common in PLC (61 percent), consolidated (72 percent), and multicultural

parishes (75 percent). Parishioners in PLC parishes may be less likely to register there because a

priest may not be as available in the PLC parish as they would be in a traditional parish for

sacraments that might require registration.

As the figure on the next page shows, parish registration is more common among older

parishioners than it is among younger parishioners. Millennials are the least likely to indicate

they are registered, whereas Pre-Vatican II parishioners are most likely to do so (87 percent

compared to 54 percent). Younger parishioners are typically more mobile than older parishioners

and may be less likely to have had a necessity to register yet for sacraments where this is often

required, such as marriage or the baptism of a child.13

11 This distribution is similar to CARA’s Parish Surveys where 70 percent identified as Catholics since birth, 13 percent as “returned Catholics,” 11 percent as converts, 3 percent as inactive, and 2 percent as non-Catholic. 12 In CARA Parish Surveys, 81.2 percent of respondents in each parish, on average, report being registered. 13 Only 60 percent of those who have never married are registered with a parish.

13

There are also differences in registration by race and ethnicity. Hispanic/Latino and

Asian and Pacific Islander parishioners are among the least likely to be registered with their

parish (62 percent for each group). This is consistent with what pastors and parish life

coordinators reported in the first phase survey regarding unregistered groups in their parish. This

is in part explained by cultural differences in these immigrant groups who experienced church

life elsewhere in countries that do not use parish registration.14

Ninety percent of respondents say that the parish they were surveyed in is their primary

place of worship. This is less common among respondents in PLC parishes (82 percent).

Parishioners in MPM parishes report the longest time, on average, of attending their parish at

22.6 years. Those in consolidated parishes report attending their parish for an average of 18.2

years. Those in traditional parishes say they have attended their parish for an average of 12.8

years. Those in PLC parishes report the shortest average length of attendance at the parish (10.0

years).

As shown in the figure on the next page, 35 percent of parishioners drive by a parish

closer to their home to attend another parish.15 This is most common among those attending a

PLC or consolidated parish (48 percent and 46 percent, respectively).16

14 It is also the case that Hispanic/Latino(a) and Asian or Pacific Islander parishioners are, on average, younger than other parishioners. Younger Mass attenders are less likely to register with their parish. 15 The parish average for this in CARA Parish Surveys is 33.3 percent.

14

African American parishioners are most likely to indicate they drive by parishes closer to

their home (53 percent). Many Asian or Pacific Islander parishioners as well as Hispanic/Latino

parishioners report doing the same (48 percent and 47 percent, respectively). This is least

common among Non-Hispanic white parishioners (29 percent) and Native Americans (32

percent).

Younger parishioners are more likely than older parishioners to drive by a closer parish.

For example, 39 percent of Millennials and 35 percent of Post-Vatican II generation parishioners

report doing so. By comparison, 31 percent of Vatican II and 28 percent of Pre-Vatican II

generation parishioners drive by closer parishes to get to where they attend Mass.

Overall, 67 percent of parishioners surveyed in-pew say they attend Mass weekly or more

often.17 This level of attendance is typical for those in traditional (68 percent), MPM (69

percent), and multicultural (65 percent) parishes. Mass attendance levels are slightly lower in

PLC (63 percent) and consolidated (59 percent) parishes.

16 It is possible that some of the respondents in consolidated parishes are reporting driving past the site for their old parish. 17 Mass attendance levels among self-identified Catholics nationally are considerably lower with just under a quarter indicating weekly Mass attendance. Mass attendance levels in in-pew surveys are always elevated as these are surveys not of the Catholic population but of Mass attenders.

15

Self-reported frequency of Mass attendance varies among several parishioner sub-groups.

The table below shows these differences in a thermometer format, with those most frequently

attending at the top of the table and those attending less often at the bottom. The weekly and

monthly attendance percentages for parishioners in each group are shown in the table.

About how frequently do you currently attend Mass?

At least weekly

At least monthly (including weekly)

Pre-Vatican II Generation 83.8% 99.3% Widowed 80.6 99.3 Vatican II Generation 72.5 98.9 High school diploma 72.1 98.1 Registered with parish 70.8 99.1 Some high school or less 69.8 97.1 Non-Hispanic White 69.7 98.9 Some college 69.2 98.0 Female 68.5 98.2 ‘Other’ race/ethnicity 68.4 98.8 Married or remarried 67.6 98.7 All respondents 67.3 98.3 Associate’s Degree 66.9 98.3 Male 65.4 98.2 Graduate degree 65.1 98.7 Bachelor’s degree 65.1 98.5 Divorced or separated 63.7 97.9 Asian or Pacific Islander 63.2 98.4 Hispanic 62.4 95.3 Single never married 62.3 96.3 Post-Vatican II Generation 58.4 97.8 Native American 57.1 99.2 Millennial Generation 56.0 95.7 Black 55.6 98.5 Unregistered 54.0 94.9

Monthly attendance is similar for all sub-groups. Most of the variation between groups is

based on their weekly attendance, with older and less educated Catholics being more likely than

younger and more educated Catholics to attend at least weekly.

16

Part II: Evaluations of Parish Life

This section of the report evaluates how the parishioners described in the previous section

evaluate their parish on a variety of different aspects.18 Comparisons are made in this section to

the responses from parish leaders who were asked these same questions in the second phase of

the Emerging Models project.19

Aspects of Parish life

Parishioners were first asked to evaluate the core aspects of parish life. Most, about nine

in ten or more, consider all of the aspects listed as either “good” or “excellent” (see the Appendix

for more detail). The table below shows how many evaluated each of these as “excellent.”

Parishioners were more likely than parish leaders to evaluate all aspects of their parish as

“excellent.” This is especially the case for evaluations of how well the parish spreads the Gospel

and evangelizes, for the parish’s hospitality and sense of welcome to all, for its promotion of

important Church teachings and causes, and for the vision provided by parish leaders.

Please evaluate these aspects of parish life Percentage evaluating each as “excellent”:

Parishioners, in-pew

Parish leaders

Parishioner difference

Celebration of the Sacraments 70% 67% +3

Hospitality and sense of welcome to all 62 46 +16

Promoting important Church teachings/causes (e.g., protecting life, helping the needy)

61

49

+12

Masses and liturgies in general 59 55 +4

Your overall satisfaction with the parish 58 50 +8

Encouragement of parishioners to share their time, talent, and treasure

57

54

+3

Efforts to educate parishioners in the faith 55 46 +9

Vision provided by parish leaders 50 38 +12

Sense of community within the parish 46 43 +3

Spreading the Gospel and evangelizing 45 28 +17

The most positively evaluated aspects are the celebration of Sacraments, the parish’s

hospitality and sense of welcome to all, and the parish’s ability to promote important Church

teachings and causes. Six in ten or more of parishioners evaluated these as “excellent” in their

parish. Fifty-eight percent of parishioners gave their parish an overall satisfaction rating of

“excellent.”

18 Appendix I of this report shows sub-group breakdowns for each evaluation question. 19 Parish leaders include all of those who work or volunteer for the parish in ministry and non-ministry positions. It also includes very active parishioners who for example may serve on a parish pastoral or finance council.

17

Sub-Group Differences

As shown in the figure below, there are not large differences between parishes by

structure or racial and ethnic composition in terms of how their parishioners evaluate aspects of

parish life (i.e., in evaluating something as “excellent”). This is in part related to the self-

selection involved with parishioners free to leave a parish for another if they are dissatisfied.

Traditional parishes get top marks for overall satisfaction, Masses and liturgies (along

with multicultural parishes), celebration of the sacraments, vision provided by leaders (along

with multicultural parishes), and efforts to educate parishioners in the faith.

18

Consolidated parishes get top marks for hospitality and sense of welcome, and PLC

parishes are most likely to be regarded as “excellent” in spreading the Gospel and evangelizing.

Consolidated parishes are least likely to be described as “excellent” by their parishioners for

Masses and liturgies, the celebration of sacraments, efforts to educate parishioners in the faith,

and spreading the Gospel and evangelizing.

As shown above, some of the variation in responses by parish structure may also reflect

parish size. As was found in phase one of the project, traditional, multicultural, and consolidated

parishes tend to have larger numbers of registered households than do MPM and PLC parishes.20

20 See pg. 17 of The Changing Face of U.S. Catholic Parishes (2011)

19

Generally, larger parishes are more likely than smaller parishes (as measured by number of in-

pew respondents) to be evaluated as “excellent” on all aspects of parish life.

There are no statistically significant differences by race and ethnicity, generation,

education, or primary language of parishioners in evaluating their parish as “excellent” in terms

of overall satisfaction, Masses and liturgies, or the celebration of sacraments. Few other

differences are apparent for other aspects with the exception of the following:

Asian and Pacific Islander parishioners are more likely than those self-identifying with

other race and ethnicity groups to evaluate their parish as “excellent” in spreading the

Gospel and evangelizing (56 percent compared to 42 percent of non-Hispanic white

parishioners, 50 percent of Hispanic parishioners, and 41 percent of African American

parishioners).

