Dear Parishioners,
The Parish Task Force Committee members and parishioners gathered this past Thursday, August 3rd, to begin to review the highlights of the Disciple Maker Index Survey (DMI) that was completed last spring in Lent by 31% of our parish family.
There is much to be hopeful about in the responses that we reviewed. A couple of clear strengths of the parish is the belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the belief that Scripture is the Word of God, and the strong sense of Community here at St Patricia because of our welcoming and friendly spirit.
I also find a lot of hope in the areas where we feel like we can improve. It was very helpful to review the information with lay leaders and staff and bring focus on those areas that will help people grow - most noticeably to develop strategies to build community by providing more opportunities to serve, encourage and teach parishioners how to invite someone to our parish and how to share their faith journey with others.
In the coming months, we will develop a complete report with results and insights that we will use to identify and develop actions going forward. Again, with the support of lay leaders, staff, and ministry leaders, we will take our time in the coming months to prayerfully develop realistic, yet aspirational, actions for the future. Our work will certainly connect with the spiritual renewal effort underway across the Archdiocese while also attending to the unique opportunities for improvement and growth here at St. Patricia Parish.
In the meantime, I invite you to consider taking a more active role in parish life and thus advance the goals of the DMI. As always, my door is open and the pastoral council is available if you would like to share ideas and suggestions.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Fr. Mike Meany
