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Social report reveals pastoral considerations for parishes

The National Centre for Pastoral Research’s (NCPR) recently released Social Profile of the Catholic Community in Australia reveals a range of trends worth consideration by parishes and communities.

The in-depth demographic report of Australian Catholics, which is based on the 2021 Australian Census, is a regular project of the NCPR’s, having been produced after every Census since 1996.

Beyond the summaries or regularly referenced demographics, the National Centre for Evangelisation (NCE) has considered the report with key colleagues, digging a little deeper to identify unique trends or considerations for local communities. Several are highlighted below for consideration as part of the national report and may be worth reflection in future parish social profiles.

AGE, LIVING STATUS AND CATHOLIC IDENTITY

Persons living alone (Table 8)

While the number of Catholics under the age of 35 living alone has dropped since 2016, the number of Catholics aged 35 and over, who are living alone, has increased by more than eight per cent. Ninety per cent of Catholics living alone in 2021 were aged 35 and over. The total number of Catholics living alone has increased by 42 per cent since 1996, with now approximately one in 10 Catholics living alone.

Households

Age and sex (Page 10)

The number of Catholics in all age groups below 55 decreased between 2016 and 2021. However, in every age group above 55, the number of Catholics has increased. This may be attributed in part to the ageing Catholic population but may also indicate that new arrivals to Australia are from an older age group.

Consider:

  • Does the number of parishioners living alone require a change in parish outreach strategies?
  • How can parishes support older people living by themselves?
  • How are you engaging and utilising the experience of elderly Catholics and grandparents?

Further Resources:

GROWING EASTERN CHURCHES

Religious affiliation (Table 9)

Although the number of Western (or Latin Rite) Catholics has dropped since 2016 by about five per cent, the number of people affiliated with each Eastern Church – Maronite, Melkite, Ukrainian, Chaldean and Syro-Malabar – has increased since 2016. The number of Chaldean Catholics has increased by 41 per cent since 2016 and the number of Maronite Catholics has increased by 29 per cent in the past five years. Overall, the Eastern Churches also have a younger population than the Western Church. For example, only 2.2 per cent of Syro-Malabar Catholics are aged over 60.

Religious Affiliation by Age

Consider:
The Plenary Council highlighted the need to include and learn from Eastern Church communities.

  • With a limited number of Eastern Church parishes around Australia, have you considered if any of your community members may be from Eastern Churches?
  • What partnerships can be established between Eastern and Western Church communities? Can a mixed small group or reflection program be established to meet, learn and celebrate with each other?

Further Resources:

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Attendance at educational institutions (Table 22)

In 2011, 75.9 per cent of students attending a Catholic primary school were Catholic, but in 2021, only 63.4 per cent of students attending a Catholic primary school were Catholic. In secondary schools in 2021, 58.7 per cent were Catholic.

Educational qualifications (Page 3)

The number of Catholics in 2021 with a university degree was 24.6 per cent, a substantial increase since 1996, when only 9.7 per cent of Catholics had a degree. This reflects the demand in society for higher education but may also be influenced by the increase in skilled migrants to Australia who often already have university qualifications.

Highest qualification attained by age and sex (Table 24)

Female Catholics have a higher education level than male Catholics, in general. Of Catholics aged over 15 years, 27.4 per cent of females have a degree or higher qualification, compared to 21.2 per cent of males. Of female Catholics aged between 25 and 44, 47 per cent have a degree or higher qualification; for men aged between 25 and 44, the figure is 33 per cent.

Education

Consider:

  • What opportunities are there for evangelisation and accompaniment of the students, and their families, who want to be part of Catholic schools?
  • What does a more educated congregation mean for homilies and formation?
  • If the community has an increase of migrants with a university degree, how can it utilise their skills?
  • Is there a need for dioceses and communities to invest more time and resources into university chaplaincy? Is your community located near a university campus?
  • How is your community utilising the expertise of women in formation and leadership?

Further Resources:

OCCUPATION AND PROFESSIONS

Occupation (Table 27)

In the past 15 years, there has been an increasing trend nationally in the number of Catholics who are managers and professionals, but this trend has been even stronger since 2016. The number of Catholic professionals has risen from 20.8 per cent in 2016 to 22.8 per cent in 2021, while the number of Catholic managers has increased from 13.3 per cent in 2016 to 14.3 per cent in 2021.

Consider:

  • Several dioceses already have existing Catholic professionals’ breakfast or lunches, responding to this increase in growth. Can we do more?
  • Are more Catholic professional gatherings required? What type and diversity are needed?
  • How can we reach beyond professionals in Catholic organisations and reach Catholics in secular professional settings?
  • How can Catholic professionals be informed of current Catholic perspectives that can inform their social and business perspective?

Further Resources:

Links
Social Profile of the Catholic Community in Australia

Words: NCE Team

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