Millennial Generation parishioners are more likely than older Mass attending Catholics

to evaluate their parish as “excellent” in spreading the Gospel and evangelizing (51

percent compared to 44 percent of Post-Vatican II and Vatican II parishioners).

Millennials are also among the most likely to give their parish “excellent” marks for

hospitality and sense of welcome (69 percent compared to 60 percent of Vatican II

parishioners and 61 percent of Pre-Vatican II parishioners).

Respondents with college degrees are among the least likely to evaluate their parishes as

“excellent” in spreading the Gospel and evangelizing (38 percent of those with graduate

degrees and 43 percent with bachelor’s compared to 47 percent of those with some

college, and 50 percent of those with a high school diploma or less).

English speakers are less likely than those primarily speaking other languages to

evaluate their parishes as “excellent” in spreading the Gospel and evangelizing (43

percent compared to 53 percent of Spanish speakers and 57 percent of those primarily

using other languages) or in providing hospitality and a sense of welcome (61 percent

compared to 67 percent of Spanish speakers and 69 percent of those primarily using

other languages).

Evaluations of Parish Leadership and Ministries

As the table on the next page shows, about six in ten parishioners (61 percent) evaluate

the leadership and ministry provided by their pastor or PLC as “excellent.” Similar numbers of

parishioners (59 percent) evaluate the sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation,

Communion, and Confirmation as “excellent.” Sacramental preparation for Baptism is rated

slightly lower with 55 percent responding “excellent.”

Less than half of Catholic parishioners evaluate the following as being “excellent” in

their parish: faith formation for adults (49 percent), the Parish Pastoral Council (48 percent),

Bible study (42 percent), small faith-sharing groups (42 percent), and retreats (41 percent).

However, a less than excellent rating may be more related to a lack of awareness or familiarity

20

with some of these aspects rather than an evaluation of something existing in their parish. Some

parishioners may be evaluating these aspects in the abstract as well, if their parish does not offer

them things such as Bible study or retreats.

Overall, eight in ten or more parishioners evaluated all aspects listed in the table on the

following page as either “excellent” or “good.”

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, & programs Percentage evaluating each as:

“Excellent” only

“Good” or “Excellent”

Leadership provided by the pastor or the PLC 61% 92%

Ministry of the pastor or PLC 61 93

Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and Eucharist

59

95

Sacramental preparation for Confirmation 59 95

Children’s religious education programs 57 92

RCIA 56 94

Sacramental preparation for Baptism 55 94

Marriage preparation 54 94

Youth ministry 53 90

Ministry of the professional ministry staff 53 92

Director of Religious Education 53 91

Youth minister 52 90

Vision provided by the pastor or PLC 51 88

Faith formation for adults 49 90

The Parish Pastoral Council 48 90

Bible study 42 84

Small faith-sharing groups 42 84

Retreats 41 82

As shown in the scatterplot on the net page, Emerging Models parish respondents

evaluated their parish generally in a similar manner to parishioners in CARA’s broader CARA

Parish Surveys sample.21 However, Emerging Models parishioners are more likely to evaluate

aspects of sacramental preparation and religious education more positively than parishioners in

CARA Parish Surveys. This is not entirely unexpected as those participating in CARA Parish

21 When asking about the leadership or ministry of parish leaders, CARA Parish Surveys most often asks about the pastor (without reference to a PLC; unless a PLC parish has commissioned the survey). In the Emerging Models Survey both Pastor and PLC are included in the question wording. The results of CARA Parish Surveys for parish evaluations are based on the average evaluation at the parish level. Thus, here the unit of analysis is the parish. By comparison, the Emerging Models parish results are based on how respondents at all parishes answered questions. The unit of analysis for these data is the individual parishioners. Examination of the CARA Parish Survey data show that results based on parish averages are not significantly different from those based on aggregate respondents in all parishes CARA has studied and fielded the question used. Due to spacing issues not all data points could be labeled in the scatterplot.

21

Surveys often come from parishes that are in the midst of a planning process where programs

are being re-evaluated for possible modification (i.e., CARA Parish Surveys involve a self-

selected sample of parishes, whereas Emerging Models parishes were for the most part

randomly selected).

Sub-group Differences

As shown in the figure on the next page, parishioners in traditional parishes are the most

likely to evaluate the ministry and leadership of their pastor as being “excellent.”22 Those in

traditional parishes are also more likely than those in other types of parishes to evaluate

sacramental preparation in their parishes as similarly “excellent.”

Sixty-five percent of those surveyed in a traditional parish say the ministry and leadership

of their pastor is “excellent.” By comparison, 49 percent of those in PLC parishes say the

ministry of their PLC is “excellent” and 50 percent in PLC parishes similarly rate the leadership

provided by their PLC as “excellent.”23

22 By definition, no “traditional” parishes have a PLC. 23 Recall that a PLC parish may also be multicultural, consolidated, or MPM.

22

As the figure on the following page shows, larger parishes (as measured by numbers of

respondents) are more likely than smaller parishes to be evaluated as “excellent” in terms of the

ministry and leadership of the pastor or PLC and in terms of sacramental preparation.

23

Other sub-group differences include:

Parishioners who joined the Catholic Church as adults are among the most likely to

evaluate sacramental preparation for baptism (62 percent) and RCIA (67 percent) as

“excellent.”

Parishioners in consolidated parishes specifically are among the least likely to evaluate

the following as “excellent”: the vision provided by the pastor or PLC (46 percent),

children’s religious education (50 percent), youth ministry (39 percent), the professional

ministry staff (43 percent), the youth minister (37 percent), and retreats (34 percent).

24

Spanish speaking parishioners are among the least likely to evaluate RCIA or the

Director of Religious Education in their parish as “excellent” (51 percent and 46 percent,

respectively).

Hispanic parishioners are among the least likely to evaluate the ministry of their pastor or

PLC as “excellent” (52 percent).

Native American parishioners are among the least likely to evaluate faith formation

programs for adults in their parish as “excellent” (40 percent).

Asian parishioners are among the most likely to evaluate the following as “excellent” in

their parish: faith formation for adults (55 percent), Bible study (50 percent), and retreats

(49 percent).

African American parishioners are among the least likely to evaluate the vision provided

by the pastor or PLC in their parish as “excellent” (46 percent).

Millennials are among the most likely to evaluate the following as “excellent” in their

parish: marriage preparation (59 percent), Bible study (51 percent), the vision provided

by the pastor or PLC in their parish (57 percent), and small faith-sharing groups (49

percent).

Pre-Vatican II Generation parishioners are among the most likely to evaluate the ministry

of their pastor or PLC as “excellent” (68 percent).

Evaluations of Parish Staffing and Finances

Parishioners were asked a series of agree or disagree questions about parish life. The first

set of these, shown below, address parish leadership and management.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Percentage responding as such:

“Strongly agree” only

“Strongly agree” or “agree”

I would feel comfortable talking with the pastor or PLC 55% 92%

I feel well informed about parish finances 38 84

I am comfortable with the idea of sharing staff with neighboring parishes

37

88

There is sufficient qualified parish staff to meet the parish’s needs

36

85

Parish pastoral council members are accessible to me 29 80

I feel I have a role in the decision making of the parish 18 61

25

Nearly all parishioners (92 percent) agree that they would feel comfortable talking to

their pastor or PLC (55 percent “strongly agree”). Yet, less than half “strongly agree” that they

feel well informed about parish finances (38 percent), are comfortable sharing staff with

neighborhood parishes (37 percent), that the parish has sufficient qualified staff (36 percent), or

that they have a role in parish decision making (18 percent). Only one in three (29 percent)

“strongly agree” that pastoral council members are accessible to them.


As shown in the figure above, there are a few differences by parish structure in responses

for these questions. Parishioners in PLC parishes are among the least likely to “strongly agree”

26

that they would feel comfortable talking to their PLC (49 percent). However, these same

parishioners are among the most likely to similarly say they feel well informed about parish

finances (42 percent) and feel they have a role in the decision making of the parish (24 percent).

MPM parishioners are among the least likely to “strongly agree” that they are

comfortable with sharing staff with neighboring parishes (35 percent).

As shown in the figure below, generally, parishioners in larger parishes are more likely

than those in smaller parishes to “strongly agree” with the statements about parish leadership

and management.

27


Asian or Pacific Islander respondents are among the least likely to “strongly agree” that

they would feel comfortable talking to their pastor or PLC (42 percent). At the same time

this sub-group is among the most likely to “strongly agree” that they have a role in the

decision making of the parish (27 percent) and that they feel well informed about parish

finances (47 percent).

Millennial parishioners are among the most likely to “strongly agree” that there is

sufficient qualified staff to meet their parish’s needs (47 percent) and that they would feel

comfortable with the idea of sharing staff with neighboring parishes (44 percent).

Respondents who primarily use a language other than English at home (i.e., Spanish or

some other language) are among the most likely to “strongly agree” that they feel they

have a role in the decision making of their parish (28 percent).

