PASTORAL COUNCIL QUESTIONNAIRE

PASTORAL COUNCIL QUESTIONNAIRE – 64 responses

May 2006

FAITH FORMATION

Sample Positive Comments:

I think the RE program is high quality and effective.

The RE program is excellent, run by a caring and dedicated DRE and generous volunteers.

The quality of RE is only as good as the volunteers involved in it. The director has a good vision overall but does not have enough time to attend to the detailed planning in a timely manner.
We recently moved from another parish and are exceptionally happy with the RE program. The volunteers are the strength of the program.
I am very pleased with the RE program. Teacher Mark does a GREAT job with the preschool class. Jackie Hopper does an excellent job as coordinator.

It has been a good journey for my children in their learning about God.

Adding the Wednesday Class is wonderful. My kids have learned a lot this year.

I hope our RE for children can compare with Protestant Sunday school.

Adult lecture series is worthwhile.

Concerns/Issues:

Not a “kid-friendly” Parish:

The program is not supported by church leaders. There are no announcements at Mass about upcoming RE events. Shoestring budget. Promotion of RE programs is suppressed. In general, this is one of the least “kid-friendly” parishes I have been in. Many parishioners are taking their children to RE at other parishes.
My children now attend another church program. I found the program at Risen Christ very unorganized; lack of communication and training/curriculum planning by director and teachers.
I don’t think the RE has much of a presence with the community as a whole. We don’t have a youth mass, youth choir, youth activities. Why are we in need of altar servers if we have kids in RE? Do they even attend Mass? We attended a dinner-theatre put on by the RE at another Catholic parish in the city. These children were doing a fund raiser to send kids to retreats. These kids demonstrated living and loving their faith. I don’t see that enthusiasm at RCCC.

Comments on the position of director of religious education:

The RE program is understaffed and the director should be welcomed as a member of our parish. It detracts from the program. (2) There is a sense of “something is missing” even though improvements have taken place in recent years. The program is too big for one person to manage well.
Jackie does not get much support from other committees, the Pastoral Council or Father Joe. RE is at the bottom of the Risen Christ totem pole.
The director is vibrant, but it’s always the same in Catholic Church programs: the kids find it boring, and adults decline to volunteer.
The parish needs a full-time DRE who would mainly supervise and delegate work to a team of RE coordinators.

Junior high and high school programs:

Programs are weak.
I would like to see the parishes in the Diocese join with BK for confirmation preparation and create a new vital valley-wide partnership that maintained parish involvement and capitalized on the benefits of attending BK.
It’s important that the parish provide RE offerings especially when children attend public schools.
RE is not adequate but it’s probably the best we can do. I send my children to BK to get a more in-depth Catholic education.

Religious education held at another time:

I wish RE was held between the 8:30 and 10:30 masses. It’s a long time without lunch and getting the day started. (2)

I would like to see a toddler class during the 10:30 mass and would be willing to help teach it.

Adult education offerings:

The adult ed offerings seem like catechism class—neither vibrant nor timely. Suggested topics could be on war, capital punishment, immigration.
We need more adult education. There seems to be more opportunities for adult ed, but none have drawn me in.

Adult education with Peg W. is not a good investment of funds.
Adult education has been at the direction of the U.S. Bishops, yet we have limited resources and opportunities for adult education.

I’ve heard that the Purpose Driven Life study is wonderful. Also, the Crown Financial Classes by Larry Burkett are great.

Religious education teachers need more training and more encouragement for teachers to take the training. Teachers need training in age-appropriate teaching methods. Lecturing for an hour to younger children does not work. It has to be fun.

Need more parent involvement in child’s religious education instead of just dropping child off like the church is supplying a day care.

CHURCH AND LITURGY

Sample Positive Comments:

Overall, the music is good. (9)

I love the morning and evening prayer. The use of pamphlets during these times of year is very helpful.

The new church is “wonderful,” “beautiful,” “awesome.”

Love the new worship space and its artwork. (5)
It is a nice place to worship; very modern looking and sometimes I miss a more traditional look such as stained glass, etc. However, the wood, stone and water are very lovely. (4)
At first, the contemporary/modern look of the interior was strange compared to how I was raised. Now I am very comfortable with it and brag about its uniqueness to members of other parishes and invite them to come check it out.

The stain on the floor has had a warming effect.

