Listening Sessions
During Summer and Fall 2025, we held 40 town hall meetings, connecting with a total of 3,622 people. Fr. Derek Sakowski presented an overview of Rebuild My Church, and facilitated written reflection and small group conversations. Below, you can view a recording of the presentation, and see everyone’s comments. Summaries of top themes are also provided, along with some analysis.
View Recording
What People Had to Say
A. First Set of Questions
These two questions were asked at the very beginning of the session.
1. What are your greatest fears for the Church in your area?
Top Themes and Key Observations
Analysis: Learning from Thriving Parishes
2. What are your greatest hopes and dreams for the Church in your area?
B. Second Set of Questions
These questions were asked following the first portion of Fr. Derek’s presentation, in which he reflected on ungrieved changes and losses, and uncertainty about the future.
1. What are the changes & losses that have already happened in your family, your community, or your parish that are hard to accept?
Top Themes and Key Observations
2. What are changes and losses that you know will happen in the next 10 years?
Top Themes and Key Observations
3. What are the possible changes or unknowns that feel unsettling to you?
Top Themes and Key Observations
C. Third Set of Questions
These questions were asked after the second portion of Fr. Derek’s presentation, in which he cast the vision for what it means to pivot from maintenance to mission.
1. Imagining 10 years from now, what hopes do we have for more abundant life for our parishes?
Top Themes and Key Observations
2. What are ways in which my parish already excels at being on mission?
Top Themes and Key Observations
Analysis: Perceived thriving versus visible fruit