St. Mary’s Visioning Survey

Overview
Our world is changing quickly, and so are the ways people approach faith. As a parish, we want to clarify our vision, mission, and core values to guide our future.

Why This Matters
A clear mission helps us explain who we are, welcome new members, and strengthen our ministries. Every voice is essential—diverse perspectives will help us better share God’s love and transform lives.

Your Role
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Responses may remain confidential if you choose, though we welcome openness for further conversation if follow-up is needed.

Section A: Values & Beliefs

1.Explain why you have made St Mary’s your faith home.

2.A “mission statement” is a summary of the aims of an organization. Below are examples of mission statements from other organizations:

-Trinity Wall Street: To build generations of faithful leadership, to build up neighborhoods, and to build financial capacity for holy service in New York City and around the world.

-Redeemer Presbyterian Church (NYC): To renew the city socially, spiritually, and culturally with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

-Habitat for Humanity: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

-Harvard University: To advance new ideas and promote enduring knowledge.

If you were to jot down a couple of sentences about the mission of St. Mary’s (this does not have to be a perfectly edited “mission statement”), what are the most important aspects you would include?

3.A “core value” is a set of fundamental beliefs, principles, or standards that guide our behaviors and interactions in life. Several examples of other churches' “core values” might be: faith, community, and/or service.

If you had to name 3-5 core values that guide our own community, what would they be?

4.What are the habits or practices that we do together as a parish that mean the most to you, and why?

Section B: Our Wider Mission

5.What do we do well to serve the San Francisco area?

6.What could we do better to serve the San Francisco area?

Section C: Strengths, Gifts, and Legacy

7.What stands out as the spiritual gifts and strengths God has given this church?

8.How have you felt God's presence in your life at St. Mary's?

Section D: Hopes for the Future

9.What is your hope for St. Mary the Virgin in the next 5–10 years?

10.In the next 5-10 years, what impact do you want to see in Cow Hollow and/or San Francisco?

Final Question

11.Is there anything else you'd like to share about the identity or future of St. Mary’s? (Optional)