St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Newsletter — June 2022

JUNE 2022

ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON

CATHOLIC CHURCH

A WELCOMING & INVITING PARISH ∙ ALWAYS CHRIST-CENTERED AND WORD-BASED

A Letter From The Pastor

Results of Our Recent Parish Survey Dear Parishioners,

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s part of our ongoing commitment to developing stewardship as a way of life at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, we recently conducted a comprehensive survey of our stewardship parish. The survey allowed all our parishioners to express their views regarding worship, parish life, religious education, outreach, and stewardship.

Thanks to your response, our survey was a success! Our parish office received 431 completed surveys. This is a 12-percent response rate — greater than the national average of 10 percent. I thank you for your honesty, as well as the time and commitment you made to complete the survey and help our parish become better and spiritually stronger.

The results of the survey are included in this newsletter, and I hope these results will give you a clearer vision of how our parish as a whole responded to each specific question. We also asked you to respond to

a few open-ended questions. Because of space constraints, we could not include each response in this newsletter, but they have been read, reviewed, and grouped based on likeness so that we could determine the top responses for each open-ended question.

As your pastor, I am confident that the information we have gathered through the survey will help guide the leadership of our parish as we continue to develop stewardship in our faith community. In the coming year, I hope we all can work together to meet the needs of our parish and make life here at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton rewarding for us all.

Sincerely yours in Christ, Fr. Jose Panthaplamthottiyil, CMI Pastor

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ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON CATHOLIC CHURCH

Liturgy Which Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church do you most frequently attend?

31% Saturday, 4:00 p.m.

4% Saturday, 6:00 p.m. (St. Stephen Chapel) 0% Saturday, 6:00 p.m. (Portuguese 1st/3rd Saturdays) 19% Sunday, 8:00 a.m.

29% Sunday, 10:00 a.m. (interpreted for the Deaf) 14% Sunday, 12:00 p.m.

1% Sunday, 5:00 p.m. (Spanish) 2% Sunday, 5:00 p.m. (St. Stephen Chapel) How often do you attend Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church?

58% Every weekend 25% Every weekend and some weekdays 7% Every weekend and every weekday 5% Occasional weekends (once or twice a month) 1% Seasonally (Christmas, Easter, etc.)

4% I no longer attend Mass I consider myself a member of...

99% St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 1% Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church 0% St. Mary Catholic Church 0% Another church Please indicate how well the following liturgical ministers enhance your prayer and worship.

Needs

Excellent Good Fair Improvement Pastor 79% 19% 2% 1% Deacon 43% 46% 9% 2% Greeters 60% 34% 5% 2% Ushers 55% 37% 5% 3% Altar Servers 51% 42% 6% 1% Lectors 53% 41% 5% 2% Cantors 66% 28% 5% 1% Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 60% 36% 2% 1%

Do you feel welcome when you attend liturgy at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church?

99% Yes 1% No The music at the Mass I attend enhances my prayer and worship.

46% Strongly agree 2% Disagree 36% Agree 1% Strongly Disagree 15% Neutral Do you have any suggestions to help enhance our Sunday liturgies?

Suggestions for Music/Choir (39) Suggestions for Homily (21) Suggestions for Liturgy (14)

Adult Faith Formation Have you attended an Adult Faith Formation program at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in the last three years?

24% Yes 76% No If you have attended an Adult Faith Formation program at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in the last three years, was it a good experience?

69% Yes 31% No If you haven’t attended an Adult Faith Formation program at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in the last three years, would you consider attending one in the future?

49% Yes 51% No If you would like to attend an Adult Faith Formation program, in which areas would you be most likely to participate? (Multiple responses allowed) 28% Church Teachings 64% Scriptures/Bible Study 18% Ethics and Morality 9% Marriage 18% Small Faith Sharing Groups 42% Practical Ways of Growing in Faith and Prayer 38% Retreats 8% Other

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Children’s Faith Formation PREP (Pre-K - 5) The following questions were answered only if one’s child/ children are currently enrolled in our Children’s Faith Formation program.

How would you rate the quality of instruction that our students receive in our Children’s Faith Formation program?

33% Excellent 61% Good 6% Adequate 0% Poor Do you feel that the instruction provided by our Children’s Faith Formation program is in line with the teaching of the Catholic Church?

61% Yes 11% No 28% Unsure What do you like most about our Children’s Faith Formation program?

(Multiple responses allowed) 50% Director, staff and catechists 19% The families involved 63% The children/families learn about their faith 13% Meeting times 13% Other How do you think we can improve our Children’s Faith Formation program?

(Multiple responses allowed) 81% Get the parents more involved 0% Change the time 44% More training and support for the teachers 0% Improve the curriculum 19% Other

Youth Ministry EDGE (Middle School) Life Teen (High School) Do you have children in 6th through 12th grade living in your home?

7% Yes 93% No If yes, for which Youth Ministry are they eligible?

18% EDGE 82% Life Teen If you have children in 6th through 12th grade living in your home, do they attend youth ministry activities/ programs at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church?

