(ZENIT News / Atlanta, 11.14.2024).- With only an estimated 33% of Catholics in the U.S. attending Mass weekly, parish communities are increasingly focused on building stronger ties with attendees to encourage consistent participation. A recent study by ACS Technologies, which has tracked American religious trends since 2013, highlights that welcoming interactions, quality sacraments, and sermons play a central role in retaining parishioners.
The research from ACS Technologies, known as the «American Beliefs Study,» is based on data collected from three major surveys conducted between 2013 and 2021, culminating in a recent follow-up survey in February 2024. Through responses to questions like «What do you look for when seeking a new parish?» the study uncovered that warm, personal interactions—especially ones that make newcomers feel noticed and valued—are crucial to fostering loyalty within church communities.
According to Terry Poplava, general manager of ACST Catholic, a division of ACS Technologies, efforts to create such interactions could prove especially timely during the holiday season. «Christmas is when we see more people in the pews, and it’s a unique chance to apply insights backed by data,» Poplava remarked. «We know from our study that newcomers place high value on ‘warm and friendly’ encounters. This season could serve as a springboard for outreach strategies centered on that.”
To identify the most impactful actions, the survey asked 1,075 American Christians to rate various church behaviors on their warmth and friendliness. Catholic respondents showed a clear preference for gestures such as being greeted warmly at the door, recognizing friends among attendees, and receiving personal invitations to Mass. The most appreciated actions included:
- Being greeted with a smile at the entrance
- Seeing familiar faces among the congregation
- Being personally offered a seat during Mass
- Receiving a direct invitation to attend services
- Hearing the congregation welcomed by a church leader
- Receiving personalized invitations to future events
These findings led Poplava to recommend a series of actionable strategies for parishes. He emphasized that simple steps like personal invitations, community recognition, and follow-up can deepen parish connections. «When parishioners feel rooted in a strong community, they’re more likely to extend invitations to others, and this sense of shared purpose helps foster growth,» he explained.
Poplava also underscored the importance of trust-building within parish communities. He suggested that parishes consider reaching out to newcomers intentionally, perhaps even following up with them after an initial visit, to offer a sense of continuity and care. «The Church is instrumental in helping people ‘fall in love with Christ,’ and much of that happens in these ordinary, weekly Mass routines,» Poplava added.
Ultimately, the research indicates that evangelization efforts can be seamlessly woven into the fabric of parish life. “This data shows that evangelization is simpler than many might think,” Poplava said. “It’s about integrating meaningful, practical acts of welcome into our usual Mass routines—small gestures that make a lasting impact.”
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