Survey Answers For All Things New

Beginning last month, we asked you to fill out a short four-question survey to help us with our planning process for ALL THINGS NEW. This is only the beginning of your involvement in helping our ACC help shape our combined futures together. Thank you for your answers. We will keep the survey up on the site until the end of the month in case you did not get a chance to fill one out. (Here’s is the SURVEY LINK)

Enclosed are answers that pertain to the questions asked. We have collected all of the answers and have been reviewing their content, but will be taking out answers that are either not pertaining to the questions asked, or are hurtful in nature to staff or volunteers within the Church body.

1. WHAT DO YOU THINK A THRIVING PARISH LOOKS LIKE?

• Welcoming, loving parishioners.
• Masses are full with young families, children, young adults, grandparents – people of all ages engaging in Mass A reverent Mass with songs proclaiming the greatness of God and the Holy Eucharist -Traditional devotions encouraged – Eucharistic processions, adoration and sound catechesis.
• Welcoming church- never feel invisible. Children hungry for a relationship with Jesus. Members who know the how’s and why’s of our catholic faith. We often take our traditions for granted.
• A place where everyone feels welcome and cared for and Involvement by everyone in whatever capacity they are able to accomplish that goal. That our priests and staff feel supported and encouraged.
• All feel welcome, outreach to all important, home-bound, post-hospitalization, new diagnosis support, grief support. Community involvement.
• A thriving parish strives to make everyone feel welcome, provides opportunity to practice our Faith, and cares for those in need.
• Full church, financially sustainable, involved parishioners, not forcing people to step down/away from positions, everyone feeling welcome, and inclusivity
• Reverence/Quiet/Beauty Truth preached Confession lines long Parents involved in their children’s Faith Formation More TRUTH preached (Admonish the Sinner)
• 1. Faith formation events for all ages which are well attended and offer deep faith as well as surface level attraction. Including a thriving Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. 2. People attend mass early to pray the rosary together for each mass. 3. 24/7 adoration. 4. A beautiful sanctuary with money spent on that purpose. Like some of the churches which have hired professional painters and restoration crews to beautify the space. 5. Liturgical music not just catchy songs. Songs which actually lead the prayerful mind up to heaven. The book Music and Meaning in the Mass details this very well. 6. The faithful showing up in lovely clothes ready to worship not just off the boat or the golf course. 7. Elevating the experience of mass with the presider’s reverence and faith being apparent.
• A welcoming, happy place for all to belong. Social, great music, celebration of who we are as a parish and how we encourage and support each other to seek Jesus in all we do. Engaging, modern programming for families. A community of worship that honors our Catholic traditions and yet is modernized in practice to further engage members.
• I believe the Church of St. Mary is a thriving parish.
• I think a thriving parish looks a lot like St. Mary’s – where I personally see that there are many opportunities provided for engagement of the youth, families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, online Bible studies, women’s groups, special interest groups, etc. Additionally, a thriving parish would be “boots on the ground” to support the widow, orphan, stranger, and poor through service in the community.
• Involve all, youth- seniors including guests that aren’t Catholic.
• Attendance. People show up in the pews 2. Giving. Parishioners give time, talents and treasures to their parish. 3. Active. Parishioners participate in social events, fundraising, mission work. 4. Generational. Parish has history and Parishioners who are multi-generational. Showing longevity.
• Active members in the community through volunteering and providing their time/talent/resources
• The parish as the “cultural” center of parishioners’ lives, parishioners attending mass and holy days of obligation, long confession lines, deep reverence for Christ in the Eucharist, perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, beautiful liturgy steeped in the tradition of the Church (not watered down), a vibrant community with opportunities for all age groups, people staying after mass to form community, events to celebrate and live out the liturgical calendar, humble parishioners willing to be challenged and led by the Church, their paster, and their bishop.
• A parish where we have more volunteers than work. One that celebrates our faith not only for an hour on Sunday but throughout the week.
• A strong focus on all ages, but especially vibrant youth and young families. It would be great if we could amplify Catholic-based education especially in junior high and high school. Relevant services and messaging that are forward-looking with modern approaches. Nice music, but balanced with quiet reflection time and at some Mass options that with prayers that are spoken rather than chanted.
• A thriving parish would -have enough members that there would be a good crowd in the church for Sunday Mass, – have members that participate in parish activities, – be able to meet or exceed budget requirements through regular Sunday giving, – have sufficient priests, deacons and vicars to meet the needs of the parish community.
• A variety of opportunities for gathering and meeting other parishioners, Community outreach, Volunteer opportunities, and friendly and welcoming.
• A group of people working to reach heaven together.
• One that is warm and welcoming to all. One that has many active ministries into which all are invited. One that reaches out in loving concern for the people who feel forgotten, the sick, the poor here and throughout the world.
• Welcoming; engaging; the compelling choice; a parish that embraces, teaches and lives out the 7 themes of Catholic Social Teaching as a highest priority; growing community; the Priests, Deacons, Church Staff and fellow Parishioners challenge our thinking on living out our Catholic Faith (not a milk toast culture); a faith community that works at creating a culture of understanding surrounding the Love that is Jesus Christ.
