St. John the Evangelist (Frederick) 346 Responses Frederick, MD Basic Demographics

1 St. John the Evangelist (Frederick) 346 responses Frederick, MD Basic Demographics

REFLECTION AND NOTES AGE GROUP (n=332) Q3 27% 2% 16% 55% Response tallies for youth ages 11-17 25% are reported separately at the end. 20% 22% 15% 55% When you reflect on the age, 17% 17% of respondents ethnic, and gender distributions of 14% 10% 13% are over respondents, do they accurately 9% 5% reflect the people in the pews 6% 50 0% 2% and/or know to be parishioners? 0% years of age 11-13 14-17 18-20 21-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+ ETHNICITY (n=271) and GENDER (n=250) Q10, Q9

100% Do they accurately reflect the 89% 4% 2.3% 2.2% 0.5% 1.9% 1.1% 63% 37% 80% people in the parish boundaries? 83% Where do you note discrepancies? 60% 40% 54% 20% 4% 8% Asian or4% 0% 1% 1% 46% 0% Pacific White Black HispanicIslanderAsian or Native Other Prefer not White Black Hispanic Pacific NativeAmericanPrefer not Otherto answer Female Male IslanderAmerican to answer Male Female (multiple selections possible) How does the parish invite people Q8 from other faith traditions to grow CATHOLIC STATUS (n=253) in their understanding of the Catholic faith?

12% 12% Raised Catholic of respondents Converted to Catholicism (RCIA) How does the parish orient new No longer Catholic 87% converted Catholics to our mission and invite to Catholicism Never Catholic their participation?

LANGUAGES SPOKEN AT HOME (n=271) Q11 Does the parish offer opportunities for cultural expressions of the Language % of Respondents Catholic faith that respect any English diversity evidenced by the 95.7% languages spoken at home? Spanish 6.3% Other Options 1.6% “Other” 3.1% (multiple selections possible) BACKGROUND ON THE SURVEY AND ITS USE The parish planning survey was administered by parishes and schools between October and December 2015 in support of the Be Missionary Disciples planning process. The survey was designed to complement Archbishop William E. Lori’s pastoral letter, A Light Brightly Visible: Lighting the Path to Missionary Discipleship, as a way to help understand how people would answer key questions laid out in the letter.

The survey was not designed to achieve a statistically random or complete sample of respondents, so it will yield only partial and somewhat biased results. In this light, the results are meant to be used in conjunction with parish statistics and demographics to provide a more complete picture of challenges and opportunities to missionary discipleship and evangelization-based planning. A copy of the survey can be found online at www.BeMissionaryDisciples.org/planning/pastoral-planning-tools/. For more information on the survey or the Be Missionary Disciples planning process, contact the Daphne Daly, Director of the Office of Pastoral Planning at 410-547-5545 or [email protected]. St. John the Evangelist (Frederick) 2 Frederick, MD Family Demographics REFLECTION AND NOTES MARITAL STATUS (n=255) Q12

10% Consider the family demographics 9% of respondents (marital status and Married 12% people with children under 18 in 87% Widowed their household). How does the 1% are married Divorced parish minister to the different or have been Single needs of each of these segments of married Unmarried, living together the parish? 67%

CHILDREN UNDER 18 IN HOUSEHOLD? (n=251) Q13

78% No children under 18 in household

22% Have children under 18 in household

Based on the responses to how HOW DO YOUR CHILDREN RECEIVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION? (n=78) children receive religious education, Q# are there ways the parish can Parish-based (through 8th grade) 42% provide support to families for faith In home 40% Within Parish formation in the many different Catholic school 25% contexts in which it occurs? Catholic Youth Ministry (Middle or High) 17% Outside of Parish Other religious ed. (through 8th grade) 4% Other formal programs Other 8% None of the above 13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% (multiple selections possible) GREATEST CHALLENGES PASSING FAITH TO CHILDREN (n=69)

