1.  What make us a community (please check all that apply and/or offer your own answer)?

88%  worship services       

67%  knowing fellow parishioners    63%  involved parishioners   60%  service to others                      

58%  reaching out to the community

48%  the location on Foreside Rd      46%  size of parish 44%  faith sharing

41%  vibrant community life              35%  closeness & intimacy  

27%  music ministry

Comments:

·        In the present sense – we are a Eucharistic Community first and foremost.

·        A common belief in God and Jesus Christ and Catholicism in this ever expanding secular society.

·        The Eucharist and our common belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ.

·        Faith sharing.

·        Where Catholics can attend the HL mass and receive the sacraments!

·        Msgr. Murphy works hard and does a great job of relating to and reaching out to each and every person of every age.  He makes everyone feel so completely comfortable.

·        Msgr. Murphy ties us all together by making everyone feel included.

·        Msgr. Murphy.

·        Msgr. Murphy.

·        Leadership of Msgr. and Dennis.

·        Pastor and Deacon.

·        Availability of priest for help and advice binds one to a parish.  I think good sermons help too.

·        Inspiring homilies.

·        The participation in volunteer activities.

·        Having many people of all ages in parish.

·        Involved youth services and religious education.

·        Easy commute and sufficient parking.

·        By removing the American & Church flags you alienate veterans and those who love our country.

·        This is hard to answer.  These are all things you would like to see in a parish; none of them undesirable.

2.  Of your answers to Question 1 above, what is the single most important thing that makes us a community?

37%  worship services

22%  involved parishioners           21%  knowing fellow parishioners     

13%  faith sharing                           9% vibrant community life      

6%  service to others  5% reaching out to the community   3%  closeness & intimacy    1% size of parish

Comments:

·        The Eucharist

·        If we are all truly living and sharing our faith, every one of these other things will logically follow and just happen.

·        Being Catholic means attending Mass; that goes without saying. But beyond that, I'd say vibrant community life, which encompasses several other things in this list.

·        As group to educate the practicing catholics and to support the parish and clergy.

·        Availability of priest and atmosphere.  Interested in all parishioners.

·        Being able to participate in worship services with people we know

·        Msgr. Murphy.

·        I note that you have not included the locations on Foreside Road as an option – this is a big issue for many people.

3.  What attracts you to Holy Martyrs (please check all that apply)?

94%  Msgr. Murphy                             

76%  worship services        57%  location on Foreside Rd       53% knowing fellow parishioners       

46%  involved parishioners     39%  service to others 35%  reaching out to the community    

32%  closeness & intimacy      31%  size of parish 28%  children programs

17%  music ministry                     

Comments:

·        Having my kids know fellow parishioners.

·        Knowing fellow parishioners is very important to us

·        Monsignor Murphy!!!

·        Msgr. is a great speaker, thoughtful and learned.

·        Deacon Denis.

·        Deacon Dennis.

·        We are trying to purchase a home on Johnson Road so our family can be even more involved at Holy Martyrs.

·        It's my parish. I've never thought of regularly attending mass at a church other than my geographically-designated parish.

·        Falmouth location (not nec. "Foreside Rd")

·        Easy commute and parking

·        I have just recently moved to the area. The church is beautiful.

·        The location of Holy Martyrs on Foreside Rd – is a non factor and I would hope that it would not be checked off.  It should not matter where the building is located.  I hope that people would attend no matter the address whether it be Foreside Road or Middle Rd., or at the top of Blackstrap.

·        Been in attendance for 35 years.

·        My family feels a connection with this parish as my husband grew up going to Holy Martyrs' and served as an alter server.  We also received the sacrament of marriage, and baptized our two children at Holy Martyrs'.  I cannot imagine belonging else where.

·        A lot of light.

·        Convenient Sunday evening Mass.

·        I know that many people in the Greater Portland area watch Channel 4's "Mass from Holy Martyrs every week, and this should be mentioned as an important community service that we provide.

·        TV Mass, Nursing Home Communion Visits

4.  Of your answers to Question 3 above, what is the single most important thing that attracts you to Holy Martyrs?

60%  Msgr. Murphy                            

22%  worship services                         

17%  location on Foreside Rd        13%  knowing fellow parishioners           

3%  music ministry    2% children programs    2%  closeness & intimacy    1%  size of parish

1%  involved parishioners 1%  reaching out to the community     1%  service to others                         

Comments:

·        Msgr. Murphy's sermons and Worship Services.