• I think a thriving parish is one that I can feel certain about sponsoring a friend of mine who is looking to convert from Lutheranism. In a thriving parish I can confidently bring them and be certain that the values and ideas preached are tied to the bible and not that of other influences.
• Diverse, welcoming to all.
• Full pews, ease of getting volunteers to meet the needs of all activities, and of course no budget problems. I have concerns for St. Mary’s…our attendance numbers are down and it seems we have trouble with meeting budget. If our attendance continues to decline, budget problems will follow.
• A church that keeps growing with new members In the black Member involvement
• Full pews, ease of getting volunteers to meet the needs of all activities, and of course no budget problems. I have concerns for St. Mary’s…our attendance numbers are down and it seems we have trouble with meeting budget. If our attendance continues to decline, budget problems will follow.
• A church that keeps growing with new members In the black Member involvement
• I see people of all ages and every background. Equal amounts of children, young adults, and elderly equally using their strengths to enhance God’s church. I see mass, sacraments, religious education for kids, teens, and adults, groups for community and fellowship geared towards varying ages and backgrounds, resources for parishioners going through struggle/hardship (etc. safety, food, baby items), fun field trips, opportunities for worship outside of mass.
• One with a mission of its own, like supporting a school for raising children of faith!
• Very active and welcoming. Seems like St Mary’s is trending towards “old-school” methods, we are having troubles getting enough mass servers because what is expected of them (their actions, folding hands properly, process and follow priest w/ candles, etc), Thinking that hanging some big new crucifix is going to change us, increase our attendance, but yet pastor doesn’t realize that talking so much about himself, and wanting more people around him (Power kick) is a deterrent for many.
• I saw a thriving parish when we visited Arizona this past winter. This church was completely packed for mass. Some were veiled, some were not, the crowd was very diverse with young and old of all colors, and dressed in their best. What stood out to me is that everyone appeared to want to be there. There was no lukewarmness to be seen. The homily had me in tears the entire time even though our seats did not allow us to see the priest or alter. Every single person who received communion knelt at the communion rail. I think a thriving parish is one where people desire to practice their faith wholeheartedly and invite those around them to do so. When we leave out what makes our Catholic faith unique, or put it aside, we don’t give a reason for people to not leave. Because we really aren’t that different from our Protestant counterparts.
• A thriving parish is a source of energy in its community, where, moved by the Spirit, its members actively live their faith.
• A thriving parish looks like the early Christian church – sharing gifts for the common good, celebrating the Eucharist, and evangelizing. We also need to work for social justice and promote the participation of the laity in all aspects of church life and decision-making.
• All people are engaged and excited to be going to Mass and participating in various parish activities. We also need to acknowledge the longtime Catholics who do not want to go back to pre-Vatican 2 traditions.?
• One that practices social justice, meets the needs of parishioners and community members.
• I think a thriving parish starts with everyone understanding WHY we go to mass and WHY we are Catholic. We are Catholic and we go to mass because we believe in the body and blood, soul and divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. It is what sets us apart from everyone else. We get the fullness of the grace and truth that God has. It is important to feel welcomed but as Pope Francis has said, “We don’t go to Mass to give something to God, but to receive from him that which we truly need”. A thriving parish understands why we are Catholic and through that understanding, I believe, is when we all come together to worship God and put aside our own vices and sin and look outward from ourselves and look to what truly matters.
• Full pews, adoration, faith-filled activities for all ages. Statues, images, art and color enhance the atmosphere and help calm the mind before and after mass.
• I think a thriving parish looks like St Marys, and St Nicks. ICC is getting closer. St Nick’s is blessed with parishioners who work well together and share many of the same personal values of what a church should be. St Marys does not have the same shared opinions amongst its parishioners, unfortunately. Understandable maybe, given it much larger size.
• Masses with traditional music.
• full pews, hearts full of stewardship, parishioners with deep prayer skills.
• Catechized Catholics that know their faith, live it, and do not question the Priest that teaches truth.
• Engaged parishioners- community coming together, volunteering, welcoming of visitors and new members, involvement from all age groups, love of the Lord and financially prospering. All should be welcome!!!
• Being welcoming to all visitors and parishioners. How do we support those who differ from others’ perceived “normal”, including LGBTQ. How do we support all family members dealing with cultural differences?
• I think a thriving parish is one where you feel welcomed and engaged when you walk in the door. A thriving parish has people in the pews of all ages, and it has activities for people of all ages. I also think a thriving parish is one that excels at getting out of the church and being welcoming/inviting. It means partnering with other churches of other denominations. It means being a community of worshipers that reaches out to marginalized members of the community. We need to be more.
• When everyone is welcomed, even those with differing opinions.
• Continuing to be a loving and caring parish that reaches out to all members of the community.