Encouragement of Ministry

Next, parishioners were presented with a series of statements about their interest and

willingness to participate in the ministry of their parish. Half (49 percent) “strongly agree” that

they feel invited and encouraged to participate in this. Yet, only 35 percent agree similarly that it

is clear to them how to become more involved in this.




I feel invited and encouraged to participate in parish ministry

49%

91%

It is clear to me how to become more involved in the ministry of my parish

35

83

Parish leaders encourage me to explore my vocation within the parish

30

81

I readily volunteer when help is needed 27 73

I am interested in being more involved in the ministry of my parish

25

79

I have felt a calling to a greater role in parish ministry 20 63

Three in ten (30 percent) “strongly agree” that parish leaders have encouraged them to

explore their vocation in the parish and a similar percentage (27 percent) says that they readily

volunteer when help is needed. One in four (25 percent) “strongly agree” that they are interested

in being more involved in the ministry of their parish and one in five (20 percent) “strongly

agree” they have felt a call to have a greater role in parish ministry.

28


As shown in the figure below, respondents in parishes that are using multi-parish ministry

are among the least likely to “strongly agree” with most of the statements. Parishioners in PLC

parishes are among the most likely to “strongly agree” that they are interested in being more

involved in the ministry of their parish (35 percent) and that they have felt a calling to do so (29

percent).

As shown in the figure on the next page, generally, those in larger parishes are more

likely than those in smaller parishes to “strongly agree” with all of the statements.

29


Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander, and black parishioners are among the most likely to

“strongly agree” they are interested in being more involved in the ministry of their parish

(35 percent, 36 percent, and 32 percent, respectively). Hispanic and Asian or Pacific

Islander parishioners are among the most likely to respond similarly that they have felt a

calling to a greater role in parish ministry (28 percent and 32 percent, respectively).

30

Millennials are among the most likely to “strongly agree” they are interested in being

more involved in the ministry of their parish (36 percent).

Respondents who primarily use a language other than English at home are among the

most likely to “strongly agree” they are interested in being more involved in the ministry

of their parish (39 percent of Spanish speakers and 35 percent of those speaking other

languages). Spanish speakers are also among the most likely to respond similarly that

parish leaders encourage them to explore their vocation within the parish (37 percent).

Evaluations of Parish Changes

Parishioners were presented with a series of statements regarding changes to the parish in

the last five years as well as statements about the racial and ethnic diversity of the parish. As

shown in the table below, six in ten (59 percent) “strongly agree” that having people of different

cultural backgrounds enriches their parish (95 percent “strongly agree” or “agree”). A majority

“strongly agree” (53 percent) that they are comfortable with the increasing racial and ethnic

diversity of their parish. Yet, fewer than four in ten “strongly agree” (38 percent) that

parishioners of different cultures participate in parish life together.

Nearly half “strongly agree” (48 percent) that their parish has undergone significant

changes in the last five years. However, only 18 percent respond similarly to the statement that

things were better at their parish five years ago.

A third (33 percent) “strongly agree” that the diversity of the parish is reflected in the

diversity of the parish staff.




Having people of different cultural backgrounds here enriches this parish

59%

95%

I am comfortable with the increasing racial or ethnic diversity of this parish

53

94

This parish has undergone significant changes in the last five years

48

88

Parishioners of different cultures participate in parish life together

38

88

The diversity in the parish is reflected in the diversity in the parish staff

33

77

Things were better at this parish five years ago 18 37

31


As the figure below shows, parishioners in MPM parishes are consistently less likely to

“strongly agree” with nearly all of the statements. This may be a reflection of the demography

where MPM parishes tend to be located.24

Those in consolidated parishes are among the most likely to “strongly agree” that things

were better at their parish five years ago.

24 Eight in ten are in the Midwest (57 percent) or Northeast (22 percent). The Church’s diversity is more concentrated in the South and West. On average, 87 percent of parishioners in MPM parishes are non-Hispanic white. For more see Emerging Models report, The Changing Face of U.S. Catholic Parishes (2011).

32

Parishioners in larger parishes consistently are among the most likely to “strongly agree”

with nearly all of the statements. This again may be due to geography and demography. Many of

the Catholic Church’s larger parishes are located in the South and West, which also tend to have

the most racial and ethnic diversity as well as recent population growth. These parishioners

appear to have a greater awareness of changes in their parishes in the last five years.

At the same time, those in the smallest parishes, with 250 or fewer respondents are the

most likely to “strongly agree” that things were better in their parish five years ago. Small

parishes often struggle financially and have lower levels of growth (e.g., more funerals than

baptisms). These pressures may create a gloomier outlook among some of the parishioners in

these parishes.

33



most likely to “strongly agree” with the following: things were better in their parish five

years ago (28 percent of Spanish speakers and 36 percent of those speaking other

languages), having people of different cultural backgrounds enriches their parish (67

percent of Spanish speakers and 66 percent of those speaking other languages) and the

diversity of the parish is reflected in the diversity of the parish staff (48 percent of

Spanish speakers and 54 percent of those speaking other languages).

Respondents speaking a language other than English or Spanish are among the most

likely to “strongly agree” that parishioners of different culture participate in parish life

together (54 percent) and that they are comfortable with the increasing racial and ethnic

diversity in their parish (60 percent).

Asian or Pacific Islander parishioners are among the most likely to “strongly agree” that

things were better in their parish five years ago (35 percent).

Black parishioners are among the most likely to “strongly agree” that they are

comfortable with the increasing racial and ethnic diversity of their parish (68 percent).

Asian or Pacific Islander respondents as well as black parishioners are among the most

likely to “strongly agree” that parishioners of different cultures participate in parish life

together (53 percent and 51 percent, respectively).


“strongly agree” that having people of different cultural backgrounds enriches their

parish (68 percent, 66 percent, and 77 percent, respectively) and that the diversity of the

parish is reflected in the diversity of the parish staff (47 percent, 53 percent, and 42

percent, respectively).25

Non-Hispanic white parishioners and those who became Catholic as adults are among the

least likely to “strongly agree” that the diversity of the parish is reflected in the diversity

of the parish staff (23 percent and 24 percent, respectively).

Millennials are among the most likely to “strongly agree” with the following: they are

comfortable with the increasing racial and ethnic diversity of their parish (67 percent),

that having people of different cultural backgrounds enriches their parish (71 percent),

and the diversity of the parish is reflected in the diversity of the parish staff (48 percent).

25 This result may reflect that some may be choosing their parish (i.e., driving past a closer parish) based on the diversity of its staff and leadership.

34

Evaluations of Future Parish Priorities

Parishioners were asked about what they believe the future priorities of their parish

should be. Similar questions were asked of parish leaders in the second phase of the project. The

table below compares how many parishioners and parish leaders felt each aspect should be “very

much” a priority.

In general, parishioners were slightly less likely than parish leaders to consider most of

the aspects listed as “very much” of a priority. Overall, parishioners, much like parish leaders,

felt the celebration of the sacraments, Masses and liturgies, and hospitality and a sense of

welcome are among the most important aspects to focus on for the future.

In your opinion, how much priority should this parish give to: Percentage responding “very much”:

Parishioners, in-pew

Parish leaders

Parishioner difference

Celebration of the Sacraments 80 85 -5

Masses and liturgies 76 84 -8

Hospitality and sense of welcoming to all 71 74 -3

Promoting important Church teachings and causes 71 69 +2

Efforts to educate parishioners in the faith 70 79 -9

Sense of community 68 75 -7


62

74

-12

Spreading the Gospel and evangelizing 56 61 -5

Vision provided by parish leaders 56 54 +2

Parish leaders are significantly more likely than parishioners to consider encouragement

of parishioners to share their time talent and treasure as being “very much” a priority. Parish

leaders also cited efforts to educate parishioners in the faith as their third highest priority aspect,

whereas parishioners placed this fifth in their preferences. Parishioners were more likely than

parish leaders to cite promoting important Church teachings and causes and the vision provided

by parish leaders as being “very much” a priority.


The figure on the next page shows differences in parishioner responses to this question by

parish structure. For most aspects there are not significant differences based on the type of

parish a respondent is in. Those in consolidated parishes are among the least likely to consider

promoting important Church teachings or causes and efforts to educate parishioners in the faith

as being “very much” important (63 percent and 62 percent, respectively).

The one item with the most variation by parish structure is the priority placed on

spreading the Gospel and evangelizing. PLC parishioners are among the most likely to say this

is “very much” a priority (66 percent).

35

Parishioners in consolidated parishes are among the least likely to consider spreading the

Gospel and evangelizing as “very much” a priority (47 percent). Consolidated parishes are

larger than the average parish. Many in these parishes may be focusing more on bringing

together parish communities involved in the merger rather than reaching out to the broader

community at this time.

The figure on the next page shows difference by parish size. There are few significant

variations in responses. In terms of patterns of response, it is the case that those in the two

smaller parish size categories are generally less likely than those in the larger two categories to

feel all of the aspects listed are of “very much” priority.

