CARA Parish Life Surveys:
Illuminating Parish Life Through Research
For more than 20 years, CARA has been meeting the research and planning needs of parishes like yours! In our work with over 900 parishes, we designed our Parish Life Surveys (PLS) to help parishes develop pastoral plans that are attentive to the needs of the people of the parish community. Using a survey tailored to the needs of your parish but with CARA’s nationally-tested bank of questions, your parish can use the survey to gain a broad perspective about many facets of parish life or to focus in on specific needs such as stewardship, evangelization, or issues facing parishes being clustered or merged. Rather than just hear from those already most involved in parish life, our surveys will give voice to a cross-section of parishioners and others attending Masses and functions at your parish.
Our surveys typically include questions about satisfaction with aspects of parish life, needs assessments, attitudes, and demographic and religious characteristics. Our prices and levels of service make it easier to find just the right fit for your parish’s needs. To dig deeper into what a CARA Parish Life Survey offers explore the links below. If you have any questions or wish to start the process of designing a PLS for your parish, please contact CARA Associate Mary Ellen Fise at mef272@georgetown.edu or at 443-416-1804.
Typical Survey Format
A typical questionnaire includes about 100 questions with evaluations of parish life, needs assessments, and measures demographic and religious characteristics.
Seven Elements of Parish Life
These seven elements are present in every parish and form the bulk of the questions on CARA questionnaires.
Including Open-Ended Questions
Open-ended items are an opportunity for your parishioners to communicate what they most want you to know or consider.
Comparative Reports
For Comparative Reports, the parish chooses up to three primary analyses for comparison to national Catholic Church data.
Parish Life Survey Services and Prices
CARA offers two types of reports - Parish Life Comparative Report and Parish Life Narrative Report - as well as additional services that are available.
Parish Life Survey Process
CARA Parish Life Surveys are built upon methodological processes to deliver quality data based on parishioner feedback.
Designing Your Parish Life Survey
Designing your study follows a simple 5 step process.
Why In-Pew Surveys Work Best
In pew surveys allow you to hear from all of those attending Masses at the parish, not just those most involved. This method maximizes participation.
Next Steps After Report
CARA Associate Mary Ellen Fise will work with your parish to ensure you receive the maximum benefit from your Parish Life Survey.