Round two of the DMI marks progress in parishes, continues to guide parish planning

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

Round two of the Disciple Maker Index Survey (DMI) opened diocesan wide on Feb. 18. This survey, distributed throughout the parishes both online and via paper surveys, provides real, tangible data for parish pastors and leaders helping them to understand their congregation, and how to best serve their people in areas of faith formation and parish life.

The first DMI was held during the 2023 Lenten season and helped parishes form parish pastoral plans as part of the diocesan wide With One Heart pastoral plan and leadership development initiative. Now, it is time to take the survey again as a measure of progress in the chosen improvement areas at each parish.

Jeanette Landenwitch, member of the Faith Formation Committee at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Burlington, and the Parish Point of Contact for round two of the DMI, has been a part of Immaculate Heart of Mary’s pastoral plan implementation team.

“It’s been really fun, and it’s been interesting, talking to people and helping them on their faith journey,” she said.

The top three priorities for Immaculate Heart of Mary’s pastoral plan were: strengthening the youth ministry program, have greater hospitality and to increase adult faith formation and education. “Those came directly from the survey … what our parishioners would like to see.” said Mrs. Landenwitch.

As a result of its pastoral plan, born of the DMI, “We’ve seen more and more people coming back to Masses, more and more people coming back to the different activities and things,” said Mrs. Landenwitch. During round two of the DMI, she said, “We’ll see the results and get the feedback, but I’ve seen great improvements in the activities and participation in the parish.”

The parish began publicizing round two of the DMI in late January, in preparation of the Feb. 18 release. “People are not hesitant at all,” she said. “I think as time keeps going on, more and more people will understand.”

When asked what she would like parishioners to know, she said, “The biggest thing that I would say is to fill out the survey, give us your input. We don’t know what to do specifically unless you tell us what you need. That’s the best way, I think, to help strengthen the parish, to help strengthen people’s faith.”

She continued saying, “We always do this with the help of God, the Holy Spirit guiding us. And that’s the most important thing is that the Holy Spirit is going to lead the hearts and the minds and the souls of the people in our parish. And we hope to assist the Holy Spirit in that guidance.”

The DMI survey portal is open and available for all parishes and parishioners. To find your parish Disciple Maker Index Survey go to: covdio.org/withoneheart/dmi/.