Celebration of the liturgy:

Celebration of the liturgy is sacred and engaging.
I am very grateful for the prayerful aspect of our celebration. Father Joe always pauses for reflection after the readings and homilies.
Father’s homilies and the Deacons’ homilies are very rich in historical information/ stories. Always give us something to think about. I am amazed that I have never heard one duplicated! (19)
Father and the deacons each have a different style, but always a good reflection, no matter who the homilist is.

I attend daily Mass and it is truly the highlight of my week.

Concerns/Issues:

Music:

Music is mundane. (5)
I wish there were more instruments (guitars and other instruments) and that there was a group of parishioners to sing at the 5:00 p.m. Mass. (4)
I believe we should have more energetic songs. (4)
I appreciate the quality of the musicians and choir but have trouble singing with them because the songs are too high. The music is difficult to follow. (3)
The music is too routine, repetitious, very boring, uninspired, depressing, and somber; the processional & recessional should be joyous and upbeat most times during the year. (3)
I cannot hear those in the choir with mikes singing other than the lead singer. I would like to hear harmonizing of singers.
It would be helpful for the choir to practice new songs with the congregation before liturgies. It is hard to sing along when only the choir knows the song.
Is there any way we can tap into Bob Hind’s work? I miss his music.
We need a choir to sing at weddings, Sunday services, and funerals.

Church sanctuary:

Church needs some greenery. (2)
The new church is “a little sterile,” “unwelcoming,” “stark.”
The altar, tabernacle, Holy Oils are beautiful, even elegant. But overall bland. Large beautiful banners could herald the changing of the liturgical seasons. The ones used now are too subtle.

I wish Father Joe would celebrate the Eucharist facing the majority of the congregation. (6)

Requests for kneelers (6), carpet (1), and to have the Social Hall cross in the Narthex (2)

My family would like to see a larger crucifix upon entering so that we know we are in a Catholic church.

Teens/Young Children:

We are seriously lacking a liturgy for teenagers to keep them interested in their faith. We need a liturgy where music and homilies are aimed at youth.
I would love to see a children’s liturgy of the word.
I think a gym for the teens and all children is more important than enlarging the church.

Homilies:

I love you, Father Joe, but your homilies are about 1/3 too long. We get the point early on, then lose focus.
The homilies should be more specific with more examples.

I believe it’s very important for Father Joe after communion to make those announcements about what is happening at our church. This would add some life and encourage more parishioners to get involved.

It would be great to have four people at the doors greeting people.

I’m a little reclusive and germ-conscious and find holding/shaking hands a bit uncomfortable.

The stations of the cross are “meant to be appreciated up close” but how often does that happen? They seem to fade into the background.

Not having a nursery or a cry room was a mistake. I feel sorry for parents of young children who have to walk past the congregation to go to the Narthex and stand in the back with the child. Toddlers run back and forth which is distracting to the rest of us.

The sound system is still a problem. When will it be fixed?

HOSPITALITY

Sample Positive Comments:

The people of Risen Christ parish community are welcoming to all. They are the Church for me. (14)

We live in Nampa, but drive here on Sundays because if feels like family here.

Greeters:

The greeters at the door, with their smiles, make me feel welcome when I come to church.
I am very appreciative of the greeters and the way Father Joe and the deacons greet people as we leave.

Parish Social Activities:

The picnic is fun. (3)
The coffee hours, breakfast, and large social events encourage people to meet one another. (3)
There are lots of choices of activities available. (2)
Parish social activities -- golf tournament, picnic, Harvest Dance -- are very much appreciated.
I love the social hour after Mass.
The Knights make a wonderful contribution to the social life of the church.

The welcoming committee person was wonderful!

The free night of child care is wonderful. What a nice gift for parents.

Concerns/Issues:

Hospitality committee:

The hospitality committee for new families is not really doing its job.
My daughter’s family was called about a welcome basket, was told the welcoming committee person was too busy that week, could they meet at church? Daughter said Yes, but was never met at church and never received her basket.

Activities:

I would like to see a weekly evening Bible study or prayer group and other activities for working folks. (2)
Bingo nights would be fun and could be a good fund raiser for others outside of our community. (2)
Singles over 40 seem to be left out; have a singles dance or gathering for any age. (2)
There could be more social activities, especially for seniors: card games, book clubs, speakers on topics for seniors. No reason we should have to go to other parishes for this.
We should invite a band in a couple of times a year.
An occasional fish fry on a Friday during Lent.
Have a variety of activities that everyone could participate in, i.e., those that are handicapped and/or in wheelchairs can neither dance nor golf, although they could attend the dinner.
I would like to see this Movie Night continue during other times of the church calendar. We could watch movies dealing with social justice issues that might be fun to discuss.
Need more choices for social activities for the youth of the parish.

