Catholic Church attenders - missing spirituality?

[ConfusedLucy]

How well advertised were these events? I have gone to churches that have been so bad at advertising events that I have been sat in the mass after where the priest is saying how sad it was that so few people attended and it’s the first I have heard about the event. Is it in the bulletin or website or just advertised by word of mouth or an obscure notice board?

Also honestly how accessible is it to working people? 90% of things at my parish are during the working day so of course it will just be retired people.

 

[mattp0625]

How well advertised were these events? I have gone to churches that have been so bad at advertising events that I have been sat in the mass after where the priest is saying how sad it was that so few people attended and it’s the first I have heard about the event. Is it in the bulletin or website or just advertised by word of mouth or an obscure notice board?

Also honestly how accessible is it to working people? 90% of things at my parish are during the working day so of course it will just be retired people.

Yes, most parishes have little extra money to advertise. However, besides looking at bulletins, you can look at your diocese website or use Google to find a national shrine, a monastery, a retreat, etc.

Some events are daytime events, but others take place nights and weekends.

I recently went to a two day Catholic rally held from 6-9 PM. Charismatic groups often host events off hours. I found a weekly Saint Jude novena mass at 7pm. I found a week long, all day praise and worship event but I could only attend a few night sessions (it was a little further away). There are also retreats designed for working people.

I like going to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy. Their website has a calendar full of events. Some are daytime events and some are nights or weekends.

 

[Bonnie]

Yes, most parishes have little extra money to advertise. However, besides looking at bulletins, you can look at your diocese website or use Google to find a national shrine, a monastery, a retreat, etc.

Our parish has a facebook page, but it’s new enough I forget it’s there. And as surprising as it may seem nowadays, there are people who don’t use the Internet at all.

 

[Reuben_J]

My parish has about 200 to 250 regular attenders best I can tell.

If there is an extra offering outside Mass - book study or a class - we often get about 6 to 10 people that show up. Why is this number so low?

When I try to engage other parish members in conversation about scripture or faith, it’s really hard to start, and often does not last long.

I feel like a lot of the congregation is missing that joy that should come from knowing Christ. Even the person that works in the church office and our religious Ed director seem to fall in to this category often. Any idea why?

Considering the small size of your parish, the turn out of about ten is a good number.

Most parishioners are not keen in turning up for parish events that are low key where (name removed by moderator)uts are from those attending. You won’t get big crowd for Bible study, for example, where attendees are made up from random parishioners who are interested.

In a small parish, that would be harder still unless people are enthusiastic and are on fire.

You have to hold an event that will ‘feed’ people, for them to come. People like to be fed and entertained or something that they cannot do on their own.

We have a ridiculously huge parish which is a cathedral and the seat of the archbishop. There are about eighty movements and the parish centre is literally bustling with activities every night and day of the week besides the mass. Our general gathering of our group alone would probably can fill your whole church.

We conduct various programs like Holy Spirit, marriage, healing and transformation seminars, ministry and weekly growth program, not counting those various ministries to serve various needs. If one has the energy and the time for it, practically one can be occupied every night of the week.

These kind of activities are not for the ordinary parishioners who do not have the time nor the interest for them but rather for those who are committed to their cause, devotion and spirituality.

We often come to small parishes at their invitation, conduct certain program for them, and hopefully after that, they can continue on their own.

You could try that if your parish priest is open to it and see whether it can spur something among the parishioners.

 

[Rosebud77]

Here in Ireland there has been a long tradition of “Station masses”, ie masses in homes in each small neighbourhood area.

One parish I lived in abandoned these as the good ladies were getting far too competitiive re the refreshments and the poorer homes could not afford to keep up, But I have heard these listed and announced in the cathedral

Living in the deep remote rural area as I am …

 

[AmbroseSJ]

Here in Ireland there has been a long tradition of “Station masses”, ie masses in homes in each small neighbourhood area.

One parish I lived in abandoned these as the good ladies were getting far too competitiive re the refreshments and the poorer homes could not afford to keep up, But I have heard these listed and announced in the cathedral

Living in the deep remote rural area as I am …

What a wonderful tradition! I can see where this would not be as practical in a large parish or an especially affluent one.

 

[mikekle]

My parish has about 200 to 250 regular attenders best I can tell.

If there is an extra offering outside Mass - book study or a class - we often get about 6 to 10 people that show up. Why is this number so low?

When I try to engage other parish members in conversation about scripture or faith, it’s really hard to start, and often does not last long.

I feel like a lot of the congregation is missing that joy that should come from knowing Christ. Even the person that works in the church office and our religious Ed director seem to fall in to this category often. Any idea why?

I have noticed the same thing at my parish, Ive even questioned if I should really remain a catholic, it just seems 99.9% of the people have no interest in the actual faith, they just ‘put in’ their hour at mass each week and thats it, people gather after mass outside to socialize, but the conversations are never about the faith or bible, its always about kids, work, family, etc.

