Parish Assembly Comments

The following is a compilation of all the comments received from participants at the St. Anselm Parish Assembly held on December 4, 2006. The comments are grouped by topic and reflect the responses to the specific questions raised about each topic. The organization of the information may vary from topic to topic because different PPC members compiled each; however, all comments have been included even if the format differs among topics.

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Community | Service | Worship | Teaching | Proclamation | Data | Conclusion | [Top of Page]

Predominant Themes:

1. St. Anselm's IS a unique and caring community of concerned members.

• Welcoming of new members

• Caring for homebound

• Caring for the sick/deceased and for their families

• The multicultural parishioners - reflecting the cultural make-up of Bay Ridge

• Youth Activities - especially coaches

• Those who participate in activities here even though they belong to other parishes

• We1come people of all ages

• People have deep roots in the parish

• High level of volunteers

• Strong leadership

• Music Program.

• Great, dedicated priests and sisters

• Holy and prayerful people

• School is full

2. St. Anselm's IS NOT a unique and caring community of concerned members.

• Does not welcome new members with a letter or phone call

• Parishioners do not acknowledge each other

• No opportunity for those without children to become involved

• People are clique-ish; they are not welcoming to new members

• It is the same as other parishes

Specific Individual Comments:

o St. A's is basically at the same as most parishes that I know of in its ministry and liturgy at this moment

o Comfortable with parish Masses

o Better publicity of events and organizations

o Reach out to CCD Children

o Increase participation in strength and numbers.

o Homilies are very down-to-earth and relate messages clearly with humor at times.

o Giving holy communion to homebound parishioners

o We recognize and enhance the positive qualities of its parishioners by creating a more active parish

council.

o St. Anselm is indeed a special community, since it is composed of people whose primary goal is to assist, help and care for others. By being united toward this aim, they try to fulfill and follow Christ's teaching. Each one of us must reach to his neighbor and assist him.

o It is for some of the people who attend regularly but they know each other and are unknown by most of the people who show up occasionally. Going forward we need to increase participation in numbers and in the strength and depth of their voices.

o The vowed religious extend themselves to outsiders far more than the parishioners.

o Help when family members are ill

o Great, kind pastor who is our leader and the kids in the school pick up on this. Our schools are full,

unlike many others. We have great potential.

o Many special events, lots of helping people, large parish with a small feeling.

o I think the parish is unique because many people choose to worship here even though they live outside the parish. I think it's the people of our parish that makes it special.

o Welcomes people of all ages and different ethnic backgrounds.

o Our parish community is blessed with many gifts and people share their surplus (time, experience,

money) with others.

o The people for the most part have been in the parish a long time and have deep roots in the parish and care a great deal about the parish succeeding.

o Help for all people - not just Catholics o It is a community.

o Its people get involved. They help each other and are self-sufficient to a great degree.

o No central unifying experience among its members.

o St. A's should be a place of community and caring and those who attend Mass and participate in parish activities do have a special concern. There are many "parishioners" who are not concerned and complain about everything in the Church and the school.

o St. A's is a caring community as seen by the intentions in Mass, special adorations, holy hour, activities for working members, and the daily rosary after 11: 00 Mass.

o People are united and caring when practicing their faith. Many wonderful relationships are formed.

o There is less of a focus on non-school issues and education.

o More group singing instead of one vocalist. The children's group is great.

o The parents of the children in the school and the community of Bay Ridge come together as one in

school sports and parish activities.

o The music program is extraordinary. Priests are dedicated, homilies are excellent.

o There is a true sense of caring and compassion.

o St. A's parish rallies to the help of those in need within the parish.

o It's unique because you feel almost being among the saints when you pray.

o Caring - prayer group, concern for the sick, scripture class, good communication o There are many holy and prayerful people here.

o St. A's parish appears to be a community of groups of individuals who are caring and concerned people of faith. However, they are that way within the groups and the groups do not necessarily interact with one another.

o There are so many wonderful caring parishioners who are supportive on a day to day or on an as-needed basis.

o I believe there are those who feel it is unique because there are people who come from outside the

"boundaries" of the parish to participate in areas of parish life.

o It is a community of caring because of its services of worship, religious education and special programs such as pastoral and spiritual ministry and youth activities.

