It’s no secret. Church membership has fallen significantly in the U.S. within the past 50 years or so. I am basing the information in today’s blog on three sources: recent Gallup Polls, Pew Research findings, and an article in the Spring 2025 issue of Notre Dame Magazine entitled “Out of Practice.” It is Ken Woodward’s interview with Christian Smith, Professor of Sociology at Notre Dame, about his new book Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America. You might be thinking, “This sounds pretty ‘heady’ to me or even ‘very depressing.’ Why would I want to read this?” Here are two reasons. First, because we are called to be disciples of Jesus in the “real world”–not some La La Land. If these statistics reflect something that is happening in this real world, especially in our country, then shouldn’t we know about it? Second, as Christians, as Catholics, we believe that God is active and alive in this real world–even when God’s activity may seem hidden. A good question to ask ourselves: What might God be directing us to do through these findings?
I’m not giving you a summary of the recent research and polls. You can check those out online yourself. Instead I’m presenting a few select findings–and I’m encouraging you to reflect on and/or react to them. You can be shocked or curious, or you might want to measure these findings against your own experience, or ponder the implications of these findings for your own life of faith. Here goes.
Over the years, Gallup Polls have asked people: Are you a member of a church, synagogue, or mosque?
- In 1975, 71% said yes.
- In 1999, 70% said yes.
- In 2020, 47% said yes.
- The answer to that question was correlated to age. Who answered yes to that question?
- 66% of the people born before 1946.
- 58% of baby boomers (born between 1946-1964)
- 50% of Generation X (born between 1965-1980)
- 36% of Millennials (born between 1981-1996)
A 2021 Gallup Poll showed that 7 out of 10 people said they were affiliated with some type of organized religion. Less than half, however, were affiliated with a particular house of worship. Said the poll, “Churches are only as strong as their membership and are dependent on their members for financial support and service to keep going.” It is estimated that thousands of churches close each year in the U.S.
People were asked, Why do you attend a particular house of worship regularly? Their main answers were: because of the sermons… because of the sports programs geared to children and teens… because of the community outreach and volunteer opportunities… because of the dynamic leadership within the particular house of worship.
Pew Research Poll has regularly asked people if they pray daily. Since 2012, the percent of people who say yes has remained consistent at 44% to 46%.
Of special interest to Catholics: In 1970, weekly Mass attendance was 55%. Today it is 20%. Even though Mass attendance has declined, the percent of people who identify themselves as Catholic has remained relatively stable since 2014 at 20%. But here’s a statistic that raises a question about that “stability.” For every 100 people who come into the Catholic Church annually, 840 leave. How can that percent remain about 20%? One word: immigration. A significant number of immigrants are Catholic, so statistically they are taking the place of those Catholics who are leaving the church. (One wonders what impact our current changes in immigration will have on this statistic.)
Decrease/ increase in church members since 2007: Catholics decreased by 20%. Protestants by 21%. Religious “nones” (those not affiliated with any church) increased by 81%. Muslims increased by 200%. Muslims are still a small percent of the entire population: 1.2%.
Now let’s turn to that article on Christian Smith’s book to answer the question: what are some of the reasons for the decline of church membership in the U.S.? He gives basically three: 1) certain historic events, 2) scandals among clergy and the politicization of evangelical Christianity, 3) the digital revolution which “transformed society, weakening social structures, altering the nature of relationships and turning the fissures already forming within many denominations into outright fractures.” Here are some specific sentences from the interview with Smith.
“September 11, 2001 made many Americans begin to associate “orthodoxy of all kinds with with zealotry and violence.” For many, religion “went from being ‘a nice community thing, it helps raise your children to be moral,’ to “Religion is violent, it’s a source of evil, it gets people to be extremists.”
Women entering the work force had a great impact on traditional churches. Prior to the 70’s, churches relied on women as their main “volunteer labor force.” But women working full-time jobs and coming home to do the housework and cooking, and caring for the kids, “don’t have the time or energy to invest seriously in church.”
Many churches are oriented towards serving the traditional nuclear family. But people who are not in traditional families–“singles, divorced, same-sex couples, people cohabitating, people without children, older couples” can feel uncomfortable, left out, or unwelcome.
