Parish Questionnaire, 2002

Introduction

This brief summary is designed to give an overall impression of the results of the survey that was conducted in 2002.

About You

	480 questionnaires were analysed, about 16% of which came from people who did not regard themselves as parishioners of Mill Hill but who regularly attend this church.
	10% of people were under 20 years old, and 45% were over 50.
	33 people were new to the parish, while 47 had been here for more than 40 years. Between these extremes the 5 to 20 year group was the largest. Most families were represented by up to 4 people, but 16% of answers were from people who came to church alone.
	24 different languages were spoken.
	60% of people were able to access the Internet.

Parish Groups

23% of people were involved in parish groups. Various suggestions for new groups were received:

	Bible Study and Faith Sharing Groups
	Adult Renewal, Education, and Confirmation
	Prayer and Meditation groups
	Groups for specific categories of people: Senior Citizens, Single People, People in mixed faith relationships, lapsed Catholics and non-Catholics.
	Counselling and advice centre.
	Liturgical Groups, especially a Choir.

About the Parish

	87% of people said that they felt welcome in the parish.
	83% felt that their spiritual and religious needs were met.
	67% felt that their human and social needs were met.
	People were generally less clear about our interaction with other Catholic parishes and other faith communities, with a significant number of “don’t know” answers.
	56% felt that there was effective support for Parish Schools, but 29% gave “don’t know” answers.
	64% felt that the parish clergy, office staff, and parish groups were ‘always’, ‘sometimes’, or ‘regularly’ easy to access.
	42% felt that their voice was heard were ‘always’, ‘sometimes’, or ‘regularly’ on parish issues that concerned them. 30% answered “don’t know”.
	75% felt that the availability of information about the parish was adequate, with 44% “always” satisfied.

Liturgy

78% of the questionnaires were returned by people who were “always”, ”sometimes”, or “regularly” satisfied with the forms of liturgy and worship.

Among the suggestions for forms of liturgy that could be introduced or given more emphasis were:

	Traditional devotions such as Latin Mass, Benediction, Vespers, Compline, Way of the Cross.
	Special devotions to the Sacred Heart and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
	More ‘progressive’ liturgies – African or Latin American, or Charismatic/Taizé.
	More frequent Penitential Services.
	More time for quiet prayer and meditation, especially after Communion.
	Liturgies for specific groups: The deaf, young people, children, the sick.
	Special seasonal liturgies for Advent and Lent etc.
	Retreat Weekends.

The most frequent requests were for Latin Mass, African Liturgies and music, and special liturgies for young people.

Talents

112 people said that they would like to give their time or talents to help the parish. Among the skills offered were lawyers, accountants, teachers, technologists, caterers, administrators, clerical and secretarial skills, and those with organisational skills. People also offered their experience with counselling, youth work, social work, and helping elderly and disabled people. Musical skills included singing and keyboard playing, and some offered to be readers or Eucharistic Ministers.

Finance

	Only 30% of people felt that they knew how parish funds were spent.
	38% were members of the planned giving scheme. Of those who were not members, 28% would be willing to join.

Help and Support

Suggestions for additional help and support that the parish could provide included Child Care, Legal and Social counselling services, outreach to lonely people, more transport to Mass, increased contribution to support services organised by the local ecumenical project, and support for lapsed Catholics, non-Catholics and couples of mixed faith.

Parish Pastoral Council

82% felt that it was important to have a Parish Vision Statement, and 80% felt that it should reflect our beliefs as a community and that it should be available to others outside that community.

The overwhelming majority of people feel that the Parish is friendly and welcoming. The most frequently mentioned topics were:

	Youth issues – a Youth Club, and involvement in the parish and liturgies etc.
	Music – a choir, Hymns etc.
	Children at Mass – behaviour and use of available facilities etc.