2. HOW CAN I USE MY GIFTS TO HELP THE BISHOP PLAN FOR THE FUTURE?

• Research for answers on to become more inclusive.
• I will continue to volunteer with the various ministries I am currently holding.
• Focus on building a support for our children and young adults.
• Continuing financial and prayer support as well as being as involved in parish ministries as my caregiver schedule allows.
• Continue to volunteer, give people the ability to reach out to those they are aware of that need support.
• We are parents to young children and struggle to find time to volunteer and engage in church activities. We try to volunteer for activities that allow our children to participate as well because we do not have access to childcare. We also feel it is important for them to practice serving others to learn about their faith and the world around them.
• Our small rural church being closed, or losing mass times- we came here because it was small. If start shutting down churches or reducing mass times each month, you’re pushing people away/out, when you really want to be bringing people back instead.
• Go to Confession more, Pray more, Share/Evangelize more, Live a TRULY Catholic life
• Whatever you need! Mostly, I’m a CGS and adoration fan. I’m trained in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and fighting to help the parishes see the value in it. We need more training so more people see how this program works to renew parishes with its simple approach to the mysteries of the mass and the Bible.
• Supporting with prayer, participating in surveys and taking an active interest and level of involvement in our church’s future
• I’m 78 yrs old and I still participate in the music ministry occasionally at St Mary’s. We contribute to the bishop’s appeal each year – not sure what else I can do. I have a good amount of public speaking experience and am currently a part-time radio announcer.
• I will support the All Things New process with my participation and prayers. I hope to use my gifts to support this process, but I’m unsure of other ways I can contribute right now.
• First by letting me know what’s in most need of “Help” then I can make a valid decision where I’d be most valuable with my skills
• Whatever I am called to do.
• Unsure
• 1. My family and I are willing to help build strong community for young families in our parish. 2. Teach fellow Catholics and non-Catholics to know and love Christ, our Faith, and the traditions of the Church. 3. Contribute to conversations about reverent liturgical practices in continuity with the documents of the Second Vatican Council (not the rogue “spirit of the council” that has long gripped our Diocese).
• Prayer
• Genuine evangelization based on a Catholic Christian community that is inviting and relevant for sustainable future. Prayers for our leaders and those discerning our future. More volunteering and leadership roles as I plan to transition my permanent residence from a cabin to a home in Alexandria.
• Participate in and give feedback during the process.
• Lead/join small women’s prayer groups.
• Depends on the plan.
• By volunteering to be on any working committee to discern and be excited about where the spirit might be leading us, and to ask other parishioners for their thoughts.
• I would love to work to make our Parishes more open and welcoming to individuals and the families of those who ARE gay, or part of the LGBT community. (To be honest … I am still discerning if I am the right person to help with this kind of effort … but I have done a lot of reading/research into moving a Parish toward a more welcoming community … long-term effort for sure)! NOT trying to change Church doctrine here at all … but trying to focus on allowing all those who seek God to be welcomed to pursue that journey within our Parishes. We need a cultural change that acknowledges their individual dignity, and that each and every individual human being is loved and cherished by God. I am not a gay man nor am I a part of the LGBT community … but I have beloved members of my extended family who are gay … and I would like them to feel they are welcome to pursue their spiritual/faith journey WITHIN the Catholic Church.
• Right now, I spend most of my time in the Archdiocese of St. Paul as a student. There I plan to continue to be active in my faith community and attend church regularly as I have since I can remember. I could also use my skills that in public speaking to help the priests better prepare and execute their homily’s so as to be more concise and eliminate the added distraction from wandering around the sanctuary space.
• Participate. Ask questions.
• Daily masses could be reduced. A communion service with daily readings could be provided by lay people.
• I would like to reverse this question as I feel we are always doing something for the church/Diocese – What can Bishop Neary do for us in our future? We are always second fiddle to the big church but we continue to grow.
• I’m determined to not let my growing family stop me and my husband from joining in various ministries despite having our hands full. I want to be proof that children don’t have to stop us from being active stewards of the church.
• I would like to reverse this question as I feel we are always doing something for the church/Diocese – What can Bishop Neary do for us in our future? We are always second fiddle to the big church but we continue to grow.
• Daily masses could be reduced. A communion service with daily readings could be provided by lay people.
• Continue volunteering to share my talents in various ministries.
• continue to be involved and welcoming to parish
• I am willing to help where needed, although I’m not sure what that would be right now.
• I can be an engaged member of the laity.
• I use the gifts the God has given me to serve God and the Church. I can give input about parish/ACC plans and support decisions made for the common good.
• Will be interested in assisting if we are moving in an all-encompassing and welcoming manner. Will not be as interested if this process is being driven by the ultra-conservative faction of the parish.
• I will support with prayer, financial assistance as able, and volunteering.
• Sharing my love for the Catholic faith with those who are finding themselves struggling with its teachings. When one truly loves the faith they are in, how can they not express that love for it with others with the love God has bestowed upon all His creation. We are servants of the Lord, God’s will be done, not mine. I think having groups where we could tackle hard doctrine or questions that many have could be beneficial to many.
• Volunteering when there is a need.
• By keeping a positive attitude and praying for a healthy transition for any changes ahead. Having moved from place to place in my life, and attending several parishes over those years I don’t feel that fear of my parish closing, that some parishioners fear. I am sensitive to those feelings, so maybe I can help by listening to my fellow parishioners who have these worries, remaining positive and prayerful.
• Not sure.
• prayerful support
• Support truth teaching Priests. PRAY for them.
• Personally, I think there are ways that I definitely could increase my involvement, however, I’m not very enthusiastic as I feel we have a divisive church community on many levels. I look for stronger leadership and interpersonal interactions from pastors, Pastoral Council, committees and church parishioners.
• I would love to be involved in a ministry to people who are homeless, struggling, feeling abandoned, lost.
• Currently donate.
• By finding ways to participate in parish events that reach out to the community members in need.