·        I know Msgr. Murphy won't always be at Holy Martyrs physically – but his leadership and presence are why I chose Holy Martyrs over Sacred Heart.

·        Msgr. is outstanding both in him sermons and interaction with his parishioners. Our 5yr old absolutely loves him.

·        Msgr. is a great speaker, thoughtful and learned.

·        Monsignor Murphy!!!

·        I would probably attend my "geographic parish", regardless.  But having Msgr. Murphy is a huge plus.  Between Msgr T & Msgr Murphy, we have been spoiled.

·        For my kids to know other kids who practice their faith.

·        Our connection to the parish.  See comment above.

·        Sunday evening Mass

·        Eliminate most social activities in the parish. Do those activities with existing organization.

5.  If you could, what would you change at Holy Martyrs (please check all that apply)?

37%  uninvolved parishioners

31%  not knowing fellow parishioners        23%  music ministry                      

15%  lack of closeness & intimacy              13% size of church                   

8%  not enough service to others     6%  parish too small     6%  location on Foreside Rd

6%  children programs 4%  parish too large      3%  worship services         

Comments:

·        If we got more people "involved", many other items here would follow.

·        It has been said many times, 10% of the people do 90% of the work.  I wish more people would get involved to see how much fun and rewarding it can be.  

·        Active children choir at 8:30 Sunday Mass.

·        I have been in this parish almost 30 years and the music is still a big issue for me. This parish has NEVER wanted to sing – I use to, but good children's choir with my kids in 90's – 6 miles Hallowell.

·        I wish there were more old music. Traditional hymns, Gregorian and other Latin pieces, things by great composers such as Bach.

·        Sometimes we do not enjoy sections where the mass is being sung

·        The Music Ministry needs work. I have noticed improvement. I know that it is difficult with the size of the parish. I grew up in a church with a lot of marble, and quite large. This church does not have the same feeling at all. It feels more like a conference hall, rather than a church. The choir sings in a very tight spot.  Despite these issues, I enjoy going to Mass, and will continue to do so. 

·        Thank you for asking. I assume our parishioners are involved in serving others outside of church, but I'd like to see our church setting a strong example by always asking, “who needs service and how can we help?” We should be engaged in community needs assessment and then developing action plans to address needs. We could collaborate with other churches/organizations to help meet others beyond donating money and the monthly food drive, I don't know about it, so my apologies for overlooking some actions. However, if we are providing services to those who need and I don't know about it, why don't I know?

·        Lack of generosity -- offertory should be at least 3 times what it has been.

·        A bit more intimacy during services.  Once during a blizzard, there were only about 20 of us huddled together at the front.  It was very special.

·        I will change the Sunday mass from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM.

·        More convenient hour for daily mass.

·        Times of worship services (9 a.m.)

·        Scripture study; on-going instructions in the catholic faith, with other parishioners; prayer group.

·        Availability of ongoing adult religious instruction

·        More Bible study.

·        It surprised us greatly that many parishioners leave after communion and before Msgr. completes walking to the back of the church. Lack of reverence and respect.

·        Would not disrupt mass to call children up for religious ed and when they return from religious ed.  Would come up with a less disruptive way for kids to attend religious ed classes.

·        Spiritual growth – leadership of informed younger adults.  New changes and ideas.  Rethink how and why beliefs.

·        The fact that children are turned away from Sunday School (not enough room/teachers) is infuriating.

·        Is there an alternative?

·        Have another priest to spread out the workload.  Schedule another Mass on the weekend first, before committing to physical expansion of the church.

·        Female clergy.

·        Exit into Narthex is very congested; need another exit.

·        Only the décor!!! I wish it were old fashioned, classic and New England.

·        Re-install our nation's and church flags!

·        Our church as many positive features. The only thing I wish we could change is the architecture. The downward, dark sloping ceiling and the brick walls on the inside of the church are depressing...more like a warehouse, or gymnasium, rather than a house of worship. Given the financial constraints involved, and the uncertainty of the church, I don't think it is possible, but if it were, that's what I would change.

