Need for parish information: Survey

The need to provide better information on parish related activities to people in Kilcullen is one conclusion of a 'Listening Survey' which has recently published its report.

The survey was carried out by the Parish Pastoral Council last year, using a questionnaire initially and following up with a number of detailed direct interviews.

More than half of those interviewed had lived in Kilcullen for over 20 years, while a fifth have lived in the village between one and five years. A focus group of Transition Year students from Cross & Passion College was also involved.

The participants were asked about attitudes towards Irish society and life in Kilcullen, their attitudes towards the church and the clergy in general and locally, and towards Mass, faith and prayer.

Most respondents painted community life in Kilcullen in a positive light, although there was some negativity about the recent fast pace of development. Kilcullen was also described as a commuter town dependent on larger towns for employment and service facilities.

In a period of change, many participants said the Church no longer plays a 'superior' role in Irish communities, but it was suggested that it is now 'listening to its members' more.

In the context of ordination of women and the option of marriage in the Catholic priesthood, a sizeable number of those interviewed said they considered clergy life to be 'divorced' from the realities of parenthood, family and marriage.

Although recognising that priests are very busy, and declining in numbers, an overwhelming majority believe there is a need for priests of the parish to engage more with the community outside the context of Mass, such as by attending sports events and social functions and participating on committees.

On the other hand, most participants said the only times they felt the need to contact priests were related to sickness, baptisms, marriages and funerals.

Although a considerable number expressed little knowledge of the Parish Pastoral Council, two thirds of those in the survey said they were prepared to assist the PPC or any other group in addressing the needs of the community.

The full report will shortly be available on the Kilcullen Parish website.

Brian Byrne.