36

Larger parishes often have larger budgets and more ministries and programs. It may be

that those in larger parishes are more likely to see their parish as capable of taking on multiple

priorities at once.


Black parishioners are among the most likely to cite sense of community as being “very

much” a priority (75 percent).

Parishioners primarily speaking Spanish at home are among the least likely to cite sense

of community as being “very much” a priority (60 percent).

37


most likely to cite spreading the Gospel and evangelizing as being “very much” a priority

(66 percent of Spanish speakers and 69 percent of those speaking other languages).

Native American parishioners are among the least likely to cite Masses and liturgies as

being “very much” a priority (67 percent).


cite spreading the Gospel and evangelizing as being “very much” a priority (66 percent,

68 percent, and 65 percent, respectively).

Those with graduate degrees are among the least likely to cite spreading the Gospel and

evangelizing as being “very much” a priority (49 percent).

In addition to placing a priority level on each aspect, respondents were also asked to

specifically rank the three highest priority aspects. The table below shows the distribution of

responses by first, second, and third priorities. The top priority, selected by 27 percent, is sense

of community in the parish. A quarter selected Masses and liturgies as a top priority. More than

one in ten selected efforts to educate parishioners in the faith (11 percent) and the celebration of

sacraments (10 percent).

Which three priorities should the parish give highest priority? Percentage responding as first, second, and third highest priority

First priority

Second priority

Third priority

Sense of community within the parish 27% 11% 11%

Masses and liturgies in general 25 13 9

Efforts to educate parishioners in the faith 11 17 12

Celebration of the Sacraments 10 14 16

Promoting important Church teachings/causes 7 9 20


6

11

9

Spreading the Gospel/evangelizing 6 9 7

Hospitality and sense of welcome 6 13 13

Vision provided by parish leaders 3 4 4

Hospitality and sense of welcome is a popular choice for second or third priority. The

vision provided by parish leaders and spreading the Gospel/evangelizing are not considered a

first, second, or third priority by more than one in ten parishioners.

38

What Attracts Parishioners to the Parish

The last set of evaluation questions asked parishioners what attracts them to their

parish.26 Top responses are centered on issues of community and the Mass. Two-thirds (67

percent) cite their parish’s open, welcoming spirit as attracting them “very much.” Fewer, but

more than six in ten say the same for: the quality of the liturgy (63 percent), the quality of the

preaching (63 percent), and the sense of belonging they feel in the parish (62 percent).

How much do the following attract you to this parish? Percentage responding as such:

“Very much” only

“Some” or “Very much”

Its open, welcoming spirit 67% 93%

The quality of the liturgy 63 93

The quality of the preaching 63 92

The sense of belonging you feel here 62 90

The quality of the music 53 84

The beauty of the church 52 82

Its opportunities for spiritual growth 51 88

Its respect for cultural traditions 48 82

Its religious education/formation for children and youth

47

79

Its character as a diverse community 43 80

The programs and activities of the parish 42 83

Its programs in your native language 42 69

Its commitment to social justice 41 80

Its faith formation for adults 39 78

Its programs for young adults 37 72

Majorities cite the following as attracting them “very much”: the quality of the music (53

percent), the beauty of the church (52 percent), and the opportunities for spiritual growth in the

parish (51 percent). Respondents are less likely to say they are attracted to specific programs or

aspects of diversity or culture.

As the scatter plot on the next page shows, the Emerging Models parishioners respond to

these questions quite similarly to those answering these same questions in CARA Parish

Surveys. Emerging Models respondents are slightly more likely than parishioners in the larger

sample to say they are “very much” attracted to their parish by its open, welcoming spirit (67

percent compared to 57 percent), the quality of the music (53 percent compared to 40 percent),

and faith formation programs for adults (39 percent compared to 28 percent).

26 Note that this question not only evaluates the quality of aspects of parish life that exist in the parish but also the lack of these in some cases. Few may say “young adult programs” attract them. This may a) reflect the lack of quality in existing young adult programs or b) the lack of such a program that is desirable to the respondent.

39


As the figure on the next page shows, those in consolidated parishes are the least likely to

be “very much” attracted by the following in their parish: the quality of the liturgy (58 percent),

the quality of the preaching (61 percent), the quality of the music (45 percent), and opportunities

for spiritual growth in the parish (44 percent). However, those in consolidated parishes are

among the most likely to say they are attracted to their parish by its open, welcoming spirit (70

percent) and their sense of belonging there (65 percent).

As research from phase one of the Emerging Models project showed, despite not having a

resident priest pastor, PLC parishes are just as able to provide weekend Masses as other

parishes.27 Those in the pews of PLC parishes are among the most likely to say the following

aspects of these Masses attracts them to their parish: the quality of the liturgy (65 percent), the

quality of the preaching (64 percent), and the quality of the music (63 percent). PLC parishes

also are among the most likely to attract their parishioners by: the beauty of the Church (67

percent), the opportunities for spiritual growth (57 percent), and the respect the parish shows for

cultural traditions (64 percent).

27 For more see Emerging Models report, The Changing Face of U.S. Catholic Parishes (2011).

40

The figure on the next page shows sub-group differences by parish size. Those in the

smallest parishes (250 or fewer respondents) are among the most likely to say they are “very

much” attracted by the sense of belonging they feel in their parish (67 percent) and its open,

welcoming spirit (68 percent). One of the advantages of small parishes may be in the sense of

community they provide.

Those in the largest parishes (1,000 or more responses) are among the most likely to cite

opportunities for spiritual growth (43 percent) and the quality of the music (58 percent) as things

that attract them “very much” to their parish.

41


Parishioners who drive by a closer parish to attend one of their choice are among the

most likely to say they are “very much” attracted by that parish’s character as a diverse

community (49 percent).

Black and Asian or Pacific Islander parishioners are among the most likely to say they

are “very much” attracted to their parish by its open, welcoming spirit (75 percent and 74

percent, respectively).

42

Hispanic and Asian or Pacific Islander parishioners are among the most likely to say they

are “very much” attracted to their parish by the beauty of their church (68 percent and 71

percent, respectively) by the quality of the music (62 percent and 66 percent,

respectively), by the programs and activities of the parish (52 percent for both groups), by

its religious education or formation for children and youth (56 percent and 58 percent,

respectively), by its faith formation for adults (53 percent and 51 percent, respectively),

and by its opportunities for spiritual growth (59 percent for both groups).

Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander, and Native American parishioners are among the

most likely to say they are “very much” attracted to their parish by its programs for

young adults (48 percent, 51 percent, and 48 percent, respectively) and its programs in

their native languages (58 percent, 53 percent, and 52 percent, respectively).

Black parishioners are among the least likely to say they are “very much” attracted to

their parish by its religious education or formation for children and youth (39 percent).

Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander, black, and Native American parishioners are among

the most likely to cite the following as “very much” attracting them to their parish:

commitment to social justice (51 percent, 54, percent, 49 percent, and 49 percent,

respectively), its character as a diverse community (57 percent, 62, percent, 62 percent,

and 50 percent, respectively), and its respect for your cultural traditions (64 percent, 66,

percent, 61 percent, and 55 percent, respectively).

Non-Hispanic white parishioners are among the least likely to cite the beauty of the

church (44 percent), its character as a diverse community (35 percent), its respect for

cultural traditions (39 percent), or its programs in a native language (34 percent) as

aspects that attracted them to their parish “very much.”

Respondents speaking a language other than English or Spanish are among the most

likely to be “very much” attracted to their parish by its open, welcoming spirit (76

percent).


most likely to be attracted to their parish by the beauty of the church (68 percent of

Spanish speakers and 70 percent of those speaking other languages), by the quality of the

music (66 percent of Spanish speakers and 68 percent of those speaking other languages),

by the programs and activities of the parish (54 percent of Spanish speakers and 51

percent of those speaking other languages), by its programs for young adults (50 percent

for both groups), its religious education or formation for children and youth (59 percent

of Spanish speakers and 58 percent of those speaking other languages), its commitment to

social justice (54 percent of Spanish speakers and 56 percent of those speaking other

languages), its character as a diverse community (57 percent of Spanish speakers and 63

percent of those speaking other languages), its respect for your cultural traditions (66

percent of Spanish speakers and 68 percent of those speaking other languages), and its

43

programs in their native language (64 percent of Spanish speakers and 51 percent of those

speaking other languages).

Millennials are among the most likely to be “very much” attracted to their parish by the

beauty of the church (61 percent), its character as a diverse community (50 percent), its

respect for cultural traditions (57 percent), and its programs in their native language (49

percent). Millennials are no more likely than others to say they are “very much” attracted

to their parish by its programs for young adults (36 percent compared to 35 percent for all

respondents).

Pre-Vatican II parishioners are among the most likely to say they are “very much”

attracted to their parish by its faith formation for adults (50 percent), its opportunities for

spiritual growth (58 percent), its character as a diverse community (51 percent), its

commitment to social justice (49 percent), and the sense of belonging they feel in their

parish (70 percent).