o Just joining in prayer and hearing news about the church, local and worldwide, makes it special.

o Not concerned - I don't see any outreach to people. Clannish, both congregation and priests. Impersonal. Don't have activities so people can get together.

o Depends on how much one invests in time and attendance to truly tell the extent of the caring.

o Youth Activities coaches are very special. Other than Youth Activities, I don't find that the church

reaches out to the children, whether at CCD or Mass. We need a children's Mass that will engage our youth.

o One of the oldest parishes in Bay Ridge. Any blessed place with the Eucharist and people of faith,

whether few or many can make up a tremendous caring community.

o Many activities provided to the adults, children, families. The volunteerism provided by the members of the parish. The thoughtful homilies and interactions of the priests of our parish. The generations of

families who have lived in St. A's and passed along the spirit of belonging.

o Need more outreach to parishioners not actively engaged.

o Committed leadership facing the challenges it faces in a very dynamic era. We need more community focus activities and opportunities to engage others.

o I think St. A's is a unique and special community of caring, concerned people of faith because there is a central core of members who are regularly present to all events, many of whom are gracious volunteers when there is a need. Their efforts flow out to those who are not able to be so involved.

o I don't think it's unique. The people that do come are great. However, we need some young families.

o As an adult without a child, I have not found activities to participate in. I do not feel included.

o I was not welcomed when I joined the parish.

o Priests and sisters are kind and made me feel welcomed when I moved into the parish.

o All parishes are special communities of caring and concerned individuals.

o More interest in Teen Club.

o People need to know about services available. Better publicity especially for those who don't have

children in the school.

o We have to reach out to neighboring parishes for interaction with teens.

o More communication with other faiths.

o We are unique because of our warmth, rich history and vibrant school.

o I believe we could become more concerned and outgoing if all members acknowledge each other when they meet in or outside Church - hello, nod, smile.

o We are caring because we respond with a generous spirit - Catholic Charities, Food Pantry, Teaching, etc.

o Because of the dedication of the religious and the parishioners.

o There is little or no effort by the parish to enable parishioners to meet each other socially and get to

know each other - not just names but also interests, problems, stresses and joys in their lives.

Most felt the uniqueness of St. Anselm's is its ability to reach across cultural boundaries with efforts to reach out to the homebound.

Very comfortable Parish Masses

The vowed religious show extraordinary care and concern

Many of the cultural factors that define Bay Ridge also define St. A's

We are a blessed parish with a great and kind leader

We are graced with talent and people who share gifts with others and we have great potential

Unlike some parishes, our school is full

Our parishioners are eager to achieve goals and care for others

Our worship draws all ages and we try to have many social events to please all

Those that are more involved should share their knowledge and guide others.

People need to know about services - need better publicity for things, such as Teen Club.

Work with neighbor parishes.

We are unique for our warmth which can be seen in the pews and in the classroom, especially from our religious education program.

Not a central unifying experience.

People help each other to a degree - in Church, school, sporting activities.

Many parishioners complain but don't participate.

Evening activities for working members.

St. A's is a caring community.

Strong and dedicated parental involvement.

Music program is important and well-done. We could have more group singing.

People are united and caring - wonderful relationships formed.

Welcoming body of priests.

The very fact that St. A's Parish offers a pastoral committee shows their heart towards the people and making a strong foundation for the future.

Very friendly, prayerful, holy and concerned people.

Concern for sick.

Worship and caring community.

Leadership roles are not shared . Always the same people -little interaction outside the "group."

Outside "community" vs. inside "community".

Need for us to reach out to CCD children.

Sometimes working members are not able to receive sacraments such as reconciliation or novena - since most religious activities are during the day.

We should have special Masses - healing.

Needs to be done to reach the 21-30 year old group.

Central core of members who are regularly present.

More organized activities to reach all age groups.

Community | Service | Worship | Teaching | Proclamation | Data | Conclusion | [Top of Page]

• Parishioners feel better communication is needed within the parish. They feel they are not told specifically what the parish needs by way of service and as such don't know where they might be of help.