Says Smith, there’s so much pressure on parents these days to get their kids “scheduled up” every afternoon and evening: sports practices, sports games, dancing lessons, horseback riding lessons, swimming lessons, helping with homework, sending kids to camps of all kinds. All of these other activities “crowd out religion.”
“People have so much drive and pressure to earn incomes, to go out and spend money, to buy things, to have experiences. It changes the notion of self; the good life becomes the goods life.”
For reflection:
Did anything “jump out at you” in today’s reflection?
Does anything raise questions for you?
If you are a member of a church, synagogue, or mosque, what makes you stay?
If you are no longer a member of a church, mosque, or synagogue, what made you leave?
Did anything here resonate with your personal experience–or seem foreign to your personal experience?
In all this talk about church membership, we must not overlook the essence of our faith: our personal, loving relationship with God. This relationship with God fuels our love for others and for our world. At its best, our membership with a particular church enables us to bond with other members, strengthens our faith, and encourages us to reach out to those in need. Our song today is “Christ Before Us.” It is a traditional Welsh melody with words written in 1990 by Janet Sullivan Walker. I find her words beautiful: “Christ before and beside us to guide us… we strive to live Jesus’ law of kindness, love, compassion, charity… Holy Three in One, come and be our welcome guest… send us to labor for Your Kingdom…”
I eagerly invite your comments below–whether a few words or a few sentences…
47 Responses
My wife and I are lifelong Catholics. It has been a struggle at times to find and experience God’s Love and the Holy Spirit in each Church. If we cannot find it in person, then there are wonderful resources like this weekly blog that help our prayer life and nurture our spiritual growth. We happened to visit the Beloved Gallery in Marble Falls, TX this weekend https://belovedgallery.org/. My wife knew something of the Prince of Peace portrait that was painted by a child prodigy, who was raised in an atheist family. I did not. The artist, Akaine, is now in her mid-30s, and she is asked what religion she belongs to. Her reply is that she belongs to God. Akaine’s story and her miraculous portrait of Jesus gives me hope for the future. Pope Leo does as well for many reasons, including his bridge building with other religions.
Barry, Thank you for giving us the link to the Beloved Gallery. I was familiar with the painting, “The Prince of Peace,” but not with the artist and the story behind the painting. Thank you for calling our attention to it. I really agree with you that there are “wonderful resources” out there to encourage and inspire us as we strive to live our faith each day! Melannie
My Catholic Church recently closed after 125 years of existence. I have joined another nearby Catholic Church and continue to attend Mass regularly. I have stuck with the Catholic Church because I find Jesus in the Eucharist and not being Catholic would leave a void in my soul.
Kathleen, Thank you for highlighting one “reason” for being a Catholic: “Jesus in the Eucharist.” I resonated with those words… Melannie
This article really made me stop and think why I belong to a particular parish and attend Mass. I am a cradle Catholic, parochial schools thru graduation from high school so the rites and teachings of our religion are part of me. Do I agree with all? – no, but the sacraments bring me peace and you cannot participate in them as an individual. There is also support and encouragement from the church family (if you are open and willing) that help provide a basis for a deep attachment to God. There have been periods in my life when I did not attend regularly but something in my heart tells me to go back for my own well being. And I definitely feel more complete receiving the Eucharist – again, this is only possible by attending Church.
Barb, Your words summarize beautifully some reasons to be a Catholic. Even if we’re a “cradle Catholic,” we must re-choose our faith as life presents new challenges to us as we journey through life. Like you, I too appreciate “the support and encouragement” I receive from other members of my faith community. Thanks for writing! Melannie
As an actor, I have traveled a bit, and love visiting churches where I am. In Kentucky, doing summer stock, I loved seeing the diversity there. In a place where racism was evident throughout the city, at Mass there were several mixed couples and all were welcome by all.
In New York City, my home base for 51 years, there were many churches to pick from. My favorites are those who are active in social justice and peace work.
I find it is hard for those who are not bilingual to open their hearts to all – the places where they are open are so much richer for the life and energy and living relationships with God and each other.