Parishioners with high school diplomas or less education are among the most likely to say

they are “very much” attracted to their parish by the beauty of their church (62 percent),

its programs for adults (47 percent), its religious education and formation for children and

youth (56 percent), its faith formation for adults (51 percent), its character as a diverse

community (51 percent), and its programs in your native language (53 percent). By

contrast, those with graduate degrees are among the least likely to cite each as attracting

them “very much” to their parish (43 percent, 27 percent, 38 percent, 27 percent, 36

percent, and 31 percent, respectively).

Respondents were asked to rank what “most” attracted them to their parish of the items

discussed above. They provided a top three listing of the things that most attracted them to their

parish. The results for this question are shown in a table on the next page.

Overwhelmingly, a parish’s open, welcoming spirit is the top selection chosen by the

greatest number of parishioners (40 percent). This is followed by quality of the liturgy (14

percent) and quality of the preaching (11 percent) as the aspect that attracts the most. Liturgy and

preaching are also most likely to be selected as the second most attractive feature, followed by

quality of the music. A sense of belonging emerges as a third most attractive element.

44

Which three most attracted you to this parish? Percentage responding as first, second, and third most attractive aspect:

First most attracted

Second most attracted

Third most attracted

Its open, welcoming spirit 40% 10% 8%

The quality of the liturgy 14 16 8

The quality of the preaching 11 18 14

The sense of belonging you feel here 8 7 17

The beauty of the church 6 7 5

The quality of the music 5 10 8

Its religious education/formation for children and youth

4

6

6

Its opportunities for spiritual growth 3 7 9

The programs and activities of the parish 2 5 5

Its faith formation for adults 1 2 3

Its character as a diverse community 1 3 5

Its respect for your cultural traditions 1 2 4

Its programs for young adults 1 2 2

Its commitment to social justice 1 2 3

Its programs in your native language 1 1 2

45

Appendix I: Sub-group Data Tables for Parishioners’ Evaluations

Please evaluate these aspects of parish life: Your overall satisfaction with the parish

“Excellent” Only


All Respondents 58% 94%

Registered at parish 58 94

Non-territorial parishioner 61 94

Entry to the Church

Active Catholic since birth 58 94

Returned Catholic 61 95

Catholic convert 61 95

Parish Structure

Multicultural 57 94

Traditional 59 95

MPM 57 94

Consolidated 52 93

PLC 53 91

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 58 95

Hispanic/Latino 58 92

Asian/Pacific islander 59 95

Black/African American 56 94

Native American 62 94

Other 52 91

Gender

Male 59 94

Female 58 94

Generation

Pre-Vatican II (b. before 1943) 61 94

Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 59 94

Post-Vatican II (b. 1961-81) 57 95 Millennial (b. 1982 or later) 59 94

Education

High school or less 59 93

Some college 60 94

Bachelor’s degree 57 95

Graduate degree 56 94

Primary Language

English 58 94

Spanish 58 91

Other 63 94

46

Please evaluate these aspects of parish life: Sense of Community within the parish






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 46 88

Traditional 46 87

MPM 47 90

Consolidated 43 88

PLC 45 86

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 46 88





Other 44 83

Gender

Male 45 87

Female 47 88

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 47 88


Education


Some college 48 89



Primary Language

English 46 87

Spanish 47 86

Other 52 92

47

Please evaluate these aspects of parish life: Masses and liturgies in general






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 60 94

Traditional 60 95

MPM 56 93

Consolidated 52 94

PLC 57 92

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 58 94





Other 55 92

Gender

Male 58 94

Female 60 94

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 59 94


Education


Some college 61 95



Primary Language

English 58 94

Spanish 64 93

Other 63 95

48

Please evaluate these aspects of parish life: Vision provided by parish leaders

“Excellent Only”





Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 51 90

Traditional 51 91

MPM 46 88

Consolidated 46 90

PLC 48 87

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 49 91





Other 45 85

Gender

Male 49 90

Female 50 90

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 49 90


Education


Some college 51 90



Primary Language

English 49 90

Spanish 52 88

Other 54 92

49

Please evaluate these aspects of parish life: Encouragement of Parishioners to share their time, talent, and treasure






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 59 92

Traditional 60 93

MPM 52 91

Consolidated 56 92

PLC 53 89

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 59 93





Other 55 88

Gender

Male 57 91

Female 59 92

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 60 93


Education


Some college 57 92



Primary Language

English 59 92

Spanish 54 89

Other 57 93

50

Please evaluate these aspects of parish life: Efforts to educate parishioners in faith






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 58 92

Traditional 59 93

MPM 50 91

Consolidated 43 89

PLC 50 87

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 57 93





Other 51 86

Gender

Male 53 91

Female 57 92

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 57 92


Education


Some college 56 92



Primary Language

English 56 92

Spanish 53 88

Other 55 92

51

Please evaluate these aspects of parish life: Spreading the Gospel and evangelizing






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 47 89

Traditional 44 88

MPM 41 87

Consolidated 38 88

PLC 49 88

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 42 88





Other 41 85

Gender

Male 42 87

Female 46 89

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 44 88


Education


Some college 47 89



Primary Language

English 43 88

Spanish 53 88

Other 57 90

52

Please evaluate these aspects of parish life: Hospitality or sense of welcome to all






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 63 92

Traditional 61 91

MPM 60 92

Consolidated 69 96

PLC 64 91

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 60 91





Other 60 84

Gender

Male 63 92

Female 61 91

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 60 92


Education


Some college 62 92



Primary Language

English 61 91

Spanish 67 91

Other 69 94

53

Please evaluate these aspects of parish life: Celebration of the Sacraments






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 71 97

Traditional 72 98

MPM 68 97

Consolidated 60 96

PLC 67 95

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 71 97





Other 63 94

Gender

Male 70 97

Female 71 97

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 71 97


Education


Some college 72 97



Primary Language

English 70 97

Spanish 70 94

Other 72 97

54

Please evaluate these aspects of parish life: Promoting important Church teachings/causes






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 63 94

Traditional 61 94

MPM 60 93

Consolidated 50 90

PLC 59 92

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 61 94





Other 56 88

Gender

Male 59 93

Female 62 94

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 61 94


Education


Some college 63 94



Primary Language

English 61 94

Spanish 59 91

Other 63 94

55

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Sacramental preparation for Baptism






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 56 94

Traditional 57 95

MPM 57 96

Consolidated 54 96

PLC 50 92

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 57 96





Other 52 90

Gender

Male 54 95

Female 57 95

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 57 96


Education


Some college 58 96



Primary Language

English 57 96

Spanish 54 92

Other 56 96

56

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and Eucharist






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 60 95

Traditional 62 96

MPM 59 96

Consolidated 54 95

PLC 54 92

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 62 97





Other 56 91

Gender

Male 58 96

Female 61 96

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 60 96


Education


Some college 61 97



Primary Language

English 61 96

Spanish 56 92

Other 57 95

57

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Sacramental preparation for Confirmation






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 58 94

Traditional 62 96

MPM 56 95

Consolidated 53 95

PLC 54 92

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 60 96





Other 53 91

Gender

Male 57 95

Female 60 95

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 60 96


Education


Some college 60 95



Primary Language

English 60 95

Spanish 56 92

Other 60 96

58

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: RCIA






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 56 94

Traditional 61 96

MPM 55 96

Consolidated 51 96

PLC 50 91

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 61 97





Other 53 89

Gender

Male 56 95

Female 58 95

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 59 95


Education


Some college 57 95



Primary Language

English 59 96

Spanish 51 92

Other 56 97

59

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Marriage preparation






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 54 91

Traditional 55 95

MPM 54 95

Consolidated 50 93

PLC 50 91

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 55 95





Other 50 87

Gender

Male 51 94

Female 55 95

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 53 94


Education


Some college 54 95



Primary Language

English 54 95

Spanish 53 91

Other 55 94

60

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Children’s religious education programs






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 59 92

Traditional 58 92

MPM 54 92

Consolidated 50 89

PLC 56 90

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 56 93





Other 57 84

Gender

Male 55 92

Female 58 92

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 58 93


Education


Some college 58 93



Primary Language

English 57 92

Spanish 57 90

Other 61 94

61

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Youth ministry






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 55 91

Traditional 54 90

MPM 50 89

Consolidated 39 80

PLC 54 90

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 53 90





Other 53 82

Gender

Male 50 89

Female 55 90

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 53 91


Education


Some college 54 90



Primary Language

English 53 90

Spanish 50 88

Other 58 94

62

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Faith Formation for adults






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 52 91

Traditional 51 91

MPM 44 89

Consolidated 40 87

PLC 49 88

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 48 91





Other 51 84

Gender

Male 46 90

Female 51 91

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 49 91


Education


Some college 51 91



Primary Language

English 48 91

Spanish 50 88

Other 55 93

63

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Bible study






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 45 86

Traditional 43 84

MPM 41 86

Consolidated 33 78

PLC 43 83

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 41 84





Other 43 82

Gender

Male 39 83

Female 45 85

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 42 85


Education


Some college 45 85



Primary Language

English 41 84

Spanish 44 82

Other 49 90

64

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Small faith-sharing groups






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 46 86

Traditional 44 85

MPM 38 83

Consolidated 35 79

PLC 43 83

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 42 84





Other 43 79

Gender

Male 40 84

Female 44 85

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 42 85


Education


Some college 44 85



Primary Language

English 42 84

Spanish 44 84

Other 49 91

65

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Retreats






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 46 85

Traditional 39 81

MPM 42 81

Consolidated 34 80

PLC 46 84

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 39 80





Other 43 79

Gender

Male 40 81

Female 42 82

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 39 82


Education


Some college 41 82



Primary Language

English 40 81

Spanish 45 83

Other 48 90

66

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Vision provided by the pastor or parish life coordinator






