Here's some of the "in-reach" questions:

If you were to describe this parish to another person what would you tell them?

There was a wide range of answers to this question. Many folks spoke of the great priests that ministered here. Others pointed out that there is a warm, friendly and family like atmosphere in the parish and that there seems to be something for everyone at St. Joseph parish. Many parishioners felt that the adult education programs, social justice efforts with United Action in particular, Homefront Day, the great music ministry and fine atrium and religious education program were great strengths of the parish and attract many people to St. Joseph Church. There was an observation made by many that the homilies are well done and geared to address how the Word of God applies to the world around us. Some members of the parish expressed a desire that the parish develop a greater outreach to young adults in the parish. Overall, the parishioners responding to the question expressed a pride in the fine liturgies at the parish and the commitment to the parish by its members that has been the hallmark of St. Joseph Church in Bristol.

What three things would you like to see happen at St. Joseph Church in the next 10 years?

The responses to this question were numerous. Among the most frequently mentioned were: more lay participation in all aspects of the parish, more collaboration with the other Catholic churches in town, discussion on end of life issues, more Senior programs, a year round Homefront Day project, more ecumenical services, more Anglo-Hispanic interaction in the parish, a Spanish speaking representative in the parish office, greeters at all the masses, education regarding the importance of the Mass, continued working with other churches with United Action, a Bible study group and a desire to see more active involvement in encouraging vocations. Many of the parishioners expressed a desire to help make St. Joseph Church an even friendlier place for people and young families.

How has the parish contributed to your life?

The majority of responses to this question recognized the purposeful well-rounded Catholic spiritual nurturing that takes place at St. Joseph Church. Many of the parishioners interviewed said that they felt a deep sense of community at St. Joseph that they have not experienced in other parishes. There are parishioners that have been members of the St. Joseph parish family for over 90 years! This has been a common feature for St. Joseph Church – a lifelong commitment by many of it members. Many have stayed at St. Joseph Church because many felt that:

• the parish helps to build strong values in people
• the music ministry enriches the Liturgy
• the parish offers strong moral support and stability in the confusing times of life
• the parish is involved in considerable direct service and justice activities

Parish Community Life

The general consensus of those interviewed expressed a deep sense of gratitude for being a part of the St. Joseph Faith Community. All in all St. Joseph Church has been, is and will continue to be a blessing for so many in the Bristol area and the Archdiocese of Hartford.

The "in-reach" process conducted at St. Joseph Church and the Annual Parish Meeting revealed a parish community poised to successfully address the challenges of the present and opportunities for the future. The process revealed the vast extent of parishioner participation in the mission of the Church in the Bristol and Greater Hartford area. The process also revealed the concerns of the parishioners that called for more interaction between the Anglo and Hispanic communities in the parish, action addressing the problem of homeless teenagers in Bristol, the continuation of the parish's involvement with social justice activities in Homefront Day and working the United Action of Central CT, and preparing our youth for leadership roles in the parish.

The annual parish meeting and "in-reach" process revealed a parish community in which many parishioners have remained faithful life-long members of the St. Joseph community. This commitment is combined with a deep sense of love and pride for their parish. This commitment is reflected in a belief that while there have been wonderful things that have happened at St. Joseph in the past, the best may be yet to come!