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WASHINGTON (February 28, 2001) -- An Internet survey of lay Catholics is being conducted online by the U.S. Bishops' Committee on the Laity.
The nationwide effort is an effort by the Laity Committee to solicit ideas from lay men and women across the country about how parishes can better help them connect their faith with their everyday lives. It focuses on several aspects of Church life, including knowledge of the faith, liturgical life, moral formation, prayer, communal life, and missionary spirit. This survey will not be used to evaluate individual dioceses or parishes, but will help the Bishops' Committee gain an understanding of how parishes in general can best help lay Catholics.
The lay survey is available online at www.laysurvey.org through May 13. It is available in both English and Spanish. The survey can be completed by individuals or groups and can only be accepted online. Those who do not have access to the Internet at home can have Internet access through public libraries, generally free of charge. Individuals can also respond as a group. Spouses, parish groups, parish councils and other committees can complete the survey together and have just one person fill in the group response at a computer.
After the survey is concluded and the data is analyzed, a brief summary of the responses will be posted at the Web site.
Bishop John J. McRaith of Owensboro, Kentucky, Chairman of the Laity Committee, noted the survey's exciting possibilities.
"This marks the first time that the Laity Committee has been able to invite direct feedback from lay Catholics throughout the country," he said. "Thanks to the availability of the Internet, we are able to test this as a way to improve communication between the laity and the bishops. Our Committee is anxious to hear from lay Catholics about how their parishes can best help them live their Christian calling in the world."