22% Regularly 22% Occasionally 56% Never The following questions were answered only if one’s child/ children regularly participate in our Youth Ministry program.

How would you rate the quality of the Youth Ministry program at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church?

50% Excellent 44% Good 6% Adequate 0% Poor What do you like most about the Youth Ministry program? (Multiple responses allowed) 60% The commitment and dedication of the staff 53% The variety of activities offered 60% It involves the youth more in parish life 40% The Christian atmosphere in which they socialize 13% Other How do you think we can most improve the Youth Ministry program? (Multiple responses allowed) 40% Involve the youth in the parish more 53% Inform the parishioners more about the program 27% Get more youth involved 20% Offer more activities 20% Improve the current activities 27% Increase the service opportunities 7% Other

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ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School (Pre-K3 through 8th) Having a Catholic school is a vital part of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church’s mission as a parish.

71% Strongly agree 23% Agree 7% Neutral 0% Disagree 0% Strongly disagree Do you have children in Pre-K3 through 8th grade living in your home?

4% Yes 96% No If you have children in Pre-K3 through 8th grade living in your home, where do they attend school?

24% St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School 0% Other Private School 65% Public School 12% Home School If you currently have children in Pre-K3 through 8th grade in your household and they do not attend St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, what is the reason that they don't attend? (Multiple responses allowed) 0% Transportation is a problem 15% More academic options at other school 0% Catholic education is not a family priority 0% Cost (I would rather put my money to use in other ways) 23% Cost (I cannot afford to send my child[ren] to Catholic schools) 62% Other Are you aware that St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School has a tuition assistance program for those in need?

81% Yes 19% No

The following questions were only answered if one’s child/ children currently enrolled at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School.

How would you rate the quality of EDUCATION that our students currently receive at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School?

42% Excellent 0% Fair 50% Good 0% Poor 8% Adequate How receptive is the FACULTY to meeting your needs?

25% Very receptive 63% Somewhat receptive 13% Neutral/no experience 0% Unreceptive 0% Very unreceptive Do you feel that the children who attend our Catholic school are receiving good Catholic moral development?

75% Yes 0% No 8% Somewhat 17% Unsure What do you like most about our Catholic school?

(Multiple responses allowed) 31% Great teachers 46% The daily emphasis on Christian life 69% Catholic education 38% Builds community 23% Other How do you think we can improve our Catholic school? (Multiple responses allowed) 30% Increase the communication with the parents 30% Improve the curriculum 30% More training for teachers 20% Increase the emphasis on Catholic Faith 20% Other

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Parish Life What is your perception of your role as a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church?

(Multiple responses allowed) 98% To attend Mass 54% Participate/volunteer in ministries and social activities 86% Support the parish financially 65% Share my faith with others 6% Other In your experience, how responsive is our PASTOR to your needs and requests?

77% Very responsive 9% Somewhat responsive 13% Neutral 0% Unresponsive 0% Very unresponsive In your experience, how responsive is the PARISH OFFICE STAFF to your needs and requests?

77% Very responsive 13% Somewhat responsive 11% Neutral 0% Unresponsive 0% Very unresponsive What methods of communication work best for you and your family to receive parish information?

(Multiple responses allowed) 92% Bulletin 12% Website 9% Facebook 0% Twitter 35% Email 54% Parish Newsletter/Mailings 56% Announcements at Mass Did you enjoy receiving our parish’s new monthly newsletters?

91% Yes 9% No In what medium would you prefer to receive the parish’s monthly newsletter: 74% Print (current medium used to deliver newsletter) 26% Online (via email or some other form of electronic delivery)

What information do you want included in our monthly newsletter?

(Multiple responses allowed) 75% Articles about parish groups and activities 77% Comments from our pastor 35% Highlights on various parishioners 48% Information on the finances of the parish 39% Diocesan-wide news 66% Articles of general Catholic interest 51% Explanations of specific Catholic teachings 4% Other Do you use our parish’s website?

43% Yes 57% No If not, why not?

Do Not Use Computer, Website or Internet (27) Get Information from Bulletin & Other Sources (27) Not Tech Savvy (21)

Outreach Do you feel that St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church does a good job reaching out to the following groups: Yes No Unsure Active Parishioners 85% 1% 14% Inactive Parishioners 24% 6% 70% New Parishioners 50% 5% 46% Shut-in Parishioners 34% 7% 59% Non-Catholic Spouses 11% 5% 84% The Local Community 41% 7% 53% The Poor 67% 3% 30% Other Christian Churches 22% 6% 71% Other Religions 15% 7% 79% What more can we do as a parish to reach out to those in need? (Multiple responses allowed) 50% Increase communications about parish ministries 52% Encourage more parishioner participation 18% Be more welcoming 46% Get more involved in the community 19% Other

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ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON CATHOLIC CHURCH

Stewardship What is your perception of Stewardship (Time, Talent, and Treasure) when it is discussed?

59% Accept it as a core Gospel value and carry it out in my life 7% Don’t really understand what it means 26% Think it’s important, but find it hard to implement 4% Feel it’s not applicable in my life 5% Feel that it’s just another way to discuss fundraising

Stewardship of Time How often does your family share a meal?