·        The church has bad acoustics and a miniature sanctuary; the whole building is 60s ugly and definitely not in keeping with the neighborhood

·        Additional parking

·        Need more parking

·        Parking

·        We wouldn't change anything, except to add more handicapped parking spaces

·        There is not enough parking in the parking lot.

·        Parking is difficult in winter

·        Parking especially in the winter

·        Eliminate most social activities in the parish. Those activities should be done with outside existing organizations.

·        This is not the parish’s responsibility – It is mine.

·        I would change nothing.

·        Be positive. Love our God.

·        Holy Martyrs' completely meets our family's ability to worship and serve God.

6. Of your answers to Question 5 above, what is the single most important thing you would change at Holy Martyrs?

18%  not knowing fellow parishioners           

17%  uninvolved parishioners          13%  music ministry                       

6%  size of church                              4% lack of closeness & intimacy  

3%  parish too small      3% location on Foreside Rd      3%  not enough service to others

2%  children programs  2% parish too large                    1%  worship services     

Comments:

·        Once or twice a year it would be nice to find a reason for parishioners to wear name tags and introduce themselves to everyone around them. 

·        Involvement is the big thing.  Many good things will follow.

·        I would like to see some of the "uninvolved parishioners" volunteer to be Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, or serve on the TV team.  

·        Trying to be more involved.

·        Pay for a professionally trained cantor.

·        Some times when verses are sung.

·        Smaller, more intimate services.

·        I don't think 100 bags of groceries is a lot from 1200 families – when some of us fill 2 bags!

·        Generosity

·        Improve high school youth ministry program

·        Availability of ongoing religious instruction for adults

·        Organizations like Usher/Greeter Society, Catholic Action Groups (not political) Eucharistic Adoration etc

·        Small group faith sharing.

·        I would like some adult Bible study with the Priest.

·        More Bible study.

·        Intellectual, informational, spiritual exchange and growth.

·        None worshiping, none spiritual, none doctrinal education and activities.

·        Especially for families and children to participate in

·        I advocate one parish for these Northern Suburb, prominent visible, accessible on a large piece of land off Rte 1 – probably in Cumberland.

·        Not important enough to make any changes. Sometime the church is crowded, but it is better atmosphere to have a small crowded church versus building a big church and having it half full.

·        Expand capacity to hold more people in church and more parking

·        Would like a 7:30 AM service on Sunday (no music etc)---- move the 8:30 to 9 AM ---- this would ease some of the present crowding 

·        Times of worship services (9 a.m.)

·        Maybe some skylights in the church to give it a sense of openness. Also, cover the brick walls and lighten the space.

·        Parking

·        Parking

·        The parking lot.

·        Female clergy.

·        See comment above 5.13

·        See above

·        I like it as it is

·        Nothing.

7.  Please, consider what you are willing to do to effect that change you noted in Question 6.  If you are prepared to and are comfortable answering the question now, please do.  If not, please, just consider the question.

Comments:

·        Coming from Portland, I have found that the families that come from the same town already know each other from their children\'s schools and such. My daughter is therefore not interested/comfortable in becoming involved socially with any of the children her age at church because they have been rude to her since she doesn't go to the same school. I have found families to be standoffish, and that they only associate because of their children or with families they already know. I think that there is a collective lack of motivation to get to know the fellow parishioners.

·        I am trying to be more active in the church to get to know fellow parishioners.  I have been involved with the Christmas Fair and the Golf Tournament.  I plan to be more active in the future.

·        I would be a part of groups such as these

·        There should be more men’s meetings, gatherings, programs and or events. Also, the Diocesan Breakfast for the Feast of Christ the King should be better promoted within our Parish, only three at our table this year from the Parish.

·        Reach out and talk with parishioners to educate them as to what can be done and how good it feels to do it!

·        I don't think anything can be done about this, unless people really have a change of heart and understand what it means to be an involved participant in a parish beyond just showing up for Mass out of duty or obligation.

·        I work with the religious ed program.  As my children get older, I would consider helping more maybe as a lector or Eucharistic minister (blessed in my college days).  I would love to discuss how we could encourage more people to participate in religious ed.  Is there a committee to discuss this or is it all organized by Deacon Dennis?

·        I think people have to be asked one on one from either Deacon Dennis or Msgr. Murphy (or a committee leader) to participate.

