In November and December 2005, the Cluster Planning Committee conducted a survey of Holy Martyrs’ parishioners to inform the effort to address the shortage of priests facing the diocese.  The survey was mailed out to 1,113 registered households, 30 were returned as undeliverable.  156 completed surveys were returned to Holy Martyrs or submitted through the parish’s web page – an approximately 14.4% response rate.  Respondents were relatively evenly divided among those who attend each of the four different masses offered at Holy Martyrs.

1.  What makes us a community? (questions 1 and 2)

More than half of the respondents indicated that worship services, knowing fellow parishioners, involved parishioners, service to others, and reaching out to the community are what makes us a community.  Just under 50% identified the location on Foreside Road as what makes us a community.

Nearly 40% of respondents indicated that worship services are the single most important thing that makes us a community.  More than 20% said involved parishioners and knowing fellow parishioners are the most important things that make us a community.

2.  What attracts you to Holy Martyrs? (questions 3 and 4)

Over 90% of respondents indicated that Msgr. Murphy is what attracts them to Holy Martyrs.  More than three-quarters said worship services attract them to Holy Martyrs.  More than half noted that the location on Foreside Road and knowing fellow parishioners is what draws them.

60% indicated that Msgr. Murphy is the single most important thing that attracts them to Holy Martyrs.  Just over 20% said worship services are what attracts them and just under 20% noted that it is the location on Foreside Road.

3.  What would you change at Holy Martyrs? (questions 5 and 6)

Approximately one-third of respondents indicated that uninvolved parishioners and not knowing fellow parishioners is what they would change at Holy Martyrs.  Just over 20% would change the music ministry.

Just under 20% each indicated that not knowing fellow parishioners and uninvolved parishioners is the single most important thing they would change at Holy Martyrs.

The full results of the survey, including numerous comments, are available at the back of the church and on Holy Martyrs web page (www.holymartyrs.org).  For more information or to offer additional comments or thoughts, please contact one of Holy Martyrs’ Cluster Committee representatives:

·        Chris Rogers (781-4431 or nrogers1@maine.rr.com ),

·        Jim Keeley (797-6269),

·        Jared desRosiers (797-7615 or jdesrosi@maine.rr.com),

·        Beth Della Valle (781-5105 or bethdellavalle@maine.rr.com).