• Parishioners seem to have a great interest in serving within the Youth Activities Program, CCD Program, the school, and with church decoration and painting of fences. It should be noted that these areas have gotten a great deal of publicity throughout the past year from the pulpit, in the bulletin, the parish website, and from the organizations themselves. This supports the general comment above.

• Parishioners would like to serve but feel they have little time to spare. The fact that as a society, working persons are working longer hours, putting pressure on them to make time for family, and in turn leaving little or no time for public service.

• Parishioners are hesitant to get involved out of fear of having to make a long term commitment to a regular schedule or program. They are more willing to devote time to "one-time-only" projects or events. In this manner the parish might have regular ongoing programs but each event will have a different group of organizers. For example: One parishioner suggested a return of coffee hours after/ between masses on Sunday. These could be regularly scheduled, but the team who actually runs the event would change each time it is held.

• Parishioners would like to see more programs/events scheduled in the evenings during the week.

• Many of our parishioners are elderly and/or sick and as such feel they cannot serve despite wanting to.

• Parishioners strongly felt that a Welcoming Committee should be formed to welcome parishioners to mass and events as well as to welcome new parishioners into the parish.

• Additionally, many parishioners felt that a Bereavement Group/Ministry should be formed to tend to those who recently had a loved one pass away. Also the group could be on hand at funerals to help support families through times of death.

Summary A. By volunteering to serve in the Youth Programs in any capacity. Work where you want to learn about other things.

Summary B. Time constraints... people should reach out to bring others into the fold.

Summary A. Need to know what is needed...A professional/skills database should be created and a posting of what services are needed most by the parish.

o Coaching children through sports.

o Communicating through teaching.

o Volunteering to help decorate.

o Young adults do not know of activities that may be of interest to them.

o By showing up (attendance) when events are offered.

o By dialoguing with others who may not have been able to attend.

o By offering positive feedback and networking.

o I'm sure if I thought hard enough I might come up with something but it's eluding me now.

o Post listings of specific volunteer opportunities/what services are needed in the bulletin so that people can volunteer their time and talents and/or ask someone who could help out. {///}

o I would like to be more involved in my church now that I am not working.

o I would like to see a service group for women that are working and have children so that we feel we can help in some way.

Summary B. People can be shy of utilizing talents.

o Teachers, coaches, older persons, professionals, students all need to be willing to volunteer

o Pressing job, school, and family commitments (ie. raising children) make volunteering difficult. Work schedules change frequently and conflict with parish activities. {//////}

o Unsure of my abilities.

o A feeling of trepidation if I am unwilling to maintain a commitment or schedule.

o People don't feel that they have any talents of value.

o People who have volunteered in the past have encountered "cliques" which discourage them from

volunteering in the future.

o I look forward to giving back to the parish once my small children are older.

Summary A. Let us know what is needed and call people to follow through.

o If a list of needs were posted or placed in the bulletin, perhaps I could fit one of the needs.

Summary B. Time or conflicts unfortunately. Sometimes I don't know where I would be useful.

o I need advance notice to plan ahead.

Summary A. More Eucharistic Ministers/Ushers...Adult Altar Servers...Welcoming Committee for Sunday Masses... Bereavement Group (send flowers)... Child care/babysitting for one mass.

o We need more Eucharistic Ministers - too many masses are short handed.

o Adults should allowed to be altar servers - not enough children serving at mass

o We need men and women at the doors of church for Sunday masses to welcome parishioners.

o A bereavement group to help the families with the funeral masses and to send flowers. {///}

o We need more ushers and to have regular usher meetings.

o We need volunteers to help take care of children while parents attend mass.

o I believe my faith is deep enough and loyal to our Pope that by meeting or coming in contact with

others they will see my faith and compassion.

Summary B. My full time job.

o My full time job.

o My family and business.

Summary A. Through service to the Young at Heart. We need to know the needs of St. Anselm to help more. We need a welcoming committee.

o St. Anselm's is a special parish and always willing to assist

o As a volunteer. I am willing to help.

o Whatever you need me for but I don't have a special talent.

o As a lector, treasurer of the Young at Heart and currently president pro-term.

o I can help tutor children... reading program... helping school children. {///}

o We seniors are doing our best through the Young at heart (300 members). What a source of experience.

Summary B. Through tutoring.

o There are no obstacles.

o My health prevents me from doing more.

o My workload.

