After prayer and discernment, I wanted to present to you for your reflection our parish Mission Statement, along with our Vision Statement and Values that we strive to live here in our Parish Family
Mission Statement:
We follow Jesus in His Catholic Church, who sends us to “go forth and make disciples” of the Lord. (Matthew 28:19)
Vision Statement: My Parish, My Family
We will grow in relationship as a multicultural Parish Family, believing Jesus gives us an intimate relationship with the Father as His beloved sons and daughters through His Word and Sacraments. As temples of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live in unity as brothers and sisters in Christ, to make disciples of the Lord.
Values:
Liturgical Piety
Faithful prayer
Humble joy
Total dependence on God
Continual repentance
Hope filled courage
Sacrificial love
Click here to view our Pastoral Plan 2017-18 in English
Click here to view our Pastoral Plan 2017-18 in Spanish
Click here to view our Pastoral Plan 2017-18 in Portuguese
Click to view Survey Summary Results in English
Click to view Survey Summary Results in Spanish
Click to view Survey Summary Results in Portuguese
If you want to see these reports in Spanish or Portuguese, please go to the bottom of the page and select “Translate”
Se quiser ver esses relatórios em espanhol ou em português, vá até a parte abajo da página e selecione “Traduzir”
Si desea ver estos reportes en Español o en Portugués, favor de ir a la parte de abajo de la página y seleccione “Traducir”
Survey Responses – CCD Class – April 2, 2017
- What is your gender?
Female – 25 Male – 21
- What is your age range?
8–12 – 38 13–18 – 2 19–35 – 1 36–50 – 3 51–65 – 2
- What is your preferred language?
English – 40 Spanish – 5 Portuguese – 1
- Are you a member of our parish?
Yes – 43 No – 2 No Reply – 1
- What do you like best about the parish?
Helping with Sunday school and Mass; CCD program
Music
To learn about God; celebrate Christ
Everyone in the church is welcoming; Seeing family and friends
After Mass, you can ask the priest questions
The varying cultures of our parish; multi-cultural dinner
- What do you think the parish is missing?
Children’s Mass (and having children read at Mass); Children’s choir
More commitment to CYO activities
More festivals; Food
Being kid friendly
- How can we make the parish more appealing to you?
Increase children-related activities; More festivals
Children’s choir
Explain everything a bit more during the Mass; More music/songs at Mass
More small get-togethers / study groups in church basement
More trilingual Masses
Bingo
- What would you like the parish to offer?
Social events; Festivals; Holiday events
Spiritual – More confession times; Retreats; Meditation classes
Cultural – maybe Spanish lessons
More children’s groups; Free food; More parish dinners
Praying the rosary together
- I am involved in Holy Infancy Parish (on a scale of 1 to 10).
1 – 0 4 – 1 7 – 7 10 – 13
2 – 0 5 – 3 8 – 11
3 – 2 6 – 5 9 – 4
- I feel welcome at Holy Infancy Parish (on a scale of 1 to 10).
1 – 0 4 – 1 7 – 1 10 – 32
2 – 0 5 – 4 8 – 3
3 – 0 6 – 1 9 – 4
- I feel our different ethnic groups are united (on a scale of 1 to 10).
1 – 0 4 – 0 7 – 5 10 – 19
2 – 0 5 – 1 8 – 7
3 – 1 6 – 2 9 – 11
46 responses
Survey Responses – 5:15 PM Mass – April 1, 2017
- What is your gender?
Female – 54 Male – 44
- What is your age range?
8–12 – 0 13–18 – 5 19–35 – 7 36–50 – 12 51–65 – 41 66 Plus – 32 Unknown – 1
- What is your preferred language?
English – 81 Spanish – 15 Portuguese – 2
- Are you a member of our parish?
Yes – 71 No – 27
- What do you like best about the parish?
Everyone in the church is welcoming; Friendliness; Priests
The history and longevity of the parish
It’s in my neighborhood; Convenient
Multi-cultural events of our parish; Diversity
Various celebrations and processions
- What do you think the parish is missing?
Coffee / social after Mass
More missions / Retreats
Children’s Mass; More young people; Youth participation
Choir; Music
Sound of the church bell
Maintenance
Excitement in the readings – not all one flat tone
Greeters at the door
Parking
- How can we make the parish more appealing to you?
