Parish Assembly 2011
PREPARATION – QUESTIONS and RESPONSES
Q1: What is one word to describe your sense of belonging to St. Patrick's parish?
| Answer | No. of Responses |
Other Answers | |
| Family | 50 |
Brotherhood To thank God and praise God Concern Solemnity during the mass Gratitude To be a good Christian Still firmly detached To help church to be more clean Trust in god Lonely Member Attachment Messenger Confidentiality Common place for soul cleansing God Special Delivery Spiritual connection Generosity Congregation Refuge Participation Enthusiasm Great Beginning To be wanted Fortunate a box of chocolate Encouragement Blessing Purpose Close to where I am living Refreshment Loyalty Green carpet Green seat Lighting My name Beautiful Value Choir Charity Participation Christianity Uplifting Seeing the same faces each week Hospitality Disciple Connection Respect Cosmopolitan Comfortable Beautiful Warm hearted community Peripheral History Nourished The priest has a great bearing on where you attend Mass. |
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| Faithfulness | 34 | ||
| Lovely Community | 33 | ||
| Friendship | 29 | ||
| Being welcomed | 29 | ||
| Acceptance and understanding | 22 | ||
| Love | 12 | ||
| Multiculturalism | 11 | ||
| Belonging | 10 | ||
| Home | 10 | ||
| Compassion and donation to the poor | 7 | ||
| Commitment to the church | 6 | ||
| Comforting | 5 | ||
| Caring and kindness | 5 | ||
| Peace | 5 | ||
| Unity | 5 | ||
| Warmth | 5 | ||
| Sharing | 5 | ||
| Happiness | 4 | ||
| Involvement | 4 | ||
| Good and wonderful priest | 4 | ||
| Hope | 4 | ||
| Togetherness | 4 | ||
| Peace | 4 | ||
| Sharing and contribution | 4 | ||
| I am a catholic | 4 | ||
| Spirituality | 3 | ||
| Worship | 3 | ||
| Oneness | 3 | ||
| Prayer | 3 | ||
| Visitor | 3 | ||
| Openness | 3 | ||
| Passion for Christ | 3 | ||
| Diversity | 3 | ||
| Familiarity/ service | 2 | ||
| Coming together as one in Christ | 2 | ||
| Forgiveness | 2 | ||
| Jesus | 2 | ||
| Inclusive | 2 | ||
| Service | 2 | ||
| Safe place to be | 2 | ||
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Other Answers: |
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Q2: What are some of your issues/passions that you'd like to share...
In the parish? In our wider Blacktown community? In our wider church?
In the parish? In our wider Blacktown community? In our wider church?
| Answers | No. of Responses |
Other Answers | |
| How to Involve young ones (youth involvement) in church activities “I don’t know is not an answer” | 59 |
Reverence for the Blessed sacrament (silence in church) Talent of playing keyboard. Time and talent Bible study Why can’t church be 2 hours? Isolation For people to be heard for their troubles. The importance and fundamentality of social justice. That refugee, people with housing issue or with addiction do not bring their problem or themselves through their own violation but needs or greatest support. To visit catholic homes and feel the sense of belonging in the parish To support community in our parish Dress decently when attending church to show respect to God. Air conditioning in the church during hot days. Cleaning toilets. Strengthen the study of religion component of catholic schools, kindergarten to year 12. Gospel That Jesus loves us Networking with other organisations Few youth present on Saturday cleaning ( issue) Unity (Passion) Need of deeper commitment and understanding because most people really don’t understand the knowledge of faith. Opportunity for young adult ministry To overcome everybody sins and change for the better More opportunity for conversation and meeting/greetings Faith – involve parish in various activities in Blacktown festivals Mentoring programs for youth Work with the poor/immersion Compassion Education Parishioners retreat Trying to find friendship group of similar age Teaching lesson should be interpreted such that the church community acts out on the teaching of Christ, to be ore programmatic. The church should be a heaven; a place to feel comfort and reassurance Love of family Invite the public school children to talk about an issue and let them help a person, group or organisation on a one –off task like cleaning car park, lawn service for elderly people and needy family. Concern about the direction that music will take in our liturgy. I am a grandma and I can barely relate to the current list of songs, are we trying to frighten out the few young people who still come to church? Building better understanding in God’s creation Motivating others to be part of activities outside mass No peace, lack of respect. It is fading away as the community blends with different culture. Providing support to young