Disciple Maker Index Survey

Message from the Pastor - January, 2025

Dear parishioners and Friends of St Joseph Parish,

As you are aware, our parish administered the Diocesan sponsored Discipline Maker Index Survey in August and I am pleased our parish completed 506 surveys, the most in the diocese. I am grateful for your enthusiastic participation!

The demographics of survey participants show:

• Half of the respondents have worshiped here for 20+ years.
• Primary place of worship:  Full-time (57%), Seasonal (36%), and Visitors (7%)
• Over half (67%) are over 65 years of age and just 4% are 45 years old or younger.
• The majority (77%) are married and 23% are either widowed, divorced, or single. 
• 94% of respondents do not have school age children

In the first quarter I will be forming a team to review the survey results. We have an overwhelming amount of data and will focus on areas targeted as high priority. This includes feedback as it relates to the four factors of a thriving parish – leadership, Sunday experience, spiritual practices, and the missionary discipleship practices of our people. 

The team will also focus on questions that are significant with respect to a parishioner’s likelihood to recommend the parish, say the parish is helping them grow spiritually, and the frequency with which they are sharing their faith. Two other areas of review will be questions related to parishioners’ degree of belief in core teachings of the faith and how well the parish supports parishioners personally and spiritually.

I will keep you informed of the team's progress as they work to develop action plans to enhance our areas of strength and figure out ways to improve areas of opportunity.

Father Perry