Thank you for sharing your blog!
Margaret, What a rich background you have! Obviously, churches active in social justice and peace work draw you. That’s wonderful. I too envy those who are bilingual. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Melannie
This fabulous piece reflects a reality we also see in Australia, where Church membership continues to decline. Much of the clergy is imported, often struggling with English and lacking the cultural understanding necessary to connect with local communities, leaving churches sustained mainly through the efforts of other migrants. More damaging, however, has been the Church’s inadequate and defensive response to child abuse, marked by secrecy and aggressive legal tactics. These actions, along with a noticeable disconnect from everyday life, have deeply eroded trust and relevance, prompting many to seek spiritual meaning elsewhere.
Keith, Thank you for giving us a glimpse of the Church in Australia. It’s very similar to what is happening here in the States. I agree with your words about the “inadequate and defensive” response the church made (and still is making in some ways) to the terrible child abuse scandal… How strong are your words, that the church is disconnected from everyday life… and has “eroded trust and relevance.” Sadly, I find much truth in what you say. Thank you for your comment! Melannie
Oh, my goodness. What a conversation like this one to start off my Monday morning. Cradle Catholic here speaking. A church, a building, is just that, a building. What goes on in that building is another thing. Where is God? Where do people find God in their lives? Are those of us who are Catholic any better than those who are not? Of course not. We find God not necessarily in any particular church, bot in our daily life. How do we interact with others, how do we treat others, where do we find the wonders of God’s creation all around us? Do we feel that God is necessary in our lives? Sadly, today, like Sister says, the answer is No. Oh, yes, God is there, all right, but as a whole, he is put on the back burner. Instead, how can I get a bigger house, a trip to God only knows where, a fancier car. How about spending, individually, or as a family, some time with God in prayer each day, glorifying him and thanking him for all he has given us. A Catholic, I have been, a Catholic I will always be. There is something there in our faith, a glue, if you will. Our Catholic faith dates all the way back to The Last Supper. The Eucharist. Receive that on a regular schedule, the rest will follow.
Sharon, Thank you for raising some good questions for our conversation. These words of yours I found intriguing: “There is something here in our faith, a glue, if you will.” And I appreciated your emphasis on the Eucharist once again. Thanks for sharing! Melannie
I am a cradle Catholic but I’m attending an Episcopal Church. I also am an Oblate of a Benedictine community. I attend mass there when I am able. As a woman, I am disappointed in the lack of acceptance of women in ministry. I am also disappointed by “one issue” type of political conversation, and homilies, that ignores so many other issues affecting our country. Social Justice doesn’t seem to be important to Catholics in my local parish. The Episcopal Church acts out their care for the poor and others who don’t fit elsewhere. I’ve never lost my faith but I needed a new community to share it with.
DJ, This part of your comment struck me: that you found an Episcopal Church as your new faith community because they “act out their care for the poor and others who don’t fit elsewhere.” You also chose to become a Benedictine Oblate to help support and deepen your faith. And despite your disappointments with some aspects of the Catholic Church, you impress me as being a person of deep faith. Thank you for joining the conversation! Melannie
I too am a cradle Catholic. I went through a period where I didn’t go to church every Sunday, but I returned to regular attendance many years ago. I think there is not enough emphasis on learning how to walk with the spiritual giants who have peopled our world. It seems that so many people are more connected to their church than they are to the Source, the North Star of our church…Jesus/God. When the Church becomes their God, the church’s sins truly stand out and one loses trust, but realizing that, as Jesus said, “I did not come for the righteous but for sinners”, then it only makes sense that the church is filled with sinners, including those who lead it.
Learning what we are called to do to help the church become strong is essential and it is part of our task as “the hands and feet of Jesus” to take part in building it up. How can we ask where God is, when we are the image of God, ourselves….how am I showing up in the world to help others see and recognize the presence of God in their/our midst. It can’t all depend on the clergy.
It reminds me of that old saying, “You don’t throw the baby out with the bath water”….! Why do people think that leaving the church is going make things better. I read something the other day written by a minister who has a daily meditation that asked why Jesus chose Apostles to join him on the Way….because he needed the support of others surrounding Him….how effective would Jesus have been if he was a lone figure in the world. I found that quite thought provoking.
