FAQ to consider

Get Growing @ St. Michael Parish Survey and Census 2010 is officially beginning. Since the start of this campaign we have heard that there are many questions, concerns and some discomfort about this venture. We want to address these valid questions and concerns.

Why does our church need a census?

The last census was completed 16 years ago in 1994. Our parish has gone through many changes since then and has grown tremendously.

Our parish requires organization to minister to many groups. For example, there are devout parishioners in nursing homes. The census can up-date us on the whereabouts of these cherished members of our community. We can visit, offer communion and anoint the sick – but we can’t unless we know where they are.

We have a large number of young families just starting their journey of raising children. The census will help us know how we can support them. These numbers help us to plan for sacramental preparation and the need for relevant activities to reach our youth.

Over the last few years our parish has grown and we are blessed with the presence of a variety of cultures. The census will help us to understand if we lack sensitivity towards the needs of any particular culture and how we can better tap into the richness of faith and diversity.

Why should I complete a survey? I really don’t want anyone to know my business.

The survey is done privately without any disclosure of who you are. There are only eight brief questions requiring a circled response that you may add a comment to if you wish. St. Michael does not want to be intrusive to your personal business and, because it’s confidential, you would have the freedom to share what you really think.

Honestly, we care – about everyone and there are all kinds of people who make up our parish family. By filling out the confidential survey, we can discover where we fall short, where their are unmet needs, and receive affirmation on where we are strong.

I don’t want to push my beliefs on others and don’t want others to push their beliefs on me. Isn’t that what you are doing with this project?

No. Everyone that we will visit or call is a registered parishioner of St. Michael Parish. We are not planning to teach or preach, invade or persuade. The intent of this project is not to proselytize, but to reach out and break through any isolation that may exist in our parish community. And our plan to accomplish this is very simple. We want people to know that we are here. If they want our help we are here. If they want someone to listen to them, we are here. We are here to be Christ’s presence in our world.

Does this have to be done in person?

Not necessarily. We hope to call everyone prior to visiting. Although we would like to make a personal visit, if parishioners feel it is not necessary to accept a visitor, the “welcome package” could be dropped off at the door or mailbox. The decision is yours.

Does my whole family have to be present?

No. Our hope is that the census part of this project could be completed in person. We only need one person who can answer the most basic of questions for us to gather information. The survey will be left behind for members to complete in private.

I regularly attend St. Michael’s. The priests and staff all know me and I don’t really have anything more to add. Do I still need to do the census and survey?

No one has to complete the census and survey. However, the more input that we receive the better and fuller our understanding of our parish family’s needs. While the staff and priests may know you, you are also in touch with a wider community and may be aware of needs that the parish staff is not aware of. Your input is vital.

I regularly attend St. Michael’s and I already volunteer my time in the community. I can’t give any more. Aren’t you pushing me to do something I don’t want to or can’t do?

This concern is completely understood. We do not want to pressure you to volunteer at St. Michael’s simply for the sake of volunteering at St. Michael’s. We value your talents and know that when you share these talents in the community through other organizations that they are just as valid in fulfilling your call to minister to others as Christ. We still need your input. Through your honesty, we can learn where we need to change, and /or develop new ministries.

Can I complete the census and survey online?

Fortunately, and for your convenience, the survey will be able to be completed confidentially through a soon to be created link. However, the census will not.