Summary A. It would be helpful to know more about activities/organizations in the parish and community currently and to also know what the needs of the community are.

o I think there are many people here who have been using their talents and skills but are not aware any longer of what is needed. {////}

o Catalogue the needs of the parish and also the talents of people who are willing to offer them. {////}

o I am already a lector and have been a Eucharistic Minister in the past.

o By volunteering for programs.

o Visiting the sick...meals on wheels

Summary B. Not knowing the needs of the parish is a great obstacle to service.

o Not knowing what programs need help. {////}

Summary A. Many of us do offer services to the parish.

o Use my talents to various church ministries... Holy Name Society... Young at Heart.

o As a Eucharistic Minister visiting the homebound I feel I bring the parish to these people. The husband of one of these people takes me to these homes because I find it impossible to do it by myself. I give them a bulletin and let them know what is going on.

o I already do CCD tutoring.

o Have one on one discussions with people you know and encourage them.

o I could participate in more educational and academic programs especially in a leadership capacity.

o St. Anselm's parish is service...CCD teachers, community service, RCIA, and many others.

o Every effort should be made to bring more kids from our school to participate in Sunday mass. If I can volunteer and help in any way I will gladly do it. All ethnic churches have lots of kids on Sunday

masses.

o I serve when I can on certain parish projects. But since I have done this since I started school here I have reached a point of other interest.

o I have volunteered as a Eucharistic minister.

o Use my talents to serve people's needs.

o I would like to volunteer to begin a Coffee Hour 9 to 10 and 11 to 12 between the Sunday morning

masses. (Specific person’s name and phone number withheld for privacy purposes)

o Volunteering for events involving fundraisers - if there were any like in the past (Bingo, Christmas

Fair).

o I am serving our community by virtue my profession, though not through the parish.

o Be a good listener and understand a person's concerns before trying to give advice.

Summary B. We need better organization and coordination of parishioners if we want successful service programs.

o Daily life, family, work constraints. {//}

o Poor coordination with other parishioners.

o I serve when I can on certain parish projects. But since I have done this since I started school here I have reached a point of other interest.

o Time is the usual culprit. I would like to teach release-time but am not finished at my job in time to

volunteer.

o Demands on my time prevent from doing more for the parish though this may change in the near

future.{//}

o Perhaps meeting could be held on Saturday mornings.

Summary A. People are participating in a variety of activities.

o Volunteer in organizing and carrying out future programs developed by the Pastoral Planning Council and current ministry programs (Eucharistic Ministers, lector, etc.) {//}

o I do use my skills and talents by participating in choir with my daughter.

o Share the responsibility.

o I have few skills and talents - I help out the two ladies (Ann & pat) when they organize a group effort at Easter and Christmas to clean and beautify our sanctuary.

o To foster a feeling of community, I would greet others at Church, try to get to know them and have a

means of contacting them when they are not at church.

o I serve on the decorating committee or whatever else needs to be done.

o I use my organizational skills and keen desire to help others by serving on various committees and

activities.

Summary B. Time is the biggest obstacle.

o Lack of time and energy after a long work day. {///////}

o There is so little "family time" that donating additional time on weekends to the church would take

away from it. {////}

o Sports activities.

o I need to be more organized for my efforts to call others to help with church decorating. My time is not always easy to pin down so I tend to "just do it" - not good for the community though.

Table 9

Summary A. Need to have more outreach. Talent database can sustain more activities. Need to engage new parishioners.

o Join/participate in a ministry. Be a member of an activity to improve the church.

o Work with others as a part of a team that builds community.

o The current venue of school and church activities can utilize a broad range of skills and talents. It would seem that the talent base could support even more activities.

o Offer services for free or low cost for fellow parishioners. For instance I could offer a low rent

apartment if possible.

o Help out in the most important areas of need and make known. For instance, there are some homebound elderly that need "meals on wheels", "shopping assistance" f. Increasing our faith, prayer, meditation, to help us make time for more important things.

Summary B. No table summary.

o My personal calendar and family obligations. Lack of free time. Work demands. {///}

Summary A. No table summary.

o I am good with people. I communicate with all ages.

o I can pray.

o I can speak to neighbors about church.

o I currently serve as a Eucharistic Minister, in the prayer group, and rosary group.

