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To assess the effectiveness of Pastoral Planning for the New Millennium, Richard McCorry designed, administered and evaluated the results of a satisfaction survey for the 728 people who have directly participated in the planning process.  Of these 338 or 47 percent returned usable questionnaires.

 The respondents to this survey reported a favorable experience of the pastoral planning process. It was revealed that the majority were satisfied with the assistance they received from the diocese in connection with this planning. The bulk of the respondents believe that they would continue to do collaborative planning with their neighboring communities, even if the diocese were to discontinue this program. Most respondents reported satisfaction with the various aspects of the planning process, and felt that they had been dealt with in a collegial fashion.

A regression analysis was done on the data to determine those factors which correlated to process satisfaction. The greatest correlation existed between process outcome satisfaction and process satisfaction. The degree to which the respondent felt that the handbook was helpful also correlated highly with process satisfaction. Having the right sized planning groups was found to be a factor in process satisfaction. Not surprisingly, the degree to which the respondent felt that their opinion was heard and valued correlated to his/her satisfaction with the process. The training the respondent received had the fifth and sixth greatest correlation to process satisfaction. The degree to which the respondent felt that the diocese provided adequate assistance also correlated with satisfaction with the process. The final two factors which related to process satisfaction are quality leadership and the extent to which this process was helpful to other planning with which the parish was involved.

The main recommendation arising from this project is to stay the course. From all that has been observed, reported and evaluated, this is a fine, well-thought out program. One area which could use enhancing is during the implementation phase of the plans. If the diocese indeed plans to revisit this process again in 2002, for it to be received with any measure of credibility, there must be some concerted effort toward assisted and gently supervised implementation of the plans developed this time around. Toward this end, several (ideally four) implementation coordinators should be hired. Beyond this, there are several suggestions in the larger report which amount to minor mid-course corrections.

If you would like further information on this research or if you have questions about the results or conclusions, contact Richard McCorry.