More Masses required by priests in U.S

Bigger parishes and more ministries becoming the norm

This Mass seemed to have no problem attracting a number of
priests. But in the U.S, priests and religious are down 41
percent according to CARA report.

There are more Catholics in the United States celebrating Mass, at fewer parishes, by a dwindling number of priests according to a report. The report called "The Changing Face of U.S Catholic Parishes" says Catholic life is becoming "supersized."

"Bigger parishes, more Masses and ministries in languages other than English are becoming the norm," says the report released June 18.

The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), the authors of the report, found slight increases in family attendance at parishes around the country. While still down from the height of Mass attendance in the 1950s, CARA believes the numbers have been steady over the last decade, and with a growing Catholic population the need for more sacrament availability will be necessary.

The report also pointed out the decline of priests and the Religious. Since 1980 there has been a 41 percent decline in Religious vocations. However there has been sharp increases in ministerial staff at parishes climbing an estimated 790 of new staffers a year. Also these ecclesiastical ministers are employed for 20 hours a week or more.