New research exploring why some Catholics have stopped going to Mass would be a valuable tool in forming pastoral strategies to help people return to the practice of their faith, Australia’s Catholic Bishops said today (Dec. 1, 2006).
The Bishops, meeting in Sydney, said the “Disconnected Catholics” research project was a help in understanding the very complex personal, spiritual and cultural factors which have seen a decline in church-going over recent decades.
“The research project is part of our deep and ongoing desire to connect with people who have left the Church and to listen to their experiences, so that we might identify ways to reach out to them and welcome them back,” they said.
The Bishops commissioned the research, which was carried out by the Pastoral Projects Office of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. A summary report by the Director of the Pastoral Projects Office, Bob Dixon, was tabled and discussed at their Plenary Meeting.
“We welcome this study, which provides us with valuable insights into the reasons why some Catholics no longer attend Mass and take part in the sacramental life of the Church,” the Bishops said.
“Together with our own pastoral experience and in the context of the broader cultural situation, we will use this study to help chart a path forward.”
Source THis page also has a link to the odf of the report..
