From the Desk of Father Nick
 

I am finally able to report the results of the Saturday Vigil Mass Survey and share the recommendation I will make to our regional vicar for his approval regarding the updated schedule. 

As I have said before, I am grateful for everyone’s participation in the survey, particularly those who shared comments about the selections they made. All of the information that was provided was very helpful in establishing a new Saturday Mass time.

In total, 455 people participated in the survey, which is about 80% of those who attend Mass weekly in our parish. This is an excellent participation rate!

First, the results of the preferred time of the Mass. 304 people voted for 5:00 p.m. 146 people voted for 6:00 p.m. 5 people did not indicate a preferred time At a rate of over 2 to 1, respondents preferred an earlier Mass time. This was also indicated in the comments which, also at a rate of over 2 to 1, revealed that parishioners preferred an earlier Saturday evening Mass, particularly in the winter months. 

Next, the results of the preferred location of the Mass. 239 people voted for Saint Boniface 204 people voted for Saint Peter 12 people did not indicate a preferred location These numbers are nearly evenly split. 53 people who prefer Saint Boniface made mention of more ample parking, while 10 people who prefer Saint Peter made mention of the air conditioning. 

RECOMMENDATION With just over 2/3 of respondents indicating they would prefer an earlier Saturday Vigil Mass, I will be recommending a 5:00 p.m. Mass time. Of course, this is in addition to the 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass already scheduled at Saint Cyril Church.

As for the location of the Mass, because of the large number of 4:00 p.m. weddings scheduled at Saint Peter Church well into next year, I am recommending that the 5:00 p.m. Mass be held at Saint Boniface Church. 

14 people did ask about the Mass being held for 6 months in each church, but because of the late weddings at Saint Peter and the overwhelming desire for an earlier Mass, for now, the only way to accommodate the 5:00 p.m. time is by having the Mass at Saint Boniface. 

While I know that some people will be disappointed by this recommendation, it is based solely on the votes cast and the already existing schedule for each church. 

At the same time, I have some ideas about other celebrations we might have at Saint Peter Church and will discuss these with the Parish Pastoral Council. 

I will now forward this recommendation to our regional vicar, Fr. John Gizler, for his approval. Once we receive approval for the updated schedule, I will be able to announce when the 5:00 p.m. Mass will begin.

Hopefully, this will be sometime in early or mid-September. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at the parish office or by email at [email protected]. 

God bless! Fr. Nick