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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. Demographics

8. 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?

9. 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