Catholic Sanctuaries Expand as Available Priests Decrease

[WanderAimlessly]

Although I do not necessarily agree or disagree with the trend, I can see why it is currently needed (both financially and logistically).

Catholic Sanctuaries Expand as Available Priests Decrease

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - The noise of chatting parishioners saturates the foyer after the five weekend Masses at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Busy parents sympathize with one another. Kids find new playmates. And singles meet other singles.

Full Story

I have belonged to a very large parish (over 2500 families) and currently belong to a very small parish (only about 250 families). There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

PF

 

[Nohome]

WanderAimlessly:

I have belonged to a very large parish (over 2500 families) and currently belong to a very small parish (only about 250 families). There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

I too have belonged to a very large and a very small Parish. I preferred the small one, but that likely had as much to do with a like minded priest than the size of the congregation. One point in the story did strike me.

While the number of worshippers per parish nationwide has grown by nearly 35 percent in almost three decades, the number of priests dropped 26 percent

Regardless of church size, this statistic is not sustainable and must change if there is to be a church at all.

Nohome