·        We have offered but never been asked.

·        Become active in a committee of the parish.

·        I should become more involved myself.

·        Get more involved

·        Become more involved

·        Attend Bible study group – evenings before mass.

·        Book Club, Bible & church history study

·        Am limited physically in what I can do, but could help organize faith sharing groups.

·        I would consider starting a mothers prayer group. i.e. Eliz ministry or ministry of Mothers sharing. (Moms) 651-748-4089.www.stpaulsmonastery.org

·        I'd be willing to pay a tuition fee to attend classes if that was necessary. 

·        Pray and support.

·        Help organize/finance once a month evening service of mass/faith sharing for those willing to share of themselves and their faith with each other.

·        I would participate in group scripture study, faith knowledge, prayer group.  Help promote “home” church.  I am a lector and assigned to 4:30 Sat. Mass.

·        I would be prepared to discuss the presentation and tempo of the mass to give it more energy and meaning.

·        Prepare lessons, prep work for craft projects computer work at home

·        I would like to participate in small group faith sharing, such as I did in another parish during Renew.  It did wonders for the individuals and the parish as a whole. 

·        I need to ask our Priest.

·        Speak to parish about getting involved in some aspect of music program

·        Contribute to a fund to hire a vocalist/choir director to help Cecile i.e., Louis Phillippe at St. Pius – professional level.

·        I would like to see Gregorian Chant started at Mass. I would like to see more reverend music and less guitar type music.

·        Motivates the congregation to sing.

·        Rotate different musicians for various Masses.  For instance, in lieu of a single music person, have various groups or individuals.  Do different masses.  For instance, David Goulet could do one Mass.  Tom Snow could do one Mass.  Parish Folk Group could do one Mass.  The community is rich in talent!  Perhaps a volunteer coordinator could set things up OR install a sound system and use spiritual tapes such as the Priory in Vermont.

·        I would be willing, over summers upon my return from college, to help out in the music ministry, as a cantor or as a consultant (though I have little experience with the latter).

·        I consider my opinion about the music a minority view.

·        Obviously, some major changes are in the offering. Not the time to be considering expansion until the other cluster members have their thought and aspirations expressed.

·        Make the parish larger by combining other parishes into Holy Martyrs (example: Yarmouth) and to possible enlarge the church. Private donations would be required. 

·        The current physical complex under utilizes the footprint by using too little space for sanctuary.

·        Raising money to make a bigger parking lot (if possible)

·        I am very satisfied with church life; with all that Holy Martyrs offers.  I am not sure what can be done about parking to make it better.

·        Change to 11:00 – traffic in lot too much

·        Reaching out to those in OUR parish in times of need - i.e., during health crisis/illness, financial trouble, new baby, loss of loved one, etc. I also think we should mention and pray for those in our parish (who are experiencing any of the above mentioned issues) during mass - these things will make us more of a caring and aware community. More parish gatherings - not nec. fairs or rummage sales - but dinners, pancake b-fasts, etc. Also introducing ourselves to those around us at the beginning of mass - we may know some people but there are always new faces and we should be more welcoming. 

·        I am willing to participate in conducting community needs assessments, serving on our social justice committee (after July 2006), and otherwise contributing to engaging our parishioners – after surveying them about their other service activities.

·        Try to convince parishioners to emphasize community service giving.

·        Continue annual pledge with check provided early in the year.

·        Change is painful, keep the debate going and open to differences of opinion.  The “politics” of the preliminary discussion leads me to see only “those squeaky wheels:  Honesty, Integrity; Justice; thinking very much out of the boxes and long term”.

·        Have kids start religious ed before masses or conduct it after/between masses.

·        Reach out in a more formal, organized way for feedback on improving religious ed – it is terrible.

·        Illness prevents from being active

·        I can discuss this another time.

   8.  What mass do you typically attend?

25%  4:30 pm Saturday    29%  8:30 am Sunday    26%  10:30 am Sunday   29%  5:30 pm Sunday

Comments:

·        All and list should include daily masses too...Daily masses

·        Varies between musical services.