Ive also noticed many people, if mass goes a little long, they start looking at their watches, fidgeting, etc. so it really seems they do not want to be there any longer than necessary, its cutting into their day, but when I used to go to Pentecostal services, no one cared about the time, we never knew if services were going to be an hour or 3 hours, it was not that big a deal.

Furthermore, other lifelong parishioners, when I have asked questions about the faith/bible, 9 times out of 10, they have no clue what Im even referring to, and these are people that have been members for 50+ yrs and went all thru catholic schooling?!!

 

[mattp0625]

I have noticed the same thing at my parish, Ive even questioned if I should really remain a catholic, it just seems 99.9% of the people have no interest in the actual faith, they just ‘put in’ their hour at mass each week and thats it, people gather after mass outside to socialize, but the conversations are never about the faith or bible, its always about kids, work, family, etc.

Ive also noticed many people, if mass goes a little long, they start looking at their watches, fidgeting, etc. so it really seems they do not want to be there any longer than necessary, its cutting into their day, but when I used to go to Pentecostal services, no one cared about the time, we never knew if services were going to be an hour or 3 hours, it was not that big a deal.

Furthermore, other lifelong parishioners, when I have asked questions about the faith/bible, 9 times out of 10, they have no clue what Im even referring to, and these are people that have been members for 50+ yrs and went all thru catholic schooling?!!

I totally see your point.

On the other hand, is it about Jesus and the truth of His church or is it about people? Rhetorical question

 

[Markie_Boy]

I have noticed the same thing at my parish, Ive even questioned if I should really remain a catholic, it just seems 99.9% of the people have no interest in the actual faith, they just ‘put in’ their hour at mass each week and thats it, people gather after mass outside to socialize, but the conversations are never about the faith or bible, its always about kids, work, family, etc.

Ive also noticed many people, if mass goes a little long, they start looking at their watches, fidgeting, etc. so it really seems they do not want to be there any longer than necessary, its cutting into their day, but when I used to go to Pentecostal services, no one cared about the time, we never knew if services were going to be an hour or 3 hours, it was not that big a deal.

Furthermore, other lifelong parishioners, when I have asked questions about the faith/bible, 9 times out of 10, they have no clue what Im even referring to, and these are people that have been members for 50+ yrs and went all thru catholic schooling?!!

I see this too!! Why??? As I was finding my way in my faith journey, one of the most helpful was a Baptist pastor.

Even the people that are more active in our parish, when I had faith questions, they were not very knowledgeable.

It makes me wonder where is the disconnect?

But - I have visited the protestant world, and studied doctrine - and I love the Catholic Church.

But look at the community here at CA - well informed and knowledgeable, and loving enough to put up with me!!! I would like to be more like many of them, and bring that to my parish.

 

[ComplineSanFran]

Generally speaking you’d need to qualify that by denomination at the very least I think. Plenty of Protestant denominations and/or parishes have a lot more than just that going on.

My own parish has 3 masses on Sunday, an Evensong on Sunday, Daily Morning prayer 6 days a week, daily evening prayer 5 days a week, Mass weekdays at noon, and Saturday evening Mass.

And those are just the big worship opportunities. Never mind Wednesday Fellowship events like bible studies, weekly forums between the 8 and 10:30 mass, weekly brunches with the Dean, Sunday bible studies around, plus a plethora of other not regularly scheduled events every week. We’re not starving for more Church, if anything we’re overwhelmed by all the Church we can take in and a bit sad for the things we’ll inevitably miss.

I totally agree with you on this, Padres. Every congregation is different, and of course each denomination has a different set of worship expectations, but as a rule, I vote for non-Catholics having MUCH more worship, fellowship, and learning time each week. My Sundays are pretty much church related, with lots of events during the week.

Another point is that many Catholic Masses are an hour or less. In and out church. That is just not true for other denominations. (I know I’m generalizing.) Services are known to last a couple of hours, with Fellowship afterwards.

 

[Michael68]

How well advertised were these events? I have gone to churches that have been so bad at advertising events that I have been sat in the mass after where the priest is saying how sad it was that so few people attended and it’s the first I have heard about the event. Is it in the bulletin or website or just advertised by word of mouth or an obscure notice board?

Also honestly how accessible is it to working people? 90% of things at my parish are during the working day so of course it will just be retired people.

We have a Diocese wide newspaper that is sent to every person registered in our Catholic Churches. It is free and offers in depth Catholic news, Diocese news, and all upcoming events and educational opportunities offered throughout the Diocese. Maybe you could start one or suggest starting one in your Diocese. On Sept 18 our Diocese will be celebrating 50 years

 

[Michael68]

We have a Diocese wide newspaper that is sent to every person registered in our Catholic Churches. It is free and offers in depth Catholic news, Diocese news, and all upcoming events and educational opportunities offered throughout the Diocese. Maybe you could start one or suggest starting one in your Diocese. On Sept 18 our Diocese will be celebrating 50 years

Forgot to mention its a monthly publication

 

[ConfusedLucy]

The church I attend now (have moved a few times) is actually pretty good at making sure everyone gets a newsletter and it has all the details. It’s mostly events for retired people and families but I did go to a good talk which was very well attended.

