St. Charles Borromeo 1999 Parish Survey

I. Introduction | II. Summary | III. Top Issues

I. Introduction: St. Charles Borromeo 1999 Parish Survey

In March of this year a parish survey was developed and sent to each family within the St. Charles community seeking parishioners’ opinions, thoughts, ideas and suggestions on a number of issues. Thank you to all who responded; your time and thoughtful consideration are sincerely appreciated.

From the approximately 1600 surveys that were sent, we received a return of over 10%. In fact, the number of responses received likely represents an even greater percentage because surveys were sent to all families on the parish records, including those who may not attend on a regular basis. In addition, if a family leaves without notifying the parish, their name is likely to remain on the rosters until someone the database is cleared. Overall, the committee feels the number and level of responses received provides a fair assessment of the views of the parish.

The survey was structured to elicit thoughts, ideas and recommendations, which we were pleased to see it did! However, this type of formatting does not lend itself to a simple, clear evaluation. Many respondents provided several answers to a single question; likewise, the same response was often used for multiple questions, resulting in voluminous information. In an effort to provide an overview of the findings, a summary of the most often repeated issues and/or requests is noted below.

Finally, you are probably wondering what we are going to do with this wealth of information?! Right now the sorting is on going. The complete findings of the survey will be printed and made available for review in the office. At that time, responses and questions for a specific area will be forwarded to the appropriate ministry or service area—web questions to the Web Team, parking issues to the facilities group, parish center concerns to the parish center committee, and so forth.

Again, many thanks for your support and patience!

II. Summary: St. Charles Borromeo 1999 Parish Survey

*Question*	*% Yes**	*% No**
Are your spiritual needs fulfilled at St. Charles?	85	5
Are you aware of the “Neighborhood A – F ” structure at St. Charles?	92	5
Are you familiar with the activities of your specific Neighborhood?	78	16
Did you attend the Volunteer Fair last September?	35	6
If so, was there follow-up to your inquiries or offers to volunteer?	22	46
Do you feel you are adequately informed on parish news and issues?	86	4
Are you a regular reader of the weekly bulletin?	90	6
Are you aware of the role of the Parish Council?	65	23
Have you ever called a member of the parish staff or Council?	77	20
Was your inquiry addressed to your satisfaction?	75	5
Have you ever attended a “social” event at St. Charles?	83	13
Were you made to feel welcome?	80	4
Are our facilities adequate to meet the needs of the community?	34	46
Would you provide financial support for construction of a parish center?	78	11

*Note: percentages do not equal 100% because not all respondents answered each question.

III. Top Issues: St. Charles Borromeo 1999 Parish Survey

The following identifies the issues most often raised by St. Charles parishioners:

Parishioners would like a parish center. Among its uses would be a place for social events, spiritual activities, meetings, sports events and school-related activities.
The feeling of community and belonging is frequently cited as one of St. Charles greatest virtue.
Parking is significant problem for St. Charles parishioners.
Parishioners would like a change made to the church to accommodate more seating, or would like an additional Mass on Sunday.
The Neighborhood system is working well, and helps bring people closer, particularly in Neighborhoods A through E.
Of those who have logged on to the St. Charles web site, the consensus is that it is a helpful and a useful tool.
The parish is split on the role of the Parish Council: those that are aware of the Council’s function think they are doing a good job, but many are not familiar with the role of the Council.
Cultural diversity is valued by the St. Charles community, though many feel that there should be more integration between Anglo and Hispanic, Haitian, Asian and other groups.