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 53 89

Traditional 53 89

MPM 48 88

Consolidated 46 86

PLC 48 86

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 51 89





Other 46 82

Gender

Male 50 88

Female 52 89

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 51 89


Education


Some college 53 88



Primary Language

English 51 88

Spanish 51 86

Other 56 94

67

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Leadership provided by the pastor or PLC






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 62 92

Traditional 65 94

MPM 62 92

Consolidated 53 89

PLC 50 86

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 65 93





Other 53 86

Gender

Male 61 92

Female 63 92

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 62 91


Education


Some college 62 92



Primary Language

English 63 93

Spanish 52 86

Other 60 93

68

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Ministry of the pastor or PLC






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 62 93

Traditional 65 94

MPM 64 94

Consolidated 54 90

PLC 49 87

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 66 95





Other 52 85

Gender

Male 61 93

Female 63 93

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 63 93


Education


Some college 62 93



Primary Language

English 64 94

Spanish 50 88

Other 58 92

69

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Ministry of the professional ministry staff






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 54 91

Traditional 56 93

MPM 52 93

Consolidated 43 88

PLC 47 88

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 56 93





Other 45 83

Gender

Male 52 92

Female 55 92

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 53 92


Education


Some college 54 92



Primary Language

English 54 93

Spanish 48 86

Other 54 94

70

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Director of Religious Education






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 54 91

Traditional 56 92

MPM 54 93

Consolidated 42 86

PLC 48 88

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 56 93





Other 48 82

Gender

Male 50 91

Female 55 92

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 54 92


Education


Some college 55 93



Primary Language

English 55 92

Spanish 46 86

Other 53 95

71

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: Youth minister






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 53 90

Traditional 53 91

MPM 51 90

Consolidated 37 78

PLC 50 89

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 53 91





Other 48 83

Gender

Male 48 89

Female 54 91

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 51 90


Education


Some college 53 90



Primary Language

English 52 90

Spanish 47 86

Other 53 94

72

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, and programs: The Parish Pastoral Council






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 50 91

Traditional 49 91

MPM 44 91

Consolidated 42 88

PLC 48 88

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 47 91





Other 46 82

Gender

Male 46 89

Female 49 91

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 46 90


Education


Some college 49 90



Primary Language

English 47 90

Spanish 48 86

Other 52 93

73

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? I would feel comfortable talking with the pastor or PLC

“Strongly Agree” Only

“Agree” or “Strongly Agree”




Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 54 92

Traditional 56 93

MPM 57 93

Consolidated 58 93

PLC 49 90

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 58 93





Other 46 89

Gender

Male 57 93

Female 54 92

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 55 92


Education


Some college 55 92



Primary Language

English 56 93

Spanish 55 92

Other 46 93

74

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? There is sufficient qualified staff to meet the parish’s needs






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 38 85

Traditional 36 86

MPM 39 87

Consolidated 32 83

PLC 34 82

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 37 86





Other 33 80

Gender

Male 36 86

Female 37 85

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 34 84


Education


Some college 37 84



Primary Language

English 36 85

Spanish 36 80

Other 41 90

75

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? I feel invited and encouraged to participate in parish ministry






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 51 91

Traditional 50 91

MPM 50 93

Consolidated 50 93

PLC 46 89

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 51 92





Other 45 84

Gender

Male 50 91

Female 50 92

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 51 92


Education


Some college 50 91



Primary Language

English 50 92

Spanish 47 87

Other 48 93

76

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? I readily volunteer when help is needed






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 29 74

Traditional 26 72

MPM 27 74

Consolidated 32 75

PLC 32 75

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 25 71





Other 31 70

Gender

Male 26 69

Female 28 75

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 28 75


Education


Some college 29 74



Primary Language

English 26 72

Spanish 33 75

Other 34 84

77

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? I feel I have a role in the decision making of the parish






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 20 62

Traditional 16 59

MPM 15 60

Consolidated 22 63

PLC 24 63

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 14 57





Other 18 61

Gender

Male 17 59

Female 18 61

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 18 62


Education


Some college 19 61



Primary Language

English 15 59

Spanish 28 64

Other 28 77

78

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? I am interested in being more involved in the ministry of my parish






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 28 81

Traditional 23 78

MPM 17 82

Consolidated 32 81

PLC 35 85

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 19 74





Other 28 77

Gender

Male 23 76

Female 25 80

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 23 78


Education


Some college 26 79



Primary Language

English 22 76

Spanish 39 86

Other 35 89

79

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? It is clear to me how to become more involved in the ministry of my parish






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 38 84

Traditional 35 83

MPM 32 83

Consolidated 39 87

PLC 36 82

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 34 83





Other 32 79

Gender

Male 34 82

Female 36 84

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 36 85


Education


Some college 35 83



Primary Language

English 35 83

Spanish 36 81

Other 37 87

80

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? This parish has undergone significant changes in the last five years






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 48 89

Traditional 49 88

MPM 40 85

Consolidated 50 87

PLC 52 91

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 47 87





Other 44 86

Gender

Male 46 86

Female 49 89

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 49 89


Education


Some college 51 90



Primary Language

English 47 87

Spanish 53 90

Other 52 93

81

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Things were better at this parish five years ago






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 20 39

Traditional 15 30

MPM 16 37

Consolidated 24 49

PLC 16 31

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 13 27





Other 24 48

Gender

Male 17 35

Female 18 35

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 18 37


Education


Some college 18 36



Primary Language

English 14 30

Spanish 28 55

Other 36 63

82

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Parishioners of different cultures participate in parish life together






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 43 90

Traditional 36 88

MPM 29 84

Consolidated 38 87

PLC 47 91

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 33 87





Other 44 90

Gender

Male 36 88

Female 39 89

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 37 89


Education


Some college 38 88



Primary Language

English 35 88

Spanish 43 88

Other 54 94

83

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Parish pastoral council members are accessible to me






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 31 80

Traditional 30 81

MPM 27 83

Consolidated 34 87

PLC 31 78

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 27 80





Other 36 79

Gender

Male 29 80

Female 30 80

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 28 80


Education


Some college 31 82



Primary Language

English 28 80

Spanish 31 76

Other 38 86

84

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? I feel well informed about parish finances






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 39 85

Traditional 37 84

MPM 35 85

Consolidated 35 80

PLC 42 84

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 36 84





Other 39 85

Gender

Male 36 82

Female 39 86

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 38 86


Education


Some college 39 85



Primary Language

English 37 84

Spanish 41 80

Other 48 90

85

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? I am comfortable with the idea of sharing staff with neighboring parishes






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 39 88

Traditional 35 87

MPM 35 88

Consolidated 38 87

PLC 41 89

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 34 87





Other 39 84

Gender

Male 35 88

Female 37 88

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 36 88


Education


Some college 37 88



Primary Language

English 35 87

Spanish 45 91

Other 43 91

86

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Parish leaders encourage me to explore my vocation within the parish






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 33 83

Traditional 30 82

MPM 24 78

Consolidated 31 84

PLC 34 82

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 28 81





Other 31 76

Gender

Male 29 82

Female 31 81

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 30 82


Education


Some college 30 82



Primary Language

English 29 81

Spanish 37 81

Other 36 88

87

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? I have felt a calling to a greater role in parish ministry






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 24 67

Traditional 19 60

MPM 15 55

Consolidated 23 65

PLC 29 77

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 16 56





Other 23 66

Gender

Male 20 61

Female 21 64

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 20 63


Education


Some college 21 64



Primary Language

English 18 59

Spanish 33 79

Other 31 81

88

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? I am comfortable with the increasing racial and ethnic diversity of this parish






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 56 95

Traditional 52 94

MPM 47 95

Consolidated 54 95

PLC 56 94

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 50 95





Other 54 90

Gender

Male 51 94

Female 54 95

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 50 95


Education


Some college 53 94



Primary Language

English 52 95

Spanish 56 92

Other 60 96

89

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Having people of different cultural backgrounds here enriches this parish