Swimming against the tide in a society that does not value faith 65% Children are not interested enough 18% I do not feel prepared or knowledgeable enough about the faith 14% No good opportunities to bring up faith matters 6% Where are there opportunities to I am not interested enough 2% enhance and better support passing Other 14% on of the faith to children, None of the above 20% especially in the context of the (multiple selections possible) challenges noted? 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% FAITH ACTIVITIES WITH CHILDREN (n=258) (multiple selections possible) 100% 1 - Attend Mass regularly 80% 88% 2 - Point out the many ways in which we are blessed 3 - Prepare them for sacraments 75% 60% 69% 4 - Pray together as a family (bedtime, mealtime, etc.) 5 - Teach prayers, hymns 55% 57% 51% 6 - Use Christ as the reference point for decision-making 40% 49% 7 - Enroll them in religious education classes 8 - Encourage participation in youth groups 20% 9 - Enroll them in Catholic schools 25% 6% 16% 16% 10 - Read the Bible and spiritual reading together 0% 11 - Other 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 (multiple selections possible) St. John the Evangelist (Frederick) 3 Frederick, MD Are we equipped to fulfill the great commission to make disciples of all nations? REFLECTION AND NOTES WILLINGNESS TO SHARE FAITH (n=253) Q14

Are people motivated and 22% Welcome the opportunity comfortable sharing their faith with 21% others? What does this mean for Be happy to share, but not debate the perpetuation and growth of the 70% Be willing to share, but only if asked faith? would proactively Do not share, do not know enough about faith share their faith in Do not share, faith is private some way Avoid the conversation None of the above 50%

HOW WOULD SOMEONE KNOW YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN? (n=736) Q15

Be kind, charitable, respectful, and forgiving to all 78% Mention attending church in conversation 71% Serve those in need 45% Talk about God in my life 43% Discuss words of Pope France or from Church 36% Share faith through social media 13% Other 4% None of the above 1%

(multiple selections possible) 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% How are people already sharing their faith? What are some WITH WHOM DO YOU TALK ABOUT FAITH? (n=675) Q16 opportunities for helping people feel more comfortable expressing Adult family members77% 71% 60% 40% 12% 79%3% their faith in everyday life? What Friends 70% are the greatest challenges to being My children 59% able to do this? Co-workers, neighbors 40% Co- Strangers 16% Workers No one 4%

Family 0% Friends Children20% 40%Strangers 60% No 80%One 100% (multiple selections possible) GREATEST OBSTACLES TO SHARING FAITH? (n=416) Q17

Don't want to push beliefs 39% Not knowledgeable enough 27%

Not encouraged by society 38% Afraid to offend, made fun of 13%

Others not interested 25% Other 8%

No good opportunities 21% Not interested 6%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

(multiple selections possible) Politically Correct Opportunistic Knowledge How can the parish encourage WHAT IS EVANGELIZATION? (n=525) Q18 people to share the Gospel in the face of societal aversion to such Bearing witness through way I live my life 68% things? Talking about God and Jesus 55%

Sharing faith story 52%

Trying to convert others 26%

Something preachers do on TV, street corners 14%

Other 3%

(multiple selections possible) 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% St. John the Evangelist (Frederick) 4 Frederick, MD Do we personally have the qualities of mind, heart, and spirit to take up this task? REFLECTION AND NOTES RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS (n=243) and SPIRITUAL GROWTH (n=242) Q21, Q22

Jesus at the center 26% Are the people in your parish Relationship, growing 52% growing in their faith and 38% discipleship? Why might some not Practice, no relationship 18% 20% Growing steadily be growing in their faith and Relationship, but do not practice 2% 80% Growing slowly are growing discipleship? Spiritual, but do not practice 2% Neither in their Do not practice or feel spiritual 0% spiritual life Declining

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 43% Relationship AND Practicing Relationship OR Practicing Neither