Lots to consider in these times, especially when society is struggling to stay afloat in our ‘crumbling” system….it seems church would be a lifeline.
Blessing to all,
Mary
Mary, As usual, you make some good points in your response to today’s blog. Yes, we must be “more connected” to Jesus/God than any particular human church… And we must be aware that all humans–including church leaders–are human, that is, capable of being sinners. And I appreciated your emphasis that Jesus was not “a lone figure in the world.” He gathered others around himself for support. We need others, too, to live our faith more deeply. Thanks again for your wise words! Melannie
I have already commented, but thought it interesting to add this note. Years ago, while living in Florida, I became a regular acquaintance with a priest while I was living there. Talking about him, and I am sure he wouldn’t mind, it came to be he was transferred to a parish in Tampa, Florida for probably the main reason was to resurrect the Traditional Latin Mass. In communicating with him over some time this whole senario became interesting. He was an interesting priest, to be sure. Latin, for him, was never an issue. Anyways, resurrect the TLM he did all during a time when Pope Francis was definitely not in favor. Attendance at this church grew exponentially. It seemed those drawn to this church and the long forgotten, or put on the back burner, reverence that was there in years past, drew people in. This church now, is a TLM only congregation. It is now called a Shrine as opposed to being called a church. Chanting etc., and all that goes with it. What was or is , the magic, I do not know. For the rest of us, love or prefer not, the TLM, there was a magic formula there. Just thought on the subject matter today of church attendance dwindling, readers would find this comment interesting reading.
Sharn, Your example of people being drawn to the Latin Mass raises several other “issues.” We don’t all like to pray the same way… or like the same religious music. How do we as a church provide some diversity in worship (for example) while still being united as a church? What essentially unites us as Christians, as Catholics? Do our priorities reflect Jesus’ priorities? These are not easy questions to answer. Thank you for commenting! Melannie
Although I am a reader and appreciator of your blog, I am a member of the Anglican Church in North America.( Not the Episcopal Church) Our church is a member of GAFCON. Our denomination is growing by leaps and bounds in the US.We are receiving people disaffected by all the denominations, who have found a home. I look at it as a more orthodox version of the Roman Catholic church. Our priests are married and we do not have a pope. You would be very familiar with the liturgy.
Catherine, Thanks for pointing out that not all churches are experiencing a deep decline in membership. Years ago I attended my first Anglican liturgy and (suprisingly) I felt very much “at home.” I appreciated your words today! Melannie
I sometimes say that I’m Catholic in spite of the Church, not because of the Church.
Several years ago, a new pastor came in and “fired” the four volunteer Leaders’ of Song / cantors. People in my parish asked me if I was going to go elsewhere. I stood firm and told them it was my parish before this pastor came and it will be my parish after he leaves.
A friend asked me the same question and added, “how can you stay in the church at all?” I responded that what keeps me going is community and the Eucharist. My faith in God is supported by the “church” (little c) – the people of God in the setting of the “Church” (capital C), but also outside of the Church.
PS – Since being “fired” in 2006, God has shown me how to use my voice in so many other ways besides singing!
Mary, What a beautiful witness to faith you are to me! You’ve taken ownership of “your” church in a good way! Despite “being fired,” you stayed and found “many other ways” to use your voice besides singing! I like your attitude. And once again, like several other readers, you say you stay because of “community and the Eucharist.” I can only say “Amen” to that! Thank you for sharing your personal experience with us! Melannie
Good morning, Sr. Melannie and all. Cradle Catholic here. I have been frustrated with my home parish since the latest political election. It scares me how much politics has entered into our church. I don’t remember it being mentioned in Sunday sermons or the naming of who to vote for and why before this past election year. A neighboring parish even had a huge political sign on parish grounds. When asked about it the pastor stated that if one was truly Catholic then that was who we needed to vote for. I only stay because no other church except the Catholic Church believes in Jesus’ true presence in the Eucharist. I refuse to miss out on His physical presence in my life because I don’t agree with the person in charges’ political view. I am heartened by the election of Pope Leo and I continue to pray for our Church. I don’t know what else to do except to pray for a change in my own heart. Thank you for this opportunity to discuss this topic. God bless you and us all!
