More people are going to Mass but attendance is still below pre-pandemic levels.
The annual Mass count shows that 24.2 percent of registered parishioners in the Arlington diocese attend Mass weekly on Saturday night or Sunday in 2022. That’s an increase from 2021 when 21.9 percent attended weekend Masses, but the results are still below pre-pandemic numbers.
Each October, parishes tally up the number of attendees at each of their Saturday night/Sunday Masses and report the results to the diocese to be compiled in a Mass count report. In the 2018 Mass count, 29.6 percent of parishioners attended Mass.
“In reviewing the latest data from the October Mass count, it is clear we are still recovering from the significant decline in attendance following the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. “While many people have returned, we have yet to reach our pre-COVID numbers.
“Looking at various causes and needs as they relate to this information, we can recognize a tremendous opportunity for all of us to inspire new vibrancy in the faithful of our diocese,” he said. “Within the pillars of evangelization and fostering discipleship in our diocesan Strategic Plan, we are developing and promoting the tools to help equip our parishes and members of the faithful with best practices on how to attract and encourage non-participating Catholics to return home.
“Additionally, all of us should consider how we can become more active in our parish life, ministries and activities,” said Bishop Burbidge. “Above all, I ask everyone in the Diocese of Arlington to unite in prayer as we explore the most profound and personal ways to invite others into full and active participation at Mass and in the life of the church.”
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