3. WITH ALL THINGS NEW WHAT AM I MOST AFRAID OF FOR OUR PARISH, FOR OUR ACC, OR OUR DIOCESE?

• Lack of understanding and inclusiveness.
• That our parish will close or be overshadowed by the large parish.
• I am worried that we are set back by not having a catholic school through 12th grade. There are so many who have expressed wanting this, how with as many members as we have, can we still not make this a reality?
• I am afraid that the understandable push to involve and attract youth and young families may result in our older parishioners getting lost in the shuffle.
• That the smaller parishes and their unique needs will feel “ left out” and their parish may close. Prepare for this eventuality.
• I discussed this with my elderly parents recently (members of another parish). They were turned off by “young people changing the church” and felt that going to mass is the extent of what they are interested in. I contrasted this to several families I know at St Mary’s school who are not parishioners and are instead active members in their own (Protestant/non-denomination) churches. They describe the many Bible study groups, family faith formation, Wednesdays night services, outside speakers, and community gatherings they attend. They make it sound like a second family. I am most afraid that people like my parents will hold the parish back from growth and inclusion. From being vibrant. I wonder if we can learn from some of the big church communities in the area.
• More watered down Catholicism Beauty continued to be replaced by “All are welcome” atmosphere (our church should not look like the local Protestant Church/an auditorium)
• I’m most afraid that people making the decisions are going to take a worldly approach to our problems when we need to be looking for heavenly solutions. We need to focus on the sacraments and getting people in to them as much as possible. What we do needs to look different than the world because what we have to offer is so much more than the world.
• I worry about where we are with society and how we can influence goodness for the greater good. With so many conflicting and controversial resources, I see the church as pure and non-political. I foresee with the decrease in priests, a greater engagement of the laity.
• That we end up having to close one of the parishes. I grew up in St. Nicholas parish in Belle River.
• What I fear most in this process is the emotional toll on our priests and parish staff who will likely receive the brunt of the frustration and anger of those in our parish community that become unhappy with the decisions made. I worry that some will leave the church because they are unhappy with decisions.
• Being too ridged and going back to the “Strict” Catholic ways. St Mary’s isn’t as welcoming since Fr Matthew came.
• Closing our beautiful church and no longer having a parish where my great-great grandparents attended, married, raised families and are buried. I always imagined that I’d follow in their footsteps to love and maintain our heritage and faith.
• I’m guessing restructuring will happen, which will be difficult
• I am afraid that financial difficulties for the Parish and ACC will prevent priests and the leaders of our local Church from preaching the truths of our faith that are often difficult to hear out of fear of financial repercussions from parishioners. I am also afraid that financial difficulties will hinder efforts (or act as an excuse) to not work towards increasing the physical beauty of our church and the reverence and right worship of our liturgies. I am concerned that parishioners from parishes in our ACC who are blessed with beautiful churches will be disenfranchised if their parishes are closed and they have to attend mass at St. Mary’s.
• People not understanding the true importance of the Eucharist.
• I worry that the focus will revert to more pre-Vatican 2 traditions that aren’t relevant to our youth… making it even harder to keep our kids in the faith.
• I am concerned that one or more parishes will close, and that our ACC will lose those members completely. I am afraid that the future shortage of priests being ordained will become a threat to all Catholic parishes.
• I’m afraid it will alienate those who are not able to give more time or money.
• No really changing.
• That we don’t truly encourage people to share their honest views and then give them serious consideration. That we forget the importance of people experiencing being part of a parish community.
• Being completely honest here … I fear that the “All Things New” initiative could allow and embolden a very conservative … but very active segment of the Parish, ACC, and Diocese to embrace and institutionalize a “slippery slope” return to pre-Vatican ways. I believe it was Bishop Barron that said that all parishes have a natural tension between those parishioners whose focus is primarily on worship … and those whose focus is primarily on Catholic Social Teaching. Of course we need BOTH. But I worry the focus will and already has shifted away from Catholic Social Teaching. The Eucharist has and will ALWAYS be an essential and critical part of my catholic faith … but I feel the Principals of Catholic Social Teaching helps me to take my faith into the world every day to live out the Gospel. ARE WE USING THE RESULTS OF THE SYNODAL PROCESS SURVEY OF A FEW YEARS AGO TO INFORM OUR PARISH, ACC, AND DIOCESE “ALL THINGS NEW” EFFORTS?
• I am concerned that this campaign will either not bring meaningful changes or address the serious problems that plague our ACC. From the perspective of a young college-age male, our ACC must do a better job of retaining young people. It also must make service more invigorating. While our pastors are fairly well spoken, they struggle to use the time given to them to express their opinion in a meaningful way that a pastor (at say, St. Thomas) could convey and still have stick with you months after the service.
