10/01/2022
Into the Deep - Diocese of Madison
What Does The Data Tell Us?
For several months, our Diocese has engaged PartnersEdge to gather Catholic analytics and insights from within our own Diocese. This data will inform a strategic road map which will move us from maintenance to mission in all that we do. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share 8 key takeaways from the data assessment. Today we'll share takeaways related to Mass Attendance and Sacramental Trends.
Key Findings
>> Mass Attendance Trends
The Into the Deep Current Reality Report shows that between 2013 and 2021 Mass attendance dropped 39.8%. This decline has been going on for years - Covid simply accelerated it. The steep decline is a sign of a spiritual crisis.
By looking directly at the root cause underlying this trend, we will identify ways to better coordinate Mass times and Confession times between parishes. Imagine 50% of our liturgies at greater than 50% capacity. The Mass experience will change with more people worshiping together. People seek out vibrant faith communities to help deepen their own faith journey.
God is allowing us to rethink and re-imagine what Catholic parishes can be.
"And we all have experienced the difference between being at a Mass where it’s full and the responses are hardy and the singing is vibrant. The difference between that experience, which is so rich and beautiful, and being at a Mass that's three-quarters empty--obviously it’s still Mass, it's still everything that Jesus wants to give us--but our human experience of it is diminished if we're feeling isolated, where the response is tepid, where we feel disconnected. There’s an importance to realigning Mass and confession times so that one of our goals is that 50% of our masses are going to be 50% full. We want to bring people together because we're enriched in our Sunday worship, not only by our connection with God, but also by our connection with one another."
+Bishop Donald J. Hying on Mass Attendance
Key Findings
>> Sacramental Trends
One of the initial fruits of Into the Deep has been the Current Reality Report which shows us the serious and challenging position we find ourselves in. In the past decade there’s been a dramatic decrease in the Mass attendance, sacramental marriages, Baptisms, First Holy Communion and participation in all Sacraments. Follow us here as we share the data trends on Mass attendance and sacramental participation in the Diocese of Madison.
These negative trends demand that we take bold action to disrupt them, so that with God’s help we might leave the next generation a healthier and holier reality.
"The sacraments for us are the lifeblood of Christ’s grace pouring into us, and we want every Catholic to be fully participative in those sacraments." +Bishop Donald J. Hying on Sacramental Trends
Refusing to Settle
>> THE PATH FORWARD
Over the next few weeks, we’ll share all 8 key takeaways from the data assessment.
>> STAY IN TOUCH
We believe that the Into the Deep strategic planning process will help us to achieve a brighter future and a more vibrant local Church, but this process will require the participation and engagement of every Catholic in the Diocese of Madison. We would love to have you walk with us.
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May God help all of us to follow Him...into the deep!
"A la luz de los profundos cambios culturales, eclesiales y morales en nuestra sociedad y en la Iglesia, debemos preguntarnos cómo deben ser nuestras parroquias, unas que estén espiritualmente vivas en Cristo, totalmente equipadas para santificar, evangelizar y catequizar, unas que ardan con el fuego del Espíritu Santo.”
+OBISPO DONALD J. HYING
Mantente Conectado
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