BULLETINS: We invite you to read recent bulletins
Gallup Parish Engagement Survey
The results of our Gallup Parish Engagement Survey are in! The data show that 91% of parishioners feel very positive about St. Agnes, which is great news! Gallup distinguishes three distinct groups within parishes in terms of engagement and here is how our parishioners are described based on the results and how they compare to Catholic parishes nationwide.
44% of our parishioners can be described as loyal, with a strong emotional connection to our parish. This group is more spiritually committed, more likely to invite others to parish events, and give more, both financially and of their time. This percentage is almost 47% higher than the average Catholic parish!
Another 47% of our parishioners also have a positive view of our parish and attend regularly. This group, however, feel connected more socially rather than spiritually to the parish. They give moderately and may do some volunteering. This is about the same as the Catholic parishes overall.
But only 9% of our congregation appear in a category that includes two types of parishioners: those who attend Mass occasionally, if at all, and those who attend regularly, but are not happy with the parish. Most Catholic parishes nationwide have 22% of their parishioners in this group, which is 59% higher than ours!
So, the data shows that the Divine renovation of our parish has produced great fruit here at St. Agnes. You've most likely noticed a change in the way the parish feels and this is certainly reflected in the comparison of this survey to the one we administered in Feb. 2023. Click here for the complete survey report. We will continue to examine the responses in more detail to determine what the numbers suggest and how we can offer more ways for everyone to feel more engaged and open to inviting others to be part of our wonderful parish. Stay tuned…. it's an exciting time to be at St. Agnes!
Something new!
A growing number of people are opting for cremation at the time of death. For this reason, St. Agnes Cemetery has constructed a columbarium to serve as a dignified resting place for cremains. Each of the twenty-four “niches” in the columbarium is large enough to hold two cremains. The new columbarium are in the center of our cemetery near the statue of our Blessed Mother.
The cost of each niche, including the etching of names, is $1,800. The present cost of a traditional burial is $600 per grave and $500 for the opening of the grave. In addition to the grave costs, there is the cost of a casket, a vault and most commonly a gravestone.
For more information or to secure a niche in the new columbarium please contact the parish office 518-523-2200 or lakeplacidsec@rcdony.org
UNDERSTANDING THE MASS
The Eucharist - it is the source and summit of our lives together as Catholics. I encourage you to watch the six part video program on the Liturgy by Fr. Casey Cole, O.F.M. called “Understanding the Mass” found on his YouTube channel “Breaking in the Habit.” The introductory video to the program is to the right.