Last week, we published our DMI data as requested by the diocese and this week we compare the results between our parish and all of the 61 parishes diocesan-wide. (See links below) The Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI), the company leading the survey, has asked us to communicate the data according to the following groupings of data: “Four Factors Of a Thriving Parish,” “Strengths of the Parish,” and “Opportunities For Growth.”
 
The whole purpose of the DMI Survey is for each parish to look at the data and map out three areas on which we would like to focus over the next several years, in order to take our parish to the “Next Generation.”  For this purpose,  we have set up the required Envisioning Committee and have been examining the data both as a committee and with a moderator, provided by CLI.  In October, we will also hold listening sessions to gather your feedback on our three focus areas (or goals) in a similar format to our parish synod sessions held back in March 2022.  These goals will need to be Specific, Motivating, Attainable, Relevant and Trackable as the diocese will be holding us accountable and measuring our results.  Our three goals are due to the diocese by November 15.  After November 15, both the Envisioning Committee and the Pastoral Council will be setting priorities under each goal with the final “Pastoral Plan” due to the diocese on February 14, 2024.
 
Currently, three areas of focus based on how committee members are interpreting the data, seem to be coalescing around: 1) Educating people about the Mass and establishing a culture based on the Eucharist so that we can grow in our love of others that Jesus has for us; 2) Provide more and meaningful opportunities for people to serve in the community as the People of God that we are by virtue of our baptism; and 3) Accompany and support families in our parish, and particularly the younger generation, leading them to a deeper commitment to Christ and His Church.
 
We will continue to sharpen and build out these goals over the upcoming months according to Bishop Zubik’s targets with the ultimate goal of taking our parish to the next level.

Disciple Maker Index - Diocesan Wide Results
Disciple Maker Index - Parish Results