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 62 96

Traditional 59 95

MPM 52 94

Consolidated 58 95

PLC 64 96

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 55 95





Other 60 92

Gender

Male 58 94

Female 61 96

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 57 95


Education


Some college 59 95



Primary Language

English 58 95

Spanish 67 96

Other 66 97

90

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? The diversity in the parish is reflected in the diversity in the parish staff






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 37 81

Traditional 28 74

MPM 22 69

Consolidated 34 84

PLC 50 89

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 23 71





Other 40 81

Gender

Male 30 77

Female 33 77

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 28 74


Education


Some college 36 80



Primary Language

English 28 74

Spanish 48 87

Other 54 92

91

In your opinion how much priority should this parish give to: Sense of community within the parish

“Very much” Only

“Some” or “Very Much”




Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 68 96

Traditional 70 96

MPM 68 97

Consolidated 67 97

PLC 64 94

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 71 97





Other 61 94

Gender

Male 64 96

Female 71 96

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 71 97


Education


Some college 68 96



Primary Language

English 70 97

Spanish 60 93

Other 63 94

92

In your opinion how much priority should this parish give to: Masses and liturgies in general






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 76 97

Traditional 77 98

MPM 76 98

Consolidated 70 98

PLC 73 96

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 78 98





Other 70 94

Gender

Male 73 97

Female 79 98

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 80 98


Education


Some college 77 97



Primary Language

English 77 98

Spanish 70 94

Other 74 95

93

In your opinion how much priority should this parish give to: Vision provided by parish leaders






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 57 95

Traditional 55 95

MPM 54 94

Consolidated 50 93

PLC 60 94

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 54 95





Other 53 92

Gender

Male 54 94

Female 57 95

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 59 96


Education


Some college 58 95



Primary Language

English 55 95

Spanish 61 93

Other 64 95

94

In your opinion how much priority should this parish give to: Encouragement of parishioners to share their time, talent, and treasure






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 64 95

Traditional 62 95

MPM 60 95

Consolidated 60 94

PLC 63 94

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 62 96





Other 63 96

Gender

Male 58 94

Female 65 96

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 66 96


Education


Some college 64 95



Primary Language

English 62 96

Spanish 62 93

Other 65 95

95

In your opinion how much priority should this parish give to: Efforts to educate parishioners in the faith






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 71 96

Traditional 71 97

MPM 68 97

Consolidated 62 96

PLC 68 94

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 71 97





Other 65 94

Gender

Male 67 96

Female 73 97

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 73 97


Education


Some college 72 97



Primary Language

English 71 97

Spanish 67 92

Other 69 95

96

In your opinion how much priority should this parish give to: Spreading the Gospel/evangelizing






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 59 92

Traditional 54 91

MPM 53 91

Consolidated 47 88

PLC 66 94

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 52 91





Other 57 93

Gender

Male 52 90

Female 59 93

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 58 92


Education


Some college 61 94



Primary Language

English 54 91

Spanish 66 93

Other 69 95

97

In your opinion how much priority should this parish give to: Hospitality and sense of welcome






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 72 96

Traditional 71 96

MPM 71 96

Consolidated 72 96

PLC 72 95

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 71 96





Other 70 94

Gender

Male 67 95

Female 74 96

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 74 97


Education


Some college 73 96



Primary Language

English 72 96

Spanish 71 94

Other 71 94

98

In your opinion how much priority should this parish give to: Celebration of the Sacraments






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 80 98

Traditional 81 98

MPM 80 98

Consolidated 72 98

PLC 77 97

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 82 98





Other 78 97

Gender

Male 77 97

Female 82 98

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 83 99


Education


Some college 81 98



Primary Language

English 81 98

Spanish 76 95

Other 76 96

99

In your opinion how much priority should this parish give to: Promoting important Church teachings/causes

(e.g., protecting life, helping the needy)






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 72 96

Traditional 70 96

MPM 69 95

Consolidated 63 94

PLC 73 96

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 69 96





Other 69 95

Gender

Male 68 95

Female 72 96

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 72 97


Education


Some college 73 96



Primary Language

English 70 96

Spanish 73 95

Other 72 96

100

How much do the following attract you to this parish? Its open, welcoming spirit






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 68 93

Traditional 66 93

MPM 68 94

Consolidated 70 96

PLC 68 94

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 65 93





Other 67 92

Gender

Male 65 93

Female 68 93

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 67 95


Education


Some college 69 94



Primary Language

English 66 93

Spanish 66 95

Other 76 95

101

How much do the following attract you to this parish? The beauty of the church






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 54 83

Traditional 48 81

MPM 41 76

Consolidated 57 86

PLC 67 90

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 44 78





Other 56 84

Gender

Male 48 80

Female 54 83

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 49 81


Education


Some college 57 85



Primary Language

English 48 80

Spanish 68 93

Other 70 92

102

How much do the following attract you to this parish? The quality of the liturgy






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 65 94

Traditional 62 93

MPM 61 92

Consolidated 58 94

PLC 65 94

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 61 93





Other 63 91

Gender

Male 57 93

Female 66 94

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 63 93


Education


Some college 65 94



Primary Language

English 61 93

Spanish 69 96

Other 69 95

103

How much do the following attract you to this parish? The quality of the music






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 55 84

Traditional 51 82

MPM 50 81

Consolidated 45 80

PLC 63 90

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 48 80





Other 52 84

Gender

Male 47 81

Female 57 85

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 54 84


Education


Some college 55 85



Primary Language

English 50 82

Spanish 66 91

Other 68 91

104

How much do the following attract you to this parish? The quality of the preaching






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 65 93

Traditional 62 92

MPM 63 90

Consolidated 61 93

PLC 64 93

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 61 92





Other 63 90

Gender

Male 58 92

Female 65 92

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 61 92


Education


Some college 65 93



Primary Language

English 62 92

Spanish 68 94

Other 67 93

105

How much do the following attract you to this parish? The programs and activities of the parish






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 45 84

Traditional 40 82

MPM 41 84

Consolidated 40 79

PLC 49 85

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 38 80





Other 41 79

Gender

Male 37 79

Female 45 85

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 41 84


Education


Some college 44 84



Primary Language

English 39 81

Spanish 54 90

Other 51 89

106

How much do the following attract you to this parish? Its programs for young adults






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 40 74

Traditional 34 68

MPM 33 71

Consolidated 32 66

PLC 48 83

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 31 65





Other 37 71

Gender

Male 33 68

Female 39 74

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 35 71


Education


Some college 41 77



Primary Language

English 34 68

Spanish 50 86

Other 50 86

107

How much do the following attract you to this parish? Its religious education/formation for children and youth






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 49 80

Traditional 45 77

MPM 44 78

Consolidated 37 71

PLC 55 86

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 42 75





Other 48 74

Gender

Male 43 75

Female 49 81

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 45 77


Education


Some college 50 82



Primary Language

English 44 76

Spanish 59 90

Other 58 90

108

How much do the following attract you to this parish? Its faith formation for adults






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 43 79

Traditional 36 75

MPM 35 78

Consolidated 32 73

PLC 51 87

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 33 73





Other 37 77

Gender

Male 34 74

Female 42 79

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 40 80


Education


Some college 45 82



Primary Language

English 35 75

Spanish 57 90

Other 50 89

109

How much do the following attract you to this parish? Its opportunities for spiritual growth






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 54 89

Traditional 49 87

MPM 48 88

Consolidated 44 84

PLC 57 90

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 47 86





Other 48 86

Gender

Male 46 86

Female 53 89

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 53 89


Education


Some college 55 90



Primary Language

English 49 87

Spanish 60 92

Other 57 90

110

How much do the following attract you to this parish? Its commitment to social justice






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 45 82

Traditional 37 77

MPM 42 82

Consolidated 38 78

PLC 51 87

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 36 76





Other 45 77

Gender

Male 37 76

Female 44 82

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 42 81


Education


Some college 46 83



Primary Language

English 38 78

Spanish 54 89

Other 56 92

111

How much do the following attract you to this parish? Its character as a diverse community






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 49 83

Traditional 39 77

MPM 38 77

Consolidated 39 79

PLC 59 91

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 35 74





Other 50 82

Gender

Male 40 78

Female 45 81

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 42 80


Education


Some college 49 85



Primary Language

English 40 77

Spanish 57 89

Other 63 93

112

How much do the following attract you to this parish? Its respect for your cultural traditions






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 53 84

Traditional 43 79

MPM 43 80

Consolidated 47 80

PLC 64 91

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 39 77





Other 54 84

Gender

Male 44 80

Female 50 83

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 46 81


Education


Some college 53 87



Primary Language

English 43 79

Spanish 66 91

Other 68 93

113

How much do the following attract you to this parish? Its programs in your native language






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 46 72

Traditional 37 64

MPM 36 65

Consolidated 42 72

PLC 59 85

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 34 62





Other 40 66

Gender

Male 38 66

Female 44 71

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 41 68


Education


Some college 47 75



Primary Language

English 37 65

Spanish 64 88

Other 51 78

114

How much do the following attract you to this parish? The sense of belonging you feel here






Entry to the Church




Parish Structure

Multicultural 63 90

Traditional 60 90

MPM 65 92

Consolidated 65 92

PLC 64 92

Race/Ethnicity

White/Anglo 61 90





Other 50 86

Gender

Male 59 90

Female 64 91

Generation


Vatican II (b. 1943-60) 63 91


Education


Some college 65 92



Primary Language

English 62 90

Spanish 63 93

Other 67 94

115

Appendix II: Questionnaire

<<Parish Name>> <<City, State>>

This survey has been designed to gain insights and recommendations from all parishioners at <<Parish Name>>. The results will be used nationally to understand challenges and opportunities facing our parishes. Your individual response is extremely important. If a question is not applicable to you, leave it blank. Otherwise, please respond by marking an “X” in the appropriate boxes below.