Coffee / social after Mass
Parking; Handicapped parking
New people involved in organized activities; More youth activities / participation
English speaking retreats
Rosary devotion
Music at Mass
- What would you like the parish to offer?
Social events
Spiritual direction; More confession times; Bible study
Coffee and donuts after Mass; Monthly breakfast
Cultural – ethnic groups tend to exclude English speaking parishioners when social
events take place; please consider that not all people speak ethnic languages.
Praying the rosary together
Music
- I am involved in Holy Infancy Parish (on a scale of 1 to 10).
1 – 8 4 – 6 7 – 9 10 – 12
2 – 3 5 – 16 8 – 6 No Answer – 20
3 – 11 6 – 3 9 – 4
- I feel welcome at Holy Infancy Parish (on a scale of 1 to 10).
1 – 2 4 – 0 7 – 3 10 – 65
2 – 0 5 – 0 8 – 10 No Answer – 8
3 – 0 6 – 0 9 – 10
- I feel our different ethnic groups are united (on a scale of 1 to 10).
1 – 1 4 – 2 7 – 13 10 – 29
2 – 1 5 – 5 8 – 19 No Answer – 10
3 – 1 6 – 5 9 – 12
98 responses
Survey Responses – 7:15 AM Mass – April 2, 2017
- What is your gender?
Female – 31 Male – 30
- What is your age range?
8–12 – 0 13–18 – 1 19–35 – 0 36–50 – 3 51–65 – 26 66 Plus – 30 Unknown – 1
- What is your preferred language?
English – 59 Spanish – 1 Portuguese – 1
- Are you a member of our parish?
Yes – 50 No – 10 No Reply – 1
- What do you like best about the parish?
Everyone in the church is welcoming; Friendliness; Warmth of the priests (approachable)
The history and faith
It’s in my neighborhood; Convenient
The varying cultures of our parish; Diversity
Various celebrations and processions
- What do you think the parish is missing?
More young people; Youth participation
Choir; Music
Latin Mass
Pro-Life Committee
Multi-cultural activities
More English meetings and groups – don’t specify Spanish vs. English
Parking
- How can we make the parish more appealing to you?
Parking
Connect readings to the problems we face today
Stop reading announcements after Mass – we can read them in bulletin
Homily more appealing (and shorter)
New people involved in organized activities; More youth participation
Rosary devotion and English-speaking retreats
Music at Mass
Lose perception of Spanish favoritism
- What would you like the parish to offer?
Social events
Spiritual direction; More confession times; Spiritual trips for families
Coffee and donuts after Mass
Cultural – ethnic groups tend to exclude English speaking parishioners when social
events take place; please consider that not all people speak ethnic languages.
Praying the rosary together
Book Club – using book choices from our gift shop
Vigil candles; Memorials for Sacristy Light; Flowers in Memory of Special Person/Occasion
Music
Spanish/Portuguese language classes
Parking
- I am involved in Holy Infancy Parish (on a scale of 1 to 10).
1 – 3 4 – 2 7 – 4 10 – 11
2 – 2 5 – 14 8 – 7 No Answer – 7
3 – 5 6 – 3 9 – 3
- I feel welcome at Holy Infancy Parish (on a scale of 1 to 10).
1 – 1 4 – 0 7 – 1 10 – 43
2 – 0 5 – 1 8 – 4 No Answer – 2
3 – 1 6 – 1 9 – 7
- I feel our different ethnic groups are united (on a scale of 1 to 10).
1 – 2 4 – 1 7 – 5 10 – 24
2 – 3 5 – 4 8 – 6 No Answer – 4
3 – 1 6 – 3 9 – 8
61 responses
Survey Notes (Portuguese Mass) Total Surveys: 43
8-12 years of age- 0 surveys
13-18 years of age – 2 surveys
Likes: Speaking to god/asking for forgiveness
Needs: The parish is missing nothing—we already have everything we need
19-35 years of age – 6 surveys
LIKES:
United family
Welcoming atmosphere by the two great priests (mentioned several times)
Wonderful Family atmosphere
The laid back feeling—nothing seems “forced”
Excellent priests
Mass in Portuguese
Diversity of the parish
NEEDS/IMPROVEMENTS:
Need to make parish aware of financial situation of the church so that contributions increase (showing both income and expenses)
More parishioner participation in events/in mass
Need Brighter colors/lighting
Would be nice to have a children’s mass
The parish offers a variety of social, spiritual and cultural events, we are missing parishioner engagement
Need children and youth programs/events
Need couple programs/events
Need: More organization: it sometimes feels that events are planned quickly, especially the more “special” masses
Need music—Portuguese choir needs to liven the music, attract more members
Need more programs for spiritual growth
Need commitment of volunteers
Portuguese mass on Saturday
Need more programs that join the 3 communities (masses, fundraisers, children’s programs)
The church is missing youth
Wish mass was later—very early
Missing unity in the three communities
Nothing would make it more attractive—here for a long time, this is “my church”
Suggestion: couple bible study
36-50 years of age – 0 surveys
The Portuguese survey was missing this category—most chose the 19-35 group
51-65 years of age – 20 surveys
LIKES:
United church family (mentioned several times)
Great priests (this was mentioned many times!!)
