November 20, 2009
Special Report | Strategic Planning
Mass attendance in the Diocese of Evansville
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By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
In a letter to the people of the Diocese of Evansville, published in the Message Sept. 25, Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger asked what he termed “most troubling.” Following are excerpts from the bishop’s letter.
Brothers and Sisters, this effort is an opportunity for renewal of our faith. It is a time to re-energize our parishes. I leave you with some questions that I, as your bishop, find most troubling to me. These are adult issues, but they involve children who will be affected as parents lead them.
• Why is it that in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Evansville only 43 percent of our members regularly attend Holy Mass on weekends while a Commandment of the Church requires that all members do?
. . .
• How is it that parents have allowed the sacred space of the parish church to be replaced by the gymnasium, football and soccer field?
The chart above shows the average Mass attendance from all of the parishes of the diocese. A count is taken on each of three Sundays in October; the parish count is averaged and reported to the Chancellor’s Office.
The average attendance in 2009 is the same as it was in 2008.