Presentation for Catholics United for the Faith at St. Monica Parish on January 29, 2015

1. What Does That Look Like?

2.  Only 30% of Americans raised Catholic are still practicing
 10% of all adults in America are ex-Catholics
◦ 31 million
◦ Largest “religious group” in U.S.
 By age 23 ... 79% of those who:
◦ Have dropped the name "Catholic" ...
◦ Claim no religious affiliation of any kind.
 Among raised Catholics, becoming Protestant is best guarantee of
stable church attendance as an adult.

3.  Majority of adult Catholics
uncertain that a personal
relationship with God is possible.
 “Personal relationship with God”
is single, greatest indicator of
Mass attendance.

4.  You can measure a person's heart:
◦ Initially 3 years, 500 Churches, 11,000 surveys, numerous
denominations.
◦ Over 7 years - eventually examined 250,000 returns.
 You can predict "spiritual growth.”
◦ A “framework.”
◦ Based on how people describe their relationship with Jesus Christ.
◦ “Spiritual Growth” defined as "Love of God and Love of Others.”

5.  Church activity does not predict - nor drive - long-term
spiritual growth.
 ”Active" church attending congregants (5 year plus) are not exploring
their faith:
◦ ”Apathetic, non-believers"
◦ Less likely to develop long-term, personal, mature relationship with Christ.
 Many "devoted" parishioners are not active:
◦ 80% say they love God but ...
◦ 30% don't serve the church in any way
◦ 50%,don't serve the poor
◦ 40% don't contribute substantially

6.  80% of Protestant/Evangelicals are not engaging Scripture on regular
basis (Catholic percentage is most likely even lower)
 Spiritually "stalled" or "dissatisfied" account for 25% of church-attending
parishioners - can be as high as 50%!
• Engagement with the Scriptures (especially
on daily basis) has single, greatest impact on
personal spiritual growth.... and yet...

7.  “Spiritual Growth” or “Maturity” can be placed on a
spiritual continuum.
 For example: St. Teresa of Avila’s “7 Mansions”
0
10
20
30
40
Quiet
Bible
Confess.
Prayer

8. 0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Quiet
Bible
Confess.
Prayer

9.  Other Findings:
◦ There is no “magic bullet” or “killer app” to address these
issues.
◦ Leadership matters.

10.  Catholic tools in development ...
 In year 2 of a 3 year pilot.
 Parishes involved:
◦ 75 parishes this year.
◦ 100 next year.
◦ Several local.

11.  More than 25% surveyed.
 Stalled:
◦ Believe in Christ
◦ Haven’t grown recently
 Dissatisfied:
◦ Faith is central
◦ My church is letting me down
0
10
20
30
40
Quiet
Bible
Confess.
Prayer

12.  1 out of every 6 people
 The Church COULD address this!
 Barriers:
◦ Addictions
◦ Inappropriate Relationships
◦ Emotional Issues
◦ Priority of Spiritual Life

13.  The True “Christ-Followers!”
◦ 98% Attend Regularly
◦ Participate in “Small Groups”
◦ Volunteer
◦ Serve Those in Need
◦ Contribute Financially
◦ Diligent
 65% Are Considering Leaving!
 Their Wants / Needs?
◦ Challenge
◦ Personal Spiritual Growth Plan
◦ Spiritual “Mentor” or “Director”
◦ Want to Be Held Accountable

14.  “Immigrant / Ethnic” model no longer effective.
 “Busy Church” model:
◦ Might “appear” successful
◦ Components necessary
◦ Only for initial stages
◦ Tenuous
◦ Could hide the real truth
 (Ex: Stalled and Disaffected)
0
20
40
60
Quiet
Bible
Confess.
Prayer

15.  “Facts are our friends”
 New approaches needed
 New tools – new insights – new “move of the Spirit?”

16. End of Presentation