FAITH ACTIVITIES (n=699) Q23 100%

80% 89% 1 - Prayer outside of Mass How are people enriching their faith 2 - Reading/reflecting on scripture, writings, teachings 60% 3 - Outreach to sick, needy ,and grieving life already? 4 - Devotions (rosary, novenas, wearing scapulars, etc.) 5 - Small groups, guided prayer, or spiritual direction 40% 50% 48% 6 - Eucharistic adoration 33% 7 - Charismatic prayer, lay ecclesiastical movements 20% 31% 8 - Other 16% 6% 8% 5% 9 - None 0% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (multiple selections possible) FREQUENCY OF CATHOLIC ACTIVITIES (of those who participate) Q23

21% 34% 15% Review the text answers to 21% 16% Questions 24, 25 & 26 (in separate Prayer 6% 16% Devotions Eucharistic document). What are some ways (n=213) (n=117) Adoration 7% the parish could cultivate (n=73) meaningful encounters with Christ 78% that lead to personal and communal 43% 42% growth in faith and discipleship? Daily Weekly Few times a Month Few times a Year REASONS FOR NOT ATTENDING MASS AT MAIN PARISH (n=552) Q27 40%

35%

30% 33% 33% 32%

25% 24% 20% 22% 19% 19% 19% What are the biggest challenges to 15% encouraging and supporting people 14% so they can live out their faith more 10% 12% 10% fully? 5% 8% 4% 5% 2% 3% 5% 0% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

1 - Sports or other activities 10 - Parish is not welcoming 2 - Don’t feel I need to come to church every week 11 - Priest is not welcoming 3 - Working or in school 12 - Lack of transportation 4 - Also attend church elsewhere 13 – Lack of children’s ministry 5 - Church is becoming less relevant in my life 14 - Parish does not reflect my language/ethnic/cultural identity 6 - Health problems or disability 15 - No special needs ministry 7 - Spiritual needs are not being met here 16 - Church not accessible 8 - Divorce or marriage outside Church 17 - Other 9 - Poor preaching (multiple selections possible) St. John the Evangelist (Frederick) 5 Frederick, MD Parish-Life Demographics REFLECTION AND NOTES SELF-IDENTIFICATION (n=354) Q5 1% 2% Parishioner 2% 2% 87% 9% 2% Ministry30% Volunteer6% 3% 0.6% What types of parishioners are not 14% Regular attendee well represented in the responses? Regular Parish LeadershipParish Keep these “unheard” voices in (non-parishioner) Leadership mind during your reflection. Visitor Deacon 86% Parishioner Visitor ParishMinistry Staff Member Parish Deacon33% Volunteer Staff Member (multiple selections possible) Reflect on the travel times of REGISTERED? (n=252) and FOR HOW LONG? (n=252) Q4 respondents. What does this mean for how well you are able to conduct ministries and offer pastoral care to parishioners, as 38% 0-3 Years well as those within the parish Registered 26% 90% 10% 4-9 Years boundaries? are not registered 8% Not Registered 10-19 Years or don’t know Don’t Know 20+ Years 15% 20%

How does the parish ensure that TRAVEL TIME TO PARISH (n=251) and ATTENDANCE (n=252) Q6, Q7 people hear the Gospel proclaimed and are able to connect with the faith community even if they do not 55% Daily attend Mass every week? How can Once a week or more 88% <10 minutes 79% the parish encourage greater Mass 12% 89% 8% 2-3 times a month attendance? travel less than 10-20 minutes attend Mass 20 minutes at least once Once a month >20 minutes a week 20-30 minutes = 7.5% 10% Several times a year 34% 30-45 minutes = 1.6% Seldom or Never 45+ minutes = 0.6%

Are our parishes ready to respond to the challenges of the mission in our times? (Part I) REFLECTION AND NOTES ARE VOCATIONS PROMOTED? (n=235) Q34

What challenges exist to 8% 16% 76% encouraging and promoting vocations to the priesthood, religious life, or the diaconate and 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% how could they be counteracted? No Don’t Know Yes

