St. Patrick Parish Listening Sessions November 2021
Participation
Collaboration: The people of St. Patrick voiced the need and the benefit of working together with leadership, with one another, and with those beyond their own parish to accomplish good things for building up the kingdom of God. (13)
Leadership: The vitality and energy of the pastor is desired to inspire in parishioners a fresh vibrancy and enthusiasm for activity! (10)
Outreach: When people recognize the gifts they have received from God, they cannot help but grow in their desire to gift themselves to others. (15)
We are at our best when we are not in isolation but rather are engaged in social interactions: encouraging one another, helping those in need, and working together to better ourselves and the world around us. While recognizing this need to share ourselves and knowing each of us to be made in the image of God, we find that parish life provides the greatest opportunity to live out this vocation of self-donation for the good of the world. Not only does giving ourselves away benefit others, but we also thrive in the very act of giving. During the Second Vatican Council, the Church recognized this human need and its incredible outcome when it stated, “through his dealings with others, through reciprocal duties, and through fraternal dialogue [man] develops all his gifts and is able to rise to his destiny” (Gaudium et Spes, 1963).
The results of the November Listening Sessions show evidence of the finding of humanity’s desire to give of themselves and to work with one another in building up God’s kingdom. In fact, a great deal of enthusiasm was expressed in working alongside the pastor, supporting his efforts, and increasing involvement in parish ministries as well as reaching out into the community to be of service to those in need.
Listed below are the various comments from the Listening Sessions on “participation.” Some comments will be repeated and appear under multiple themes.
The parish was kind of stale when we joined but seems to be increasing in activity
Alternated between St. Mary’s and St Patrick as far as sharing in bringing in programs for all to enjoy. Taking turns as to where the programs are held. Getting to know each other and share
Events that get families together and build stronger relationships
Healing teams to bring in for a program and invite churches around us to participate
I would like to see communion to the homebound reinstated.
More community building social events and maybe some parish sponsored games. A parish softball game, as an example
More community-type relationships and things that encourage that
Bible study or study of CCC (there are many good programs available through Ascension Press, etc) that would allow for parishioner-led study, if Fr. Scott or deacons are not available.
Because we trust you
Father was sent to us for a reason and we accept it and look forward to the future
His willingness to interact with us and interest in what we share.
Parishioners are willing to support Father
We needed someone to energize us – we are open to what he’s going to give us and where he will lead us
We really need him. We have gifts to share!
Because you have the power to include children
You are a young pastor. You could energize more of the younger people to get involved.
Families could have him for dinner
An active parish with offerings – groups with bible study, etc. Extra things to bring people together – not just at Mass.
Ask People what they may be interest in seeing done in a survey.
Ministries have progressed - more people becoming involved
More parishioner involvement in ministries
Parishioners are very generous! We enjoy utilizing our talents for the benefit of all.
Smaller parish, people were involved
Stronger men’s group
There is strength in numbers and we are very supportive of the parish and of Fr. Scott!
We have a lot of devoted, hard-working, and generous people. Generous not just with money but with time and energy.
We usually have good attendance for our programs and groups
Movie night with fellowship
Want parish to grow: Participation - Vibrant – “plugged in” - Retreats that open more opportunity for “working outside the home” parishioners - Movie night
More parent participation in the sacraments
More community outreach (hot dogs at 4th of July is a great example of what we do now)
A living, dynamic parish, family oriented.
Community gardening (plot of land) for elderly to teach the young
More young families ready to be engaged
More community action for our kids of all ages: Teens working with/in food bank - Kids caroling at the nursing home - PSR on Sunday with activity in the community - Lunches in summer on the square
Youth group that takes action – doing things for others outside of mass