Martha, Thank you for sharing another difficult personal xperience with us… Like you, I am “heartened” by the incredible election of Pope Leo and I continue to pray for our church. In all of this, we must look into our own heart. Someone once asked G.K. Chesteron (I believe) what’s the most important thing he could do to change the world for the better. Without hesitation, he said something like, “Change myself for the better!” Your words brought that to my mind. Thanks again for writing, Martha! Melannie
As a Mo. Synod Lutheran must beg to differ with a previous writer. Our church believes in the true presence of Christ (in and through) the Eucharist. In my town the Catholic and Episcopal churches are most prominent with the Episcopal doing the most social outreach. Our Lutheran church is aging, and its ” freshness” comes mainly from tourists who visit. I doubtbif any of us will fully agree with all of the tenets of the churches we attend. But whatever church i am in (and i have attended many denominations here and abroad) my concentration is being grateful i am with a group worshiping the True God regardless of their manner and making sure my own is true to the Trinity.
SD, Thanks for that clarification of churches who do believe in the Real Presence that are not Roman Catholic. You make a good point about some churches doing the most social outreach. You also acknowledge groups worshipping in different manners–and how grateful you are to worship the “true God” with others. Thanks for your comment! Melannie
Dear Sister,
We have become lax in our Mass attendance bc the times are right in the middle of the day in the summer-My husband works a full work week and gets the outside taken care of during g the weekends. In the summer, our area Masses are all at 4 cause everyone wants to take advantage of the collection. The sun goes down at 9pm, my husband does not want to stop, shower and start his evening at 3:45 pm. I get it- we know when life slows down we will attend more regularly. On another note, I pray and journal daily-speaking and writing to God. I feel my relationship with Him is very strong and He always has my back. Also, I have found that many of the priests are Trump supports and that belief goes against everything we as Christian’s s and Catholics believe. I have a difficult time with that. I have not lost my faith, I have just lost my faith in the Catholic church. I could go on as I was a house keeper for 15 years for priests and my great uncle was a bishop – the scandal. Also, I have a gay daughter that still goes to Mass and technically she is not welcome. It’s all unChrist like, after all, God made her that way-she did it choose it.
Patricia, Your comment raises other issues regarding church membership. I was struck especially by your daily speaking and writing to God. What a reminder that the essence of our faith is not what language we sing or worship in, but our personal and loving relationship with God… Some good questions that people say every parish should ask are these: would JESUS be welcome in our church? Would he recognize his teachings in the homily? Would he recognize the parishioners as his disciples? Would he see his priorities reflected in the church bulletin and in the way we treat “strangers”? Thank you for your words, Patricia! Melannie
Good afternoon, Melannie…
Good afternoon, all…
Wow! Am I late to this party or what! Like many of you, I too am a cradle Catholic. My wife and I got married in a church by a priest (something becoming rarer and rarer). All three of our children were baptized, went to CCD, and got confirmed. All of them are now in their late 30s, early 40s, and not one of them goes to church. Two are gay and married, and sadly the church isn’t always welcoming to such “irregular unions,” and our third isn’t sure if God even exists. And yet…and yet all three do and say things that strengthen my faith — my love for them, my love for God. So what’s going on these days? What do we read in Isaiah? “Behold, I am doing something new! Do you not perceive it?”
John, Thank you for sharing your personal experience with us. I’m sure others can relate to your experience. These words touched me especially: “yet all three do and say things that strengthen my faith–my love for them, my love for God.” I firmly believe God seeks us more than we seek God. And God finds creative and imaginative ways to reach us to establish a relationship with us…If you love your children so much, can you imagine how much God must love them?… Your Isaiah quote at the end was very fitting…Thanks for writing! Melannie
I am a cradle Catholic with 16 years of Catholic education. In my early 20’s, for about a year, I did not attend Mass. When my husband and I moved back home I could hardly wait to go to Confession so I could receive the Eucharist when I went to Mass. I truly missed experiencing my Catholic faith. It is not the priest, the homilies, or the music, but sharing the faith with others who love God that keeps me Catholic. I attend Mass on the weekend and several times during the week, as well as spend a “Holy Hour” with God. Trusting in God gets me through the tough days, God never lets me down.
