Homily message study Executive summary Prepared for: Saints Simon and Jude Prepared by: reed|group

Methodology Two surveys were conducted over the span of about a year Survey A was conducted for approximately 4 months Survey B was conducted for approximately 8 months To ensure that enough completed surveys were received, survey B was distributed at all Masses (were selected people were the homilist) for two weekends in December, 2016. A total of 394 surveys were completed 186 Survey A 208 Survey B

Executive Summary (1) Respondents gave similar ratings for the homily being based on scripture readings and being integrated with the Sunday celebration (90% Excellent/ Good) More than three quarters (82%) of respondents thought the homily addressed their concerns Eighty-five percent of people answering this question left with a clear sense of something to do to improve their Christian life

Executive Summary (2) Almost all (93%) heard personal conviction in what the homilist was saying Being able to hear and understand the homilist does not seem to be a problem for 94% of parishioners answering the questionnaire Almost all homilists (92%) were able to hold the attention of the respondents

Executive Summary (3) Overall, most respondents thought the message of the homily left them inspired (85%) Regarding the homily being clear and concise, 88% believed it was Almost all (96%) respondents thought the homily was well integrated with the Mass Only 10% of respondents did not feel the homily was sufficiently based on Scripture readings Over three-quarters (83%) of respondents thought the homily helped them understand the day’s Scripture readings

Executive Summary (4) Almost all (91%) respondents thought there was something they could take from the homily and apply it to his/her life Homilists were able to hold the attention of almost nine out of ten respondents Almost everyone (96%) could hear and understand the homilist Eighty-eight percent of all respondents gave the homily a positive overall rating (88% Excellent/ Good)

Demographics

General Observations (1) The survey mean age appears to be higher than the parish census This could show that the average age of people attending Mass is higher Only 3 of 8 yes/no questions have statistically significant differences based on age Areas where homilists could show some improvement (based on yes/no questions): Did the message leave you inspired? Was the homily clear and concise? Did the homily help your understanding of the day's Scripture readings? Did the homilist hold your attention?

General Observations (2) Overall rating of homilies was lowest for single and married respondents as well as those aged Teen - 34 Keeping these demographics in mind when preparing homilies could be helpful Negative comments were given by almost one third of respondents (30%). These items should be kept in mind not only when preparing homilies but also when giving them Too long/ too many themes Didn't hold my attention/ hard to understand