MULTI-CULTURAL PARISH? (n=229) and if so, INTEGRATED? (n=206) Q36

10% 2%3% 6% 42% 52% Does the parish recognize changing ethnic and cultural trends within its 95% boundaries? How is it preparing for at least 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% “Somewhat” or providing ministry in culturally The parish provides strong pastoral care and formation for multiple cultures, relevant and inclusive ways? and multiple cultures are integrated into and reflect in the liturgical and 85% ministerial life of the parish. The parish provides strong pastoral care and formation for multiple cultures, but they are liturgically and ministerially separate. Uncertain Yes The parish provides some pastoral care and formation for multiple cultures, but No Somewhat only one culture is reflected in the liturgical and ministerial life of the parish. St. John the Evangelist (Frederick) 6 Frederick, MD

Are our parishes ready to respond to the challenges of the mission in our times? (Part II) REFLECTION AND NOTES PARISH INSPIRING (n=238) & WOULD RECOMMEND? (n=240) Q29, Q30

If one of the single best indicators 48% of future performance is whether or not someone would recommend it, Absolutely! Very Likely what do the responses for your Yes Likely 76% 65% 95% 30% parish indicate for the future are firmly inspired To some degree would recommend Undecided outlook of the parish? How does by their parish 21% No their parish Unlikely the parish actively encourage Not at all Very Unlikely 3% people to “recommend” it to 27% 2% 1% others?

PARISH INSIGHTS (4 or 5 on 5-point scale) Q31, Q32, Q33

My spiritual needs are being met here 82% (n=236) I feel like I am a valued member of this parish 64% (n=237) Encouraged in spiritual growth by someone in the parish 58% (n=236) Do people feel fulfilled, valued, and encouraged by others in the parish? 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% How might more be made to feel this way? WHERE COULD THE PARISH GIVE THE MOST SUPPORT? (n=563) Q35 70% 60% 67% 50% 40% 30% 38% 38% 20% 10% 18% 17% 16% Reflect on the areas in which people 12% 11% 10% 6% 6% 6% 3% 5% 4% 4% 3% 6% 2% 6% 0% have identified a desire for support 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 from the parish. How well is the 1 - Spiritual guidance and care 11 - Addiction (substance abuse, gambling, pornography) 2 - Grief and loss 12 - Unemployment parish positioned to provide 3 - Aging and care for the elderly 13 - Lack of housing/food ministry in these areas? 4 - Sickness and long-term health issues 14 - Access to healthcare 5 - Parenting and care for the family 15 - Care for immigrant families 6 - Marital issues 16 - Legal assistance 7 - Depression or mental illness 17 - Domestic violence 8 - Education needs 18 - Immigration assistance 9 - Separation/Divorce 19 - Prisoner re-entry 10 - LGBT support for individuals and families 20 - Other (multiple selections possible) PARISH ASPECTS: IMPORTANCE x SATISFACTION (4 or 5 on 5-point scale) Q28

IMPORTANCE

100% Imp. Sat. Diff. Compare the importance 90% Christ-centered parish 59% 47% 12.4% Engaging homilies 57% 44% 13.3% respondents placed on the various 80% Feeling of warmth and welcome 53% 43% 9.5% aspects of parish life to their 70% Holy, reverent worship experience 36% 28% 8.1% satisfaction with them. Where are Service-oriented parish 35% 33% 2.6% the greatest opportunities for 60% Joy and excitement in parishioners 54% 38% 16.2% improving the experience of the 50% Dynamic, lively worship experience 40% 25% 14.7% liturgy, welcome, or other points of Inspiring adult faith formation 33% 17% 15.3% 40% encounter with Christ, especially for Engaging children's ministry 38% 19% 18.8% Outstanding music 38% 35% 2.9% newcomers? 30% Welcomes immigrant families 46% 11.0% 20% Fun social gatherings 18% 48% -30.3% Beautiful architecture and grounds 21% 19% 1.7% 10%

0% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% SATISFACTION St. John the Evangelist (Frederick) 7 Frederick, MD What decisions need to be made so we can marshal the resources the Lord has given us? REFLECTION AND NOTES TIME AND TALENT CONTRIBUTIONS (n=227) Q37

