Over three years ago, our parish took part in a survey on the beliefs and practices of our faith, the Disciple Maker Index (DMI). This survey is meant to provide a parish with a rich assessment on where parishioners are in their faith lives and in their experience of parish life. It allows parishioners to reflect upon their spiritual growth and discipleship. It also helps to identify the ways in which the parish effectively supports that growth as well as specific areas of focus needed for future growth. Thus, the aim of this survey was twofold, to identify where parishioners are in their faith journey, and to assist me and other parish leaders in a planning process going forward.

Using the results of that survey, a very dedicated group of staff and volunteers identified goals and priorities for our parish upon which we wanted to focus. Some of those you may have noticed, such as our (still) ongoing effort to have perpetual Adoration at our parish. We have also been making a concerted effort, guided by those goals and priorities, to foster a greater understanding of and commitment to discipleship as Christians.

Now we are looking to gauge our growth and the current reality of our parish’s faith and discipleship by participating in the DMI survey once more. We hope to see areas of growth, but also areas in which attention must still be given. Our mission remains the same, as we see in our parish vision statement, “Reflecting the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus through reverent worship and joyful fellowship, St. Maximilian Kolbe parishioners generously serve our neighbors and engage in missionary discipleship.”

The ultimate goal of our parish is for each of us to get to heaven, of course. We have work to do in this life on that journey. Our parish exists not only to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and to provide access to the other sacraments, but also to help all of you to be disciples and become such witness of faith that we then help form new disciples and build up the kingdom of God in our community. The DMI is a helpful tool in these efforts.

The DMI survey is for all parishioners high school age and older and will be open from Oct. 27-Nov. 24. It can easily be completed online but we’ll have some paper copies available in the gathering space as well.