Vibrant Parish Life Study

 

Rank in Importance in first column
	Rank in Being Well done in second column
		Difference: Minus Indicates Deficiency; Plus indicates better than importance
1	21	-20	Masses that are prayerful, reverent and spiritually moving
2	18	-16	The parish as a supportive, caring community
3	8	-5	Promotion of respect for human life
4	19	-15	The parish exhibiting a spirit of warmth and hospitality
5	7	-2	Religious education for children
6	24	-18	New members of the parish are welcomed
7	29	-22	Parish leadership that listens to the concerns of parishioners
8	17	-9	Support for families who have experienced death
9	1	8	A church large enough for worship
10	15	-5	Outreach to the poor
11	16	-5	Ease in obtaining help and answer when calling the parish
12	2	10	Well-maintained parish facilities and grounds
13	3	10	Easy access to the church and facilities for the physically disabled
14	13	1	Attention to the spiritual and sacramental needs of the sick& shut-in
15	12	3	Cooperation with groups in the community to meet local needs
16	11	5	An interior environment that creates a good atmosphere for worship
17	14	3	A spirit of welcome and invitation to those interested in
18	5	13	Adequate facilities for meetings and other activities
19	34	-15	Programs that strengthen and foster family life
20	31	-11	Encouragement of racial and ethnic harmony
21	35	-14	Sensitivity to special needs (divorced, separated, singles, etc)
22	10	12	The availability of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
23	26	-3	Youth ministry programs for teens
24	28	-4	Cooperation with other Christian churches
25	4	21	Access to a Catholic Elementary school in the area
26	30	-4	Religious education for adults
27	9	18	The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
28	38	-10	Outreach to non-practicing Catholics
29	27	2	Programs or activities to promote spiritual growth
30	37	-7	Sensitivity to religious diversity within families
31	33	-2	Encouragement of parish members to work for social justice
32	25	7	Encouragement to become involved in parish ministries
33	32	1	Invitation of members to share the responsibility of leadership
34	20	14	An annual stewardship appeal, asking for time, talent, and treasure
35	6	29	Annually publishing a parish financial statement
36	22	14	The availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
37	36	1	Encouragement of religious vocations
38	23	15	Devotional services (rosary, Stations, evening prayer, etc.)
39	39	0	An understanding of major world religions (Islam, etc)
PARISH AS A COMMUNITY DIMENSION is colored blue
SERVICE TO SURROUNDING COMMUNITY DIMENSION is colored green
EDUCATION DIMENSION is colored yellow
FACILITIES DIMENSION is colored red
ADMINISTRATION DIMENSION is colored purple