What could the parish do to better 11% 18% help people discern how they are being called to use their gifts in I regularly contribute service to the Lord? I would like to but don’t know how 29% 16% are seeking to I would like to but I am too busy contribute but are I don’t contribute 44% not currently 3% I don’t feel like my contributions are welcome or appreciated 8% Other

PERCEPTIONS OF GOD’S GIFTS Q38, Q39

I have thought about the gifts God has given me and how they might be used 19% 43% 34% How might people be inspired to (n=227)

look upon their talents and I consider the time and talent I resources as blessings to be used in contribute to be a form of ministry 23% 43% 31% service to God? (n=224) 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Strongly Strongly Disagree Neither Agree Disagree Agree

REASONS FOR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS (n=379) Q40

1 65%

How does the reality of your 2 49% 1 - My contributions support the ongoing presence and work of this parish’s finances measure up to particular parish 3 44% 2 - My contributions support the core mission of the Church to spread what people believe them to be? If the Gospel, form disciples, and serve others 3 - It is my obligation as a Catholic to support the Church there is a mismatch, what can be 4 4% 4 - I cannot make financial contributions at this time, but would like to done to provide parishioners with a 5 - I do not make financial contributions better understanding of the parish’s 5 2% financial situation? 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% (multiple selections possible) RATING OF PARISH’S FINANCIAL HEALTH (n=227) Q41

3% 6% 36% 51% 4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Do not know Poor Fair Good Excellent In comparing perceptions on the RATING OF SIZE AND CONDITION OF PARISH FACILITIES Q42 size and condition of various parts of the parish campus, where is the need for improvements or changes 1%3% 16% 7% 13% indicated? How might these 2% 15% 8% 14% perceptions encourage or 19% 7% 26% 33% 11% 19% discourage someone who has never 34% been to the church to return? 58% 77% 60% 48% 75% 48% 94% 84%

Worship Space Fellowship Space Outdoor Areas Parking (n=346) Size Condition Just Right Too Big Too Small Do not know Excellent Adequate Needs Attention Do not know St. John the Evangelist (Frederick) 8 Frederick, MD How can we reach out more dynamically to those who have left or are searching? REFLECTION AND NOTES REASONS WHY YOU THINK PEOPLE LEAVE THE CHURCH (n=612) Q19

Disagree with Church teachings on specific… 64% What are the most common Not getting enough out of Mass/not being… 43% reasons why people might Gradual loss of interest 34% disengage from or leave the Dissatisfied with atmosphere in church 24% Catholic Church? Of these reasons, Clergy sex-abuse issue 22% which are in the power of the parish Spiritual needs not being met 25% and its parishioners to address? Not feeling welcomed 16% No longer believe 18% Other 12%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% (multiple selections possible) HOW TO HELP RECONNECT PEOPLE WITH THE FAITH? (n=794) Q20 What are some of the ways your Pray for them 77% parish could reconnect people with Be open to their questions about the Church and its… 56% their faith, as well as help those Let them know they are missed and always welcome 46% already engaged in their faith feel Share why you remain a committed Catholic 46% empowered to reach out Listen to their pains and concerns and accompany them in… 40% compassionately to them? Offer a personal invitation to attend Mass with you 31% Invite them to parish social events 15% Introduce them to your parish friends and/or pastor 14% Other 4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% (multiple selections possible) Are there ways we can pull together as a Catholic community to proclaim the Gospel more effectively?