I miss the invitation at the end of Mass to stay for coffee. Why has that been dropped?
I wish there was some way to funnel people through the Social Hall as they exit Mass. The coffee hour is a wonderful community builder, but so few people partake.
The parish needs a vibrant, inspiring committee in charge of social activities.
Social activity is sadly lacking. I would like to see a group sign-up where we could rotate preparing dinner to share time for small group interaction. Start small; sign-up annually; meet every three months; then move to once a month.
For new families, consider having a new parish dinner. Have an informal potluck for families and have new and existing members attend.
CPR training needs to be an annual event.

Visitors/New Parishioners:

I attended a church in Hawaii where all visitors were given leis. Visitors were easily recognized for the rest of the congregation to greet. We need some outward sign for new people so they can be welcomed. (6)
As a way of getting to know newcomers, have a “family of the week/month,” with pictures and names on the kiosks and in the Social Hall.
Encourage parishioners to talk or introduce themselves to “new faces” especially those families with young children—they are the future support of the church.

We need a marketing/business plan for outreach to the new homes in the neighborhood. Many of those people must be Catholics. We need to let them know they are welcome at Risen Christ.

Why do the social activities outside the church have to be centered on alcohol?

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Sample Positive Comments:

Opportunities for parish members to get involved:

I am proud of how we look beyond our church (e.g.,, the Heifer Fund).
I particularly appreciated the feedback from Si Se Puede -- pictures reports, etc.
For a small parish, Risen Christ extends itself greatly, and involves itself well beyond its borders.

Concerns/Issues:

Participation:

People need a better idea of what these groups do and the good they do to really get involved. (7)
Not adequately advertised or manned; the bulletin and kiosks are not effective. (3)
We need more emphasis on St. Vincent and its needs. (2)
Direction of social justice activities is needed.
It seems to be the same people who always participate.
I’d like to see more hands-on activities organized.

It seems as though Si Se Puede has gotten a lot of attention and money. Since it is mostly Canyon County, some of the support could be used in Ada County.

Other Ideas:

The St. Vincent de Paul food drive would be more productive if cards with needed food items were given out for families to take home as a reminder.

Turn unused land behind building into a community garden. Rent out space and water to those in the city that do not have space for a garden. Extra produce could be used in the pantry or given to the soup kitchen.

HARVEST DANCE

Sample Positive Comments:

Those who attended HD at Bishop Kelly 20; those who attend HD at Doubletree 5

Those who attended at both BK and Doubletree 23; those who have never attended 14

The event is very fun. Great to see everyone outside of church. (3)

The HD is a great good way to help fund the church but also to bring the community together.

Doubletree Venue:

We missed the silent auction at the Doubletree. A lot of people socialized during the auction and that was missing from the Doubletree. We did not like the raffle. (9)
The Doubletree was fun, but people stayed in their own groups. (5)
We enjoy the HD immensely. A varied format is good. The raffle is good because you can participate even if you can’t attend the dance. (3)
I liked the Doubletree better because workers are not tied up all night working instead of enjoying the efforts they put into the event.
We enjoyed Doubletree Harvest Dance. If people want a dessert and silent auction, we need to get others involved besides ones who have done it in the past.
Less work at the Doubletree, but drinks are way too expensive.
Last year was a step up. I liked not having the huge auction. I could concentrate my giving in one area. Given a chance, it will become a major fundraiser but will take time. It will grow into a special evening. We need to try the Doubletree one more time.
My husband and I attended for the first time last year. We were new to the parish and didn’t know anyone. Most of the tables seemed to be reserved. Place cards with designated seating may help alleviate the awkwardness.
I was thrilled with the direction it took last year. Please continue to make it a more social atmosphere and don’t apply the circumstances/processes/results from a school-related function to our building fund function.

BK Venue:

Needs an effort to make the committee viable. (6)
I like the dessert auction and also a live auction. I was sorry to see the auction eliminated. (2)
I like the BK format. The visiting is always enjoyable; the dancing was fun, and everyone joined in. There was always a theme. I have many great memories from the HD.
The old format, though time consuming and energy consuming, is worth the community building.

