Below is the Planning Study Summary that we recently received from Cornerstone Fundraising. Please review the report and contact the Rectory Office (781-235-0045) if you have any questions.
Planning Study Summary
Personal Interviews conducted: 23
Focus Groups: 4 focus groups- 47 participants
On-line survey: 125 participants
Case Statement: Sections of the original part of the church, most notably the tower, are in need of significant repair and reconstruction. The heating and cooling systems need updating and the parking lot needs repaving and improved lighting. Estimated cost: $1,100,000
Study Highlights
St John- St Paul Collaborative
There is some misunderstanding regarding the parish collaborative. While some understand that the collaborative is primarily about “staffing” others fear there is a possibility of merging with a neighboring parish. It would be helpful for the parish to once again address the issue- through a bulletin article, homily, or by the Planning Committee.
Prioritize Fundraising Projects
Several parishioners suggested that the maintenance projects should be prioritized according fundraising goals achieved.
Fr. Powers, St. John’s Parish gets highly favorable ratings
Participants gave highly favorable ratings to the parish for its welcoming and vibrant community. They are especially grateful for the spiritual leadership of Fr. Powers, Sr. Evelyn and Fr. Hehir. They believe Fr. Powers has the ability to lead the parish through a successful fundraising effort.
Nearly all participants said they would give to capital campaign
Nearly all (91%) of those interviewed and participating in focus groups, with few exceptions, said they would contribute to a capital campaign. They clearly understand the need to address the maintenance issues. They also stressed the need for wide participation in the campaign, regardless of economic status; the need for equal sacrifice, not equal gifts.
The parish budget and maintenance
Several active parishioners noted the need to address on-gong maintenance issues by allocating more funds in the annual budget. While there are some parish reserves, they would like to see additional funds being dedicated to future maintenance.
Sample of Survey Questions
Question 2: Do you consider yourself an active parishioner?
Yes: 71% No: 9% Somewhat: 20%
Question 3: How would you rate St. John the Evangelist Parish, taking into consideration the parish staff, the worship, the
religious education program and the parish organizations and ministries?
Very good: 87% Good: 12% Fair: 1% Poor: N/A
Question 4: What is your reaction to the Case Statement?
Favorable: 71% Unfavorable: 2% Mixed: 27%
Question 5: In addition to the list of projects noted, are there other areas of need not addressed that you see as a priority? Common response: Church sound system; Safety issue regarding Ledyard Street entrance
Question 7: With regard to your own involvement would you… give to a Campaign?
Yes: 91% No <1% Maybe 9%
RECOMMENDATIONS
The results of the Planning Study indicate that St. John the Evangelist Parish is in an excellent position to conduct a Capital Campaign to address the needs identified by the Parish Building Committee.
Taking into account the annual income of the parish, the strong support for the case, general concerns raised regarding the economy, the initial number of parishioners willing to commit to a campaign (91%), and the early indication of pledges, we believe St. John the Evangelist Parish should set the campaign goal at $1,250,000.
Respectfully submitted by: Cornerstone Fundraising. LLC
223 Low Street Newburyport, MA www.CornerstoneFundraising.com
After five years as Principal and many years as a teacher, Ms. Kathi Aldridge has moved on from St. John School. With more than 20 years at St. John School, Kathi built several reputations during her long tenure. As a faculty member, she was utterly devoted to her students, providing a life foundation for class-after-class of students and introducing all of them to the magic and joy of learning. Her contributions helped to build the brand and reputation of St. John’s as a school devoted to exploration, learning, and Catholic-based values. As Principal, Kathi guided our efforts over the past five years to improve our technology education, and most recently, led our efforts to introduce a foreign language offering into our curriculum. We offer our prayers and good wishes to her. The new Principal is Mr. Robert Arsenault and he comes to us after many years as Principal of elementary schools in Wilmington and Winchester. We are privileged to have a person with such extensive experience, coupled with an abundance of personal gifts as the leader of St. John School. We extend to him our warmest welcome, and we are sure that he will experience the genuine hospitality that is characteristic of St. John School.
Daily Mass: 
The driver who did the pick up from St. Francis House told us that he’s been doing this for 17 years, and when he started he went to 120+ churches. Now he’s down to 25 or so, with the volume of donations at many trending down. However, he said that St. John’s has shown the reverse trend, with increasing donations of the highest quality clothing, which their clients so appreciate, especially as they try to return to the work force. Our volume increase about 30%-40% from last year’s collection. We achieved this as a community! 
Question 4: We’re hearing a lot about Parish Collaboratives lately. Will our parish be in a Parish Collaborative? When will our Parish Collaborative start?
This Thursday, August 15 is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation.
If you attend the 9:00 a.m. Family Mass and enjoy the upbeat, children-friendly, hand-clapping hymns we sing each week, we are always seeking new singers and instrumentalists to join our ranks. All ages are welcome! Please contact Chris Holownia (617-513-0823 or 
For you who attend the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday mornings and prefer the time-tested traditional choir, we encourage you to join with our Parish Choir. Please contact Laurence Carson (781-235-0034 or 
If you attend the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Sunday evenings, we are in the process of developing the music programming for that service and would love to hear your ideas.