• Declining numbers–parishioners. Especially, younger adults and families.
• I’m afraid that we will continue to lose parishioners. Mass times are too long. People are turned off by the number of men on the alter. What happened to all of our girls who used to be servers? Optics matter. The way the greater church treats women is a turn off. We need at a minimum female deacons. What are the men afraid of? Women in the Catholic Church aren’t much better off than the way Muslim women are treated.
• Fear of our church, St Nicholas, being shut down. The personality and beauty of our Traditional smaller church and its country setting is what is attracting new members. Fear of limiting masses to our parish.
• I’m afraid that we will continue to lose parishioners. Mass times are too long. People are turned off by the number of men on the alter. What happened to all of our girls who used to be servers? Optics matter. The way the greater church treats women is a turn off. We need at a minimum female deacons. What are the men afraid of? Women in the Catholic Church aren’t much better off than the way Muslim women are treated.
• Fear of our church, St Nicholas, being shut down. The personality and beauty of our Traditional smaller church and its country setting is what is attracting new members. Fear of limiting masses to our parish.
• I fear the day our elderly people who have volunteered and led us in ministry for so long pass or can no longer continue in their roles. It’s hard to feel prepared to take on their places. Especially in the choir situation. How can we replace the gifts our leaders bring? How can we encourage more people to learn more instruments and tap into their singing capabilities?
• Losing local identity; local church events; not being considered important in the eyes of the dicastery to our bishop.
• the direction this could take us? – more rituals, less welcoming to the general members?
• I assume this has to do with consolidation. My biggest concern would be that the bishop would force out local parishes to behave a certain way rather than leave decisions to be made locally.
• I fear small-minded, judgmental clergy that emphasize lives and behaviors resembling more consistent with Pharisees than Samaritans.
• I’m afraid that our priests will be stressed and “burnt out” by serving multiple parishes. They need more support, including deacons and pastoral ministers. I’m afraid that some churches may need to close and how that will affect their parishioners.
• That this process we’ll be driven by the ultra-conservative and move us backward as a parish. Totally fine if some people want to kneel for communion, for example, but that can’t become a mandate. We saw a move toward more conservatism as soon as Fr Matthew showed up and required bells, servers with hands folded and making 90-degree turns, and the long pre- and post-communion process.
• Unsure.
• I’ve been a Catholic since birth. The church is going to do what they want to do. They are not going to make changes based on this survey. If you are fortunate enough to have had a great priest once in a while that’s what keeps you going, hoping that another good one will come along. I’m preparing for the worst outcome here, and if I’m wrong, wonderful.
• I think like many, my fear is division between parishioners. It is clear that there are many differing opinions about the direction the Catholic Church should be heading towards. Changes are inevitable, but trying to get rid of tradition and basic Catholic teaching for the sake of people’s feelings is not what is going to strengthen the Catholic parishes. Going back to understanding WHY we go to mass is what I think can heal this growing division.
• I would hate to see St. Nicholas closed. It is a beautiful country church. Immaculate Conception is also a beautiful, reverent space. Images, statues and art all contribute to a feeling of belonging and acceptance. White, stark walls do nothing for feeling close to the Lord.
• I am most concerned about defections from the church. I am also concerned about the divisions I see within St Mary’s between those who desire more traditional worship and those that are opposed. It makes me sad to hear so much divisiveness. I trust the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us safely through this time in history, as the spirit always has.
• Closing a church.
• Losing parishioners due to closing parishes.
• Adult Catechism will continue to be lacking. Yes missing Mass (IF you do not have a VALID reason) is a Mortal Sin! Yes Reconciliation is required (if not in the State of Grace) as well as at least once a year. ^Read the precepts of the church.
• Divisive actions, large church vs small church perspectives (I don’t think our ACC should be Alexandria, ICC and St Nic due to vast imbalance), and there seems to be a big difference with some loud voices trying to impose their own personal agenda and not looking at welcoming to all.
• I hope we don’t get so focused on the aspects of what happens in the Mass, that we forget about serving God and being His hands and feet.
• It appears that the liturgy has reverted back to Pre-Vatican II. We had such a welcoming, fun parish and now it seems to have revered backwards. It does not encourage me to be involved, as I had been in the past. What happened to the young women servers? Do women even count for anything, other than worker bees to get things done, but are not put in leadership positions?
• I fear that the diocesan priests and other support staff will be stretched so thin that they won’t be able to available to help their parish members.

