Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Helen Catholic Church
General Assembly April 2023 Document
This document presents the outcomes of the Parish General Assembly, a significant gathering that brought together the vibrant members of our parish community. It reflects the collective insights, ideas, and recommendations generated through meaningful discussions guided by the Holy Spirit. With a focus on renewal and mission, this document outlines the common themes, priorities, and action steps identified by our parishioners. It serves as a roadmap for our shared journey, inspiring us to build a more inclusive, vibrant, and purpose-driven parish community. May these results and recommendations ignite our hearts and guide us toward a future filled with hope and love.
Results and Recommendations from the Parish General Assembly
On 29th of April 2023, the participants of the Parish General Assembly considered the various areas of parish ministries which are essential for the growth, vitality, and mission of the Church community. These areas include the following:
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Worship and Liturgy: Parishioners can participate in liturgical ministries such as Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, lectors, choir, and music ministry.
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Faith Formation: This ministry involves the formation and education of all members of the parish community in the Catholic faith, including children, youth, and adults. This ministry includes Religious Education, Bible studies, RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), and various faith formation programs.
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Social Outreach and Justice: This ministry involves reaching out to those in need and promoting social justice. Parishioners can participate in various outreach programs such as food banks, shelters, and visitation of the sick and elderly.
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Evangelization: This ministry focuses on sharing the good news of the Gospel with those who are not part of the Church. Parishioners can participate in evangelization programs such as door-to-door visits, Alpha courses, and other initiatives promoting evangelization.
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Parish Life: This ministry organizes social events and activities that unite the community. Parishioners can participate in parish life events such as potluck dinners, picnics, and other community-building activities.
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Stewardship: This ministry involves the responsible management of the resources, talents, and time God has given us. Parishioners can participate in various stewardship programs such as financial stewardship, volunteering, and other initiatives that promote good stewardship.
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Data Gathering Instrument:
The questionnaire used are open-ended questions, which are often used in qualitative research to gather detailed information about participants' experiences, opinions, and perspectives. Open-ended questions allow participants to provide more detailed and nuanced responses compared to closed-ended questions (e.g., multiple-choice or yes/no questions), which can limit the range of responses and restrict participants' input.
Open-ended questions in a questionnaire allow participants to express their thoughts and ideas in their own words, providing valuable insights into their perspectives and experiences. In particular, the questions above allow participants to express their feelings and opinions about different areas of parish ministry, which can help inform decision-making and planning for future ministry initiatives.
Limitations and Weaknesses
It is important to consider that the number of participants in the Assembly may not be fully representative of the wider community in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, or other relevant factors from a statistical point of view. The participants may introduce biases into the sample as well. Given the specific goals of the Assembly, the resources available, and the characteristics of the population of interest, purposive sampling is used as the participants were involved in particular ministries or had expertise in certain areas of interest. Careful consideration of the strengths and limitations of each method can help to ensure that the sample is as representative and valid as possible.
Question 1 allows participants to identify their areas of passion and energy, providing valuable information about which areas of parish ministry are most important to them. This information can be used to prioritize and allocate resources, as well as to develop new initiatives that align with the interests and passions of the community.
Question 2 allows participants to identify areas where they may be less engaged or motivated, providing insight into potential barriers or challenges that may need to be addressed. This information can be used to identify areas where additional resources or support may be needed, as well as to develop strategies for increasing engagement and motivation in these areas.
Question 3 encourages participants to think about collaboration and support, promoting a spirit of cooperation and teamwork in the parish community. This information can be used to identify opportunities for collaboration and mutual support, as well as to develop strategies for ensuring that all areas of parish ministry are attended to and receive the attention they deserve.
Faith-Based ‘Strength’ Analysis
The framework used for this survey is a simple ranking system that assigns double the value to the 1st choice compared to the 2nd choice. The formula used to calculate the points for each area is:
Points = (# of 1st choice votes x 2) + (# of 2nd choice votes)
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The implications of the results show that the parishioners are most energized and passionate about Worship and Liturgy, which received the highest number of points with 26. This indicates that the parishioners are very committed to the spiritual and liturgical aspects of their faith, and place a high value on the worship services and rituals of the church.
