On Sunday, 26 March, members of the various leadership groups met in the Cathedral Lounge to look at the results of the two questionnaires. These results show a huge gap between what actually happens and what parishioners think happens around decision-making. The results also show that there are some places we can work more closely together as three parishes and others where we cannot.
All this information is good, and gathering it is important before any decisions are made or changes are implemented.
The Process So Far
Step One Discussion Document (completed)
A Synodal Governance discussion document was sent to all the members of the parish leadership groups to read. This document was also made available to all parishioners through this online Newsletter.
The Leadership Groups include Parish Councils, Finance Committees, Liturgy Committees and Parish Staff.
Step Two – Questionaire One (completed)
A questionnaire was sent to all members of the leadership groups. It asked them to respond to the Synodal Goverance discussion document. 25 responses were received.
Step Three Questionaire Two (completed)
A second questionnaire was sent to all parishioners via this Newsletter and paper copies. The questionnaire asked, “who makes decisions?”; “what committees do we have?”, and “do parishioners feel informed about decision-making processes?”. 198 responses were received from the parishes.
Step Four Leadership Workshop (completed)
Questionnaires one and two were presented to the leadership groups on Sunday, March 26th. The feedback showed three central themes: Communication, Governance and Cooperation.
Communication around decision-making needs to improve; Goverance can be shared in some places and not in others; Cooperation is wanted but needs to take time.
Step Five Feedback to Parishioners (to come after Easter)
There will be three Feedback Meetings with parishioners hosted by Fr Joe. These are:
Thursday, April 13, 7 pm at the Cathedral
Thursday, April 20, at Our Lady of Lourdes at 7 pm
Thursday 27 April at 5 pm at St Marys Foxton.
Each meeting is one hour. Parishioners are invited to attend any one of these meetings.
At the meeting, parishioners will be presented with feedback from the questionnaires on the major themes of Communication, Governance and Cooperation. These will be discussed, and feedback will be taken.
From this material and the feedback from the Leadership Groups, a second draft of the proposal will be written. This second draft will be presented to leadership groups in May.
Step Six Second Leadership Workshop (May 2023)
The second draft will be presented to the leadership groups to consider. This material will be discussed in leadership groups, and all the group members will be invited to agree on our outcomes.
Thanks for all your support and interest in this process. Please continue to pray for wisdom for all involved in parish leadership, management and decision-making.
Fr Joe