“Home” like feeling/welcoming feeling
Like the mass in Portuguese
Everything is wonderful!
Like the parties
NEEDS/IMPROVEMENTS:
Parking is an issue
Improve the music at masses (have music at all masses)
More spiritual activities
What is missing in the church: MONEY
Parishioners should be more understanding—the church shouldn’t ask what they can do for us, but what we can be doing for them!
More parishioner participation, especially from the American/Irish community
Need more cultural activities
Need more social activities
Need more spiritual activities/adoration (mentioned several times)
Need programs/events that will increase participation in masses, events, vigils, processions, etc.
Need more love among members—more unity of the communities (unity of the communities mentioned several times)
Need more interaction among parishioners and communities (more events uniting community)
English language classes
More Portuguese masses
Missions
Need more volunteers
People need better attitudes
66+ years of age – 15 surveys
LIKES:
Enjoy the friendship among parishioners
Really like the priests (several)
Love that our priests speak 3 languages
NEEDS/IMPROVEMENTS:
More spiritual programs (mentioned several times)
What’s missing: forca de vontade
Need to encourage/recruit people to help in events (always the same people)
What’s missing for the church: Money
Need more people to participate in masses and special ceremonies (mentioned several times)
More events: social, cultural and spiritual
Need more unity within the Portuguese community and the other communities (mentioned several times)
More youth and couple programs to attract people to the church (mentioned several times)
More spiritual events
Missions
Missa carismatica
Need more people at masses
Survey Notes (Spanish Mass) Total Surveys: 309
8-12 years of age- 9 surveys
Music
Chorus
More social and spiritual and youth activities retreats
13-18 years of age – 11 surveys
Enthusiasm
Raffles
More opportunities within mass
Leaders and Motivators
Cultural and Activities like theater, dance, youthful music in church
19-35 years of age – 37 surveys
Youth, social and spiritual activities
Bible Studies
Young Adult Activities
Deeper explanation of Scripture
More praying less singing
Small or separate room for small children (suggested within different age groups)
Counseling for relationships—individual and marriage
Unity
Youth Choir
Social Issue Talks on: bullying, drugs, abortion, etc
Rosaries in houses
36-50 years of age – 85 surveys
Involvement of Youth in Church
Unity Activities
Catechism and deepening of the faith
Matrimony Retreats
Social Issue Talks
Music too long take away form mass service
Spiritual Activities
Outreach in community to evangelize
Offerings for Church (more voluntary work for Church & educate parishioners on importance of generosity in offertory)
Have other times in church for adoration
Electronic Signs for announcements
Youth Choir
Commitment & Involvement in church
Groups needs to be more knowledgeable in faith & humble servant leaders
Rotate families for Church Offertory (Involve of all parishioners)
Make parishioner announcements of new babies, birthdays, and anniversary to maintain welcoming environment
Family Activities
Welcoming committee to feel embraced by our church community
Unity (trilingual)
Outreach for evangelizing
More singing by all parishioners not just choir singing
Help with volunteering
Parking
Earlier Spanish mass on Saturdays
More persons announced for Masses for death anniversaries (Misa de difuntos)-
Mention three or more persons
51-65 years of age – 90 surveys
Parking
Bible Study
Music
Cultural, spiritual, & social activities
Handicapped Access (Please announce where the ramps are or have signage) and/or possible transportation
Use more application of daily life experiences when explaining scripture
Outreach to evangelize outside of church
More privacy & space for confessions (play music during confessions)
Theater & community sporting events
Explanation of different types of Prayer
Youth Mass every 5th Sunday (4 times a year)
Sidewalk signage for announcements
Better Sound System
Mission work
Retreats
Call to sick parishioners, blessings in homes, opportunities for Quinceañera blessings
Involve all parishioners in singing
Unity
Child care or catechism classes for small children during mass or Kids room
Commitment in volunteering
Youth visits for elderly, food drives, etc.