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Stewardship was the second most popular choice, with 19 points. This suggests that the parishioners are also committed to supporting the church financially and contributing to its material needs.
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Faith Formation and Stewardship were ranked third and second, respectively, indicating that the parishioners place significant value on both spiritual growth and financial support for the church.
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Social Outreach and Justice, Pastoral Life, and Evangelization received fewer points, indicating that the parishioners may be less passionate about these areas of parish ministry. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are not important to the parishioners, and further exploration may be needed to understand why they received fewer votes.
The results of this survey can be used to inform the planning and prioritization of parish ministry activities and initiatives. The areas that received the most points can be given greater attention and resources, while the areas that received fewer points may need additional outreach and engagement to build greater enthusiasm and support among the parishioners.
Recommendations
Based on the results of the survey, the areas of Worship and Liturgy and Stewardship received the highest points and therefore may be the areas that need greater attention and resources. Here are some potential strategies for planning to address these areas:
1. Worship and Liturgy: This area may benefit from additional resources and attention in order to improve the quality and variety of worship services and rituals. This could include hiring additional staff or volunteers to help plan and lead services, investing in new liturgical materials or technology, or providing additional training and support for liturgical ministers.
2. Stewardship: To support this area, the parish may need to develop more effective strategies for fundraising and financial management. This could include developing new programs or events to encourage donations or volunteerism, implementing a more effective system for tracking and reporting financial information, or hiring a financial professional to help manage the church's finances.
The areas of Faith Formation, Social Outreach and Justice, and Pastoral Life received fewer points, indicating that they may require additional outreach and engagement in order to build greater enthusiasm and support among the parishioners. Here are some potential strategies for planning to address these areas:
1. Faith Formation: To build greater enthusiasm for this area, the parish may need to develop more engaging and interactive programs for spiritual growth and education. This could include offering new courses or workshops on topics of interest to the community, inviting guest speakers or experts to present on relevant topics, or using technology and social media to reach a wider audience.
2. Social Outreach and Justice: To build greater support for this area, the parish may need to develop more effective strategies for community outreach and service. This could include partnering with local organizations or charities to address specific needs in the community, hosting events or programs that raise awareness of social justice issues, or providing training and resources for volunteers who are interested in serving in this area.
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3. Pastoral Life: To build greater enthusiasm for this area, the parish may need to develop more opportunities for community building and pastoral care. This could include hosting more social events or gatherings that foster a sense of community and belonging, providing support and resources for families and individuals who are struggling with life transitions or challenges, or offering pastoral counselling and support to those in need.
The planning process for addressing the areas that require greater attention and resources and those that require additional outreach and engagement will involve a combination of strategic planning, community engagement, and resource allocation. By working collaboratively with the parish community, leaders can develop effective strategies that address the needs and interests of the community, and help to build a stronger, more vibrant faith community.
Faith-Based ‘Barriers and Challenges’ Analysis
The framework used for this survey is a simple ranking system that assigns double the value to the 1st choice compared to the 2nd choice. The formula used to calculate the points for each area is:
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Points = (# of 1st choice votes x 2) + (# of 2nd choice votes)
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Based on the results provided, it appears that the participants of the General Assembly feel most challenged by the area of Evangelization, which received the highest number of points and ranked first. This indicates that the parishioners may find it difficult to effectively share their faith with others and may struggle with evangelizing and spreading the message of the Gospel.
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Social Outreach and Justice received the second-highest number of points and ranked second, indicating that parishioners may also feel challenged in the area of social outreach and justice. This may suggest that the community may struggle with effectively addressing social justice issues or reaching out to marginalized or disadvantaged groups in their community.
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Faith Formation received the third-highest number of points, indicating that some parishioners may feel challenged in their spiritual growth and education. This may suggest that the community may need additional resources or support to help members deepen their understanding and practice of the faith.
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Pastoral Life, Worship and Liturgy, and Stewardship received fewer points and lower rankings, indicating that the community may be less challenged in these areas. However, this does not necessarily mean that these areas do not require attention or improvement, and further exploration may be needed to understand the community's needs and challenges in these areas.
