CHARLOTTE — Thousands of people across the Diocese of Charlotte have taken part in a special survey evaluating their faith journey and their parish’s role in facilitating their spiritual growth. Now, leaders are diving into the data to help strengthen the local Church.
The “Disciple Maker Index” invited Catholic adults across western North Carolina to share insights on beliefs, parish participation, relationships and demographics. The survey measured aspects such as Mass experience, preaching and parish life.
The response was significant: 23,365 people from 78 of the diocese’s 93 parishes/missions participated. Top participating parishes included St. Peter, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Matthew and St. Gabriel in Charlotte; St. Mark in Huntersville; Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Cherokee; and St. Joseph in Bryson City. A special outreach effort also gathered input from more than 200 Catholics who identified as inactive.
The data are now being tabulated by the Catholic Leadership Institute, which conducted the survey for free as part of a broader strategic plan for the diocese and Bishop Michael Martin as he enters his second year.
A PARISH SNAPSHOT
The Disciple Maker Index survey used a five-point scale instead of open-ended questions to provide a standardized “snapshot” of a parish, said Tricia Cellucci, a consultant with the Catholic Leadership Institute.
This format will help the diocese and parishes contextualize results, Cellucci said. Parishes can compare results nationally, identifying strengths and opportunities for growth.
“The data are not intended to provide all the answers,” she said. “Rather, the data are intended to start conversations at a parish level as to why parishioners responded in such a way and what it means.”
Focus groups, listening sessions and ministry meetings are some ways to do that, she said.
Bishop Martin is emphasizing the importance of this dialogue and notes that the CLI initiative builds on work done in 2022-2023 for the Synod on Synodality that Pope Francis launched for the Church worldwide.
“The Disciple Maker Index is a gift to the diocese and its parishes,” the bishop said. “Even more importantly, it engages the people of the diocese, and those who are somewhat disengaged from the faith, to help them think about their faith and tell us about their experience.”
“This process is a way of participating in synodality, for the local Church to hear about people’s experience,” he said. “It is an occasion to look at our current circumstances and discern how the Holy Spirit is calling us to walk together, listen and learn from each other as each one of us is called to be missionary disciples of Christ.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
After CLI finishes tabulating the results, it will host webinars in May and June for pastors and leaders to analyze their data and develop parish priorities. Parishes also will share their results with parishioners.
This summer, Bishop Martin will review the data alongside independent research and additional feedback CLI is gathering from priests, diocesan employees and other stakeholders.
By fall, he plans to present a strategic pastoral vision to guide the diocese’s future growth and help the people of the diocese better proclaim and live the Gospel.
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle
CHARLOTTE — The upcoming 2025 Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl program begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the CRS Rice Bowl program, which gives Catholics across the U.S. the opportunity to assist the global human family through daily prayer, weekly fasting and almsgiving. As Pope Francis noted: “We have to state, without mincing words, that there is an inseparable bond between our faith and the poor. May we never abandon them” (“Evangelii Gaudium,” 48).
Parishes and schools already in the program should receive materials in mid-February. To confirm an upcoming shipment or request additional materials, call CRS at 1-800-222-0025. Those participating for the first time can call CRS or go to www.crsricebowl.org to order.
Materials ordered by Tuesday, Feb. 18, should arrive before the program starts on Ash Wednesday.
This year, Deacon Daren Bitter, who serves as a deacon at St. Matthew Parish, has been selected as a CRS Global Fellow. Deacon Bitter recently traveled with other fellows to Guatemala to see the work of CRS firsthand. Interested in Deacon Daren Bitter speaking at your parish or ministry? Please contact him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 704-771-9888.
— Joe Purello