4. WHAT AM I HOPING THIS PROCESS CAN DO FOR OUR PARISH, OUR ACC, FOR OUR DIOCESE?

• Letting, telling people know what a sin is, get back to the teachings of the church
• Change for the better.
• That the ICC campus can be utilized fully – school building, convent house, and parish to offer enrichment opportunities in our Catholic community and Osakis community to draw people to the faith and be a place where people see the hand of God at work.
• Give a better vision for our future. Reach out to more young people to find their renewed faith in Jesus through the Catholic Church.
• Foster inclusiveness, support families and lessen the burdens on the clergy and staff.
• Strengthen a culture of all welcome , no matter where they are on their spiritual journey.
• I hope that this process collects enough information to fully represent the needs and interests of the community. I suspect that other parishioners who are balancing caring for a family, working, and caring for parents could use the support of a church community but do not feel they have time to engage in leading the development of a program. From our experience at this parish and ones we have been a part of previously, it is difficult to join volunteer programs run by older members. More than once my husband and I have been told we were not needed. It would be nice to experience being welcomed into a group run by younger leaders who recognize what family life is like but also sees us as valuable members.
• Strengthen us, keep our doors open, bring us together, more unified
• Priests empowered to preach Truth Priests empowered to preach without fear of backlash/losing money/being reprimanded Church Staff and Church School Staff to be taught Catholic truth. Why should we continue to support a Church and School that is nominally Catholic? That has way too many non-Catholic/fallen away Catholic teachers? Please stop our fallen away Catholic teachers from receiving the Eucharist.
• Fire up these lukewarm Catholics! Go back to the good things that set us apart. Feed us. We are starving. (Not literally… but maybe! Ha!)
• Bring clarity on our purpose as our ACC and diocese. To give us a renewed life and commitment to a healthy church community, supportive of all.
• Not sure – hopefully it will strengthen and bring the three parishes closer together.
• I hope that this process will provide more balance for our priests; assist the parishes in achieving financial stability with operational costs and strong employment/compensation standards; revitalize parishioners to participate in active parish life; and bring more people into the church by witnessing with our presence and stewardship of our communities.
• First learn what “All things new means”.
• I haven’t heard enough about the program to have any hope yet.
• Help improve active participation
• I hope this process can strengthen our parishes socially, financially, and liturgically so they can become thriving spiritual and cultural centers in our communities. I also hope that priests will have more capacity to serve their parishes and not get burned out serving too many parishes.
• Bring us closer to each other and have a deeper love for the Eucharist
• I hope it strengthens our Catholic values and builds a vibrant community that evangelize the Eucharist.
• That we can meet together and build on the past, to find a way to bring back young people to our faith
• Addresses weaknesses before growth can happen.
• Create discussion that what we have been doing isn’t working and we need change.
• That this process will help us deepen our understanding of the meaning and purpose of our parish and renew our commitment to help one another take on more fully the mind and heart of Jesus.
• I am hoping and praying that this process will be informed by the extensive work done a few years ago in the deep dive of the Synodal Process and survey done within each Parish … the results rolled up at the Diocese level were eye opening. If I remember correctly an “overwhelming majority” of those participating indicated a desire for a “more inclusive, welcoming and accepting church. Participants describe this in many ways” … “In many examples, they express desire that the God-given dignity of each person be recognized,
• especially those who have been excluded in some way from participating in the life of the Church.” That same synodal survey also indicated a smaller group of parishioners who would like to see “a smaller but stronger church” … a church that in the words of the participants in the survey is “more traditional in focus”. IS OUR “ALL THINGS NEW’ EFFORT REFLECTING THE OVERWHELMING DESIRE TO BE MORE INCLUSIVE AND WELCOMING? Two views could, of course, co-exist.