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Recommendations
The results of this survey can be used to inform the planning and prioritization of parish ministry activities and initiatives. The area of Evangelization, which was identified as the most challenging, may require additional resources and support to help the community effectively share their faith and spread the message of the Gospel. The area of Social Outreach and Justice may also require additional attention and support to help the community address social justice issues and reach out to marginalized groups. The areas of Faith Formation, Pastoral Life, Worship and Liturgy, and Stewardship may also benefit from further exploration and engagement to identify specific challenges and opportunities for growth and improvement.
Further guide questions for reflections in preparation for the next General Assembly:
Here are some guide questions for each of the parish ministry areas that can help prepare parishioners to reflect and think of the next steps in the implementation of the parish three-year planning activity:
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1. Worship and Liturgy
- How can we make our worship services more engaging and meaningful for parishioners of all ages and backgrounds?
- What new liturgical practices or traditions could we introduce to enhance our worship services?
- How can we better incorporate music and the arts into our worship services to create a more uplifting and inspiring experience for parishioners?
2. Faith Formation
- How can we make our faith formation programs more relevant and accessible to parishioners of all ages and stages of faith development?
- What new topics or themes could we explore in our faith formation programs to deepen parishioners' understanding and practice of the faith?
- How can we better integrate technology and social media into our faith formation programs to reach a wider audience and engage younger generations?
3. Social Outreach and Justice
- How can we better identify and respond to our local community's social justice needs and concerns?
- What new partnerships or collaborations could we develop to address social justice issues more effectively?
- How can we engage parishioners better in social outreach and justice initiatives?
4. Evangelization
- How can we more effectively share our faith with others and spread the message of the Gospel?
- What new approaches or strategies could we use to evangelize and reach out to non-Catholics or those who have fallen away from the faith?
- How can we better equip and support parishioners to evangelize and share their faith with others?
5. Pastoral Life
- How can we better support and care for parishioners during transition or difficulty?
- What new pastoral services or resources could we offer to meet parishioners' needs better?
- How can we better foster community and belonging among parishioners and promote a culture of welcome and hospitality?
6. Stewardship
- How can we encourage and promote more significant financial support and giving among parishioners?
- What new stewardship programs or initiatives could we develop to promote a culture of generosity and service?
- How can we better communicate the impact of parishioners' financial contributions and the importance of stewardship to the life and mission of the parish?
By reflecting on these questions and discussing potential strategies and initiatives, parishioners can help inform and shape the parish's three-year planning activity and identify concrete next steps for growth and development in each ministry area.
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Results (Verbatim) Part 3
“Collaboration and Support”
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SVP would like stronger links to other groups in order to identify families in need of support. SVP would like Fr. Alex to consider using the hall for a “cost of living support” Day to help families in need.
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Parish need a more democratic approach in the election of parish officials.
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Bereavement group is very important and needed. We’d like to see more support for the group so that parishioners know it’s there. More advertising about the group. More training in bereavement counselling and how to support other cultures.
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Children’s liturgy – involving them early so that the children’s interest is sparked. The course is quite long for some catechists. It’s also a long course for the children. Our Lady of Lourdes’ course is shorter.
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Social outreach is very hard and a big commitment.
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Increase awareness about SVP
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People play to their strengths
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What you are passionate about.
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Saving seeds.
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Sharing a meal.
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Sharing in faith formation.
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Define and share responsibility
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Faith formation
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Catechists
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Interested in ministries
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Volunteering
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Lector, Financial
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Social Outreach
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Praying the Rosary
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Cleaning the Church and areas needed
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Enlightenment and training
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Worship and liturgy
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Giving enough reverence in the Church
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Parish Retreat.
Analysis:
The third question is focused on collaboration and support within the parish ministries, indicating a desire for more teamwork and shared responsibility.
The question implies a recognition that parish ministries cannot operate in isolation and that collaboration is essential for achieving the mission and vision of the Church.
Summary: The responses to "How can we collaborate and support one another in our parish ministries?" varied, but several themes emerged. Some of the leading suggestions for fostering collaboration and support within the parish ministries included:
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Communication: Several participants suggested improving communication between the ministries and community members would promote collaboration and support. This could include regular meetings, newsletters or bulletins, and other forms of outreach.