Please evaluate these aspects of parish life. 1 2 3 4 ~ ~ ~ ~ 1. Your overall satisfaction with the parish ~ ~ ~ ~ 2. Sense of community within the parish ~ ~ ~ ~ 3. Masses and liturgies in general ~ ~ ~ ~ 4. Vision provided by parish leaders ~ ~ ~ ~ 5. Encouragement of parishioners to share

their time, talent, and treasure ~ ~ ~ ~ 6. Efforts to educate parishioners in the

faith ~ ~ ~ ~ 7. Spreading the Gospel and evangelizing ~ ~ ~ ~ 8. Hospitality or sense of welcome to all ~ ~ ~ ~ 9. Celebration of the Sacraments ~ ~ ~ ~ 10. Promoting important Church

teachings/causes (e.g., protecting life, helping the needy)

Evaluate the following ministries, persons, & programs.

1 2 3 4 ~ ~ ~ ~ 11. Sacramental preparation for Baptism ~ ~ ~ ~ 12. Sacramental preparation for First

Reconciliation and Eucharist ~ ~ ~ ~ 13. Sacramental preparation for

Confirmation ~ ~ ~ ~ 14. RCIA ~ ~ ~ ~ 15. Marriage preparation ~ ~ ~ ~ 16. Children’s religious education programs~ ~ ~ ~ 17. Youth ministry ~ ~ ~ ~ 18. Faith formation for adults ~ ~ ~ ~ 19. Bible study ~ ~ ~ ~ 20. Small faith-sharing groups ~ ~ ~ ~ 21. Retreats ~ ~ ~ ~ 22. Vision provided by the pastor or parish

life coordinator (PLC - Someone other than a priest entrusted by the bishop with pastoral care of the parish)

~ ~ ~ ~ 23. Leadership provided by the pastor or PLC~ ~ ~ ~ 24. Ministry of the pastor or PLC ~ ~ ~ ~ 25. Ministry of the professional ministry staff ~ ~ ~ ~ 26. Director of Religious Education ~ ~ ~ ~ 27. Youth minister ~ ~ ~ ~ 28. The Parish Pastoral Council

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? 1 2 3 4 ~ ~ ~ ~ 29. I would feel comfortable talking with the

pastor or PLC ~ ~ ~ ~ 30. There is sufficient qualified parish staff to

meet the parish’s needs ~ ~ ~ ~ 31. I feel invited and encouraged to participate

in parish ministry ~ ~ ~ ~ 32. I readily volunteer when help is needed ~ ~ ~ ~ 33. I feel I have a role in the decision making

of the parish ~ ~ ~ ~ 34. I am interested in being more involved in

the ministry of my parish ~ ~ ~ ~ 35. It is clear to me how to become more

involved in the ministry of my parish ~ ~ ~ ~ 36. This parish has undergone significant

changes in the last five years ~ ~ ~ ~ 37. Things were better at this parish five years

ago ~ ~ ~ ~ 38. Parishioners of different cultures

participate in parish life together ~ ~ ~ ~ 39. Parish pastoral council members are

accessible to me ~ ~ ~ ~ 40. I feel well informed about parish finances~ ~ ~ ~ 41. I am comfortable with the idea of sharing

staff (such as youth ministers) with neighboring parishes

~ ~ ~ ~ 42. Parish leaders encourage me to explore my vocation within the parish

~ ~ ~ ~ 43. I have felt a calling to a greater role in parish ministry

~ ~ ~ ~ 44. I am comfortable with the increasing racial or ethnic diversity of this parish

~ ~ ~ ~ 45. Having people of different cultural backgrounds here enriches this parish

~ ~ ~ ~ 46. The diversity in the parish is reflected in the diversity in the parish staff

47. About how frequently do you currently attend Mass? ~ 1. Never or rarely ~ 4. Almost every week ~ 2. A few times a year ~ 5. Every week ~ 3. Once or twice a month ~ 6. More than once a

week

Please use the responses below for questions 1-28. 1=Poor 3=Good 2=Fair 4=Excellent

Please use the responses below for questions 29-46. 1=Strongly disagree 3=Agree 2=Disagree 4=Strongly Agree

In your opinion, how much priority should this parish give to:1 2 3 4 ~ ~ ~ ~ 48. Sense of community within the parish ~ ~ ~ ~ 49. Masses and liturgies in general ~ ~ ~ ~ 50. Vision provided by parish leaders ~ ~ ~ ~ 51. Encouragement of parishioners to share

their time, talent, and treasure ~ ~ ~ ~ 52. Efforts to educate parishioners in the faith~ ~ ~ ~ 53. Spreading the Gospel/evangelizing ~ ~ ~ ~ 54. Hospitality or sense of welcome ~ ~ ~ ~ 55. Celebration of the Sacraments ~ ~ ~ ~ 56. Promoting important Church

teachings/causes (e.g., protecting life, helping the needy)

Using the numbers for items 48-56 above, to which three priorities should the parish give highest priority?

57._______ 58._______ 59._______

How much do the following attract you to this parish? 1 2 3 4 ~ ~ ~ ~ 60. Its open, welcoming spirit ~ ~ ~ ~ 61. The beauty of the church ~ ~ ~ ~ 62. The quality of the liturgy ~ ~ ~ ~ 63. The quality of the music ~ ~ ~ ~ 64. The quality of the preaching ~ ~ ~ ~ 65. The programs and activities of the parish ~ ~ ~ ~ 66. Its programs for young adults ~ ~ ~ ~ 67. Its religious education/formation for

children and youth ~ ~ ~ ~ 68. Its faith formation for adults ~ ~ ~ ~ 69. Its opportunities for spiritual growth ~ ~ ~ ~ 70. Its commitment to social justice ~ ~ ~ ~ 71. Its character as a diverse community ~ ~ ~ ~ 72. Its respect for your cultural traditions ~ ~ ~ ~ 73. Its programs in your native language ~ ~ ~ ~ 74. The sense of belonging you feel here Using the numbers for items 60-74 above, which three most attracted you to this parish?

75._______ 76._______ 77._______

78. What best describes you? Please select only one. ~ 1. Active Catholic since birth. ~ 4. Inactive Catholic ~ 2. Returned Catholic ~ 5. Non-Catholic ~ 3. Catholic convert

Answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions. Yes No ~ ~ 79. Are you registered in this parish? ~ ~ 80. Is this parish your primary place of worship? ~ ~ 81. Do you currently live closer to another parish? ~ ~ 82. Did you attend a Catholic elementary school? ~ ~ 83. Have you received the Sacrament of

Confirmation? ~ ~ 84. Do/did you attend a Catholic high school? ~ ~ 85. Do/did you attend a Catholic college? ~ ~ 86. Have any of your children attended religious

education classes here? ~ ~ 87. Have you attended adult religious education

classes here?

________ 88. Number of years you have attended this parish:

89. Year you were born: 19______ 90. Gender: ___ Male ___ Female

91. What best describes your current marital status? ~ 1. Single, never married ~ 3. Divorced or separated ~ 2. Married or remarried ~ 4. Widowed

_____ 92. Number of children or stepchildren under age 18

living with you? Leave blank if none.

93. What best describes your highest level of education? ~1. Some high school or less ~ 4. Associate’s degree

~2. High school diploma ~ 5. Bachelor’s degree ~3. Some college ~ 6. Graduate degree

94. What is your primary racial or ethnic identity? Please select only one. ~1. American Indian or Alaska Native ~ 4. Hispanic/Latino(a) ~2. Asian or Pacific Islander ~ 5. White/Anglo ~3. Black/African American ~ 6. Other

95. What is the primary language used in your home? ~ 1. English ~ 5. French ~ 2. Spanish ~ 6. Portuguese ~ 3. Vietnamese ~ 7. Polish ~ 4. Tagalog ~ 8. Other

Thank you for completing this survey.

Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University

2300 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20007

Phone: 202-687-8080 FAX: 202-687-8083 ©2011-2012, All rights reserved.

Use the responses below for questions 48-74. 1=None 3=Some 2=A little 4=Very much

Views from the Pews: Parishioner Evaluations of Parish ... · Three-fourths of those in the pews (74 percent) say they have been active Catholics since birth. Eleven percent were

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