Thank you for this topic and all the comments above.
Joan, Your “reason” that “keeps you” a Catholic was well-worded: “Sharing the faith with others who love God keeps me Catholic.” We can’t underestimate the communal dimension of our faith, can we? And I agree that only trust in God can get us through some of those really tough days. Thank you for your words! Melannie
From reading Catholic spiritual writers, I have come to believe that the spiritual dimension of faith is most important. Belonging to a definite group, as in a parish or other distinct group that meets regularly, represents to me membership in the Mystical Body (although the concept is universal, not local). As a child, I grew up in a family. My Catholic high school and college, and Newman Associations in two graduate schools gave me a setting of familiar faces and personalities with whom to feel affiliation. The concept that all people are embodiments of Christ though not “perfect” has taken root in me, thanks to Matthew 25–“Whatever you did for the least of these you did for me.” I guess what I mean is that a distinct group, parish or not represents my faith in universal holiness and fellowship, a visual aid, for me. I could worship privately, to be sure, but concrete membership helps me affirm my spiritual assent that we are all here for the purpose of loving each other. The Incarnation is an ever present reality, not just a great event some 2,000 years ago.
George, There is so much wisdom in your words! You describe well your need for “familiar faces and personalities with whom to feel affiliation.” So true! And the impact of Mt. 25 on your life. How beautiful! And I really appreciated your words: “The Incarnation is an ever present reality, not just a great event 2,000 years ago.” Amen to that! Melannie
Sunday’s have become an extension of Saturday’s, a day to shop, play and watch youth sports, sleep in, and binge watch cable programs. While these trends were already evident, COVID resulted in lower Mass attendance and attendance hasn’t come back after COVID.
On Sundays at 9 am, I go by the local middle school that has multiple indoor basketball courts and the parking lot is overflowing with cars and into the street for youth games while the Church down the block has less than half the cars. I know this love of youth sports also applies to soccer, baseball, volleyball, and hockey.
While my family didn’t miss Mass, I am sure my kids noticed that we scheduled Mass around sports rather sports around Mass, a big regret I have years later.
Mike, Thank you for reminding us of the impact Covid had on Church attendance. And you’re right that attendance didn’t bounce back after Covid. Your descriptions of the two parking lots really struck me… it raises so many questions… I, for one, enjoy watching kids’ sports–especially when those kids were my nieces/nephews or grandnieces/nephews… Thanks for your valuable contribution–especially as a parent. Melannie
Amen !
So much to absorb from your writings, Sister, and from the responses above. There’s little I can add that hasn’t been said – I see part of my family in the “church of sports” that takes so much commitment they are willing to give and little they give to God’s church. I also see part of my family leaving the church of their baptism because of ill-made political remarks from the pulpit. Does this mean we failed as parents? We never missed Mass, even on vacation and weekends at swim meets but, here I fail to see that training mean anything to part of my family. It’s a tough place to be right now. I treasure my Catholic faith, nothing can change that. I just feel so sad for those who don’t have that feeling about Mass and Eucharist and the Church.
Patt, Sometimes our lived situation is “a tough place to be.” You did not fail as parents. We cannot force others to make choices we believe would be best for them. Sometimes I say this to parents who are hurting by the choices some of their children are making: 1) continue to love them, 2) continue to pray for them, 3) continue to grow in your own life of faith, 4) continue to entrust your children to God, and 5) live your own faith with love and joy. Thank you for heart-felt response to today’s topic… Melannie
This is a rather depressing article.
When growing up, we lived at church!
5 kids…. My sister & I are very religious.
My 3 brothers left eons ago. In my own family, my husband doesn’t go.
My 3 children ….. 1 doesn’t go, 1 is involved in the Presbyterian church.
& the other a denominational church.
None of my Grands & girlfriends are Catholic. It is what it is. I’m very involved in my church & I could not live without my faith. It is truly my backbone. I’ve been through crisis, but God has always brought me through.