• Coming back from college, I am disappointed in a few things that continue at St. Mary’s. Unlike the Lutheran churches in the area of Alexandria, St. Mary’s has little to no fellowship amongst young people (high school through young adults). I find it absurd that young people from a variety of different churches can come together on their own and grow in their faith, but no young Catholics join them or do the same. Within our ACC there needs to be a concerted effort to keep young Catholics Catholic and to keep them going to church after confirmation classes end.
• Bring people back to church.
• Improve attendance.
• I would like to see them cherish the growing small churches as well as the big churches.
• I’m hoping it brings more people to our parish community. I’ve known so many of the older generation within the church for a long time but I watched so many of the people my age walk away and it’s hard to form new bonds with others my age since there are not too many around.
• I would like to see them cherish the growing small churches as well as the big churches.
• Improve attendance.
• Realize that people are losing confidence in the bishop’s ability to pastor them by prioritizing his interest in the priest, without investigating first-hand the concerns of the parishioners, or annually visiting them!
• Bring people back who have been chased away, no longer attending because they feel they don’t belong anymore. Noticing that some of the extremists that were in the right front section are less now (less scarves) – so hopefully we can focus on meeting the needs of the “regulars” so even more parishioners don’t stop attending
• I would hope that we will have thriving parishes where people worship out of their love for and relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist and in others.
• Open our clergy and leadership to the valuable contributions that come through synodality.
• I hope that our parish, ACC, and Diocese will be revitalized, and that we work together in peace for the common good. I pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as decisions are made. I pray that parishioners will be cooperative and supportive of new plans.
• Help people to recognize that there is more than 1 way to be Catholic. It seems there are people that want everyone to do things their way.
• That all parishes in the ACC become one.
• I’m hoping we will have one-hour masses that flow smoothly. I’m hoping for eight minute homilies that inspire me! And I’m hoping for priests who actually serve the parishioners rather than their egos! That doesn’t happen if they can’t even respond to their emails!
• I am hoping that we can all come together to understand the true meaning of our faith and put aside all our gripes and problems and lay them at the feet of our Lord. The members of the Church are not perfect but she is and I think everyone forgets that. Let us look to the Church of God and God Himself for our problems that we struggle with, internally and externally. I hope this process brings us closer to God and our community and instead of looking at those around us who may have differing opinions as not our enemies because we are all children of God.
• I ache for images and statues to surround the pews at St. Mary’s. It is so cold and stark. There is not much to see that looks like a Catholic church other than the small crucifix overpowered by a plain cross. It looks and feels like Covenant church. I much prefer St. Nicholas or Immaculate Conception.
• I hope we can grow stronger as an ACC and become closer within our parish community.
• I hope it does not put an excess burden on our already stressed priests.
• Full pews, equipping the faithful with evangelizing skills
• Figure out how to catechize, in order to bring unity. Truth is truth whether everyone wants to hear it or not. We cannot continue to water down Catholicism to make it more welcoming (it is nothing more then a Protestant service at that point. ) Same with our church, it looks NO different then the local Protestant Church.
• Create stronger community.
• I think a strategic plan is good.
• I am hoping that our priests listen to the parishioners instead of driving their agenda. There have been a number of parishioners who have left the parish due to being disgruntled with the way things are being run in our parish and ACC.
• That all of the Diocese will be stronger because of the support given to our priests, deacons and lay people working in our many parishes.

5. (bonus) ANY OTHER THOUGHTS?