families with no extended family in times of new baby, sickness etc. Pride Where will the church be in 50years time with the declining numbers of religious? First Friday mass and devotion in the evening. Coming back to the real meaning of mass. No family visit by Parish priest – I think it is important for the priest to visit the families to get to know them in actual situation. Foyer curtains should be left open Equality Very communal church Spirituality and growth More green stuffs. Green is my favourite colour. More tolerance for people from other countries. Conversation between different people To be a member of the liturgical ministry. Visit the house of God. Openness Sense of community Generosity Financial help. More music from other cultures – we are a very culturally diverse family. Forgiveness To encourage people who stand in the foyer to come into the body of the church during mass. No political views in church Raising families Ensure more contribution made during mass stay local not to fill the coffers of Parramatta. We need the lights that were above the choir back and microphone issue Family fun day. During the “Our father” Lord’s prayer, we should all holds our hands up facing the sky to be more involved in prayer and unity. Women group – Evening To have louder speakers in the two foyers so that families with babies can stay there and still listen to the mass. Local schools newsletter to keep up to date More Priests A musical Choir Exclusiveness & Inclusiveness Connectedness – volunteers at parish Welcoming newcomers After mass morning tea Parish based retreat – evangelisation Functions to attract youth back to church, e.g., BBQ’s, Dances, Daytrips To encourage more people to worship God specially Sunday Mass Help our parish when they need our assistance Come up with some ideas to eradicate the stigma of “Blacktown’ being a ghetto Let’s work together for funding for church fans Reconciliation Fundraising for the parish Social Justice – what we people involved with outside the parish – how do we bring this in Environment – local tree plantings – Promoting the church and its earth stewardship teachings Encouraging youth involvement in cross-parish church relation initiatives – eg., theology on tap Maybe 2 monthly stalls; bring back old hymns; More Sudanese choirs! Children’s choir; parish picnics; home rosary; divide parish for smaller groups Reach out to aboriginal local historical/environmental issues as a parish List energetic youth over 15 years seeking casual work to assist frail More emphasis on reconciliation, sin, moral and ethics in home work Generosity of its people – rich and to those migrants ‘now who are really comfortable’ the church needs dollars too and workers – vocations Morning Mass – changing from 9am to 9.15am Craft mornings – other opportunities to get together Gathering of all ministries regularly – directory of ministry ready for the assembly Noise in the foyers Isolation of People living with a mental Illness – abandoned by church Personal contact with individual parishioners More involvement Care of our elderly; involvement of our families (30-45year olds); when I say I wish to be involved in a the church, eg. reading or group... for how long – could we sign on every year... some parishes have a commitment Sunday for various ministries so you know I am giving myself for the next twelve months. |
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| Consideration/thoughtfulness of the elderly, lonely, handicapped and those in need – simple act of kindness by offering assistance | 23 | ||
| Less people are going to church – we would like to help bring people back to church especially the families and young ones | 20 | ||
| Racism/prejudice and segregation | 17 | ||
| Participation in church activities | 15 | ||
| Sacred Music (Passion) and issue: How announcements replace the homily | 10 | ||
| To be happy when out; say hello to people, greeting people | 10 | ||
| Volunteering for elderly people in need of company | 8 | ||
| Contribution | 7 | ||
| Crime, Gambling and addiction | 6 | ||
| Collection/contribution – give more if possible | 6 | ||
| Acceptance of all people | 6 | ||
| Come forward to help, smile, care and love | 6 | ||
| Dedication and commitment | 6 | ||
| Company and support | 5 | ||
| We all need to belong | 5 | ||
| To love one another | 5 | ||
| Commitment | 4 | ||
| Special devotion to Mary starting in this Parish, example Novena | 4 | ||
| People integration | 3 | ||
| Acceptance of all questions and different activities in the community | 3 | ||
| Communication with parish people | 3 | ||
| More involvement for the all the community in particularly the school | 3 | ||
