As the collection of feedback for Real Presence, Real Future nears the end, it might feel like a long time since the process commenced in earnest a year ago and parishioners throughout the Diocese of Columbus participated in an initial survey entitled the Disciple Maker Index (DMI). The DMI is a national survey tool designed and deployed by the Catholic Leadership Institute that looks at two things: first, where are parishioners in their individual journey of faith and secondly, how is the parish supporting that journey. Over 21,000 Catholics from Central Ohio participated in 2021, and their feedback aligned with the feedback of now nearly 500,000 nationwide from over 2,100 parishes in over 45 dioceses.

Among the many insights that emerged and are helping to shape the evangelization plans developed for the future of diocese (check them out here!), the insights also provide an important backdrop for the important discernment around structural realignment that is currently underway. Below are three key points that connect the evangelization needs with the structural recommendations being considered:

1. Pastors matter. A lot. Data from the Disciple Maker Index nationally, and locally in Columbus would point to the fact that a parishioner is 11x more likely to recommend their parish to someone else, if they are also likely to recommend their pastor. While we may only interact with our pastors once on the weekend or at daily mass, the reality is the life of a priest is full – not just with celebrating the Eucharist, but additionally the other sacramental responsibilities which are both planned (weddings, baptisms) but also the unplanned (anointing a dying person in the middle of the night, funerals, etc). In addition to this, we know they are also ultimately responsible for facilities, finances, staff, and possibly a school. Research shows that the ability for a priest to be present with his people, in the large but actually more importantly in the small moments has a direct and exponential effect on the community’s growth.  While Catholics in Columbus love their priests (74% strongly agree or agree that they would recommend their pastor) we know we just don’t have enough. National research would suggest that the more long-term multi-parish pastoring that is required of a priest, his effectiveness to maintain that presence diminishes with every additional assignment, as it would for anyone trying to serve more than one organization, one community, or one family. Thus the importance of thinking about our parish footprint more intentionally.

2. Evangelization takes time and people. Research about evangelization including the Disciple Maker Index would suggest that a spirit of welcome and effective, ongoing discipleship formation are two big drivers in a parishioner’s indication as to if the parish is helping them grow spiritually. While Father is important, he can’t and shouldn’t do all of this himself. This is precisely the baptismal call of the laity. However, most lifelong Catholics would also confess they rarely or never share about their faith with family and friends (35% never and 33% maybe once or twice a year in Columbus). Trained professional staff and/or well-formed missionaries are essential to have on the evangelization front lines. While there are over 70 million Catholics in the United States, only .04% would say that “they have been formed to form others” and feel confident and competent to do this important ministry. The ability to fund these types of staff roles and/or have a role that could coordinate well trained volunteers is beyond the reach of many of the diocese’s parishes. While many parishes have funds that “get them by,” evangelization will take some risks and investments to thrive not only survive.

3. The Digital Real Presence. One of the last drivers indicated in the national research and among the opportunity areas in the diocese, is the “making information about the parish easy to find” through different forms of communication that are constantly evolving. While we can expect Father to be an expert on theology, it might be a little unfair to expect him to have the time and knowledge to leverage TikTok. Yet, with a primary concern among Columbus Catholics being outreach to young people, it is imperative that the Church is present where they are. Since the commencement of Real Presence, Real Future, the Diocese of Columbus has made tremendous investments in this capability but strong partnerships with parishes will make this work reach even farther. Again, here a more collaborative structure among parishes in each area, drawing on a larger pool of talented parishioners, might be able to help Columbus move from below the national average on this important indicator, and more importantly draw in young Catholics who are desperate for real presence and real relationship.

Change is never easy, but we know that constant conversion is what we are called to as Catholics. There are never any guarantees other than the promise of Christ. There are however, really encouraging indicators from the Disciple Maker Index and other efforts around the diocese, that we can help create more fertile conditions for people to hear and be open to that great promise. 

For more information about the Real Presence, Real Future evangelization efforts, please visit: https://realpresencerealfuture.org/evangelization-summary/

Key stats on the spring 2022 feedback

The second round of Real Presence Real Future draft models is on the website as well as the opportunity to provide feedback. Feedback will be received through June 30, 2022.  Here’s a snapshot of who we’ve heard from thus far.

As of April 10:

3,542 total responses from 104 parishes

35% Men / 65% Women – Exactly the same compared to the DMI – 21,466

Those over 55: 57% /60% on the DMI - slightly younger than the DMI

Those under 55: 43%/ 40% on the DMI

68% more than 10 years in the parish - Exactly the same compared to the DMI – 21,466

32% less than 10 years in the parish

My current level of understanding of Real Presence, Real Future is:

     I have a thorough understanding 48%

     I’ve heard about it but still have some questions 39%

     I have more questions than information 10%

     I have not heard anything about it 3%


The best way to describe my current feeling about Real Presence, Real Future is (choose up to 3):

Top 4 from list of 11

Hopeful 42%

Interested 31%

Nervous 25%

Frustrated 22%