9.  How many people in your household attend mass at Holy Martyrs?

25%  1         28%  2         14% 3         17%  4         12%  5         2%  6       

Others: 8, 7

10. Do you have any other thoughts you’d like to share?

Comments:

·        I think this whole process should be attended by a request for prayer for more catholic vocations to the laity, the priesthood and the religious life. I understand the decision (I guess) to create clusters that those should be a pastoral message from the Bishop that acknowledges our role through prayer, example, and apostolate of re-invigorating our catholic church society, and our hopefulness that God will help us in that goal. The church may be shrinking now here in the United States, but we must be hopeful that in the future it will grow again. Thanks for your efforts.

·        As long as the church maintains celibacy it will continue to draw from a tainted pool of candidates; including a certain % of pedophiles. It is absurd and insulting not to ordain the current deacons as married priests. Why do I sense that this comment will never see the “light of day”? Our church is being destroyed from within by its obstinacy. You know we are not idiots, we can figure out some of these issues for ourselves; despite the fact that we don't wear red robes and live in Rome in opulence.

·        The Bishop, in his infinite wisdom, should know that all his “shortage of priest” problems could be easily resolved with FEMALE CLERGY!

·        While I understand the need and reasons for consolidating parishes, I feel that the Church fails in understanding the real problem and as such is leaving the faithful with a Church that will not exist as such in 25 more years. We need women and married priests, the Church fails to recognize this, with no vocations the universe of priest will continue to decline. Clustering parishes is simply putting the faithful in a position of amputating part of the Church body. They obviously learned a lesson from Boston with the uproar over Church closings they are making us do the dirty work while they stand back and wash their hands. Without addressing the underlying problem they are like a surgeon who had a patient with an infection and keeps amputating rather than treating the cause of the infection.

·        We need leadership!  Especially young priest – married and women and single.  Each generation needs to rethink and commit in their environment and to their challenges.  The message of god needs to be alive in our times.

·        Discussion how the Catholic Church can attract and maintain young people. Also we need to discuss the turmoil in the Church.

·        We are concerned about how one priest can effectively minister to four parishes.  Our family has attended mass at each of the other 3 parishes, and we are familiar with how involved each parish community is.  All are large parishes, with active parish communities.  It seems impossible to us that one priest will be able to handle this many people and still maintain the community spirit that makes each parish a great place to worship.  We would appreciate any communication the parish reorganization committee can give to the parishioners.

·        Msgr. Murphy is an inspiring speaker and knows so many of us. Deacon Dennis is the key that keeps many of the pieces together.  I would hate to see them spread any thinner.

·        We deeply appreciate Msgr. Murphy for his intellect, his sense of humor, his open-mindedness, slowness to take offense and readiness to give help on short notice.  I am personally very worried about the increasing strain on our already overextended priest.

·        I believe the Judeo-Christian tradition works. I also believe in magic. I also believe my God wants us to be happy. Serving others can be rewarding. Life is a balance. Being part of a faith community is important to me. I think Msgr. Murphy should only serve the Parish of his choice.

·        I think we should build a bigger church building with more parking so that we can help solve the shortage of priest we are faced with.

·        Since we are faced with a shortage of priests, I would support an initiative whereby smaller parishes would be combined into larger ones called a “Super Parish”. Perhaps there would be a building site available in Falmouth, Cumberland or Yarmouth, to construct a new, traditional large church to support one enlarged parish center. This center would offer several priests and create a sense of one large catholic community north of Portland. I believe, people would not mind traveling 10-20 minutes to this renewed and energized worship hub. Because of the enlarged size, the community would offer a music ministry (much lacking now.), enlarged Sunday school facilities and most importantly, a new sense of catholic strength and unity. The strength is in the numbers.

·        In my opinion, it will be financially and practically unfeasible to support a cluster of small churches with one or two priests commuting between them. We must create an environment, where there is redundant priest and ministries coverage in case of illness or simple vacation time off. I would support the idea of selling smaller churches in favor of creation one large vibrant and financially secured parish north of Portland.

·        We keep fewer, but larger churches

·        I know this would require some money and investment in the Church but I would like to see more focus put on the Blessed Sacrament. I believe the tabernacle should be in the center of the altar and not off to the side. 

·        I look with fondness the physical building which houses our parish.  My husband and I were married there and all of my children were baptized there.  I hope we will be able to keep our location with the restructuring.