Summary B. Age & health, need more activities at night, more options to utilize our talents.

o I have lupus and high blood pressure. I take a lot of medicine and cannot function until about 2:00 P.M.

o My age. {////}

o Need more activities at night. More service options. {//}

Summary A. Our table had the good fortune of attending members who volunteer in our Christian

Community, in the capacity of helping others, in a local soup kitchen and nursing home. People at the table had exceptional ideas: Setup a committee for parishioners to shop (food shop) for people who can not get out of their homes, read to others.

Don't know about uniqueness. It appears to be caring and concerned. So do others churches in the diocese and the city.

o I don't know what the parish is looking for.

o I am a follower. I observe and chip in when needed.

o Teaching child at CCD. Volunteer or assist in classes.

o Look at volunteer opportunities on website.

o Invite someone you know to attend a parish event/volunteer.

Summary B. No table summary

o We don't have enough good charismatic leaders.

o I work full time Monday through Friday so I don't have that much free time for service to my parish.

o I work.

o Time, family obligations restrict my ability to participate.

Summary A. Being positive, lector, Eucharistic ministers, choir, girl scouts, boy scouts, ski trip

chaperone, golf outings, prayer, visiting sick, home & hospitals, attend daily mass.

o Visiting the sick, home, hospital, nursing home.

o More prayer, prayer, prayer.

o Attend daily mass.

o Rosary daily.

o Volunteer. {///}

o I can be positive in my response.

o I can offer what I have in service.

Summary B. Job, family, time management, laziness, outlets - what can I do, forgetful.

o Job and family. {//}

o Time management.

o Laziness

o Lack of service outlets.

o Other business.

o Group.

o Forgetful.

o Resting.

Summary A. Food for homebound, parenting advice and skills.

o At the kiss of peace express friendly good wishes to those sitting near you.

o Greet people as you enter and leave mass. {//}

o Helping people with their children. Babysitting service, while parents are in church.

o Helping to decorate the church.

o I would like to help in some way.

o Participate in a bible study group. {//}

o CPR training.

o As a retired professional in early education, I could help parents understand any learning problems their children may have.

o Establish a "Martha's Pantry" group to help live-alones or those recently discharged from hospitals... a short term provision of meals.

Summary B. No central organization. Too much talents with skills.

o I'm very much a generalist.

o I volunteered in the past and was not contacted.

o Old age.

o No central organization.

o I work odd hours.

o I have health problems.

Summary A. No table summary.

o Would like to plan trips for children and seniors at a moderate price. {//}

o Bingo/sports program a great incentive and gatherer of people {//}

o Would volunteer academic and secretarial skills when needed. {//}

o Visit elderly, decorations, paint the fence, ideas. {//}

o Volunteer for parish activities.

o Foster, impede.

Summary B. No table summary

o Better communication in general and on the part of priests - in addition to the bulletin - more publicity is needed. {////}

o Unaware of available opportunities. {////}

o No outreach from the Church. {//}

o Going to Washington, D.C. was nice but the 10 hour trip was much too long and expensive.

o I am away at my country house in Pennsylvania most weekends.

o Office Hours - Work

Summary A. No table summary.

o Youth Activities. {////}

o Pre-K helper.

o Just be positive.

o Be a role model to all.

o Lectoring.

o Decorating for the parish.

o Reaching out to others.

Summary B. No table summary.

o Would be more willing to give suggestions to the core staff. {//}

o Time. {///}

o Job constraints.{////}

o Financial responsibilities.

o Old age.

o Kids at home.

o Sickness in the family, taking care of parents, family commitments. {///}

o Afraid to take full responsibility for an event/program.

o There are no obstacles at this time.

o School commitments.

Table 16

Summary A. Most at the table are more active in parish life. One person was a parish council president in his country for six years and would like to be part of helping. Some would like to see more evening ministries. One serves as a lector at the 6:35 mass before work and as a Eucharistic Minister.

o By joining the ministries or organizations which I could share my skills.

o By assisting the Parish Council in setting up its various elements and by imparting my great experience

as a Parish Council president in my country.

o I would like to join the choir to be part of the community.

o I can use my skills to coordinate groups to reach out to foster a sense of greater community.

