Gallup Survey - Parish Meeting
We are delighted by the turnout who wanted to hear about the Gallup Survey Results, and what we (as a Parish) are doing as a reaction to these results.
If you want to read the summary of the report - it can be downloaded as a pdf file here.
The report highlighted many good things, but it also highlighted the need for greater engagement from parishioners - and allied to this more opportunities made available with clear expectations.
Parts of the meeting were given over to the parishioners who, in groups, discussed some of the challenges and opportunities identified in the report, all with a view to raising parish engagement.
The general feedback included;
A disappointing number of respondents at 257 - although this was above 50% and so in data collection terms was a valid response.
A number wanted to see the report - it has been on the website for a few weeks, but a link is also included above.
At the time of the COVID pandemic, certain demographics of our parish were not contacted - this was due to the old paper based records being too old and not compliant with GDPR rules. One of the key steps we have taken is to implement the ChurchSuite database (accessed from ‘My Church’) so that we can reach everyone registered in a timely and appropriate manner in the future.
When asked how we could Grow as a parish:
Children’s Liturgy was one item that was suggested by a number of different participants - if this is to happen, we need to safely and reliably staff it. If you are interested in helping serve in this ministry - please let Fr Kim know, or speak to one of the Welcome Team at a Sunday mass.
We need to do more for our Youth and Teen age groups - we agree! However, at this time all youth and teen activity is handled through the chaplain at JFK school. We would love to do more ‘in-house’, but again need the numbers of young people (hopefully GIFT will help here) and the people to run a programme. If you wanted to help in this ministry, please speak to Fr Kim or one of the Welcome Team.
Social Events that bring parishioners together - absolutely! We already have some groups and events on our Faith Journey page. If you have an idea, or wanted to start a group - let us know.
Better communication - we are making this happen with ChurchSuite. Be sure that you sign up and register for any events that interest you.
When asked how we could better Belong to the parish:
Day Trips was one suggestion - these are now on our Faith Journey Page
Getting Confirmation Teens more involved - we would love to and have reached out to the JFK Chaplain asking for support.
Relevant Social Events - again, on the Faith Journey page, there are some already up and running. Plus there are some that are ‘emerging groups’ - alll we need is for sufficient numbers to register their interest via ChurchSuite and these can be moved from ‘Emerging’ to ‘Active’. Please help us to do this.
Home visits to parishioners - once we have a better picture of those who would benefit from this, plus enough people signed up to serve in the this ministry - lets make it happen. Please see the Serve page to learn more.
People to plan social and faith events - Yes! We need you!
Pilgrimages - these are happening - please see the Faith Journey page.
Children’s Liturgy - this was also a top suggestion in Grow. We need people to help run it.
For those with limited (or none at all) internet access, a monthly ‘What’s happening in the Parish’ round up in the printed newsletter.
When asked how we could better Serve the parish
Working with other outside organisations and churches on community projects.
Doing more with the Foodbank - absolutely, especially in the challenging times that are facing many this winter. Could you help co-ordinate this?
Helping with volunteering and charitable events - we would love to do more in the wider community, and let people know how wonderful our parish is. Could you help co-ordinate this activity?
Drive the minibus - Yes please! At this time, we have 7 - but we need 10. Could you help?
Welcome Team to include young people too - great idea!