·        Holy Martyrs' on Foreside Road is home to us.

·        I know it is a big problem ---- but if you move Holy Martyrs to another location you will effectively do away with everything that has been created and the total identity of the parish ---- you will also have to consider the financial angle.

·        We are half year residents in Falmouth and appreciate the location and identify of Holy Martyrs Church.

·        Regarding the location of the church on Foreside Road - it is convenient for me.  If the church was closed and we had to go to Sacred Heart, I would probably go to St. Pius - it's much closer.

·        HM has been a presence on the Foreside for a long time. I would not like to see it lose its IDENTIY.

·        Obviously, some major changes are in the offing. Not the time to be considering expansion until the other cluster members have their thought and aspirations expressed.

·        I love Holy Martyrs, and I do not like the idea of combining with other parishes. To me it shows a lack of dedication from our own parish, that we are not as strong of a group as we need to be to provide support for each other and our church. Mgsr. Murphy is great, and it would be a shame to loose him in the cluster.

·        Given the proposed clusters and likely increase to the parish attempting to expand the Foreside location at this time does not make sense as the size of the new parish would be too large to be supported by this location.

·        A more traditional building with a foundation including meeting rooms, etc. would make better advantage of the footprint and a vertical variance should be easier obtain.

·        We enjoy Msgr's homilies and how good he is at interacting with the youth of the parish. We also feel very fortunate to have Deacon Dennis in our parish. The crying room feels very separated from the church, especially when eucharistic ministers come to the narthex. It does not give the crying room people a chance to enter the church at all. We were surprised to see St. Gregory as part of our cluster since it is a half hour's distance away from Holy Martyrs.

·        Being involved in service through our parish, worship services, and faith sharing are very important to our family – so much so we want to be located close to the parish – so that it’s in our neighborhood and we can easily provide service.

·        To me, presence in the community is larger than the Catholic community. We are a wonderful parish yet I think we need to do more service in the Greater Portland area. Why aren't we connected to Mercy Hospital, any nursing home, any provider of basic needs in a stronger way. Do we serve only ourselves.

·        I am NOT anti “social activities” or charities, I think they should be done outside the parish.

·        This is a good start on a very big job:  to help people accept the need for change in the way we are church.

·        Where we worship and with whom are not as important as worshiping in the first place.  God will hear our prayers and accept our praise just as well from Gray or Yarmouth as He will from Falmouth.  We must go to Him.  It is not our job to make Him come to us on our terms.  Our faith is about meeting Him on His terms, submitting to His will.  He promises good things if we do.

·        This survey is more applicable to a Protestant Congregation with the emphasis on social and community programs instead of the Mass being #1 for the reason to attend. All of these things can follow our love and worship of God.

·        The clergy is needed to administrate the sacrament and to educate.

·        I would love one mass (weekday) that is later.

·        I'm thankful that we are still able to have a morning mass/communion service during the week.

·        Wonderful community with Msgr. Murphy keeping us all together.  I wish only we could have occasional more intimate and personal services – could I help.

·        Continue the hard work of Volunteer activities. I have noticed an increase in participation this year. It also would be great to have a Rosary said at least 4 times a year before, or after a weekend Mass. Sometimes I can attend 7:30 A.M. Mass, but I am unable to stay for the Rosary because I have to go to work.  Perhaps, it could be done once during Lent. I know that I belong to a very busy parish.

·        On music issue, I do think Cecile does her best.

·        I attended a mass in Scottsdale, AZ a few months back, my family was blown away by the youth involvement and major role that music played in the mass. My young ones showed an incredible interest and enthusiasm, which I have never seen. I think we need to make Mass more fun and enjoyable, yet keep its reverence. I want my children to have a greater interest.

·        I think we have a wonderful youth program. It has kept my children involved in Catholicism and I like that we serve the community as a whole with Brown Bag Sunday, The Giving Tree, etc.

·        Services for children, including services for pre-K, are excellent and greatly appreciated by parents.

·        I really appreciate the familiarity and consistency of the masses at Holy Martyrs.  I like seeing the same people, love the size and the feeling that all are welcome, including my small children. There is a wonderful sense of family and community at the masses. I'm a new member so do not have an in depth appreciation for all the activities that go on.

