And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” -Mark 4:2-9

The Assessment Process

Elements of Parish Assessment Meet with your Pastor Meet with any parish staff Present your vision to the Parish Survey Parish Parent Meeting Youth Meeting Review results Begin to identify key adults and youth Begin to recruit your adult core team

Ask for help!!!! Preparing a Talk for Mass Short and to the point 3-5 minutes long Speak directly to the parents Brief intro of who you are Speak directly to the youth Present your vision Speak directly to the parish as a whole Ask for help!!!!

Surveys!!! Who to Survey Goal of Surveys Parents Teens Parishioners Get ideas for events and programs Get a better picture of the vision Get an idea on where youth and families are at in the stages of discipleship Identify key parents Identify key teeangers Identify potential core members Short and Simple 5-7 Questions Primarily Multiple Choice or Checkboxes Provide opportunity for comments

Parent Survey Short and Simple What grade is your child in? What aspects of a Youth Ministry program is most important to you/your family? Social/community/fun Evangelization and Catechesis Spirituality – Having a deeper relationship with God Being a Christian leader among your peers and in the parish community What types of events would you like to see offered to youth? Parish Sports teams Outings/trips (white water rafting, ski trip, sporting events, etc.) Fun events at the parish Weekly or monthly parish youth group Bible Study Retreats Adoration Other opportunities for prayer and worship Service/Mission trip Other Short and Simple What days/times work best for youth gatherings? Would you be interested in helping in any way or getting more information as events are planned?

Youth Survey Short and Simple What is your grade? How would you describe your faith? I try to pray daily and have a pretty good relationship with God but I would like to take my faith to the next level. I have a strong faith life and I am looking for ways to serve as a leader in the Church, especially among my peers Other (please explain) I don’t have any connection to God and I think the Church is pointless I don’t have much of a connection to God or the Church but I would like to I try to pray often but would like to have a deeper relationship with God and would like to be more involved in the Church What aspects of a Youth Ministry program is most important to you? Social/community/fun Evangelization and Catechesis Spirituality – Having a deeper relationship with God Being a Christian leader among your peers and in the parish community What types of events would you like to see offered to youth? Parish Sports teams Outings/trips (white water rafting, ski trip, sporting events, etc.) Fun events at the parish Weekly or monthly parish youth group Bible Study Retreats Adoration Other opportunities for prayer and worship Service/Mission trip Other Short and Simple What days/times work best for youth gatherings? Would you be interested in being involved or getting more information for youth ministry?

Sample Parent Meeting 6:30: Opening Prayer 6:35:     Brief Presentation of the Vision 6:45:     Small Group Discussion (Depending on Group Size)               1. What are the needs of youth today?               2. What stage of faith development are our teenagers at?               3. What obstacles to teens face in growing closer to God?               4. What types of events, programs, and opportunities should our parish be offering  to youth? 7:10:     Large Group Discussion 7:30:     Closing Questions/Comments

Goals of Parish Assessment Present a vision of Youth Ministry to the Parish Gather ideas for potential events and programs Identify teens who are interested in youth ministry Identify parents and families who are on board with youth ministry Further identify where youth and families fall in the stages of discipleship Begin to identify individuals who could potentially serve on a core team