Council Update

Holy Cross and Diocesan Surveys

We hope you are staying warm in this winter cold! 

I am following up on my visit to all Masses, informing you of an upcoming Diocesan Survey. At no cost to Holy Cross or the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, the Diocese is working with the Catholic Leadership Institute (located outside of Philadelphia) to engage in a data-driven process for future strategic planning. The data collection has two prongs: one is an individual priest survey/inventory, and the second is a survey of all parishes. The priest survey asks for individual strengths, leadership styles and supports needed for our priests. The second survey is for the Diocese and individual parishes to identify the demographics of the community and how well the Mass, parish ministries, and internal supports meet personal and parish needs. 

The survey is anonymous, can be completed online, and takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. The survey is to be completed by all adults in the household, not one per family. We will begin surveys on Ash Wednesday, March 5. The Council we will be hosting coffee and donuts after Mass on March 8 & 9 where members will be available to help with the survey if needed. Additionally, we will assist through ministerial groups and daily and evening opportunities for parishioner survey completion.

The Catholic Leadership Institute will collect the data in their portal and then share a report with the Diocese and individual parishes. Our individual parish data will be analyzed by the Pastoral Council to set goals and action steps to better support parishioners in faith, active Church participation and to strengthen our community’s sense of belonging and service within our parish and Diocese. At the Diocesan level, the surveys of all parishes will assist in identifying trends within the Diocese and to assist priests and parishes in sharing information that generates greater success. As we learn together, we will become a more vibrant Catholic Community. Please help us make this survey valuable for our parish and the Diocese!

Survey Assistance Schedule:

  • Wednesday, March 5, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Yeazel Hall

  • Saturday & Sunday, March 8-9 after Masses, Gathering Area

  • Thursday, March 13, 5:30-6:30 PM, Yeazel Hall / Rooms 12-13

  • Saturday & Sunday, March 22-23 after Masses, Gathering Area

  • March 10-14 following Mass & Rosary Group, Gathering Area

Thank you in advance for helping us with the survey,

Karen Markoff

Pastoral Council President