·        When we attend Mass, we feel that we have had a very Spiritual experience, and our faith has been confirmed

·        Msgr. Murphy brings as much to our worship services through his thought provoking and highly effective sermons. His delivery is extremely personable and reverent. He would be sorely missed. Perhaps Msgr. Murphy's sermons could be published and also placed on the website for the cluster for all to benefit from them.

·        Going to Mass here in my college's town has given me an enormous appreciation for the tradition and quality of the service at Holy Martyrs, as well as the quality and insight of Msgr. Murphy's homilies.  There is no other parish I would rather attend than Holy Martyrs. Our Msgr. And our Deacon are very knowledgeable in our faith, but I feel that just a weekly homily is not enough time to learn from them.

·        It has been important to me to have an interesting and engaging priest such as Msgr. Murphy

·        I love everything about Holy Martyrs and Msgr. Murphy and his wonderful homilies - they are so down to earth. I remember him when he first came to our little mission church and was and am so happy he came back to us.

·        Msgr Murphy and Deacon Dennis are a pleasure to listen to on Sundays.  I fear for our parish when they have to leave or retire!    

·        I especially appreciate the very thoughtful, articulate, and relevant homilies. Msg. Murphy and Deacon Dennis obviously spend much thought in the preparation for this responsibility. I am usually able to leave the church with some new ideas, or more thoughtful consideration of the messages from old scripture. This is greatly appreciated.

·        Not every priest or Deacon can preach.  Msgr. Murphy is exceptionally gifted. Sermons by Msgr. Paul from Sacred Heart and Deacon Dennis lack the impact Msgr. Murphy makes.  If combining parishes, Msgr. Murphy should be in charge.  I also know many women who would be superior deacons and priests.  Pressing the church for their acceptance in service is important to me.

·        When I moved to Maine 9 years ago, and wanting both to be apart of the church again and part of the community, I joined Holy Martyrs.  An important part of my decision then and my continued participation has been the influence of Msgr. Murphy.  His leadership, his faith, and his interest parishioners' lives and making the church's teachings applicable are the key elements.   Additionally, my involvement in church and religious ed activities have allowed me to have involvement in the community and in my children's lives.  The parish has grown, yet there remains a "home" feeling about Holy Martyrs for which I am thankful.

·        The speakers should be varied – example:  Deacon Dennis, Msgr. Murphy and other knowledgeable catholic men or women. 

·        A series of topics discussed and explained, pertinent to Catholics (say once a month or possibly twice a month).  Things that involved people's lives. - example:  divorce and annulment, co-habitation, ethical business practices, the church and government policies, pre-marital sex, abortion, stem cell research-- There are many topics in everyday life in America, what the church's position on various issues and the responsibility of catholics, limited time on Sunday sermons.  This could possibly be tired to a session afterward of small group discussion.

·        The sound system – when Msgr. Speaks from the altar he cannot be heard in the back of the church.  The microphone on the altar does not pick up his voice.

·        At the recent “cluster” meeting, Msgr. Murphy made the most telling statement.  The bulk of faith activity should be in the 'home” church. Families worshiping together at home, living out the faith.  It would be nice to “really” know more people.  Ite Missa Est and out in the parking lot Sunday after mass doesn't lend to getting to know people.  Coffee and donuts after mass doesn't help.  You have to do things with people to get to know them.

·        The young parents with kids all know each other, but we older parishioners need common activities at church, in addition to Mass.

·        Perhaps community service done together would help.

·        Actually, the life of the church, in addition to worship is what is done together to build up the body of the faithful.

·        Need to get other parishioners to participate in parish activities to avoid burning out volunteers.  Many hands make light work.

·        No, but I feel fortunate to be a member of Holy Martyrs.

·        Overall the parish is great.

·        I consider my family very fortunate to be in Holy Martyrs.

·        It is a wonderful community.  I wish I could attend mass.

·        We love Holy Martyrs and are always amazed at the warm, close atmosphere of such a large parish. Msgr. Murphy is wonderful and a huge reason why the church and parish are so special.

·        I find Holy Martyrs a warm welcoming place – and Msgr. Murphy is wonderful.

·        We enjoy the parish and appreciate all that you do for our community and lives! Thank you.

·        Thank you for asking for our input!

·        We no longer attend church at Holy Martyrs.