The results are in...

Archbishop Pérez asked all parishes to participate in The Disciple Maker Index Survey to help identify ways they can deepen spiritual growth and promote missionary discipleship. Saint Alphonsus participated in this survey in 2022. For a copy of our flyer with this information please click here. If you are interested in the detailed survey results and metrics obtained from this survey please click here or see the slide show below.

Who we are...

Saint Alphonsus Parish is a vibrant and growing community of faith, which strives to witness the goodness of Jesus Christ in our lives through the work we do and the faith we live. Drawing our strength from the Holy Eucharist and enlivened by the Holy Spirit, we hope to create a culture of missionary discipleship that strengthens our personal relationships with Jesus and instills confidence in sharing our faith with others.

Based on the survey results here are three initiatives we are undertaking to strengthen our parish community and promote missionary discipleship:


Culture of Vocations

A culture of missionary discipleship requires a culture of vocations, that is, an awareness that every Christian is called by God to a specific way of life which fulfills them and serves the community. Here are some ways we are going to help parishioners understand how their vocation - whether as a single or married person or as a religious or priest - is part of the mission of Christ and His Church and how they can encourage young people in discerning their vocation:

• Offer a monthly column in parish communications to better understand vocations.
• Establish a vocations committee to promote religious life and priesthood.
• Educate engaged couples in Pre-Cana on the mission and vocation of marriage.
• Hold an annual Wedding Anniversary Mass and day of renewal for married couples.
• Reach out to single parishioners to discern ways of supporting them in their vocation.

Many people highlighted in the survey that Saint Alphonsus Parish is a welcoming parish. Drawing on this strength, here are some ways we are striving to deepen parishioners' sense of belonging and purpose:

• Create a more welcoming environment for children and families at Mass. See our new Kid's Corner in the Narthex!
• Coordinate a Day of Service to gather parishioners to help the community.
• Host social events like an outdoor Movie Night and a Fall Picnic.
• Establish a Health and Wellness Ministry to identify and address needs within the parish.
• Increase opportunities for our youth to participate in parish life, especially through service, and to find new ways for them to share their gifts and talents.

The survey suggested that although parishioners are engaged and actively practicing the faith, they often lack the confidence to share their faith with others. Here are some ways to help deepen parishioners' faith and confidence:

• Promote local retreat and spiritual conference opportunities.
• Encourage parish carpooling/transportation to catechetical and spiritual events.
• Continue small faith groups and Bible study groups, and offer new catechetical offerings.
• Expand PREP to preschool students through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
• Increase outreach to parish young adults to identify areas of need and interest.
• Provide additional support and resources to parents of children, especially in sacramental preparation, to assist them as the primary teachers of their children.