| Migrant and refugee integration through education of Australian culture and program | 3 | ||
| Friendly and outreach | 3 | ||
| Welcoming community | 3 | ||
| Patrician brothers and the legion of Mary | 3 | ||
| Spread the gospel | 3 | ||
| No discrimination | 2 | ||
| Encouraging families especially the young kids plus teenagers to attend mass and active participation in church activities. | 2 | ||
| I would like to help in the cleaning of the church but I am always working on Saturdays | 2 | ||
| Music, goodness and energy as a way of worship | 2 | ||
| Small groups of Christian community | 2 | ||
| Being lonely and depressed for young and adult | 2 | ||
| Quietness before mass and to be more faithful | 2 | ||
| Seasonal Christians | 2 | ||
| Friendly | 2 | ||
| Need for mother and toddler group – they too can feel isolated, especially if they have no family nearby. | 2 | ||
| Inclusion of different languages during intersession prayers for example during big occasions like Palm Sunday, Pentecost etc | 2 | ||
| More fundraising activities | 2 | ||
| Singing, charity | 2 | ||
| Respect for all | 2 | ||
| Tolerance and understanding | 2 | ||
| Children liturgy should be done regularly if possible to make kids happy and excited to go to church of which they call church/Sunday school | 2 | ||
| Art and drawings and other things | 2 | ||
| Unity | 2 | ||
| Care for the lonely | 2 | ||
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Other Answers: A roster to help people who are washing, cooking and minding child. Sermons to be more instructive that is the catholic faith with meaningful substance. Listening to the mass. I do help everybody Harmony Do my best with the prayer Owning that we are the church and recognising talents/gifts of all. Have combined mass with other churches – stop the catholic as non catholic dogma. People Assembly Homeless people, mental health issue and poor people Facts about how God is involved in our lives Poverty More things for youth, more deep faith, some more Morden things like mask. Youth groups – choir Hypocrisy – not following all of God’s law. To invite and bring other people to become members of St Patrick community There is no strong belief If we deepen our spirituality the social issue will follow naturally. Making the mass more interesting and lively Elderly to share skills or passion with youth to get everyone working together. More contribution by the regular non-parishioners who attend Saturday 5:30pm mass. More respect from parishioners by not leaving mass early. Roof – charity, stall at Blacktown Festival with Pious Goods and Edna’s items. More volunteers. The institute for mission could be used more. Name tags to wear so that we know and greet each other A baby’s room is needed – calling children to say hello to the Father at the alter Some people will prefer to be passive or less active believers of the Catholic Church, I don’t think it would make me less of a Christian if I don’t participate. At this point, I reckon I need to focus first on strengthening my faith. We are migrants and most of the times I/we cannot understand (not sure what his name) the retired priest, we can understand Fr. Peter and Deacon though. Lack of language How to help and treat recently arrived people from other countries. How to be more catholic in sense of openness to all, sharing our gifts and donation without being forced. Not just Blacktown, but many catholic churches, unless you are involved with the particular group within the church, the rest of us does not know each other. We come to church and say hello to the person next to us (when asked) and we sit through mass. More interaction of families I would like to meet people who are lonely separated if they are meeting in the parish. Showing the fiesta of the St. Patrick by having a procession around St. Patrick to celebrate the fiesta. Open the church so that people can come and pray inside anytime. Love, relationship. Discuss togetherness with other Christian churches. Flowers should be provided at the altar as always More confession before or after mass More idea of reconnecting with those who have left the church. Peace and love, security and more police ( Blacktown community) Everyone to be on time not late every week. Guidance Helping out nations during calamities and hardships. Attending mass and hearing the beautiful lyrics (hymns) Opportunity to greet each other at the beginning of mass to feel the welcome Build on hospital visitation Interfaith dialogue between other religion Give more money for collection to be able to help the community More involvement of the church to the community poverty, addiction and crime |
Q3: What would be your expectations of a Parish Assembly?
