• The proportion of unchurched residents is both an opportunity and a challenge for the Camden Diocese. The opportunity lies in the sheer size of the unchurched population which, proportionally, exceeds even the national average. The challenge is likely to be the personal experiences and perceptions of these unchurched adults which, as a result, may make them less receptive to messages about God, faith, and the church.
• Masses and special events during Christmas and Easter present an opportunity to gently invite lapsed Catholics and those who do not attend regularly back into the fold.
• A personal invitation to attend a church service or event — especially when the person making the invitation accompanies the invitee – is a highly effective means of attracting new visitors to churches. Some Catholics in the Diocese may benefit from reminders and encouragement to do so.
• Despite very busy lives these days, people find the time for what they value. By citing a lack of time or simply preferring to do something else on their day off, these non-attendees are really saying that they find no value in church services or participation in worship.
• Lapsed Catholics will need a compelling reason to attend or return to Mass and church involvement that is presented in a grace-filled and non-judgmental manner.
• The findings regarding changes in faith are consistent with our own research on the topic – especially with regard to the ages when that change tends to occur. The pre-teen and teenage years are the times when people develop their frames of reference for the remainder of their lives — especially theologically and morally.
• The church has an uphill battle in terms of reversing some impressions among southern New Jersey residents. For the Catholic Church at large, unfavorable opinions are the primary concern. More locally, the issue is lack of awareness of who the church is, what it does, and how it demonstrates the love of Christ to those it serves — especially within the community.
• Parents, churches and schools in the diocese must provide clear and consistent explanations of biblical truths as well as model Christ-like behavior in an effort to enhance the spiritual development of young people in the community.
• The church experience in the area varies; those attending Catholic churches feel less of a spiritual impact compared to those attending other Christian churches.
• Familiarity, community, and an enhanced relationship with God are among the primary benefits of being a Catholic.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”