REFLECTION AND NOTES WAYS TO COLLABORATE WITH ANOTHER PARISH? (n=665) Q43

In which areas of ministry do 60% respondents feel it makes the most

sense to collaborate with other 50% parishes? 51% 45% 40%

37% 30% 32% 32% Review the responses to Questions 26% 2 & 44 (in separate document with 25% 20% 23% text responses) for parishes to consider collaborating with. How 16% 10% might these possibilities expand the 10% reach of the parish’s ministry and 4% evangelization efforts? With which 0% parishes would it make sense to 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 collaborate? 1 - Service and outreach ministries 7 - Sacramental preparation 2 - Evangelization 8 - Parish and/or pastoral staff 3 - Youth ministry 9 - Music ministry 4 - Young adult ministry 10 - Other 5 - Adult faith formation 11 - Do not know 6 - Religious education

(multiple selections possible) St. John the Evangelist (Frederick) 9 Frederick, MD Youth Survey REFLECTION AND NOTES ETHNICITY (n=104) and GENDER (n=89) QY6, QY5

Are there any noticeable differences 100% 82% 5% 6% 6% 1.4% 3% 3% 53% 47% in ethnicity or language between 80% the adult and the youth 60% Asian or 52% respondents that would impact 40% 61% Pacific ministries? Islander 48% 20% 4% 33% 13% 2% 1% 2% 0% White Black Hispanic Asian or Native Other Prefer not White Black Hispanic Pacific NativeAmericanPrefer not Otherto answer Female Male IslanderAmerican to answer Male Female

(multiple selections possible) LANGUAGES SPOKEN AT HOME (n=116) QY7

Language % of Respondents

English 94.4% Spanish 28.1% Other Options 2.2% “Other” 5.6% (multiple selections possible) HOW DO YOU LEARN ABOUT YOUR FAITH? (n=157) QY8 What are the most significant ways young people are learning about In a Catholic school their faith? How are they not 23% learning about it? In the home 51% In a religious education program 58% Outside of Parish Youth Ministry program 42% Within Parish Other 2% None of the above <1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% (multiple selections possible) WHICH FAITH ACTIVITIES DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN? (n=375) QY9

70%

60% 64% 1 - Attend Catholic school/religious education classes 50% 57% 54% 54% 56% 2 - Attend Mass regularly 40% 3 - Talk to God 45% 4 - Prepare for sacraments 30% 5 - Pray with my family 33% 30% 6 - Participate in service projects 20% 26% 7 - Make decisions based on my faith and religious beliefs 8 - Read the Bible or other religious writings 10% 2% 9 - Attend youth groups 0% 10 - Other 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (multiple selections possible) DIRECTLY TALKING ABOUT FAITH (n=89) QY10 What does the future of evangelization look like, and how 18% “If you were in a situation where speaking about God, Jesus can it be nurtured? Christ, or your personal faith seemed appropriate, you would…” 88% 12% Not have a problem doing it would share their Do it, but only if I was with friends from church faith in some way Not do it at all

70% St. John the Evangelist (Frederick) 10 Frederick, MD Youth Survey

REFLECTION AND NOTES MASS ATTENDANCE (n=88) QY4

How do the Mass attendance 16% 10% responses given by youth compare Once a week or more to those given by adults? 2-3 times a month 41% 13% are not Once a month attending 2% Mass weekly Several times a year Seldom or Never 59%

REASONS FOR NOT ATTENDING MASS (n=197) QY14 What are the best opportunities for 60% encouraging Mass attendance 50% 57% 1 - Sports or other activities among youth, given the reasons 49% 2 - If my family doesn’t come they may not attend? 40% 3 - Working or in school 39% 4 - Lack of transportation 30% 5 - Health problems or disability 29% 6 - Don’t feel I need to come to church every week 20% 25% 7 - Church is not that meaningful to me 8 - Don’t feel like I belong 10% 14% 8% 10% 4% 9 - Other 0% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (multiple selections possible) HOW DOES YOUR PARISH INSPIRE YOU? QY15, QY16, QY17 What opportunities does the parish Do you feel welcome and provide for meaningful involvement Does this parish inspire you to Would you tell your friends to valued in this parish? by youth that would make them follow Jesus? come to this parish? feel valued and welcome? 24% Absolutely! 8% 28% 26% Yes 21 % Sort of 68 % No 46% 21 45% % Not at all (n=87)

(n=88) (n=89) Yes Sort of Not sure No