St. Catherine of Siena Parish Survey Church Expansion Update

The Parish Steering Committee sent a letter to all parishioners to provide an update on the recent survey to explore the feasibility of expanding the parish worship and other areas. The survey was distributed by email and at all Masses this weekend and outlines the committee's communication plan as well as the findings revealed by the survey, interviews and focus groups. More than 80% of active parish families participated in the study.

The full text of the letter is available below; a PDF file is also available for download.

Dear Parishioners,

As you know, we have committed to a thorough review of the financial feasibility of expanding our parish worship area and other related projects. The recent data collection effort has just concluded through the leadership of Ruotolo Associates and we would like to share what we've learned from that study and the steps we are going to take to keep you informed on various key topics.

The feasibility study was a very successful process. St Catherine's has 650 total families registered to our parish. Approximately 360 families are active in weekly mass attendance. An overwhelming 296 families (82%) participated in either an interview, a focus group or responded to the written survey (web/online or paper copy). We are extremely proud and grateful for that level of participation. Responses showed that people truly enjoy parish life and are sincerely grateful for all the great work conducted by our ministries. "St. Catherine's is like a family" was a recurring comment throughout the study. Our plan is to communicate the following to you:

1. A complete review of the results of the first campaign from 2000, including:
   1. Explanations of the circumstances which required changes to the original plan
   2. How the moneys collected were utilized and decisions made
   3. What assets we now hold due to that effort
2. Key findings for the current feasibility study including:
   1. The perceived strengths and challenges our parish faces
   2. The parish's ability/willingness to meet the needs for expansion and growth

As a result, we are working to effectively communicate all this information to you. In the coming weeks, all of these issues will be addressed.
The following illustrates a few of the means we hope to use:

1. A timeline of events dating back to the first campaign through the present time
2. Details of the first campaign and future plans to address our pastoral needs for parish growth.
3. An FAQ document to address questions heard in the study.

This will be shared in a town-hall meeting setting. We are planning two dates in March (Sat 3/8 at 5:30 PM and Sun 3/16 at noon. Both will be at the Parish Center.) That forum will also allow for a moderated Q&A session with a panel comprised of Father Chester and key members of the planning committees.

Select communications will be available on the Parish Website (http://www.scoschurch.org/).

We recognize that the sharing of this information is paramount to the future success of our parish and owe it to everyone to show all details of this journey which we have been on since 1999.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,
The Parish Steering Committee