| Answers | No. of Responses | Other Answers | |
| Open Conversation | 18 |
To see more people help each other at church Spread the word of God To grow as a community Slackness, impartiality and support to our priest Parishioners to be invited in solving issues Community festival Build a stronger Christian community A warm smiling parish assembly Good and direct conversation Establish 1-3 priorities as parish focus for next 12 months Something being done and establish within the parish about the people in need our community Gladness Keep young people off the street Come closer as one community May the Holy Spirit work among you all so that this assembly will be fruitful – God bless Accountability and information Praying for each other Nothing really Appropriate discussion on how to improve the service this parish provides Presentation To teach love in the community Lively and fulfilling assembly Keep to the tradition of catholic church Sharing of information and ideas with the entire parish community Think about ordinary people too, we get overlooked and we can be lonely too Interaction To be reflective but also entertaining To bring everyone together Sense of belonging Hope More people coming to church Confronting the truth Holistic approach and integral They are doing a great job – Thank you People you can talk to Evaluation of the parish needs Increase our knowledge to know more about church Encourage people to live in peace, control anger, respect for one another and not to give your trouble to one another To meet as a family of God Whatever the Lord’s will Openness and hospitality Caring and helpful in difficult situation in a person life No colour issue Socialisation Louder responses to mass parts and songs We would have green icing cupcakes To create future goals Change the chairs and carpet in the church Growing of church Going to church Crying room To propagate our religion Saying hello To be better Fair treatment clear, specific resolution published in the bulletin/mass Bringing the family closer To see more kids who goes to catholic schools at mass Manage funds for church activities Dialogue – results Try and solve some of the issues with action plans Positive outcomes How to see at St Pats as one compared with five Masses and n’er the twine shall meet To listen to people’s views To make a reality of some of the things discussed Monthly/weekly feedback More people to attend Mass Fr Peter will stay at St Patrick’s Set out the issues – set plan and time frame to deal with it – state who is going to be responsible – get it done List the comments – concerns – regroup and talk Meetings earlier in evening not after choir – the parish assembly is a priority to get more action – more youth and their parents – school parental survey beforehand for those who miss mass Opportunity to talk about things that concern us... maybe come up with some suggestions. |
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| Positive results | 12 | ||
| Welcoming, loving and acceptance | 10 | ||
| Exchange of ideas and getting to know more people through group discussions | 10 | ||
| More youth attending | 10 | ||
| More people to come | 9 | ||
| Unity, respect, commitment and love | 8 | ||
| Updates | 7 | ||
| To share ideas together as parishioners | 7 | ||
| To have a deeper level of faith and to encourage evangelisation | 6 | ||
| Multicultural, open and listens | 6 | ||
| Friendlier to everyone like greetings on entry and exit, music team to sing with happiness not depression | 5 | ||
| Involvement and participation | 5 | ||
| To sort out issues that are present in the community | 4 | ||
| To bring or encourage young ones not only to go to church on Sunday but also to bring back the faith | 4 | ||
| Commitment to other parishioners friendship and faith | 4 | ||
| Support to all members of the church | 4 | ||
| Future understanding of our parish to the youth | 4 | ||
| Discuss these and adopt some of the matters | 3 | ||
| Improvement and development | 3 | ||
| Commitment – great leadership from Fr. Peter | 3 | ||
| To have more participation in parish activities | 3 | ||
| To know each other and help them | 3 | ||
| Encouragement and fulfilment | 3 | ||
| Lots of interaction | 3 | ||
| Bringing people to the parish in closer unity with each other and sharing their thoughts | 3 | ||
| Leaders for our 10am choir | 3 | ||
| Attendance | 3 | ||
| Equal participation from all members | 2 | ||
| Caring and supportive | 2 | ||
| Discussing of real issue not fluffy superficial stuffs | 2 | ||
| Involvement of people of all age group | 2 | ||
| Cooperation, understanding and compassion | 2 | ||
| Guidance | 2 | ||
| It gives directions where the church is going | 2 | ||
| Contribution and help | 2 | ||
| Fun | 2 | ||
| Humility to listen | 2 | ||
| Acceptance no matter the circumstances | 2 | ||
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Other Answers: Be knowledgeable about many areas in life and be spiritually motivated Not much – Lots of talk but little action To be faithful and belief To establish a sense of warmth to welcome all from different communities – brings humanitarian One whole community, range of ages For it to be open minded Don’t know much about it Progress We get together as a parish Not sure We expect St. Patrick to accept our offer of help (Couples for Christ Australia) If only some new faces appear Be nice, decorate people green, let us be lovers not fighters Achieving more worthwhile outcomes Many Parishioners come and join Every member who attends is friendly and welcoming Discover what is needed and what can we do about it To take a message after homily To expect and welcome without judgement Expect the Parish to keep doing what it is doing Praying More understanding each other To help people accept gifts and parish is to set people get to know each other and church better Visitation to the sick Decision and action to improve the parish togetherness and growth Church should allow people to re-marry without the tribunal To address spiritual needs of the young people in the community As it is Great parishioners Go out and spread the word of God and Bible study for young children Responsibility Everyone to be on time not late every week |