Pastoral Transition Survey for Parishioners

Every pastor and parish want to get off to a great start together. What are your hopes and expectations for your new pastor during his transition?

Please share your views about Catholic pastors and parishes in transition—even if you are not currently in transition. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete.

Your ideas can be part of their learning and growth. We will share your desires and needs with pastors, parish staffs, and diocesan leaders in our workshops.

All responses are welcome!

Question Title

Rank the following expectations you have of a new pastor regarding relationships, from 1 - 5, with 1 being the most important to you.

Knowing Parishioners – Pastor learning names, families, and their backgrounds

Staff & Leaders Relationships – Pastor establishing strong relationships with staff and other parish leaders

Parishioner Needs – Pastor learning the needs and interests of parishioners

Pastor Self-Care – Pastor investing in his well-being, managing demands for his time and workload with his capacity, needs, and interests

Being Known – Pastor sharing about himself and allowing others to better know his gifts, interests, needs, faith story, and his humanity

Question Title

Rank the following expectations you have of a new pastor regarding ministry, from 1 - 5, with 1 being the most important to you.

Pastoral Connection - Making a faith or spiritual connection when presiding at liturgy and sacraments; strong preaching

Affirm and Internalize Church Ministries - Understanding the parish’s current ministries and functions; assessing faith development needs and opportunities

Cultivating New Ministries - Recognizing and supporting the ministry needs and challenges of various groups—children, young adults, families, singles, seniors, ill, and those in struggle

Lead Change - Implementing liturgical, worship, faith formation, and ministerial changes

Lead by Example - Being a humble, healthy, holy, and happy pastor

Question Title

Rank the following expectations you have of a new pastor regarding administration (parish programs, facilities, finances, and staff), from 1 - 5, with 1 being the most important to you.

General Management - Clear oversight of parish finances, councils, and boards

General Leadership - Learning the most critical concerns and challenges of the parish

Staff Leadership - Effective management of job performance of staff

Communicator - Clear communication; informing, listening, gathering input and feedback

Personal Development - Growth in pastoral leadership skills—spiritual and administrative leadership

Question Title

Please share your most valuable piece of advice you have for a new pastor in order for him to get off to a great start serving his new parish community.

Question Title

What is your second most valuable piece of advice you would share with a new pastor in order for him to get off to a great start serving his new parish community?

Question Title

What other input, ideas, suggestions, or experiences would you like to share about Catholic pastors, parish staff, or parishes in transition?

Question Title

If you would like a summary of this survey, please provide your name, church and city, and email address. ALL church and contact information is held entirely in confidence and is not shared with anyone. Thank you!

Name

Church and City

Email Address

We welcome feedback from other parishioners you believe would provide a valuable perspective on this topic. Please copy and share the link below. Thank you!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/gatewayspastoralresources

Gateways Pastoral Resources