During the last 25 years, multiple national studies have pursued this question and published various surveys. They all emphasize four basic indicators: worship, community, formation, and ministry. 

Eucharist is welcoming and inclusive and leads to full, active, and conscious participation of the assembly through well-preached homilies and quality music. Liturgical prayer leads to conversion of heart and growth in faith.

• A vibrant parish becomes a faith community where people can find God, care for and support one another, and grow spiritually.

Strengthens communal relationships within the parish, extends hospitality that reflects mutual respect, invites diversity and builds unity, while engaging in ecumenical and interfaith activities with other faith communities. Recognizes the giftedness of the community, invites ministry, demonstrates stewardship and shows collaborative parish leadership. Evidences transparency, promotes involvement and ownership by parishioners, maintains parish facilities, demonstrates fiscal responsibility

• A vibrant parish extends formation to all the members of the faith community.

As the parishs way of growing and deepening in the Christian life, manifesting an enthusiastic understanding of the Gospel through active participation of all ages, inclusive of families and youth.Utilizes contemporary means of communication and provides regular, ongoing training for ministry from qualified, competent, professional personnel. Is committed to evangelization, ongoing liturgical and sacramental catechesis.

• A vibrant parish reaches out through ministry that is inspired by the Gospel and the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

Promotes consistent and compassionate outreach to the poor and those in need. Reaches out to inactive or alienated Catholics, the marginalized, divorced members, to other parishes and beyond to the needs of the global  community.

As the diocese takes up phases of pastoral planning, these indicators correspond significantly to the vision of the Church of South Jersey and the goals and strategies of our six pastoral priorities. The four indicators reveal present vibrancy, and the potential for future parish life.