Step 1 of 6

Holy Family is planning a new 10,000 sq. ft. multipurpose parish hall. We want YOUR voice to shape what gets built. This survey focuses entirely on the features, spaces, and characteristics of the new building. There are no wrong answers — every response helps Fr. Mike and the building committee make the best decisions for our parish family. This survey takes about 5 minutes.

Section 1 - The Main Hall

Catholic parish halls across the U.S. range from ~2,800 sq. ft. to 26,000+ sq. ft. Holy Family's current plan is ~10,000 sq. ft. total.

How large should the main gathering hall be (required)
How important is a FLEXIBLE hall with movable partition walls to create smaller rooms? (required)

Rate each hall feature (1 = Not Needed → 5 = Must Have)

High ceilings (minimum 14–16 ft) for an open, welcoming feel
Not Needed Must Have
Stage or presentation platform for performances, speakers, or liturgy
Not Needed Must Have
Built-in audio/visual system (projector, screens, sound)
Not Needed Must Have
Dimmable lighting zones for events, prayer, and presentations
Not Needed Must Have
Retractable or stackable seating for flexible floor use
Not Needed Must Have
Dedicated storage rooms for tables, chairs, and ministry supplies
Not Needed Must Have
Outdoor patio or courtyard adjacent to the hall
Not Needed Must Have
Natural light through windows or skylights
Not Needed Must Have

Section 2 - The Kitchen

Kitchen type is one of the most significant cost and ministry decisions in parish hall construction. A commercial kitchen typically adds $150,000–$300,000 over a catering kitchen but enables far greater programming and outreach capacity.

Drag the type of kitchen in your order of preference. Top to least preferred kitchen type.

Full Commercial Kitchen — restaurant-grade equipment; licensed for cooking & serving meals; supports fundraiser dinners, outreach feeding programs, kitchen ministry; can be rented for income

Catering / Warming Kitchen — staging and warming food brought in by caterers; lower cost; sufficient for receptions, coffee & donuts, and most parish events

Enhanced Catering Kitchen — warming kitchen + select commercial-grade equipment (large ovens, commercial dishwasher) — a middle-ground option

No preference — trust leadership to decide

Rate the importance of each kitchen use:  (1 = Not Needed → 5 = Must Have)

Sunday coffee & donuts after Mass
Not Needed Must Have
Wedding and funeral receptions
Not Needed Must Have
Parish fundraiser dinners (Knights of Columbus, etc.)
Not Needed Must Have
Feeding ministry / outreach meals to those in need
Not Needed Must Have
Youth group and retreat meals
Not Needed Must Have
Renting kitchen to generate parish income
Not Needed Must Have
Supporting the School programs
Not Needed Must Have
Cooking classes or hospitality ministry programs
Not Needed Must Have

Section 3 - Ministry & Formation Spaces

Across U.S. parish hall campaigns, ministry rooms are among the most requested features — from dedicated youth spaces to private counseling and marriage prep rooms.

Rate the importance of each ministry space:  (1 = Not Needed → 5 = Must Have)

Faith Formation

Children's Religious Education (CRE/PSR) classrooms
Not Needed Must Have
Adult faith formation / Bible study room
Not Needed Must Have
Middle school youth ministry room
Not Needed Must Have
High school / young adult ministry room
Not Needed Must Have

Accompaniment & Pastoral Care

Private rooms for marriage preparation
Not Needed Must Have
Grief support / bereavement group room
Not Needed Must Have
Counseling or spiritual direction room
Not Needed Must Have
Nursing mothers' room
Not Needed Must Have

Parish Operations

Office space for ministry leaders or staff
Not Needed Must Have
Conference room for parish committee meetings
Not Needed Must Have
Secure children's check-in / drop-off area
Not Needed Must Have

Section 4 - Lobby, Entry & Connection to Church

The lobby (narthex expansion) is Holy Family's named priority for Sunday fellowship. Covered walkways connecting the hall to the church are standard in multi-building Catholic campuses.

Rate the importance of these entry and connection features:  (1 = Not Needed → 5 = Must Have)

Expanded narthex/lobby for Sunday fellowship (coffee & donuts)
Not Needed Must Have
Covered walkway connecting the new hall to the church
Not Needed Must Have
Welcoming main entrance with clear signage and lighting
Not Needed Must Have
Accessible drop-off area near entrance
Not Needed Must Have

Section 5 - Restrooms & Accessibility

ADA-compliant restrooms near the main hall are consistently cited as an urgent need in parish building campaigns nationwide.

Rate the importance of these restroom and accessibility features:   (1 = Not Needed → 5 = Must Have)

New, ADA-compliant restrooms near the main hall
Not Needed Must Have
Family / multi-user restroom
Not Needed Must Have
Restrooms accessible from both inside and outside the hall
Not Needed Must Have
Full accessibility (ramps, wide doors, elevator if multi-level)
Not Needed Must Have

SECTION 6 — Campus & Exterior Features

Several parishes have recently paired new parish halls with columbaria, outdoor courtyards, and upgraded parking as part of comprehensive campus campaigns.

Rate the importance of these exterior and campus features:   (1 = Not Needed → 5 = Must Have)

Columbarium (Catholic burial niche garden on campus)
Not Needed Must Have
Additional paved parking (we must meet County requirements)
Not Needed Must Have
Outdoor patio / courtyard for receptions and gatherings
Not Needed Must Have
Landscaping and exterior lighting consistent with church aesthetic
Not Needed Must Have
Outdoor space for children's play or youth activities
Not Needed Must Have
Energy-efficient design (LED lighting, zoned HVAC)
Not Needed Must Have

SECTION 7 — PRIORITIZATION

(Select exactly 5)

If Holy Family can only include a LIMITED number of features due to budget, which FIVE are your highest priorities?

You must move one to record your vote.

(Top = Most Important, Bottom = Least Important)

SECTION 8 — OPEN INPUT

Is there a specific ministry, program, or community need at Holy Family that a new building could directly solve?

Are there features from other parishes, community centers, or buildings you've visited that you'd love to see at Holy Family?

Any other thoughts about the design or features of the new parish hall?

Thank you for sharing your voice in shaping the future of Holy Family Catholic Church.
"See, I make all things new."  — Revelation 21:5

If you'd like a copy of your responses emailed to you, please include your email here.