Mass attendance jumps by 25 per cent in Dunedin

A summary of the statement of service performance for the diocese showed an average Sunday Mass attendance of 4634 in 2024, against 4324 in 2023 and 3723 in 2022.

The number of Baptisms, First Communions and Confirmations also increased in the two-year period, up by 28 per cent, 65 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. The number of marriages dropped across the two years, declining by 24 per cent.

The number of students in Catholic schools in Dunedin Diocese increased from 4874 in 2022 to 5047 in 2024.

Producing a statement of service performance is a requirement for registered charities. Commenting on the statement, Dunedin vicar general Fr Gerard Aynsley said that, in preparing it, he was “very aware that the real impact of our faith and our being part of the life of the Church can’t be measured”.

“We can record how many Masses are celebrated and how many children attend our schools, but the impact that our Mass attendance and education have on us is beyond what can be captured in a report,” he wrote.

Fr Aynsley listed some aspects of diocesan and parish life that are not easily measured.

There are hundreds of elderly and sick parishioners that are visited each week both by ministers bringing Holy Communion and by parishioners who drop in for a friendly visit. Families are supported within school communities, especially when going through difficult times, he added.

The St Vincent de Paul Society, St Francis of Assisi Trust, Catholic Women’s League and other social outreach activities have an impact in parishes. Friendships and community are sustained by Passionist Family Groups and in the everyday life of parishes.

FULL STORY

CDD Newsletter August (Catholic Diocese of Dunedin)