Group items tagged

Non-attenders and attenders share some common ground regarding the role of the churches in society. Both groups see churches primarily as moral guardians and helpers of the poor and needy. They are also seen as being important providers of opportunities for public worship and a range of social services. Expectations differ, however, between attenders and non-attenders in relation to the churches’ role in providing meaning or direction: attenders across all denominations place great importance on such a role, whereas for non-attenders it has a low priority.

Differences between age groups in perceptions about the roles of the churches raises the question as to whether the priorities of attenders will shift in future. We do not know whether attenders, as they grow in age and develop in faith, will come to adopt similar priorities to those of today’s older attenders or whether, because of the vast social changes that have influenced their formative years, will always see the role of churches differently. The very different approach of younger Catholics, compared to younger Anglican and Protestant attenders, adds complexity to this issue. However, it is quite possible that the churches in Australia may well face an ongoing re-evaluation of core functions, as young attenders become leaders.

We are members of the oldest Christian religion in the world. The Catholic Church was founded in the year 33 by our Lord Jesus Christ. We have the real body and blood of Christ in our communion and bishops are in constant succession from the apostles through the laying on of hands through 2,000 years.The Papacy is the oldest existing institution in the world.

In the year 33 there were no hospitals. Today, one out of five people in this country receive their medical care at a Catholic hospital. In the year 33 there were no schools. Today, the Catholic Church teaches 3 million students a day, in its more than 250 Catholic Colleges and Universities, in its more than 1200 Catholic High Schools and its more than 5000 Catholic grade schools. Every day, the Catholic Church feeds, cloths, shelters and educates more people than any other organization in the world. We should all be proud to be Catholic