Parish Survey
Overview
In the spring of 2025, the Pastoral Council of the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi conducted a parish-wide survey to better understand the needs, experiences, and demographics of the community. This is the first parish-wide, general survey conducted in the past 10 years.
The survey consisted of 25 questions and received 1,427 complete responses—a strong response rate representing over 20% of registered adult parishioners. The survey was designed for ease of completion, with half of the respondents finishing in under 15 minutes. The responses were analyzed by a team of experts in data analysis, including parishioners and a seminarian.
While responses reflect a broad cross-section of the parish, respondents skewed toward older demographics (55+) and long-tenured members (10+ years), with fewer youth and young adults participating compared to the parish roster. With an understanding of the limits of the survey data, the information derived from the survey results will be an important consideration in future discernment by the pastor, staff, and councils.
• Faith Identity
97% identify as Catholic or are in the process of becoming Catholic.
• Path to Catholicism
85% baptized Catholic; 15% converts or in RCIA/OCIA.
• Tenure
Nearly 60% have been parishioners for over 10 years.
• Children
23% of respondents have preschool or school-aged children.
• Diversity
90% identify as White; a small representation from other ethnic groups.
• Age
Strong overrepresentation of 56+; limited responses from those under 35.
• Mass Attendance Frequency
95% attend Mass weekly, monthly, or daily.
• Mass Times
Sunday 9:00 am (31%) and 11:45 am (20%) were the most represented; livestream remains a modest supplement.
• Mass Schedule
Over 50% report the current Mass schedule meets their needs, though longer-tenured parishioners and families with children show a greater preference for the pre-COVID schedule. Interest exists in earlier evening Masses (5:00 pm), particularly among families.
• Mass Experience:
– 81% agree that music enhances the experience of Mass.
– 58% agree that screens enhance the experience of Mass, though 22% disagree.
– There was a lack of consensus on kneelers, with the largest segment (47%) disagreeing that kneelers would enhance their Mass experience.
– Hospitality: The vast majority of respondents feel welcomed and included, and that Mass helps them grow closer to Christ.
• Connection
Parishioners value feeling welcomed, opportunities to serve, and clear communication. There is room to improve follow-up with those seeking involvement and
transparency in decision-making and finances.
• Spiritual Growth
Respondents highlight the importance of personal prayer, vibrant Masses, music, and small faith groups. Strong support exists to provide additional opportunities for retreats, workshops, and learning scripture.
• Values
Parishioners most strongly associate the Catholic Community of St. Francis with sacramental life, prayerfulness, family focus, and outreach to those in need.
• Opportunities for Growth
The top needs identified were:
1. Greater involvement of young people.
2. More uplifting and encouraging homilies.
3. Clarity on parish vision, direction, and goals.
Among families with children (23% of respondents):
• Parents overwhelmingly see helping their children know Jesus as a top responsibility.
• However, only 71% agree they receive adequate parish support in their child’s faith journey, highlighting an area for potential growth.
• Apart from attending Mass, respondents strongly participate in:
– Individual prayer
– Devotions
– Parish events
• 63% of respondents spend less than one hour per week in parish ministries, indicating there are likely parishioners with time and talents who could serve in some capacity.
• Annual household income was broadly distributed among the Mass times.
• Contributions
The largest group gives $1,000–$2,499 annually; Saturday vigil attendees tend to contribute more generously relative to income.
• Giving Approach
Nearly 65% set a fixed annual dollar amount, while 18% give primarily in
response to collections or appeals.
• Perception
44% report not knowing enough to assess parish financial health, pointing to an opportunity for clearer communication.
Conclusion
The survey affirms that the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi is a vibrant, sacramentally centered, and prayerful parish community. Our growth opportunities mirror national and global trends, especially related to youth engagement. Parishioners express deep commitment to worship and faith formation, while also highlighting opportunities to:
1. Engage more youth and young adults
2. Clarify vision and direction
3. Improve transparency and follow-up
4. Provide stronger support for families and children
Next Steps
In the near term, the Pastoral Council and Finance Council will use this data in discussions related to Mass times and financial reporting. The survey results show strong alignment with the strategic priorities of Encounter, Community, and Mission in our current pastoral plan and will be used to reinforce initiatives developed for FY 2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).
The Pastoral Council will conduct two information sessions to provide parishioners with additional opportunities to ask questions related to the survey. They will be held:
• Sunday, Oct. 19 at 10:15 AM (following 9 am Mass) – Fellowship Hall
• Monday, Oct. 20 at 7 PM – virtual. (Please register on Realm)
Questions
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or would like to receive more in-depth information related to the survey, please email the Pastoral Council pastoral.council@stfrancisraleigh.org.