Consult a master calendar to make sure it does not conflict with major events at our parishes or in town.

I like the event and it will become bigger and better as the years go by. (4)

Concerns/Issues:

More people need to volunteer. (3)

Reach out to single folks who feel uncomfortable at these types of functions. It became a “couples” night out rather than a group celebration. (3)

A significant number of parishioners said they do not attend the HD because it is too expensive. (2) Some arrangement should be made to comp the tickets for these people.

Need to assure and encourage disabled access.

Too much emphasis on alcohol (wine) as a prize.

Needs to be held in September or November instead of during hunting season.

I’d like to have the Harvest Dance at RCCC.

Alternate between the two places each year.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Sample Comments:

Website:

It’s nice to have a website with the parish directory.
The website is a terrific addition. Jason and his team are to be commended for all the work to make it happen. The picture directory is a great addition.
It’s good to have the bulletin online to refer to if we were out of town the previous week.

Parish Life:

You have dedicated people.
We are proud to be parishioners. We feel at home there and look forward to meeting new people.
The fact that this questionnaire is available means that Risen Christ is a parish that cares and is looking for ways to improve. My family and I really enjoy being members of Risen Christ. Thank you, Father da Silva, and the entire staff and volunteers.
We have a treasure at RCCC. It is a wonderful community. The bereavement group has been helpful in sending me material to help deal with the loss of a loved one. Father Joe is an invaluable asset to RCCC, the Diocese, and to the Treasure Valley.
This is the best church I have ever attended.
I really like the parish and am glad there are people who are trying to make it better. I will try to do my part as well.

I’m very excited about the columbarium. I hope there will be one or two benches inside the wall for loved ones to sit with the deceased.

The Women’s Group is a fantastic addition to our parish life.

Concerns/Issues:

There should be a set time for confessions at least monthly, if not weekly.

I’d like to see elders committed to Social Justice, who become a strong spiritual resource and support for our Catholic community.

We need to inspire more participation in the ministries and in social events. Have the ministries report at Mass (maybe quarterly) about a particular ministry’s activities.

The parish needs quarterly newsletters.

I would appreciate more daily Masses during Advent and Lenten seasons.

Have more announcements at the end of Mass instead of just in the bulletin. The congregation can’t get a good feel for the happenings in the parish from the bulletin because not everyone reads the bulletin. Asking for help in the bulletin can be a little intimidating and people may be hesitant to help without fully understanding the time commitment.

Have another outlet to meet other parishioners besides coffee hour.

Special kids event would be helpful at the 10:30 Mass.

Finances:

We all need to be very concerned with the finances of the parish. Now that there are so many new members, they need to be asked to contribute to the building fund as well as weekly contributions to keep the parish running. (2)
There should be 100 percent participation from the parishioners instead of 30 percent. Everyone needs to support the efforts. (2)
Can’t continue to ask for a higher money goal and expect to reach the goal. It seems to get higher all the time.
We need to consider how our parish finances and building maintenance will continue to grow and how we are going to handle this. Is it possible to brainstorm at an annual parish grounds day where we all help with the maintenance and upkeep and then end with a picnic for all helpers?

Facilities:

The kitchen is already inadequate for any event of significant size. New dishwasher/dryer is needed; better sinks for pre-washing dishes; more storage for food, utensils, refrigerator and freezer; more power outlets.
Is there any way to replace the carpeting in the Social Hall? It is a mess.
Are we ever going to get the rest of the church floors stained? I thought the money from the Harvest Dance was for this and the statue of Joseph.
Heat the church more on cold winter Sundays.

Volunteers:

How do we recruit new faces to aid in our mission? We need a volunteer coordinator. (2)
I feel like some groups are not supported within the church. It seems like anything not directly related to the Mass or how the church is run is not considered important or is taken for granted.
Some individuals want to Monday morning quarterback, which turns people off and subsequently they stop being involved.

I would like to see Eucharistic adoration started. Sign-up could be for three or four hours once a month; then gradually increased to weekly, adding hours as commitment increases.

A number of people chew gum throughout Mass, even adults. It is very distracting and irreverent.

Are there small faith communities in the parish? Are they open to newcomers?

I am opposed to the war protest prayer of petition. It is a war protest because we only pray for the Iraqis who have died since our intervention. That does not honor the 500,000 who were put to death or maimed by the Baathist regime during their reign of terror. If we are to pray for those suffering, let’s honor all Iraqis who suffered and died under Saddam.