Summary B. No table summary.

o There are no obstacles to serving my parish.

o Cannot serve during weekday work hours, job constraints. {///}

o Need more activities scheduled in the evening. {//}

Summary A. No table summary.

o Extend ourselves.

o Welcoming committee for new members of the parish. {//}

o Bereavement - Consolation.

o Bring back the Folk Group mass. We are young adults who can sing and play guitar.

o Have a young adult group for college kids.

Summary B. No table summary

o Having the time. {//}

o My brother suggested a young adult group for college kids 15 years ago and was told it was NOT

needed! - You lost him and his generation!

Summary A. We are all determined to assist in our own personal way, and within our limitations, the work of our church. Deep down, whenever we can, outside of the church, we do the best to be good Christians and set a good example. It is our aim to assist the church financially thus trying to offset our limited time contribution.

o As a lector, I try to connect to the congregation whenever I need it. I could probably read at more

masses.

o My skills as a psychologist are given daily on my job and I have time left over later in the day or on the weekend.

o I try to tell my neighbors and friends about our church and to come and worship with us.

o I defend the Catholic Church in discussion of religion.

o I also try to be an example of a good Christian woman.

Summary B. Our professions and home duties may limit our contribution.

o I find it hard to commit myself to the same time and day every week.

o I see all these wonderful people giving less time to the parish and parish life.

o I am too tired after work.

Community | Service | Worship | Teaching | Proclamation | Data | Conclusion | [Top of Page]

Music: More music at Masses. Hymn numbers posted. Practice a new hymn before Mass.

Individual comments:

o Hymns posted on front of Church prior to Mass (*********)

o Music that is more lively(*****)

o Practice hymns before Mass(***)

o Encourage congregation to join & sing.

o Music is a 2 fold prayer(***)

o When a soloist sings the congregation stops singing and does not continue.

o 'The soloist/song leader should lead songs. It is not a solo performance(***)

o Add Latin music(***)

o The music should be geared for children at the children's Mass.(******)

o Re-introduce the children's choir.

o Congregation should sing hymns and responses

o Jazz up the songs

Homilies: Make homilies shorter. Gear children's Mass homily toward children and families. Make homilies more relevant to everyday issues.

Individual comments:

o Watch Joel Osteen-positive speaker

o Homily geared for children at 10:00 am Mass(*****)

o Homily should be shorter(*****)

o Homily should use the Scripture stories and apply them to examples of daily life.(Such as a

Jets game)

o Guest speakers.(**)

o Homilies should be more uplifting - too much doom and sadness.(**)

o Preach from the original pulpit.

o Direct homilies to today's values.

o Talk about love and how people can improve values in society.

o Priest should speak from center aisle and walk up and down a bit.

o Homily should be current - not deal with Church history.

o Homily should incorporate Church history.

o More plain talk from pulpit

Masses and Services: St. Anselm should have more Healing Masses, Evening Services, Adoration, First Friday Services, changes in Mass Schedule.

Individual comments:

o Change mass schedule. The weekday schedule is very inconvenient.

o Latin Mass

o Have "crying room" or area for small children to go.

o Bring back Folk Mass

o Have Teen Mass

o Change 5pm Mass on Saturday to 6pm

o Incorporate Greek and Latin

o Different Masses dedicated to certain groups such as: one for children, one without

singing, one High Mass, one shorter Mass for busier people

o Tridentene Mass

o Special Events

o Adoration Chapel (****)

o Weekly Rosary (*****)

o Healing Masses(********)

o Lecturers

o Bible Study Groups (not only during Lent)

o Drama at the Good Friday Services

o Masses "Hosted" by certain school classes

o Have Teen Masses frequently. Have a social coffee hour after this Mass. Parents would

host and chaperone like a Teen Club night.

o Weekly Holy Hour evenings

o More types of Christian Charity such as pro-life, elderly, homeless, random acts of

kindness, target youth

o Recruit dynamic preachers for parish retreats

o Allow children back on altar at children's Mass

o Have someone baby-sit toddlers in the side chapel or playroom for Mass

o Need more evening services

o Start charismatic prayer group

o Start more processions like Corpus Christi and the Palm Sunday 12: 00 Mass

Bulletin Information: List: Eucharistic Ministers, Priest, Lectors as well as altar servers each week. List special Masses and events.