I find everything nowadays is just upside down. I lean on my God, Jesus, Mary & Joseph daily. I’ve been blessed so many times I’ve lost count!!! 🙏🏼
Sue, what amazes me about your comment is this: while acknowledging your pain and how “everything nowadays is just upside down,” you can still say, “I’ve been blessed so many times I’ve lost count!” It seems to me that gratitude for our blessings is a sign of God’s nearness. Thank you for your response. Melannie
Like John I’m a little late to the party having had a very scrambled day. I too find this article very depressing and am so sad about the overall decline in church participation. I have been very blessed to have been in vibrant Catholic parishes since I was a child and in a family where our faith was taught and lived out every day through my parents’ teaching and example. The Catholic faith is very important to me as is attending Mass regularly and receiving the Eucharist. I can’t conceive living without it and have been “saved” over and over again. I believe in the message of the gospel and am grateful for the gifts and blessings provided through scripture and teaching of so many people like you Melannie. I pray daily for the return of all who have left the church and for the renewal of commitment that can be a blessing in every life.
Loretta, Yes, this article can be depressing and sad. I feel those emotions too. That’s why one statistic jumped out for me: consistently since 2012, 44% to 46% of the people said they PRAY DAILY. Does that surprise you? I’m not sure what to make of that… And I knew your parents… and they inspired me too! Their love and goodness and gentleness spread beyond their large family. It is obvious to me that your faith means much to you. (I’ve seen you at several of my talks at local parishes!) So, pray daily for our brothers and sisters who have “left” the church… and continue to live your own faith with devotion and joy!… Your “cuz” Melannie
So much to ponder about this subject and the many responses. I am a lifelong Catholic and I value the gift of Faith that I received at Baptism. Neither of my children go to church but they are kind and loving and I am proud of them. I would love to see them return to the Church but I love and accept them as they are and pray for them daily.
I was impressed by the research that showed that 44-46% of people pray daily. To me that means that those people believe in a God or Supreme Being and pray to him daily. Just my take on it.
Thank you for your wonderful blogs that open our minds to the spiritual.
Beverly, Thank you for sharing your experience which mirrors the experience of so many others. Thanks too for sharing your take on the “daily prayer” statistic. I would just love to ask more people who are not affiliated with any church just how and why do they pray? I’m sure their answers would “enlighten” me. It would probably expand my understanding and experience of prayer… Thank you for reading this blog, Beverly, and for responding! Melannie
It’s uncanny that the sermon at Sundays mass was how 22% of people in the U.S. attended Catholic church & in Nigerian & other countries around the globe, the percentage is significantly higher (90-98%).
Sunday mass & belonging to a church provides my husband & me an opportunity to enjoy a supportive community that keeps us centered & focused on the importance of faith.
I will confess, that I “shopped around” before we joined our church to find one that would be a good fit for us (priests who can connect with their parishioners, myriad opportunities to be involved, & a variety of activities that meet people where they are today.
My thoughts about Americans poor statistics is related to the following:
*apathy
*the current state of our American culture where money, status, power are valued & “entertainment” has eroded our collective moral code.
* and lastly, people don’t know how to be “still”; it’s as if they are uncomfortable to be with their own thoughts & it’s no secret that we need to unplug from technology in order to share meals with others to talk, to spend time in nature, to read, to pursue hobbies, & to build relationships.
I wish I knew how to fix this dilemma. My daily prayers encompass all that I have expressed, asking God to do something to bring about change. Our nation needs to come together for the sake of the children & society before people stop caring & fighting for peace, justice, & love.
Carol, Thank you for your well-thought-out comment. One thing that struck me was that you “shopped around” before joining your current church. I wonder how many people have done that. Your reasons for choosing your church seem like pretty good reasons to me: priests who connect with their parishioners… activities to get involved in… a supportive community… In the article I cited, the author really stressed the changes technology has made on the way we humans relate to one another. He’s a sociologist, remember and thinks we have not begun to appreciate the drastic changes technology has made on the way we relate as families, friends, co-workers, etc. … Thanks again for your comment!… Melannie