I think its good to have something online too though as some people can’t attend mass at the same church every week (working away, long distance visits) but would be open to attending an event if they were available and might not know anyone at church they could call or message.

 

[Rosebud77]

What a wonderful tradition! I can see where this would not be as practical in a large parish or an especially affluent one.

This is Killarney. A large enough parish, When I first came to Ireland I was in a remote part of Mayo and the tradition had been paused there because of the rivalry between the housewives… Huge area covered in the parish and four churches.

Once happened upon a “Coffee Day” in a country place. an irish fundraiser. After a bereavement, they were raising money for the Hospice where she had died.

everyone brought cake and preserves and sat over tea and coffee, coming and going all day. I was made very welcome although a stranger, and had a lovely time. They even sent me home with a box of food…knew I traded for charity and gave to that too.

 

[Rosebud77]

This problem is along the lines of privatization of religion. We have made religious discussion a private affair that is almost forbidden in polite company.
Explicit discussions about Jesus Christ will get you you a surprised look and a slow back a way.

**
Private religion is a luxury**.

forgive me but I am not quite sure what you mean?

 

[Rosebud77]

I totally see your point.

On the other hand, is it about Jesus and the truth of His church or is it about people? Rhetorical question

You stole the words from my mind… Sorry;meant to quote what you were quoting too,. The simple friendship expressed in general chat means a lot to many and maybe they only see each other after Mass… They HAVE been to Mass remember… that means all and all and all. Jesus is there among us.

Maybe try ?? inviting for coffee?? A walk??

 

[Rosebud77]

I totally agree with you on this, Padres. Every congregation is different, and of course each denomination has a different set of worship expectations, but as a rule, I vote for non-Catholics having MUCH more worship, fellowship, and learning time each week. My Sundays are pretty much church related, with lots of events during the week.

Another point is that many Catholic Masses are an hour or less. In and out church. That is just not true for other denominations. (I know I’m generalizing.) Services are known to last a couple of hours, with Fellowship afterwards.

But is that what everyone wants or needs? And i see so many praying after Mass or during the week going in to pray as I do. Faith is at heart a private matter too. “Fellowship” formalised is not everyone’s… cup of tea…

 

[PNEUMA]

My parish has about 200 to 250 regular attenders best I can tell.

If there is an extra offering outside Mass - book study or a class - we often get about 6 to 10 people that show up. Why is this number so low?

When I try to engage other parish members in conversation about scripture or faith, it’s really hard to start, and often does not last long.

I feel like a lot of the congregation is missing that joy that should come from knowing Christ. Even the person that works in the church office and our religious Ed director seem to fall in to this category often. Any idea why?

Because they do not hear and see the same thing as you, in the Mass.

 

[Vincent_de_Paul]

I do not want to say one tradition is more active than any other, everyone has their own opinion as we see. However in our parish there are plenty of ways to stay active and practice your faith. Examples would be daily Mass, Sunday Mass, Saturday morning Mass with Novena prayer, Saturday confession and Adoration Chapel which is open everyday. We also have a men’s groups, ladies groups, CCD Classes/Meetings, Pre Cana Classes/Meetings, Respect Life Ministry, lots to get involved in.

During Lent it is the same schedule plus Wednesday evening Mass, Tuesday Holy Hour, Friday Stations of the Cross. Holy week in the Catholic Church is awesome - Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Not to mention fasting and penance on Friday’s during lent. We have a 48 hours devotion in October.

Two other Parishes within walking distance to my house have two daily morning Masses. At one of the parishes I can take an early morning walk over there on Saturday morning at about 8 am, they pray the rosary while confessions are going on before 9 o’clock Mass. It truly is a big Church. There is plenty to do and lots of things to keep us active. Remember, it’s not about us it’s about Jesus. How we worship and glorify him. (Father Larry Richards always says this and I like it)

 

[mikekle]

I see this too!! Why??? As I was finding my way in my faith journey, one of the most helpful was a Baptist pastor.

Even the people that are more active in our parish, when I had faith questions, they were not very knowledgeable.

It makes me wonder where is the disconnect?

But - I have visited the protestant world, and studied doctrine - and I love the Catholic Church.

But look at the community here at CA - well informed and knowledgeable, and loving enough to put up with me!!! I would like to be more like many of them, and bring that to my parish.

I think most of these people were just raised in a catholic home, their parents took them to church on sunday, and they went to a catholic school, and as they grew up, they just kept going to church each week, kind of just going thru the motions, like its a routine, somehow they can call themselves catholic just because they are physically at a church for one hour every sunday, but thats about where it ends.

They are usually good decent, law abiding citizens, but in general, they live a secular life, church is just something they do every sunday, they do not give much thought to it, but dont get me wrong, they are still against abortion, SSM, and other such things, in accordance with catholic beliefs, but their faith is not something they bring up or discuss that often, usually never indepth either, my own dad is like this, he went all thru catholic school, got a masters degree from a catholic college, but other than going to mass each sunday, he never discusses the faith, never brings it up, and is not that familiar with the bible, so IDK what the problem is…?