Individual comments:

o List Eucharistic ministers and lectors for all Masses.

o List Priest for all Masses.

o List all type of Masses - Healing,...

Individual comments:

o Use adult altar servers.

o Altar Servers should be trained better.

o Altar Servers should be at funerals.

o Altar servers’ appearance tightened up: no flip-flops, hoop earrings.

o Use of female Ushers

o Greeters" at the beginning of each Mass

o Have a bereavement group for families at funerals

o Decrease the pews and force people to be closer to each other

o Distribute the Blood of Christ in individual cups

o Need to involve teens and the group from age 15-30

o Pray at the end of Mass for those who do not attend Mass

o A few comments said they are very happy with St. Anselm's

o Very happy with our priests

o Look forward to coming to Mass.

Community | Service | Worship | Teaching | Proclamation | Data | Conclusion | [Top of Page]

[Note: Part I consists of an overall breakdown and analysis of the raw data. It is divided into different subject headings identified as major themes followed by tallies of responses relating to those themes. Unique, qualified entries are listed under respective subject headings. Entries may have been edited for form or to eliminate redundancy. Part II is a verbatim account of the various "Summary Cards."]

A. The Good Book and good books

Bible Study Class – (32)

o more frequent; more opportunities, in the morning and at night

o guest speakers

o for adults, for kids

o psalms

o praying with scriptures

o how to introduce the Bible in my own home for my family

o public opportunity for Q and A

o how are Sunday scriptures connected (i.e. Fr. Kull's analysis).

Book Club – (5)

o suggested reading list

o spiritual book study

Lending Library – (3)

o book rack

o books or pamphlet sale stand at rear of church

o Sell Missal Book to take home.

B. Orthodoxy - Right Teaching

Seminars – (17)

o [Note: Heavy emphasis on] Church History

o Inter-faith, ecumenical history and issues

o Explain the Stations of the Cross, the Rosary.

o Explain the sacraments, saints, devotions, etc.

o Explain different types of sins, the 10 Commandments

o Guest speakers.

o On all topics: church history, theology, philosophy, science, social and political issues.

o Fr. Kull's discussions.

o For teens and college age populations.

o On martyrs.

Discussion Groups –(9).

o Topics of interest.

o Books, movies.

o Teen groups, young people groups.

o Current societal issues.

o Crisis in the church.

o Weekly opportunities.

o Scriptures.

o Church history.

o Vatican II.

o Abortion.

o Changing priesthood and changing laity.

o "Catholic answers to Protestant questions"

o Faith sharing groups.

o Bishop Sheen films and discussions.

Homilies – (13)

o Should be very educational . Need to be informative and electrifying (often it seems the priests

take the congregation's knowledge about history, theology, etc., for granted).

o Doctrine needs to be expounded more frequently

o Be specific about point of weekly scriptures and relate it to our lives.

o Re-emphasize parts of Mass.

o Readiness statement about the topics and themes in readings.

o Sermons are not easily understood, more time is needed to explain them.

o Address to all parishioners.

o More interaction between priests and congregation is needed.

o Special time is needed to address the homily to youths.

o Make people aware of media availability to readings given on sermons.

CCD, RCIA, and related teaching – (16)

o We are a church with a great philosopher as our patron, learning is important for St. Anselm.

o We should teach scripture, prayers, and songs. *Religious fair in school to teach about our

religion

o Instead of students attending CCD, send Catholic teachers to public schools.

o Continuing Education, refresher courses.

o More creative approaches needed in CCD.

o Teach parents first so they can teach their own children properly.

o Summer Bible School, especially for children.

o Closer connection between church and school needed.

o Catechism review for adults.

o College credit opportunities.

o Offer CEU.

o We need more educational and learning activities.

o Provide health and in-need classes.

Church Building – (4)

o Church tours

o Explain details and features of the church building.

o Art, architecture, statues, mosaic needs to be explained, perhaps in bulletin.

o Publish St. Anselm trivia, faith and traditions in bulletin

Hagiography (Saints) – (3)

o relate saints to today's life

Movies – (3)

C. Orthopraxy - Right Doing

Greatest Commandment – (3)

o Golden Rule, Outreach to neighbors, being kind, meet and greet neighbors.

o Pray constantly and show good examples.

o Support groups for those in need, depressed, divorced, separated, etc.