Better coordination of calendar events to avoid conflicts
66+ years of age – 77 surveys
Kids care room
Ask people to sit in the front of mass (rope the back seats in masses)
Place chorus in balcony
Volunteer commitment
Bible Study
Parking
Social and spiritual activities
Unity
Handicapped Accessibility
Better Sound System
Commitment of volunteers
Music
Retreats
Mass earlier on Saturdays
More comfortable seats or cushions
Offer healing masses– Padre Fernando from NY
Parishioners made aware of importance of being generous during the monetary offertory
More adoration times
More forms of communication with parishioners
Comments about our Priests
Many parishioners feel blessed and are very happy with Fr. Andy and Fr. Brendon
In the question what do you like best: Our Priests was the number 1 answer!
They like the passion in which they give the masses.
They are friendly, caring, dedicated, and spiritual.
Some desires:
More life applications with scripture.
People desire to engage more with Mass experience.
Invite Priests from other Churches or Countries
Outreach in other areas
Job and health fairs
Social Talks (Bullying, Drugs, Domestic Abuse, etc.)
Groups
Groups are dynamic; provide for more opportunities to deepen in the faith
Welcoming and Socialization Groups- Gatherings in church basement with coffee, bread, etc.
Committee to check into the sick of our parish
Things To Do
Paint
More volunteer recruitment
More programs for kids and youth
Active Youth Group in parish
Better Seating
Earlier Mass on Saturdays
Brighter lights in church; hard to read at times
Pamphlets to follow Spanish Mass for new people
More flowers
Remove separation in pews
Survey Responses – 11:45 AM Mass – April 2, 2017
- What is your gender?
Female – 83 Male – 53
- What is your age range?
8–12 – 4 13–18 – 15 19–35 – 21 36–50 – 31 51–65 – 27 66 Plus – 34 Unknown – 4
- What is your preferred language?
English – 114 Spanish – 16 Portuguese – 4 Other – 2
- Are you a member of our parish?
Yes – 109 No – 24 No Reply – 3
- What do you like best about the parish?
The pastor and his efforts to make this a better parish
Locality
Very welcoming
Equality; Family oriented; Familiar faces
Diverse ethnic groups
Close-knit, caring parish
Music
The school
Stained glass windows
- What do you think the parish is missing?
Candles
More events for parishioners; Have different people participate in activities;
Giving more chances to others to participate in church groups
Fund-raising dinners
Social outreach
Bible study
More members in English choir
More singing; Old familiar hymns at a reasonable pitch for participation
More participation of the congregation at Mass, especially children
Another day for confession
Community outreach for those less fortunate
Bingo
- How can we make the parish more appealing to you?
Ringing of the church bell
Connect the three communities with activities / events – not just “cater” to one ethnic group
Fun game nights for parish members
Make activities more appealing to the young / Children’s Mass and Choir
Retreats
Church maintenance (carpeting, paint, pews, sound system)
Different musical instruments for English Mass
More upbeat singing
More parking / Handicapped accessible for wheelchairs
- What would you like the parish to offer?
Work with DeSales University to offer more spiritual events
More community service opportunities
More social activities (Bingo)
Dinners similar to raffle dinner
Summer block parties; Church picnic
Bible study
Retreats to develop faith
A better way for children to enjoy Mass
Coffee gathering or breakfast
Confession during the week
Mentoring for troubled individuals
- I am involved in Holy Infancy Parish (on a scale of 1 to 10).
1 – 12 4 – 10 7 – 11 10 – 19
2 – 5 5 – 36 8 – 8 No Answer – 14
3 – 10 6 – 6 9 – 5
- I feel welcome at Holy Infancy Parish (on a scale of 1 to 10).
1 – 1 4 – 1 7 – 6 10 – 92
2 – 0 5 – 2 8 – 0 No Answer – 4
3 – 1 6 – 5 9 – 15
- I feel our different ethnic groups are united (on a scale of 1 to 10).
1 – 5 4 – 8 7 – 10 10 – 50
2 – 3 5 – 11 8 – 22 No Answer – 4
3 – 4 6 – 8 9 – 11
136 responses