82% Daily 9% Several days a week 5% Once a week 4% Less than once a week (28% selected “N/A” as their response to this question, and the above percentages were re-calculated with the “N/A” responses removed.)

Do you say grace before meals?

62% Yes 38% No If you have children at home, do you pray with them on a daily basis (in addition to grace before meals)?

40% Yes 60% No (83% selected “N/A” as their response to this question, and the above percentages were re-calculated with the “N/A” responses removed.)

If you are married, do you pray with your spouse on a daily basis (in addition to grace before meals)?

28% Yes 72% No (36% selected “N/A” as their response to this question, and the above percentages were re-calculated with the “N/A” responses removed.)

In addition to Sunday Mass and grace before meals, how often do you set aside time for personal prayer?

90% Daily 5% Weekly 2% Monthly 4% Never

If you have children, do you discuss vocations (Religious Life, Single Life, Married Life) within your family?

60% Yes 40% No (76% selected “N/A” as their response to this question, and the above percentages were re-calculated with the “N/A” responses removed.)

Stewardship of Talent In how many parish ministries, committees, programs or events are you actively involved?

44% 0 8% 3 21% 1 11% 4 or more 17% 2 Beyond participating in weekly Masses, how do you rate your involvement in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church?

12% Very involved 41% Moderately involved 31% Rarely involved 16% Never involved What single reason (if any) has most prevented you from more participation in parish ministries?

4% Not interested in what the parish offers 40% Health issues 4% Usually unaware of opportunities within the parish 32% Not enough time due to family and work responsibilities 1% Transportation 19% Haven’t yet made the effort to get involved 0% Lack of babysitting services Are you satisfied with your PERSONAL level of involvement in parish ministries?

77% Satisfied with my current level of involvement 23% Would like to become more involved Are you satisfied with your FAMILY’S level of involvement in parish ministries?

74% Satisfied with current level of involvement 26% Would like to become more involved (56% selected “N/A” as their response to this question, and the above percentages were re-calculated with the “N/A” responses removed.)

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At what times would you most likely be able to attend parish functions? (Multiple responses allowed) 22% Saturday mornings 15% Saturday evenings 26% After the Sunday Mass 5% Sunday evenings I attend 32% Weekday mornings 32% Weekday evenings 28% Weekday afternoons If weekday choice, write in best day Wednesday (19); Tuesday (17); Any Day (13)

What is your perception of our parish’s current financial position?

8% We are easily able to pay our operating bills and put aside money in savings.

20% We are easily able to pay our operating bills.

18% We barely generate enough revenue to pay our operating bills.

6% We are not generating enough revenue to pay our operating bills.

49% I am unaware of the state of our parish finances.

Stewardship of Treasure Each parishioner is responsible for supporting our parish financially.

53% Strongly agree 39% Agree 7% Neutral 1% Disagree 0% Strongly disagree

Demographics Gender 18% Male 52% Female 30% Husband and wife completed together

How often do you make financial contributions to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church?

78% Every week 2% Every other week 9% Once a month 11% Monthly (for all the weeks in the month) 1% Never

Marital Status (Check one) 8% Single 5% Divorced 61% Married 0% Separated 26% Widowed What is your annual household income?

3% $0 - $9,999 24% $10,000 - $29,999 34% $30,000 - $49,999 20% $50,000 - $74,999 9% $75,000 - $99,999 9% $100,000 - $199,999 1% $200,000 and above

My household’s gross annual financial contribution to the parish offertory represents: 2% 0% of my annual income 30% 1% - 2% of my annual income 23% 3% - 4% of my annual income 24% 5% - 6% of my annual income 6% 7% - 8% of my annual income 12% 9% - 10% of my annual income 3% 11% or more of my annual income How do you determine the amount you contribute in the offertory collection?

28% I give a certain dollar amount based on a percentage of my income.

43% I have chosen a certain dollar amount in some other way.

1% I base the amount on what I think the parish needs.

17% I give whatever I can afford that week.

11% I don’t have a system that determines how much I give.

0% I don’t financially support the parish.

Age (You may check more than one box if husband and wife completed the survey together) 0% 18-29 10% 50-59 0% 30-39 18% 60-69 3% 40-49 73% 70+ How long have you been a registered parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church?

7% 0-1 year 11% 6-10 years 7% 2-3 years 68% More than 10 years 7% 4-5 years 7

ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON

CATHOLIC CHURCH

A Welcoming & Inviting Parish ∙ Always Christ-Centered and Word-Based

4600 Belle Terre Parkway Palm Coast, Florida 32164 www.seaspcfl.org (386) 445-2246

Parish Survey Results

(continued from page 7)

General Information The things I like best about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church are...

Clergy & Religious (112) Friendly & Welcoming Parish (50) People/Community (37)

I wish St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church would…

Suggestions for Building & Facility (48) Event & Activity Opportunities (20) Liturgical Ministers Suggestions (17)

Thanks to everyone who completed our 2022 Parish Survey! The responses we received made our survey a success! Our parish office received 431 completed surveys.