Retreats – (8)

o have different retreats every year

o day of recollection *publish where other retreats are being held

o more than one a year

Community Worship and Related Events – (17)

o Liturgical dramas

o Holy Hours and exposition in the evening

o Prayer groups and expand already existing prayer groups

o Pro-Life prayer vigil

o Elderly food drive

o After Mass get-togethers.

o Events focused on scriptures.

o Extracurricular activities that focus on youth of the parish.

o Family activities, volunteerism and fun.

o Weekend and early weekday evening activities.

o Young children's nights.

o Database of current events, and also births, weddings, funerals, etc .

o Re-introduce Rosary Society.

o Have "Block Rosaries" from house to house.

o Family events should be planned for the major Holy Days.

D. Miscellaneous Comments

o We need a better teaching of the young generation.

o Our tradition and the Bible is better than the "Hollywood Bible".

o We need to work with the Diocese on this issue, and the Diocese should do more.

o All people should attend church and religious teachings.

o St. Anselm activities should be featured in cluster bulletins.

o I go to Mass every day and feel calm and happy when I leave Mass. I'd like for people to feel like I

do.

o The church bulletin should be distributed after Mass, not before.

o Clergy should monitor what is published by companies and sell DVDS and videos that teach the

faith. Require Catholic activities within our Parish instead of renting movies and DVDs, etc.,

outside.

o Young people are stuck with literal minded ideas.

o Need more opportunities to become Eucharistic ministers.

o Need to introduce worship service to encourage youth, even public school youth.

o Confirmation at 16.

SUMMARY 1: Topics for discussion, ex. Pope's recent comments on the Muslims, Da Vinci Code Issues of faith - if we know our religion we are more apt to defend it.

SUMMARY 2: Bible studies; Church tours; Retreats, workshops

SUMMARY 3: Make parish events focused on scripture. More learning / educational activities and Bible study. Church history and Catholicism. Sell missal Book to take home. Suggested reading list. Expand discussion on faith to include moral values.

SUMMARY 4: A member of our group mentioned that she would be interested in teaching a health (diabetes care) to our seniors.

SUMMARY 5: Bible studies in the evening at least once a week. Prayer group meetings. Introduce home rosaries; one lady would take the rosary each week. Early church history with focus on martyrs suffering for our faith.

SUMMARY 6: "Catholic Answers to Protestants Scripture". Bible readings and more of an understanding of strict teachings of the Catholic Church exposed, especially for younger people Would like the promotion and opportunity for younger people to become Eucharistic ministers. Retreats. Broader and better religion class in school

SUMMARY 7: Make the Gospels which were written about 2000 years ago more vibrant and accessible in our modern world. Make what happened in the past relevant to today. Have a seminar for teens and college age people about the Bible and things that are going on in the Church. Make special talks to find out about saints.

SUMMARY 8: For the holy holidays, (i.e. Easter, Christmas), family events should be planned. I recall the blessing of the Easter basket of food, prayer, service for the young children, such activities are a way for families to re-connect to the parish and each other.

SUMMARY 9: Incorporating current events with the Sunday homily. It is important to make the reading understood to all of those in attendance

SUMMARY 10: College degree programs, Bible Studies, understanding scriptures, Reflection, Adult review of Catechism, in-depth singing

SUMMARY 11: Active lending library of religious literature, Bible study classes, Book club

SUMMARY 12: Bible discussion, Book club, Pamphlet display, small library, Summer Bible school

SUMMARY 13: More lectures, especially Fr. Kull's history talks. Explain stain glass window stories. Explain parts of the liturgy more clearly so it is not just going through the motions.

SUMMARY 14: Show religious movies and discuss or make DVDs available. Have parent/child book/story discussions (possibly lives of saints)

SUMMARY 15: Teachings should focus on basics: the Church as the center focal point of community. Re-emphasize the parts of Mass in readings and sermons, reflections to everyday events. Make people aware of media availability to readings given on sermons