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Shared Goals: Participants emphasized the importance of having shared goals and a clear vision for the Church to align the efforts of different ministries and promote collaboration.
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Empowerment: Many participants stressed the need to empower members of the community to participate more fully in the life and mission of the Church. This could involve providing training and resources, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of all members, and creating opportunities for mentorship and support.
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Leadership: Several participants noted that solid leadership is essential for promoting collaboration and support within the parish ministries. This could involve providing mentorship and support for new leaders, creating opportunities for feedback and evaluation, and developing clear structures for decision-making and accountability.
Overall, the responses to the question "How can we collaborate and support one another in our parish ministries?" suggest a strong desire for more teamwork, communication, and shared responsibility within the Church. By implementing the suggestions provided by the general assembly participants, the Church can promote a culture of collaboration and support that will help to achieve its mission and vision.
Next Steps
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Develop a Synodality Framework: Based on the feedback and input from the General Assembly, the parish leadership could develop a framework for practicing and promoting synodality in the parish. This framework could include strategies for empowering and involving all members of the community in decision-making, promoting a culture of dialogue and collaboration, and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
Start-up Strategies:
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Develop a Shared Vision and Mission: A shared vision and mission can help create a sense of unity and purpose within the community and provide a framework for decision-making and collaboration. It is essential to involve all community members in developing this vision and mission, to ensure that it reflects the needs and values of the community as a whole.
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Promote Open Communication: Open communication is essential for promoting dialogue and collaboration within the community. This can be achieved through regular meetings, town hall-style gatherings, and other forums where community members can share their thoughts and ideas. Creating a safe and welcoming environment where all voices are heard and valued is essential.
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Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Clear roles and responsibilities can ensure that all community members are involved in decision-making and that everyone's contributions are recognized and valued. This can be done by developing job descriptions, committee structures, and other organizational frameworks.
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Provide Education and Training: Education and training can help empower community members to participate more fully in decision-making and collaboration. This can include training on leadership and communication skills, as well as education on the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church.
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Foster a Culture of Collaboration: Fostering a culture of collaboration involves promoting teamwork and shared responsibility within the community. This can be achieved by developing collaborative projects and initiatives, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of all members, and creating opportunities for mentorship and support.
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Use Technology and Social-Media: Technology and social media can be powerful tools for promoting dialogue and collaboration within the community. This can include using online forums and messaging apps, as well as creating social media pages and groups where members can share their thoughts and ideas.
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2. Strengthen Faith Formation Programs: To address the challenges identified in the faith formation ministry, the parish could invest in new resources, materials, and staff training to enhance the quality and effectiveness of faith formation programs. This could include developing new courses or workshops on relevant topics, providing support and resources for volunteers, and using technology and social media to reach a wider audience.
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3. Enhance Social Outreach and Justice Initiatives: To address the challenges identified in the social outreach and justice ministry, the parish could develop new partnerships or collaborations with local organizations or charities to address specific needs in the community, host events or programs that raise awareness of social justice issues, and provide training and resources for volunteers who are interested in serving in this area.
4. Evangelization and Outreach Strategies: To address the challenges identified in evangelization ministry, the parish could develop new approaches or strategies to evangelize and reach out to non-Catholics or those who have fallen away from the faith. This could include developing new programs or initiatives that are tailored to the needs and interests of different groups, such as young adults, families, or seniors, and using social media and technology to reach a wider audience.
5. Strengthen Pastoral Care and Support: To address the challenges identified in the pastoral life ministry, the parish could develop new pastoral services or resources to better meet the needs of parishioners during times of transition or difficulty. This could include offering counselling or support groups, developing new pastoral programs or initiatives, and promoting a culture of welcome and hospitality.
6. Enhance Stewardship Initiatives: To promote greater financial support and giving among parishioners, the parish could develop new stewardship programs or initiatives to promote a culture of generosity and service. This could include providing education and training on stewardship principles and practices, offering new opportunities for volunteerism and service, and communicating the impact of parishioners' financial contributions to the life and mission of the parish.
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Prepared by:
Fr. Viktor, RCJ
08-May-2023
Approved by:
Fr. Alex Poblador, RCJ
Parish Priest / Convenor, Parish General Assembly 2023