• I’ll need time to do my research.
• I would like to see kneelers incorporated at Communion. This offers everyone a few moments to collect themselves before receiving Jesus. Everyone can receive as they wish – in the hand, on the tongue standing, or on the tongue kneeling. The kneeler would be a simple way for everyone to remember – we are waiting for Jesus to come to us.
• Please share information regarding the number of parishioner families with students at st Mary’s vs non-parishioner and how this is affecting the school and parish. Are there Catholic families that are opting not to join the parish? Are there families that attend mass but opt not to officially join the parish? What can we do to make them feel a desire to join beyond mass attendance?
• PRAY for Truth to prevail. For Reverence and Beauty to replace the noise and “ugliness” (yes finally we are getting a real Crucifix — how about real Statues and Stations of the Cross?) Why are we deprived of Real Catholicism?
• Remember that the kingdom of God is not limited to what we see happening on earth. Look at St. Michael parish in St. Michael MN, they have done incredible things and grew out of a very low point from only 40 years ago. Read the book From Christendom to Apostolic Mission. I’d love to be at the St. Mary’s meeting but I have OCIA for my daughter’s boyfriend at the same time. Hoping to make it to the Belle River one.
• If there are additional ways that I could engage in this work, please give consideration. I am not aware of additional ways where my talents could be used in this process. But I understand how critically important this strategic planning and visioning process is. Thank you for all who are involved.
• I will be praying for the success of this mission.
• Have at least one kneeler during communion for those that like to receive on the tongue.
• It would be amazing if we could have a Sunday evening Mass at one of our churches. I think it would draw in a segment of people that enjoy a quiet service at the end of a weekend.
• I hope in the near future, that our Catholic Church will consider allowing women to become deacons, vicars and priests.
• We are new to the area. Even though we have participated in some volunteer opportunities and read the bulletin and attend hospitality, we have not met many parishioners. We tried to make an appointment with Fr. in order to get to know him and have him know who we are. I was raised that all priests should know their parishioners.
• I appreciate the efforts of all those involved in this effort.
• Before I went off to college at St. Thomas, I told my parents and believed to my core was that as soon as I got there, I would no longer attend church. However, upon my return home this past May, I remarked to my mother “Do you remember when I said I would never go to church ever again? I was wrong I meant to say that I won’t ever go to church at St. Mary’s again.” What changed my beliefs toward church were a culmination of reasons that included discussion with friends, the perceived lack of Christianity and Christian values in the Twin Cities, and the incredible wisdom found within the people with whom I would celebrate mass.
• As I don’t have Facebook, it would be nice to have mass streamed through another site.
• We have lost so many parishioners because of the way it is worded at funerals that only Catholics may receive holy communion (Therkildsen funeral for example, though there are many more) and “others” can come up and receive a blessing. As I watched the funeral mass of Melissa Hartman with Archbishop Hebda present, all were invited to come forward for communion. It’s heartbreaking to have lost so many long-time faithful parishioners because of this. Our mass times are too long due to long homilies, and it takes forever to “wash the dishes”. We could save time there or by reducing the number of verses of hymns. Pope Francis suggested a 7-8 minute homily is sufficient. I would agree. The brain takes in only as much as the seat can absorb. We can’t get people in the pews when mass takes so long. I know it needs to be reverent, but look at masses when Father Al was here, pews were full.
• What about the finances of each Parish? If all 3 are consolidated, so less finance meetings for pastor, are the more affluent parishes picking up the loss @ the larger parish??
• I do think having at least one option where people could use a kneeler to receive communion would be wonderful. I would love to see some sacred art, especially the stations brought to St Mary’s. Very much looking forward to the crucifix brought back.
• The metrics that apply to city/ town churches may not be fair/just for rural parishes.
• Get rid of the egos and start listening to your parishioners. If you think you have all the answers you’re wrong! I see the decreasing attendance and contributions. That doesn’t happen if you’re doing everything right!
• Fiat voluntas tau!
• I’ve see some comments here directed at our clergy that are quite rude. I do not share those opinions at all. I am grateful for our 2 wonderful priests and I thank them for offering their lives in service to the Lord and His people. Thank you both for being beautiful men of God! I pray our ACC will produce more wonderful priests in the future.
• I filled out a survey earlier but forgot to say this. I offered to purchase a large Divine Mercy image for St. Mary’s and was told that it probably wouldn’t be allowed to be hung up.
• Research has proven that peoples’ attention span to receive instruction is 8-10 minutes. Optimum homily time is just that. I believe most parishioners really desire to have the readings explained during the homily.
• In all honesty, I filled out this out already, but after reading the responses, feel I need to add to the comments. Many of the comments lead me to believe our parish is completely un-catechized in Catholic Truth/Doctrine/Teaching. The mere fact that people are offended by NON-Catholics NOT being able to receive the Eucharist makes it abundantly clear that Catechesis has failed. I have been at St Mary’s for several years, enough to know that the grooming of the parishioners by the two priests prior to Fr Matthew is the reason we are so divided. To have two priests give the Eucharist to anyone, whether Catholic or not, leads many older parishioners to believe this is “welcoming”. St Paul disagrees: 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 Few other resources for the misguided: https://www.catholic.com/tract/who-can-receive-communion Canon 844 Catechism of the Catholic Church – Article 3
• Egos, personal agendas, power and lack of respect are prevailing…I am disheartened…I want hope, joy and love.

WHICH PARISH DO YOU BELONG TO?

The Church of St. Mary (Alexandria)                34
Immaculate Conception Church                        3
St. Nicholas Church (Belle River)                        3
Not indicated                                                          8

For a printable PDF Version of these answers (through August 15th, click on this file.